zukinx

Several recs for it here on eGullet I noticed, too, in the knife topics. I'm in The Dalles today. Maybe I should call them up and see if I can get a demo. I would like to find someone in Portland who really knows what they're doing, though. Unlike you, I don't trust myself with this. You'd think Portland would have a few people who did this sort of thing. There are so many knife enthusiasts in this area -- even a couple of knife makers -- that you'd think there'd be both the demand and the supply. Maybe I should go to a knife show sometime, but it's not my kind of thing.

The canned varieties of both huitlacoche and squash blossoms aren't that bad for a lot of purposes, even quesadillas. Up here in Portland, it's difficult to find the canned variety of either and whenever I see them at a Mexican market, I snatch them up. However, squash blossoms, thankfully, are widely available at farmer's markets fresh here. And we have a ton of farmer's markets. Never seen huitlacoche fresh even in the large markets of Mexico City and Guadalajara. I think it's about as common there as many wild mushrooms are here. Great stuff, though. It has the most interesting sweetness to it. Both items should definitely be experimented with. They both provide such unique flavor -- and in a good way. A little squash blossom in an enchilada sauce or table salsa can add a great flavor. Huitlacoche in an earthy braise can lend as much interest as truffle does with eggs.

PS I agree with Jim Dixon on Jake's. If you want fish, go there.

Here's a sampler in different cuisines. See what strikes your palate and pocketbook. All are excellent. btw, call first. Several of these do not accept reservations and are small and get very busy. Wildwood: The best of the local/organic/Northwest restaurants, imo. Very consistent, very tasty. Split a pizza for an appetizer. They're almost always great. Entrees $20-30. Other good options in this category are Paley's, Heathman, Lucere, and Bluehour. People seem to like Higgins, which is also in this category, but I find it quite inconsistent and underwhelming. Caprial's: One of the more interesting menus usually, often fusing Latin and Asian ingredients and techniques with very flavorful results. Chic interior (for Portland). Entrees $20-30. Buckman Bistro: Smallish plates mostly under $10 but with a lot of flavor. Relatively casual place. Entrees $7-10. Tuscany Grill: Probably the most interesting menu of the several Italian restaurants in NW portland (others are Cafe Mingo, Serrato, Basta's, and Il Fornaio, this last one an upper level California chain). Cafe Azul: Truly authentic Mexican comfort foods like moles and tamales focusing on Oaxacan and Yucatan preparations. Uses high quality ingredients and executes the dishes impeccably. Entrees $18-$25. Esparza's Tex Mex: Tex-Mex better and more interesting than you'll probably get in Texas. Smoked meats, huge portions, funky interior, and lots of tequila if that's your thing. Entrees $8-12. Pambiche: Cuban comfort food with a huge dessert case. Entrees $8-12. Pho Van: Quality Vietnamese in two locations. The preparations are always executed well. Entrees $8-12. Sungari: Quality Szechuan in two locations. Like Pho Van, they use quality ingredients and cook meats and such properly. Entrees $10-15. Lemongrass: Quality Thai food in a beautiful Victorian with a nice deck out back. Some say it's not authentic enough. Fine. It's still quite good. Entrees $8-14.