A Difference of Opinion

Saturday, January 31,2026

The Paper Bridge Vietnamese Restaurant

In keeping with our plan to celebrate our anniversary every week this year, and with the current idea to choose cuisine we do not cook at home, I researched Portland's 10 best Vietnamese restaurants.  The Paper Bridge. 

It's no secret that the food of Vietnam is my favorite, so I was both excited and hungry, looking forward to a feast by preparing myself by eating only breakfast.

It was another beautiful faux spring afternoon. I admired the snow-covered beauty Mt. Hood as we drove up I-5 to SE Portland on the way to this intriguingly named, rave reviewed restaurant whose menu listed Northern VN food and their handmade noodles. 

As we approached the bridge near OHSU, I noticed what first appeared to be a huge bright quilt of dotted colors on the street far below the bridge entrance. It took a moment to recognize a vast crowd of protesters, all who seemed to be wearing colorful hats. Sign of the times - and apparently peaceful.

We arrived at Paper Bridge a little too early, so walked the surrounding blocks. Life lately feels unbalanced, as we are on our way to celebrate our good (TG) life as we pass protests and clusters of homeless camps. 

The place is small, warmly lit and charmingly decorated. Our table gave me a great view of the people coming in. Which were a lot; both rooms filled quickly - side note - I noticed not one child, mostly couples and adult groups.

While studying the complex and interesting menu, including the pages of descriptions and history of the dishes at the back of the menu, we drank a Tamarind Old Fashioned, in a beautiful glass, (I seem to always love the glasses). A great drink, very strong. Cheer and appetite inducing.

We ordered Dungeness Crab Spring Rolls, Sauteed Morning Glory, a pork and noodle Bun Cha, and a $55 (!) fish dish. (It was the Old Fashioned talking.)

The spring roll was unique - layers of rice paper, flat not rolled, served with generous plate of herbs and dipping sauce.  Crisp and lovely. Morning Glory turns out to be spinach-like leaves sautéed in garlic.  I love greens.  These have a lovely almost floral note. 

Next came the fish dish - sturgeon and Basa fish served with dill and scallion. Actually, what arrived first was a small square stove, then many more small dishes, a plate of cold noodles, bowls in which we were instructed by our lovely server, to layer noodles, herbs and top with the fish served in broth. She then turned on the stove and placed a copper bowl filled with fish and broth, to heat on the stove. She even told us how to turn it off. This dish, I enjoyed, the fish was in a buttery rich broth and spooned over the noodles and herbs, hit all my palate points. However, H pointed out (several times), that the stove made no sense. Why was it necessary to reheat the cooked fish in sauce, that could as easily come hot from the kitchen. He was less impressed with the fish as well. Our black cod from last week is a tough act to follow.

Though we had ordered a noodle and pork dish (house specialty), the first server (there were several) had failed to put it the order. It finally arrived, - more cold noodles, (why are the noodles served cold?)

lots of herbs (beautiful, generous servings of fragrant fresh herbs were a highlight for me), and several forms of grilled pork, dipping sauce, and a plate of finely chopped red chilies, which H reports, were very hot. Nothing special. Neither was the cake we shared for dessert. 

Nonetheless, I enjoyed every bite, and the experience. H was less impressed, especially about the stove for the fish - just not logical. However, the Old Fashioned was outstanding, the place was nice and we had a good time.

So our ratings - H = 6 and T = 7

Total $160 most so far

 Sake To Me

NOA Sushi 

Beaverton OR

Week 4 January 23

One of the problems of being good cooks, cooks who grow and cook and eat our own creations, is that it is hard to find a meal that is significantly better or different than what we can prepare at home. So, this week we decided to find food that we don't make at home. Also, concern for healthy eating is no small factor in deciding what we will both enjoy and digest.

H chose Japanese food and researched for high ratings and images of beautiful dishes.  Arriving on Friday, (it was another beautiful faux spring evening) I was somewhat disappointed to find myself in a strip mall in the Murray Hill area of Beaverton. However, we stepped into a brightly lit, clean and modern space with tables and a sushi bar complete with three sushi chefs. Even as they just opened, many tables were already filled, and a continued to be busy with customers and take-out orders.

It took time to peruse the extensive menu; however, we had prepared ourselves ahead of time by watching several YouTube videos about Japanese dishes. Nonetheless, there were many unfamiliar items. Our charming server helped us select Sake (Drunken Whale brand, who could resist?) which was light and lovely, and after careful deliberation, we chose five small plates. While we waited, we watched one after another spectacular bowl and platter arrive at surrounding tables. We even asked our neighbors what they were eating. (A $55 bowl of multicolored fish - sashimi).

Since I do not eat raw fish, I was pleased to note that the menu includes little green fish icons to indicate raw food. We ate tempura shrimp, squid karage, Kobe beef wrapped around enoki mushrooms and green onion, grilled yellow tail collar and miso black cod, which was beyond delicious.  The servings were generous and perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. No rice, no sides, we ate it all and savored every bite. 

This restaurant gets a 10 out of 10 and we will go back. It was so enjoyable that we've spent the last several days learning about and purchasing Japanese foods to eat at home - healthy and delicious. 

$101

 

Nostrana

Week 3 January 17, 

Saturday was beautiful, a classic faux spring day in Oregon. The sky was so clear and blue that all the mountains were visible in their full glory as we crossed the I-5 bridge.  Sunny skies in winter are joy inducing. So is going out for a fun date - at almost any time.

Nostrana is an Italian restaurant, consistently one of PDX most highly rated.  We pulled into its parking lot and entered through a strangle double door arrangement I assume is in place to maintain heat.  The place is beautiful, warm and inviting with wooden walls, wide windows and lots of large posters throughout. Our table was at the windows, but each of us took the time to stroll around and admire the stunning bar, (thanks to the person who suggested that), its collection of roosters, and a huge farm scene mural that sets the tone of farm to table food to come. we were told that there are roosters in many forms hidden throughout the restaurant. 

Once seated, it was impossible not to admire the intricate woodwork of the soaring celling, and the decorative giant linen-like globes and large flowers of twisted fabric. 

The place was busy and full, but pleasantly quiet with soft music in the background. It's always good, in these post-pandemic days to see full tables and lots of activity, but that often means loud noise. After admiring the decor, H, the engineer pointed out that the ceiling decor also functions as sound absorption. Smart

Last week, we had been served by a slightly ditsy waitress, here, our server was delightful, funny and knowledgeable. She helped us select our glass of wine, which was served in the most beautiful and graceful glass. (It's the little things that please me.) 

We started with radicchio salad, red greens Caesar salad style. Fabulous. I ordered a pasta in lamb sauce and spinach. Not surprisingly, H ordered pizza Fra diavolo., from the wood fired oven. The food, though delicious and generous, was not outstanding, although I'd gladly go back and try more of the dishes. My pasta could have had more meat in the sauce, and the pizza dough was not crisp enough. The toppings were good. 

We shared perfect tiramisu for dessert, which was delivered with a lit rooster shaped candle. Happy Anniversary. Our server reminded us to blow out the candle and make a wish. 50 more years? At least 50 more great meals.

The check includes a 22% tip built in - I was glad I noticed because we were already calculating a tip to add ...

All in all, a lovely experience. 7 out of 10. 

total $161.04

  

 week two - we can be critics too

Stockpot Broiler at Red Tail Golf Course Sunday 11

It started off great. The restaurant was beautiful with a view of sunset over the golf course. On arriving, having informed our reservation that we were celebrating an anniversary, we were handed an envelope containing a Happy Anniversary card on Stockpot stationary, signed colored markers by .... who knows. 

I liked last week's champagne better.

Once seated, I ordered a sparkling wine cocktail with Absolut grapefruit and cranberry. It arrived a thing of scarlet beauty in a shapely glass, and, as the waitress said, "very refreshing." 

H chose this restaurant because the menu includes bouillabaisse, his favorite, and from my perspective, offered many tempting choices. Then the bread was served. In our family, good bread is an essential element. It's difficult to buy bread better than what H can bake, but a good effort is always appreciated. The bread served (with herb garlic butter) was clearly not baked in house. Not a good sign.

H ordered the bouillabaisse, and I ordered chicken marsala (one of my favorite dishes) served on black pepper linguini. We chose not to order appetizers etc., from a tempting assortment of possibilities - so there would be room for dessert. 

The second clue arrived with the bouillabaisse. This is dungeons crab season in Oregon. However, the chunk of crab on H's bowl was snow crab. In other words, not fresh and local.  Plainly stated, this was disappointing. despite this, H was happier than me - there was plenty of good seafood, well cooked in flavorful broth. However, the spoon provided with too small for enjoying the soup. My dish was chicken tossed in an oddly sweet sauce, not chicken marsala. The pasta was undercooked and heavy and flecked with black pepper. Clearly, corporate food - not the work of a chef. 

For dessert we ordered Limoncello Cake with berries. It was cake - though of no particular flavor with a dense cream (likely not dairy) served with a hearty serving of 6 blueberries. 

H described our experience perfectly, "everything bore a close resemblance to what we expected."

Nonetheless, we had a very good time - there is something freeing about knowing we will have lots of opportunities to try new places, discover what we like and what to look for as clues of what to expect. And to form our own opinions as part of our experience. This place, though highly rated, was not our slice of bread. Next up we will be finding small, non-corporate related restaurants to try. 

Totl $108.50

 

  Another, but different kind of ... inspiring idea

January 12, 2026

This year marks fifty years of marriage for H and me.  Certainly, something to celebrate - but how? That was the topic of several conversations over the holidays. After eliminating a cruise (everybody gets sick), long travels, (what about the dogs?), and a few other ideas, H arrived at a truly inspired idea.  

Take the budget we might spend on a major (but limited time) adventure and use it for a weekly night out to some of the great restaurants and venues in Portland and surrounding areas. A year of weekly great meals at places that we might never have had the opportunity or motivation to enjoy in the past feels like a perfect way to celebrate. 

We both love this idea - each for our own reasons. For me, I love a chance to get dressed up, see new faces, visit new places. For us both is means something to look forward to and plan every week, and of course, the chance to eat and explore great food and cooking. The plan is each of us gets to choose a place and plan the details. 

Last week, the first Sunday in January, we started off at Laurelhurst Market, my choice. A good omen, in the form of a rainbow, shined on us as we left the house. 

Laurelhurst Market turned out to be a great choice - the glass display case filled with charcuterie and meats of all kinds set the tone for real food and human hands doing the cooking. We had marked anniversary as our special occasion on our reservation (we will do this every time) and were greeted with glasses of champagne.

In all ways, service, atmosphere, food and enjoyment, this place did not disappoint. The charcuterie board, a selection of excellent pates, cold cuts and pickled vegetables would have been enough, but the steak (we shared) was tender and flavor rich. Jut what I was hoping for. Top this off with chocolate mousse for dessert, and a good time was had by all.

When we left, we took a moment to admire the full moon shining on us.

We rate this place a 9 /10. My only nit was choosing a cocktail with smoked ice. I found that weird - I'll not choose that again, though I will continue to try new cocktails as often as possible.  The total with tip $126.  We'd definitely go back. 

Israel 6: The Dead Sea

This was one of the best and most anticipated parts of our trip. I have photographs of my mother grinning and slathered in the healing black mud associated with a visit to the Dead Sea spas. And, another, far more recent of my daughter in much the same pose. Also, I have pictures of them floating in the saline waters. I have always wanted to swim here.

One of the concerns I had about our trip was how we would get from place to place. As it turned out, and much to my relief, bus transportation was excellent and affordable. We took an early bus that brought us  past the beautiful Ein Gedi Kibbutz and gave us a look at Masada, a place we had hoped to visit. However, the outside temperature was 107 degrees. We took this ascent off our itinerary and headed to the beach and the hotel district in Ein Bokek. 

I had been concerned about the proper stop to get off, and had mentioned to Hank that I would ask the bus driver when we got closer to the area. However, as the Dead Sea came in sight, so did our hotel, the Crowne Plaza. I pointed this out to Hank, hopped up and got off the bus, assuming he was right behind. Our luggage was in the underbus storage - far in the back. I had managed to reach mine, and was going for H's when suddenly, the bus pulled away. "My husband is still on there," I exclaimed to the group of Hebrew speaking passengers who had disembarked with me. One offered his phone - but I figured (hoped?) H would notice I was gone. Anyway, I had my luggage, my passport and a reservation …

Several minutes after I rolled into the lobby, he arrived. Let's just say this is not the first time we've mixed our signals. 

The first thing that struck me about this area was its incredible color. The world looked like an abstract painting done in pastels. 

The view from our tenth story windows was a never ending pleasure. And so was the water - I could not get enough of the weirdly oily, warm, salty buoyant sea. Warning signs say to stay in no more than 30 minutes at a time, and there are clocks in easy sea view. I maxed out every time - then headed immediately to wash off in the beach showers. Any salt remaining quickly became pretzel type crystals. Kosher salt anyone? 


The other awesome amenity of our stay was the FOOD. We were really hungry for dinner on our first night. We had purchased dinner tickets, but were unprepared for the array of cold dishes arranged on buffet tables, hot foods of every description, and incredible desserts- all kosher. As I mentioned earlier, kosher food does not mix meat and dairy, so I was particularly impressed by the variety of creamy desserts made without cream. We could hardly wait to see what would appear on the breakfast buffet - now that we knew what an Israeli breakfast consists of. 

Our second night, Friday, was Israel Independence Day, the 70th anniversary. The hotel was filled with celebrants, and decked out in blue and white balloons. The dessert table did not disappoint.

This day, April 18, was also the anniversary of my mother's death. Walking through the lobby I came across a table covered in Yahrzeit (memorial candles). I am sure my mother was pleased and surprised to find her candle glowing in Israel this year.

This trip had so many wonderful moments - but the one that touched me most happened as I was walking out of the water after a mid morning dip. Many of the hotel guests were Russian speakers. I could not tell (or understand) if they were travelers or emigres, however, I noticed a group of about a dozen standing together in the water. As I passed them by, on this memorial day, I heard singing, and turned to see the group, now formed in a circle, singing Hatikvah, (the Hope) the Israel national anthem, in Hebrew, hands on heart. 

In the evenings, after dinner, Hank and I loved strolling out to the covered area over the water to watch the colors change as the day turn to evening. The air was soft, dry and warm. Sitting on the Israel side, we noticed lights coming on across the water …  easy swimming distance away - in Jordan, another country. Another world. I loved our three days here … 

5: Israel Museum

The Israel Museum is described as an Encyclopedic Collection. This means that it has an incredibly broad variety of exhibits, including Chanukah menorahs, actual parts of synagogues from other parts of the world, cultural clothing from many areas, archeological displays, paintings, sculpture, a beautifully painted Sukkah, necklaces worn by Jewish brides in Yemen; and a nail attesting to the practice of crucifixion in Jesus’ time. An urn-shaped building on the grounds of the museum, the Shrine of the Book, houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and artifacts discovered at Masada. 

The museum is on a hill with a sweeping view of Jerusalem. Since it was a beautiful Sunday morning, we decided to walk there from our hotel - about 30 minutes through lovely neighborhoods and a park, and right past the Knesset, the Israeli Supreme Court, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Once at the museum we took advantage of several guided tours, learned a lot, and, at the end of a long day of walking around, took a cab back to our hotel in time to head out for dinner.

On a beautiful Sunday evening, the Jewish Quarter was lively with families, kids, music, shops and places to snack or dine. When we approached the restaurant we had chosen, we were greeted at the entrance by a young woman who handed us two menus - there were two separate restaurants here - one for meat, and one for dairy. This was a unique way to keep kosher - which requires the separation of milk and meat. We chose the meat side - filled with people of every age, and in a variety of head coverings - each which tells its own story about the identity of the wearer. I could not resist - I had chicken soup. It was great.

After dinner we headed back to our hotel to pack and get ready for the next stop on our adventure - the Dead Sea.