nwells

I've been thinking about this one. Are you coming into town for particular nights or are you asking as a general question. I only ask because I keep thinking of great places and then I know that at some of them you will get a different reception on a Friday/Saturday night than you would during the week. The places that came to mind are: 3 Doors Down in se Ptld, Fife in ne Ptld (although I haven't been there yet), and Pho Bistro in nw Portland. I'll try to tailor my thoughts more if you expound on what you're looking for. Oh. Also, there's a great "underground" called Ripe. They are doing Wednesday night soup, bread, and beer in their coffee ship. There is also live music and the people are great. Hope this helps, Neeley

I've been hearing and reading a lot about a new restaurant in Portland. Nivarre is on the east side at the intersection of 28th and Burnside. The area has quickly become a hot spot for restaurants and wine. Noble Rot opened there sometime in the last year and Esparza's and Taqueria Nueve have been around longer. I have yet to go to Nivarre. It would be interesting to hear what people here have to say before going and then follow up on the thread afterward. Has anybody been yet?

Thanks everyone--now I have at least one project this weekend. Salmon ravioli and salmon cakes both sound great! I'll let you know how it goes... Nwells

I have four or five pounds of good salmon frozen. They are mostly in the large scrap category--tail ends from filets cut down for a catering job. Do any of you have a great idea for somethiing I can make and then refreeze in its new form? I've thought of salmon chowder or the like, but don't have any recipes that I am enamored of. Alternatively, if refreezing might be a problem, I could make a lot of something and share it with friends. Thanks, NWells

Provvista does distribute a catalog (no pictures unfortunately). They have about 3 1/2 pages of chocolate listings and sell by some items by the pound and many more in larger quantities. They are very honest about the fact that their prices are out of date almost as the catalog goes to print, but they quote accurately on the phone. I would be happy to pass on specifics if anyone knows they are looking for something particular...or wants any recommendations. Neeley

They do sell only wholesale. I was suggesting that I could be a go between for people that were interested. I'm not sure, but maybe this should be defined more by emails. I don't know the parameters for this site. Neeley

There is one Italian market in the Pearl district that you may want to try. It is called Piazza Italia and is on 11th and Johnson. It had a great start maybe two years ago and then dropped a bit in quality. I haven't been in quite a while, but I should check back and see what it is like these days. They had wonderful mountain gorgonzola and good proscuitto. Also, they are the local champions of bocce ball, which is fun to have going on. I believe that Pastaworks on the east side and City Market on the west side are worth mentioning. They are small markets with a number of vendors selling and/or featured. They frequently have teh best selection of take out desserts in the city. The meat department at City Market is top notch and very different than the one at Pastaworks. The owners are very dedicated to the slow food movement and facilitate a lot of good work in town. I love Common Grounds Coffee on SE Hawthorne. They have great coffee, a relaxed atmosphere and the best cream scones in town! Hope this helps... Neeley

Funny to read this topic. I was just wondering if there was a place for me within egullet and maybe this is it. I just returned home from picking up my order at Provvista (a specialty food supplier in Portland). I bought some Schokinag Special Edition 28% white chocolate and some 38% milk chocolate of the same caliber. I frequently buy Cocoa Berry 60% pistoles and Schokinag Extreme, which is 75%. My favorite chocolate is Espirit des Alpes, which I think is 72%. Provvista doesn't have that so I get it from a different importer. One of the best things about buying chocolate from a professional source is that I can buy pistoles, or buttons. These are great for melting (and munching) and weighing is a breeze. I am more than willing to help you Seattlites get your hands on some chocolate. Chocophile.com is a good start, and there is more out there than what they offer... Neeley

I live in Portland and am very interested in a share of a CSA here. Anybody have any ideas. My sister lives in Seattle and she split a share last year and couldn't say enough good things. Thanks.