Tin Shed: Portland, OR

Tin Shed:

1438 NE Alberta St

Portland, Oregon

A few blocks down from where we've been staying on Alberta St. is The Tin Shed Garden Café. This brunch hotspot has been on point with it's breakfast game for the past 11 years. Serving up some comfort food favorites with a unique addition, Tin Shed is no place to pass up on.

I don't really know if there is any way to put this lightly. So i'm just going to right out and say it. This place serves a dish called The Cure. And I know what you're thinking. 

"Oh, that dish is named after a cool band, how rad." And you wouldn't be wrong. But you would be missing the point. So... 

Lets look at the break down:

Now, I know what your eyes immediately went to but take a cold shower, perverts. Lets start from the top. 

1. Cheese Grits 

If you are talking about having a breakfast of proper comfort food, and you don't use the word "grits" at least 5 times; you obviously weren't enjoying proper comfort food. This dish comes with a generous portion of fresh, warm cheese infused and smothered grits that sets the stage for what you are soon to encounter. 

 2. Potato Cakes

This crispy and delicious potato cake can be found on almost every plate here at Tin Shed, though usually smothered with wild and unique omelette's, this cake is still dreamy with a dollop of sour cream. It also happens to be vegan, gluten free, and a total contradiction of what's to come. 

3.BACON GRAVY

That's right. This isn't your average gravy. This isn't even unusual, it is literally one of a kind, f*ckin' gravy. It has all the tastes and textures that you love in gravy. But then it tickles you under your chinny-chin-chin with a smack of BACON. 

4. Buttermilk Biscuits

Though not a secret family recipe at Tin Shed, they have been experimenting for the last couple years with different concoctions for an old fashioned buttermilk pancake, and let me just say they nailed it. And what better way to enjoy it than smothered with their legendary BACON GRAVY (sorry, it just only looks right in all caps.)

Before moving on, I must insist you click on the above photo and really, and I mean REALLY look at the glory of that BACON GRAVY sweetly blanketing those biscuits. Go on. The below content will wait for you. 

GOOD DOG/ 

I ordered this guy as per the recommendation of our server. This dish starts with two of their potato cakes, pork sausage, scrabbled eggs, fresh chopped onion, jalapeños, bell peppers, tomato, cheddar cheese, and their homemade chipotle sauce. It's a sloppy spicy breakfast wet dream. 

If you still desire an extra kick, I recommend splashing on some of their local Aardvark Habanero sauce. It is a great match up for this dish.  

EVERYTHING NAUGHTY/

So, You're at breakfast with your friends. You realise there are so many awesome sounding eats from The Cure to the Tim Curry, and you already have a reputation with your friends as being indecisive as f*ck. This puts you in a panic as the server approaches the table to take the orders. Take a deep breath and do as I say. 

- Order the Everything Naughty. That, 2 eggs, a potato cake, a BACON GRAVY smothered biscuit, and a side of BACON... OK, so you could substitute the BACON gravy for their Rosemary Mushroom Gravy, and some Veggie or Vegan Sausage substitute for the BACON. But you are not going to do that. Here is why.    

When you get your plate, respect must be given where it is due. Taste the individual items on the plate and get a good feel for what you are about to start shovelling in your mouth mixed together on a fork in a couple moments. 

After you experience the different tastes and smells on the plate. Pick up a piece of BACON. Now I need you to trust me on this. Take that piece of BACON... And dip it generously into the BACON GRAVY. I know, I know, it sounds mental. It down right sounds dangerous.

And it is. Because after this bacon overload takes over the senses, you will find yourself sobbing at every breakfast you ever have that doesn't consist of hot BACON on BACON action. 

Eventually, your loved ones will find you barricaded in a dingy Portland Motel with cut lines of spam and syringes filled with BACON grease. Trying, always trying to relive that first high. But you wont ever reach it, indeed you never catch the Dragon. Or the Pig in this case. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is. Go eat at Tin Shed already so you can understand what put me in such a giddy mood while writing and reminiscing on my culinary experience there. 

ALSO, remember to check out our Tin Shed video linked below. 

-until next time.

Mako Bites: Tin Shed (VIDEO) 

Bungalo Bar: Portland, Oregon

Bungalo Bar:

Portland,OR

What a treat it was spending the day at Bungalo Bar on the Historic Mississipi Ave here in Portland, Oregon. From first glance, you will know you are not in for a typical dining or drinking experience. This renovated - once residential home how hosts two fire pits, an upstairs pool/darts area, 5 large TV's, a small arcade room, and very laid-back outdoor hangout area, equipped with hammocks, and swigs lining a long swinging table. 

The Atmosphere of this place is unreal,the before opening stillness during which we took these photographs, quickly dissipated the moment the open sign turned on. People started pouring in, many just to taste their signature drink, my personal favourite, The Spicy Basil Martini. 

  The Spicy Basil Martini-

      It's very important to be that you imagine this concept with me as I explain. Fresh basil, Mixed with Vodka, Lime Juice, and Mango; shaken with a pinch of chilli flakes and served. 

  The first taste that overwhelms the senses, is the crisp fresh basil. But that quickly is washed over with the refreshing citrus, toned down by the smooth mango accompaniment. But then wait, Is that an ever so subtle chili after taste that makes sweet love to that wonderful mango finish? You bet your ass it is. There is obviously good reason, that this drink attracts the crowd and it's uniqueness, keeps them knowing that this is the only spot in town to get a drink this awesome. 

 The Food/

Yam Fries

Served with Lemon Cayenne Aioli

When it comes to their appetisers, their yam fries are definitely the most popular. These guys have absolutely mastered the art of making sure that there is flavour infused entirely through the yam, the fries themselves, have almost a salty lime seasoning, coupled amazingly with their Lemon Cayenne Aioli, which smoothes out the saltiness with it's creamy chilli citrus flavour. 

And with this great snack tolling in at only $4, you best believe, it is the perfect partner for any drink on the menu. 

(Right)Habanero Poppers

Stuffed w/ goat cheese and served with Tequila Salsa

(Left)Habanero Margarita

Classic Margarita w/ Habanero infused Tequila 

Oh my Damn. These Habanero infused treats do not mess around.

First, let me talk about these Poppers. They start off with Habanero peppers stuffed with goat cheese, battered, fried to perfection, then served in a shot glass smothered with their fresh, homemade mango habanero salsa. Your first impression will be the fruitiness of the salsa, and the perfect crunch of the crust. Very soon there after.... It happens... The spice. You go to wash it down with the Habanero Margarita and it helps for a second, it's delicious and refreshing. Then the Habanero Tequila makes its way across the tastebuds. 

Chef, and son of the Owner, LC said "Yea, we put that on the menu almost as a novelty to see who'd have the balls to try it." 

And with good reason, it is pretty damn spicy. But REALLY delicious. I've always argued that Indian food helped me toughen up my spicy pallet by coupling it's spice with equally as powerful flavour.. This dish does just that. It's intense spice is coupled amazingly with it's fruity homemade mango Habanero salsa. Another big win for the father - son team at Bungalo Bar.

The Bourbon Burger

Beef patty topped with Bourbon fried onions, caramelised mushrooms and Bourbon BBQ sauce

LC's idea with their menus is to keep them simple bar foods, done perfectly and served with style and presentation. (as made obvious by the aforementioned.) This burger, is clearly made under the same mantra. 

Now I'm going to level you you guys. At first, I full-heartedly expected my first taste to be the homemade bourbon BBQ sauce, or perhaps the bourbon fried onions. But I was delightfully mistaken. The first and most powerful taste, was indeed the perfectly char-grilled beef patty. The flavour and texture of the meat far surpassed my expectations for a bar burger. Next, came the juicy caramelised mushrooms, which paired divinely with the fried onions and Bourbon BBQ sauce. - This, is the burger you get your ass in the car and travel for. 

Final Thoughts.

 This Father-Son team renovated this residential spot into the laid back, foodie heaven it is today with their own hands. All that was built in the back, swings, and all; were conceptualised, then actualised by the owner, meanwhile, his son dreamt up all of these masterfully crafted dishes and drinks by himself (AND HE'S ONLY 22!) 

 I for one, rate this place off the charts for atmosphere and food. You really have to experience this place if you ever find yourself in the Portland area. 

A+

The Legendary: Pioneer Inn

The Legendary

Pioneer Inn - Restaurent & Saloon

19 miles west of Boulder Colorado, Off Co Highway 119, you will be in Nederland Colorado. Soon after your arrival , you will meet some of the locals, and those locals, will without a doubt lead you to the Pioneer Inn. A legendary music bar where I’m pretty sure the phrase “if these walls could talk” was coined.

During our time in Nederland, we were lucky enough to sit down and spend some time in this bar, hearing about it’s history, and even participating in their Tuesday open mic night. 

Upon entering we approached the bar and sat down, immediately being greeted by one of the owners, Cindy. Her and her husband bought the bar a few years ago, and it was clear they made sure to keep music a very prominent part of the bar atmosphere. 

In fact, until recently, the bar hosted live music 7 nights a week, and now only hosts live music a modest 5 nights a week.   

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Though the veteran bartenders both agree the scene has changed since there day. Pioneer Inn has only proved itself more and more over the years to be THE bar where locals and passers-by alike stop in to take in some of the great atmosphere, and history this place has to offer.

The Food /

"World Famous" Chicken Fried Steak

While here we also had the good fortune of being offered a cooked meal. Something we have not had in who knows how long. I went with their famous chicken fried steak, a staple of the saloon and highly recommended by the bartender. 

When it was put before me, having the restrain from devouring it to film my first impressions, was the most difficult thing i'd experienced since the renovating of our van. The smell was spot-on with exactly what you would expect from a home cooked comfort pub food. the golden brown crust on the steak looked fried to perfection with obvious home added spices on the gravy smothered landscape.... It's time.. it's SO time.

I believe that the photo speaks for itself. Apart from the emotional waterfall of having a warm meal again, the textures of the chewy steak and crispy crust covered with the warm creamy gravy were just a match made in heaven.. Now for your viewing pleasure, Niko and Chases first bites. 

The Ruben/ 

Chase's dish of choice was The Ruben. Another staff recommendation. A self-proclaimed Ruben connoisseur, Chase was very quick to say this was, the best ruben he had ever tasted.  

The Pioneer Burger/

You can't go to the Pioneer Inn without indulging in their Pioneer Burger. With lean Bacon, fresh guacamole, and swiss cheese. First off, bacon and guacamole are the perfect toppings on a burger. and the fact that those are the default toppings on their stapled burger, you know they obviously know how to do it right.

To conclude on food. In the Pioneer's decades as the spot to be in Nederland, they have definitely used their time and experience wisely so that today, we are able to experience a real life "cheers" atmosphere that melts perfectly with the style of their cooking. If you ever are traveling through the mountains and crave the warm embrace of a place that feels like home, we highly recommend stopping in at the Pioneer Inn for some comfortable, friendly atmosphere and home-cooked goodness. 

Mako Bites: Pioneer Inn Nederland, CO (VIDEO)