Drink Janis Martin’s endearingly odd bar has a lot in common with inexpensive restaurants all over Japan, in that it is tiny, cramped and not quite level with the sidewalk, pays little attention to decor, and serves food so strange and delicious it might make you cry.   More

Food Reviews & Stories In Japanese lore, Tanuki is the trickster raccoon-dog known to appear in shifting forms, though usually with sake in one hand and a promissory note for more sake in the other. Channel devious Tanuki at this Nob Hill izakaya (Japanese gastro-bar) and order a brimming beaker of sake from the substanti   More

Food Reviews & Stories Tanuki stays true to the izakaya pub-grub tradition with a fine selection of sake and sake-based cocktails in a laid-back, casual atmosphere—but don’t think for a second they’ve forgotten about the food. Izakya staples such as kushiyaki—literally stuff on sticks—are a f   More

Food Reviews & Stories Unlike most places in Portland offering food inspired by the izakaya—a Japanese bar that serves small plates of raw fish, grilled meat and pickles—Janice Martin’s Nob Hill establishment actually aspires to be one. Yes, she makes extraordinarily good food, but the ambience and servi   More

Food Reviews & Stories Maybe you haven’t heard of Japan’s infamous scoundrel of a raccoon dog, Tanuki. He’s the portly, friendly-looking, big-balled statue greeting Japanese salarymen as they stream into an izakaya after work for drink, snacks and a good time. But it won’t be long before you hear a   More