Average Jo: Tasty n Alder

When I returned from Portland, I brought with me a stack of paper menus. I picked them up from everywhere I went. Some I stole, like the legal-size card stock one that I folded and slipped into my pocket at creperie Suzette. Some were readily available for takeout, like those at Sizzle Pie and Por Que No?. Others I asked for; when I asked for the fancy restaurant-month print-out at Accanto, the waiter offered to fetch me versions of the lunch and brunch menus in addition to what I requested. Everyone has their flavor of souvenir collectibles.

Tasty and Alder is a favorite spot of Rachel and her boyfriend, Chris -- judging by the weeknight waiting list and jam-packed bar, it's a favorite of a lot of people. Part of why Rachel and Chris love this place is due to a certain mixologist and his curiously psychic creations. Tell him what spirits you like, your favorite color, and what mood you're in, and he'll present you a coupe full of just what you didn't know you wanted. 

Their charming little hand-stamped brown paper menu contains some of the best and most inventive food I've had, perhaps ever. I took no photos. I wrote no notes, save a quick check-in on Facebook with the caption, "That hush puppy changed my life" -- it truly did. I focused all my initial attention on a Radicchio salad with bacon lardons, manchego cheese, and a "chopped six-minute egg". A half will set you back a mere $6, and the $9 portion could serve as dinner, if you're able to stop there. I wasn't. And because I was dining with fellow food enthusiasts, I didn't have to.

The night went by in a blur of booze and food -- Goat Cheese Dumplings Arrabiata ($12), sourcing locally from Portland Creamery; Grilled Spanish Octopus ($16), Bulgogi Short Ribs with house-made kimchee ($15, and my personal favorite), Foie Gras with pineapple jam ($15), and of course those devastating Low Country Hush Puppies ($6). I'd hop on a plane tomorrow for another one of those bad boys. We capped off the night with a Chocolate Potato Doughnut ($2 each), served with creme anglaise. 

Would I come back here? If I lived in Portland, it would be a dangerous happy hour spot. It's a good thing Portland is such a bike-friendly city -- I would certainly need the exercise after all those hush puppies and ribs. 

Tasty and Alder

580 SW 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 621-9251
www.tastyntasty.com