Where to eat? Vancouver to Portland

A trip fueled by some unbelievable bites, a couple scenic train rides and 3 cities dripping in culinary talent.

1 week worth of travel and train rides connecting us to The best Chicken wings in the world, legendary white curry brisket… plus a stop for a soccer game- all on this trip down the Pacific North West in 3 different and unique cities. This is a long read. Tons of insight on restaurants and more!

Vancouver (CAN) / Seattle (WA) / Portland (OR) - also known as the Pacific-North-West (PNW)

I love the rain. It’s ironic because I live in phoenix - where rain is a rare commodity. While being a desert dweller has its fair share of positives- there is so much to love about a place like the Pacific North West (PNW). I could be bias because as a child I grew up in Seattle. And yes I do love sunshine but I also LOVE RAIN and CHILLY WEATHER!

One morning I flew from Phoenix to Vancouver on a Delta fight that did not flip over upon landing (thank god). Upon my arrival I met up with a good friend of mine Lorenzo in the airport- little did we know this culinary journey we’d had been planning for months was about to alter our taste buds with some of the best moments and bites of our lives; at least for me. The drive into Vancouver was beautiful and if you’re an American that’s never been to Canada there is this odd feeling of home and similarity everywhere you look.

Vancouver

I would live here

Flying into Vancouver, the crazy lady I sat next to, waiting for Lorenzo, finding Lorenzo and then a quick drive into the city

Going into our trip I was beaming to go back to Seattle and visit Portland again but I was completely overlooking the star of the show… Vancouver. Why? Honestly, I had never quite heard much about this city- which could be my ignorance but please I am begging for your forgiveness. Both Lorenzo and I have been converted as huge fans. One of the most unjustifiably-underrated cities I’ve ever been too. One element that seperates Vancouver from other American cities in the food realm is the Michelin guide which provides no shortage of talented chefs, experienced diners, and finally just not being in America (having no FDA or USDA really impacts the quality of the food and how restaurants operate- dare I say for the better?)

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Phnom Penh

Vancouver, Canada

We stayed in the heart of Chinatown and with majestic fashion our Air Bnb was located on a street that had two restaurants recommended in the “Michelin Bib Gourmand” within steps of our front door. We put our bags down and charged down the damp street just as the street lights were flickering on, you could have heard our stomachs growl from a mile away. We arrived at this unusual tarp sign- “Phnom Penh”. There was a line out the door and people hanging outside. We figured it’s a promising sight- Lorenzo went inside put our names down and we proceeded to wait 20 minutes until our table was ready.

I’d like to say this spot was not on my radar and Lorenzo had to almost force me into this because I thought we could do better.

I was wrong— Lorenzo was right

Fun Fact : Phnom Penh is the Capitol of Cambodia

“come on bro”

After receiving a text message to meet our host inside. We were ushered to our table through a loud and busy restaurant. This place hasn’t been renovated since the 90’s which to me is another visual que of a good restaurant. Opening the sticky plastic covered menu I instantly had this feeling deep within my soul- my life was about to change. Just then I looked up and saw a red Michelin plaque and I knew to see that signage meant only one thing, greatness. Lorenzo and I went back and fourth briefly as we had dinner plans in two-and-a-half hours from this very moment so we not only had to be quick but also order smart. We were meeting our friend who just moved to Vancouver for our second dinner- and it would be rude to show up full.

We ordered

• Salt & Pepper Wings

• Beef Carpaccio

• Lemon Grass Pork Chops

Salt & Pepper Wings

Arguably the best chicken wing I’ve ever had and the fact it was not in America had me questioning everything I’ve ever known. Isn’t America the undisputed champ on chicken wings? Am I delusional? IDK. Now I live by Salt & Pepper Chicken wings until I die. They must have been coated in a tapioca starch, potato starch or cornstarch before being fried. It’s the only way to describe that texture. (If you know you know, if you don’t; write that down and try it and thank me later.) Airy, crispy and juicy on the back end. As for the salt and pepper coating I felt like the it was a 30/30/20/20 (MSG, PEPPER, SALT, SUGAR) spice blend mix. Served with this sweet-sour clear dipping sauce it could’ve been water for all I know and plenty of green onion garnish. It’s safe to say I’ll think about this dish forever.

Beef Carpaccio

Before you say that it looks like a butthole, please stop. First off it’s 2025 why isn’t eating ass your favorite hobby? Grow up. Secondly this dish is unreal and deserves respect. Not everything can be as pretty as you. The beef was generously kissed with this soy, sweet-wine and fish sauce marinade. Over the top they crushed it with an enormous handful of crispy garlic bits and a whole garden of cilantro just because they knew it was fire.

Lemon Grass Pork Chops

I have a Cambodian friend and I have seen him eat this so I knew we had to order it. I’ve never had it. The chops arrived last to table in this cute humble form- just meat and rice. A true classic in every country around the world, well understood and hardly argued. All it took was one bite of that juicy, fragrant pork. The lemongrass and garlic were just dancing on my tastebuds. After that first bite we looked at each other wondering can it get better than this? After three impressive dishes, off to a flying start in Canada.

NEXT..

Lunch Lady - (IG HERE)

Vancouver, Canada

Lunch Lady’s Charming Exterior

We met our American friend Dan who just moved to Vancouver here at Lunch Lady, another “Michelin Bib Gourmand” recipient and an institution where the great Anthony Bourdain dined. We were full from our last meal and our friend had also just ate so we decided that the three of us would crush this Family Style Menu. Brilliant Choice because we each got plenty of bites and left so satisfied.

We Ordered

The only two photos I got. BÒ TÁI CHANH / MÌ XÀO TỎI

We sailed away from Lunch Lady walking our calories off exploring Vancouver and getting a little tour. It was time to go to bed because we had only one more full day to enjoy the city before heading to Seattle.

BREAKFAST NEXT DAY… (Last Day in Vancouver)

Granville Public Market

Vancouver, Canada

In the morning we rose to an overcast day with a light sprinkle in the air. Lorenzo needed a coffee and we needed to smash some pastries so naturally we made our way over to a place with both the Granville Island Public Market. Which was just a short 7 minute Uber from our Airbnb.

Produce, Flowers, European Wieners and great Waterfront Views!

At first we were wondering if we were stumbled into a tourist trap. It very well could have been any other day but there were plenty of locals shopping, eating and drinking their coffees inside that morning. The corridors are lined with shops, restaurants, food stalls, cafes, bakeries and so much more. As we are maneuvering through the halls of the market I stumbled upon something that always gets me excited. A proper Canele stand.

My love for Canele is deep, I have been perfecting this pastry since 2018. When shopping for these pasties it’s important to ask if they were baked in a copper mold with beeswax. If they say anything but yes- walk away immediately. Here at “La Bise” in Vancouver they use the copper molds + beeswax and I couldn’t have been happier. It has been 3 years since I’ve had a proper canele made by someone other than myself. These were remarkable as they were crunchy on the outside yet custardy in the middle- a slight hint of rum and vanilla to sing with each bite. It’s hard to not devour them in seconds but self control helped us eat these with pleasure and not speed. Couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my day. Very impressive.

I will have a recipe posted soon on how to make Canele.

Late-Lunch (Early Dinner)

Fat Mao

Vancouver, Canada

We stayed in an Airbnb just above this restaurant, to the right was our entrance. We knew we had to eat here just from the smells, but as we looked at the menu and read up on it- this establishment is as iconic as delicious. A must try. Tiny-charming and so warm inside. Their menu is rather small but mighty packing punch-after punch and with first glance I knew we had one menu item we could not miss out on. Fat Mao’s Mapo Tofu; using their homemade Tofu.

Lorenzo ready to fight anyone for gate keeping mapo tofu from him

We Ordered

• Mapo Tofu

• Duck Noodle Soup

• Khao Soi Chicken Curry Soup

Mapo Tofu

I’ve never in my life had mapo tofu served like this but I’m so grateful that I now have because this was truly a delicacy. Silky tofu they make in house which is unheard of these days. Steamed in this aluminum tray, and then drowned in their Mapo Szechuan Meat Sauce with all the bits. Crispy Shallots and Cilantro to garnish and just add that extra bite for you. Served with a side of warm white rice- obviously. So good, so unexpected on the day and once again Lorenzo and I were left stunned on our first bite.

Duck Noodle Soup

Aromatic gelatinous soy broth with roasted duck, springy noodles and crispy bean sprouts. On a cold rainy day this bowl of soup was a hug- I needed it. So much flavor in the broth, exemplary technique in the whole dish.

I did not eat the Khao Soi but Lorenzo said it was good.

We opted to walk around Vancouver went thrifting, got some coffee and just enjoyed a nice rainy day exploring. We ended up going to bed early to catch and train ride at the crack of dawn.

For quality Vintage shopping Go check out “F as in Frank” - IG HERE

With that- we say goodbye to Vancouver. I will be back, what a great city, an amazing start to our first leg.

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Train from Vancouver to Seattle

We took the Amtrak Train into King Street Station in Seattle. I really enjoyed it and would take the train again. Since we ate an early dinner the day before we were starving now. On food trips it’s all about pacing yourself with how much you eat. We were only in Seattle one night- as we stopped here to watch a Seattle Sounder’s soccer game that started in 4-5 hours from our arrival. The train station, soccer stadium, hotel and Pikes Public Market were all within a one mile walk. So we checked into our hotel and ran over to Pike’s Place Market for lunch.

Pike’s Public Market

Seattle, Washington

I grew up going here with my dad as a kid, we would shop for produce, get lunch and buy little trinkets to take home. I haven’t been back in years- it was nostalgic for me. So naturally I showed my homie what I loved about the market- clearly a lot has changed but the bones were still there.

1st Lunch

Mee Sum Pastry

Seattle, Washington

Mee Sum Pastry is a Seattle institution and as long as I can remember it’s been rooted here with a permanent line and wafts of fresh pastry dough filling the air. BBQ pork buns, wontons, dumplings and more. After waiting through the pack you walk up and the counter people don’t say much because they dont need to. Take the time and decide on what you want when you get there while you’re waiting in line. You cannot go wrong here- look around at what other people are ordering, stay alert and listen to how they order.

We ordered

• Baked BBQ Pork Bun

• Steamed BBQ Pork Bun

• Crab Rangoon

• 6 Pot Stickers

No notes here it’s just too good. Master’s of their craft. Humans who have dedicated their life to this simple menu and these old school techniques, old school mentality you don’t see anymore. Grateful to take each bite through the decades- Im getting so old. If you get the chance to go and eat here. There is love in each bite.

We still had 3 hours till the soccer game

Now that we had some fuel it was only right to make a small trek through the city and we had one more mission to complete and that was to get Dick’s . (not that kind, you sicko!)

2nd Lunch

Dick’s Drive-in

Seatle, Washington

A Seattle classic, you have to grab a bag of dick’s. Small juicy burgers and they’re good but not knock-your-socks-off good. These get the job done and pass some time. The move here is to get a couple burgers, fries and a shake.

Lorenzo with his bag of dicks

We ordered

• 2 Deluxe

• 2 Cheese

• 1 Fry

• 1 Chocolate Shake

• 3 Ketchup

• 1 Tartar Sauce

IT WAS OKAY. My mom grew up in Seattle and she said with Dick’s you won’t be impressed but it will do the job- just like most men out there.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

One hour till the Soccer Game

It was time to walk back

Seattle tied 1-1 against Portland Timbers. FML.

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Trip from Seattle to Portland

We went back to the train station early in the morning and took the Amtrak over to Portland, quick couple hour train ride through the breathe-taking forest landscape.

For those who don’t know Portland in the early 2000’s ran a renaissance for chef driven restaurants. All over this city you will struggle to find chain restaurants and this works well for small independently owned spots. Chef driven establishments have flourished without having to compete with the big boys- culture and the diners here are well versed. Some of my favorite chef’s and hero’s hail from this city. If you love food and haven’t been to Portland- I would argue you might not like food that much.

Lunch

Eem

Portland Oregon

After arriving in Portland my friend Toni picked us up at the airport and drove us straight to Eem- my favorite restaurant in America, serving my favorite dish ever. This restaurant is so unique and such a breath of fresh air. Here they cook Thai food with Texas BBQ and it’s fucking crazy. They are known for being quirky, loud and in your face just like their food.

We ordered

• Very Spicy Papaya Salad

• Sweet & Sour Fried Chicken

• Chopped BBQ Fried Rice

• White Curry w/ Brisket Burnt-Ends

Very Spicy Papaya Salad

Spicy! I’m okay with it I love spice. The others were sweating at the table. On a serious note whenever you eat at a Thai restaurant always get the papaya salad. It’s the benchmark. This one is well above that benchmark. So good.

Sweet & Sour Fried Chicken

Basically the best chicken nugget or boneless wing EVER. I am a sucker for any sort of chicken that is breaded and fried. This one will not disappoint. The sauce sticky ,tangy and still leaves the chicken coated in sauce yet crispy.

Chopped BBQ Fried Rice

Unreal smokey and meaty fried rice. Tons of chilis, soy and you get that crispy caramelized bites of rice in the bites. Properly cooked in the wok.

White Curry w/ Brisket Burnt-Ends

My favorite dish ever, in a league of its own. White Coconut Curry, rich and velvety tons of fat with poached cauliflower bites swimming around. Looking in the center of this masterpiece is a pile of glazed brisket bunt ends just begging for your attention. I take one small bite of brisket by itself and then move into mixing it all around. Melding the smokey meaty flavor with the complex coconut curry is just something you won’t know until you experience it.

Dinner

Ken’s Artisan Pizza

Portland, Oregon

Ken Forkish the former owner and brain behind this Portland Pizza institution is someone who has greatly influenced my pizza making. His books and findings have helped me go from pizza novice that didn’t understand anything to being able to create recipes and write for you all about pizza. Thank you Ken. To eat here was an honor. I had met one of the cooks a week prior at a pop up I was doing in phoenix. The cook happened to be in phoenix and I just so happened to be going to Portland the week after so it was my sign that we would go here. Knowing the chef was nice because we were able to reserve a table in a spot that is not so easy to do so. Thank you chef!

We ordered

• Caesar Salad

• Roasted Squash & Creme Fraiche

• Soppressata Pizza

• Lamb & Potato Pizza

• Blondie Brownie + Scoop of Ice cream

Ken’s Pizza dough lived up to the hype, this spot was brushed with culture and the dining room was beautiful. It has this feeling like you are at someone’s house eating pizza and you can’t help but love that. I am so honored to eat here and try this pizza. Caesar salad, couple pizzas and finished the night with a blondie brownie. NO NOTES, it’s an institution for a reason.

Last Day of the Trip

We were full. We were satisfied. We had one day left.

2 restaurant reservations and not much room in our stomach left.

1st Dinner

Canard

Portland, Oregon

Mastermind Gabriel Rucker- first opened Le Pigeon next door in 2006. Rucker is a chef’s chef. Foie Gras, Tongue, Terrines- a classically trained chef bring respect to French cuisine in an era where its gone missing in American influence. He is a huge inspo. I worked under a chef that said where I worked (Restaurant Progress) was solely inspired by Le pigeon. Years later Rucker opened the doors at Canard. French Classics, Steam Burgers, Foie Gras Dumpling… how do you explain canard? French Bar Food? It’s a banger. As you walk through the door and onto the creaky wooden floors you are greeted by the staff who showed us to their chef’s counter to sit and enjoy our meal. Strap in we we were about to go on a ride.

We Ordered

• Oeufs en mayonnaise

• Foie Gras Dumplings

• Steam Burgers

• Duck Stack

• Paris Breast

Oeufs en mayonnaise

Deviled eggs, with trout roe and other delicious elements like smokey bacon bits, and tons of chives to ascend the bite.

Foie Gras Dumplings

The server told us “when you come to Canard you get the Foie Gras Dumplings that’s the rule.” I loved that sales pitch so we ordered and she was right. They were so good. The foie gras melted in your mouth like a soup dumpling. They were dressed with tons of crispy shallots and swimming in a spiced consomme. I mean- come on!

Steam Burgers

The steam burgers were the star of the show. I went home after eating these and spent months trying to perfect them. Might be my favorite way to eat a burger now. This little bite was sitting on pillowy buns, tangy pickles, lil brunoise onion/mustard combo, melty American cheese all over this 2-3oz steamed burger patty.

Duck Stack

Duck Gravy Over Pancakes wtf? This was legendary. I’m sold forever. We opted for seared foie gras on top and when it arrived at the table it was sadly missing. Asking for someone to sear some foie gras and add it on top of my pancakes seemed wrong and rather funny when we thought about asking. Like what world are we living in? Who are we? “Excuse me, mam you forgot the foie gras with my pancakes” We moved on and this was still so good without it.

Paris Breast

A classic Paris Breast done with immense technique, filled with spiced pastry cream, drizzled tahini caramel, streusel of sorts, and compressed pears. Mic Drop of Desserts. Go away I’m embarrassed. I wanted to be alone while eating it. The fact I had to share it with my friend was annoying. This was seasonal and I don’t know if they still serve it. You might have missed out on this and Im okay with that.

Last Meal

Yaowarat

Portland, Oregon

A new restaurant and one you must add to your list. Asian Dishes and flavors I’ve never had before- inspired by the Yaowarat Chinatown of Bangkok. My friend Ryan cooks here and told me we have to go. I trust his opinion on food and as a last meal for our trip I’m so happy this was the spot. I hope to get back here soon.

We walked up a group of four and we approached this red and green illuminated sign projecting colors onto our face. We funneled through their big wooden door and managed to walk right up to the chef’s counter where my friend Ryan greeted us with a big smile and some bites for us to enjoy.

We Ordered

• Cucumber Salad

• Chive Cake

• Yaowarat Squid Salad

• Kuay Teow Kua Gai

• Mapo Tofu

Chive Cake

Chive Cakes unlike any chive cake that I’ve ever chive caked. Large cubes and full of some good shit I cannot even put into words. Just dip, crush, smile and move on.

Kuay Teow Kua Gai

Okay this was another dish that’s hard to explain but I got this one. They took shaved chicken slices shingled in a single layer and seared deeply on both sides that are served on top of stir fried noodles, with chiles and a soft egg sleeping on top. INSANE

Mapo Tofu

This was Lorenzos second time having Mapo Tofu and I was trying to explain to him how this is more of a traditional way to eat it. My man was asking everyone if he could finish the whole bowl. Spicy, meaty, tofu chunks marinating - it was a dreamy dish. We let Lorenzo crush the rest and just sat back and enjoyed the fullness.

What a trip. We learned a lot. Saw a lot. Ate a lot, but most importantly we were inspired and changed for the better. I hope this inspired you to either take a trip, cook some good food or ponder on life in a way you never have before.

Thanks for being here.

Bry

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