Restaurant obsessives want to know what’s new, what’s hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, etc., and more often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the “it” (ie, newest) places of the moment.
Erin DeJesus is contributing editor of Eater, and has held various writing and editing roles at the brand since 2010. A James Beard Award winner, she particularly loves working on stories about regional food traditions, brand shenanigans, and pop culture.
Thus, we offer the Eater HeatMap, which will change often to continually highlight where the food-focused crowds are flocking to at this very second. After a busy November, things slowed out a bit in the last month of 2013, with just two new (and wildly different) additions to the map: Maurice and Tilt.
Erin DeJesus is contributing editor of Eater, and has held various writing and editing roles at the brand since 2010. A James Beard Award winner, she particularly loves working on stories about regional food traditions, brand shenanigans, and pop culture.
Restaurant obsessives want to know what’s new, what’s hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, etc., and more often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the “it” (ie, newest) places of the moment.
Thus, we offer the Eater HeatMap, which will change often to continually highlight where the food-focused crowds are flocking to at this very second. After a busy November, things slowed out a bit in the last month of 2013, with just two new (and wildly different) additions to the map: Maurice and Tilt.
MÅURICE
Kristen D. Murray’s hotly anticipated “pastry luncheonette” Maurice opened its doors just before the holiday, offering both sweet and savory plates seemingly designed for ladies-who-lunch in mind. The daytime menu straddles breakfast/brunch with lefse gravlax, tartines, and a stocked pastry case; evenings see focus shift to plated desserts paired with wine and cocktails.
Tilt
NoPo’s burger joint Tilt opens a Pearl District location that feels like a high-energy food hall: Guests can navigate to the nook of their choice, whether the bar, lunch counter, or pastry case/coffee bar. But Tilt retains its “blue-collar” Swan Island concept by sticking to the basics: cultishly beloved burgers, comforting biscuits, and pie, which can now be paired with local beer or tons of whiskey.
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Trifecta Tavern and Bakery
Easily the most anticipated opening of fall 2013, Ken Forkish’s Trifecta Tavern defines what a “baker’s restaurant” is supposed to be: wood-fired, welcoming, and seamlessly incorporating bread into many of the tavern dishes. Forkish captures the “big city tavern” vibe with an extensive cocktail menu focusing on classics, a half-dozen takes on oysters and/or clams, and an eat-how-you-like menu highlighting roasted veggies, haute bar snacks, and meaty plates of rabbit fricassee and steak frites.
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Davenport
Celebrated chef Kevin Gibson famously worked magic in Evoe’s non-existent kitchen, so it’s no surprise that crowds are flocking to his new restaurant Davenport, where Gibson finally has the proper prep space, stovetop, and brand-new pasta machine to create his seasonal plates. Early menus reveal seared scallops with fennel, beet ravioli, and duck breast with Brussels sprouts and pomegranate.
Broder Nord
Peter Bro’s insanely popular Scandinavian brunch spot Broder expands with a comparatively expansive second location. Those used to waiting in line for aebleskiver and Broder’s breakfast boards will find the menu familiar; the restaurant’s anticipated, seafood-focused dinner menu is still in the works.
The Sudra
The newest “microrestaurant” in the Ocean complex, the Sudra (by the same folks behind vegan food cart Sonny Bowl) offers a delicious take on Indian food — that just happens to be vegan. Plates arrive heaped with chickpea “cutlets,” lentil dosas, and tahini-dressed kale.
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Boxer Ramen
Micah Camden’s much-anticipated Boxer Ramen cultivated strong pre-opening buzz thanks to weeks’ worth of preview/soft opening dinners that introduced diners to Camden’s untraditional take on ramen and Japanese snacks. The appropriately named spicy miso broth is dotted with Parmesan and chili flake for extra richness; drinkers of the shockingly cheap $4, 22-ounce Sapporos will appreciate the okonomiyaki tater tots. Be warned: it’s cash only.
Burrasca
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La Taq
Podnah’s pitboss Rodney Muirhead opens his take on a playful Mexican cantina, with an emphasis on queso, tacos, and the drinks that best accompany them. Muirhead’s expertise with meats shines through in dishes like brisket enchiladas, carne asada tacos, and rib tips in broth; onetime Beaker bartender Kevin Ludwig, meanwhile, shakes up his signature carrot margarita.
Multnomah Whisky Library
Certainly one of the buzziest bar openings in memory, the Multnomah Whiskey Library has nursed long lines and wait times seemingly since day one. The crowds are flocking for two reasons: 1) the gorgeously appointed room and 2) you know, the some-1,500 bottles of booze that line the walls.
Little T Baker - Union Way
Four words: Little T, west side. Tucked deep within the Union Way retail alley (also home to Boxer Ramen), baker Tim Healea’s second outpost of his popular bakery offers a limited menu, but it’s a great addition to the West End neighborhood in need of another breakfast-pastry slinger.
The Sugar Cube
Baker Kir Jensen brings her Sugar Cube cart to a proper bakery space, expanding her repertoire to include a few savory breakfast items (like a roasted mushroom and tomato strata) and spiced cornbread. But as to be expected, it’s the sweets that shine: a chocolatey brownie with olive oil and sea salt; buttery crostatas, and citrusy tea cake with lemon curd.
ATAULA
Newly minted Chef of the Year 2013 Jose Chesa emphasizes a convivial, familial vibe at his restaurant Ataula, which considers itself a Spanish gastropub more than a stuffy “tapas restaurant.” The tapas themselves combine similar levels of comforting familiarity and playfulness: beef and potato “bombas” arrive in a suitably spicy sauce; an almost-savory sangria is the perfect drink for rainy evenings. And as of this fall, there’s a new addition to the menu, in the form of traditional Spanish brunch. Don’t miss it.
Roman Candle Bakery
This bakery by Stumptown mastermind Duane Sorenson inches back up the list, thanks to the launch of its long-awaited pizza bianca menu last month, offering massive squares of pizza that don’t follow the traditional “bianca” mold. During the day, the case features breads and pastries by Lovejoy Bakers alum Dan Griffin.
