Hello Eaters

[October 19th, 2005] Hello Eaters,

After taking a look at the cover of Willamette Week's Restaurant Guide 2005, we know you might be asking yourself: Why didn't they pick a Restaurant of the Year?

We hear you—loud and clear. It's a question we've been asking ourselves ever since we started the grueling process of gorging ourselves on a nightly basis back in the middle of summer (I know—life's a bitch).

Every day, one of our food writers would suggest another new destination for recognition as the very best place to eat. We've seen worthy "Restaurant of the Year" contenders, from the ripe empire's newest jewel, the Gotham Bldg. Tavern (see page 33), a modern take on the public house built on the bones of ripe's first coffee shop, to Wong's King (see page 59), a Chinese paradise out past 82nd Avenue. And we agree these restaurants deserve accolades for the incredibly cool gifts they offer our local food scene. But we could never come to an agreement that any one of these relative newcomers could, or should, be exalted over the next one.

As our staff's conversations evolved about where and how Portland really eats, we realized we weren't really focusing on single restaurants, but entire neighborhoods. Exciting, growing places where eating out is practically a community pastime. That's why we picked one of the scrappiest mutts out of the whole litterâ the indie art colony turned restaurant row of Northeast Alberta, to be our "Street of the Year" (see story, page 8). It's a celebration of diversity, not just in population (art freaks, African-American longtime residents, Vancouver geeks and Lake Oswego matrons all make their way up and down this gastro-fare) but in ambitious culinary intent. This year, we broke our own rules by also highlighting eateries along our Street of the Year that boast menu prices better suited to our annual "Cheap Eats" guide (it comes out next spring—look for your favorite inexpensive restaurants there). These spunky joints are as much a part of, if not the reason, why Alberta has increased its upscale restaurant portfolio—and why we keep coming back here for more.

While you might not agree with our choice, we've got plenty of other stories to keep you busy. Check out our tour of Hood River, Oregon's next big restaurant town, on page 14. Or cozy up to the coolest—and, we think, cutest—folks in a few of our fanciest eateries ("Sommeliers and the City," page 13). And cashing in on one of the biggest food trends of the year, we even vault the lowly pizza pie to new heights ("A Simple Slice," page 61).

Here's the key for restaurant costs as rated in this guide: $$ Moderate, most entrees under $20; $$$ Expensive, most entrees between $20 and $30; and $$$$ Very expensive, most entrees more than $30.

We've triple-checked the info here, but, as with any small business, hours and days of operation can vary with season and temperament. So it's always a good idea to call ahead before venturing out for a meal.

Bon appétit!

Byron Beck
Editor-in-Chief

RESTAURANT GUIDE MENU

Introduction | WW's Street of the Year | Sommeliers Mouth Off | Hood River Food Fare | Gimme Pizza | Restaurant Listings (Food Finder)