Gisarole

Restaurant: Girasole Pizza Company
Location: 8438 N Lombard, Portland, OR 97203
Date: March 6th, 2010
Ordered: Potato Fusion
Cost: $7

I was dismayed at the end of last year to find that the Ladybug Cafe in downtown St. Johns had unexpectedly closed. However, in its place, Girasole has opened its doors. This "morning" (and I occasionally use that term loosely), I had breakfast there. While the early menu is small, I found on it the "Potato Fusion", which I ordered with cheddar cheese, red bell peppers, basil, and sausage mixed in. It's essentially all these items mixed together, and the result was delicious.


The atmosphere of the place is nice, though the seating is not at all to my liking. I've always preferred a booth or a seat against a wall; I've never been comfortable sitting at a table in the middle of a restaurant and that's what 75% of the seating in this place was. Also, the food took a long time considering that there weren't that many people there; it makes me worry about what it would be like on a busy day.

Don't get the wrong impression, though. Girasole is a fine addition to St. Johns. The food was delicious and quite reasonably priced. I'm glad it's here, and I'm looking forward to going back!

Taqueria Portland

Restaurant: Taqueria Portland
Location: 7007 N Fessenden St, Portland, OR 97203
Date: March 5th, 2010
Ordered: Taco Salad
Cost: $6.99

The first thing I thought when I entered Taqueria Portland is that it is, by far, much nicer looking on the inside than on the outside. The second thing I thought is that the people inside are incredibly warm and friendly. The menu is simple and, occasionally, quaint in its accidental misspellings. I, of course, ordered my usual: a taco salad.


When it arrived, I was surprised. The beef inside was juicy and tender, and the shell was delicious and just perfectly fried. I devoured it pretty quickly, despite the reasonably substantial amount of food that was before me. It was pretty darn decent, at a pretty darn decent price.

The atmosphere inside was pleasant and intimate; there were probably only 6 to 8 booths or tables, all in the open area at the front of the restaurant. The only drawback was the two televisions loudly broadcasting whatever was on the local Spanish channel. That was certainly a detractor, but just about the only one.

In all, Taqueria Portland is a little gem that's got delicious food at a modest price, and is well worth visiting.

Also, of note: they have real Coke there. It's delicious.