TRENT @ Foster Burger (503) 775-2077
5339 SE Foster Road, Portland, Oregon, 97206

Why he’s dreamy:
Someone once gave me an excellent piece of dining-out advice, and I’m passing it on to you here, free of charge…When you go to a restaurant that has a particular food item in its name, you should order that food. Then you know that if it isn’t any good, you never have to go back, because if they put it in their name but can’t make it tasty…Well, it doesn’t bode well for the foodstuffs they’re not literally staking their name on. You won’t have to worry about that at Foster Burger. I hear the salads and shakes are worth trying, but I can’t seem to get past the luscious hunk of extra-back-fat-added beefy deliciousness. There is also a lamb burger and a vegan burger for those so inclined, and they’re all accompanied by crispy, piping-hot fries. Bestill my bloodthirsty heart…

JESSE @ Packrat Louie (780) 433-0123
10334-83 Avenue Old Strathcona, Edmonton, Alberta

Why he’s dreamy:
Because after 6 weeks of existing on a starving artist’s meager pay while on tour in Canada this summer, I finally ponied up the plastic for a real meal, and this handsome fellow got the job done right. The perfectly pink-red juicy beef tenderloin with caramelized onions, potato gratin, morel cream, and garlic sauteed mushrooms made up for every burger I had to decline in the weeks prior. Did you know it’s illegal in Canada to cook a burger less than well-done? ~shudder~ So thanks to Jesse, for erasing the painful memories of an entire summer of overcooked meat in one meal.

BRETT @ Caffe Mingo (503) 226-4646
807 NW 21st Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97209

Why he’s dreamy:
Impeccable Italian fare. I never tire of singing this cutie’s praises- the place is comfy yet elegant, the service smooth and knowledgable, the food simply divine…You cannot go wrong with the house special penne with Chianti- and espresso-braised beef, or any of the pasta dishes really, but I go positively weak in the knees for the semolina gnocchi with salsa rosso. Save room for dessert- the chocolate budino (a kind of baked pudding) will send you stumbling into the street sublimely satisfied.

Another Taste of the Nation event has come and gone, and we Crush Girls couldn’t be more enamored of our local cookin’ cuties. Aren’t we the luckiest diners? Here are some of our favorites from this year…

Gabriel @ Davis Street Tavern

duck breast with apricot chutney on brioche

Patricia @ La Calaca Comelona (A fave from last year!)

beef quesadillas

Ben @ Celilo

pork rillettes

Matthew and Eric @ Firehouse

rosemary lamb sausage

Dustin @ Wildwood

chilled asparagus soup with creme fraiche

John @ Pazzo (Who’s the cutie on the left?)

fig bellinis & smoked marlin-wrapped asparagus

Ian @ Fenouil

salmon tartare

Laurel @ Alberta Street Oyster Bar and Grill

tuna tartare

Jose Luis @ Andina

purple potatoes with shredded chicken and aji amarillo

And last, but certainly not least, our award for Taste of the Nation: Portland Chef Crush 2009 goes to…

Ray @ Nuestra Cocina

chicharron con salsa verde

COLIN @ Por Que No? (503) 467-4149
3524 N. Mississippi Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97227

Why he’s dreamy:
Tasty tacos on fresh, handmade tortillas in a variety of flavors. You can’t go wrong with any of the meat options, but our hearts beat fastest for the cornmeal-crusted snapper, juicy pollo asado, and tinga, shredded beef in a smoky chile sauce. The brunch-only chilaquiles are an excellent hangover cure (not that we would ever overindulge or anything) and plausible excuse for face time with this ultra-adorable cook.

NICK @ Bunk Sandwiches
621 SE Morrison Street, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Sandwiches featuring melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, roast beef with carmelized sweet onions and horseradish, or classic grilled cheese. Plus unexpected sides like red beans and rice or roasted brussel sprouts. Get there before the lunch rush or be prepared to stand in a line out the door. With cutie chefboys like Nick making tasty bread-bookended morsels like these, it’s worth the wait.

SAM @ Ciao Vito (503) 282-5522
2203 NE Alberta, Portland, Oregon, 97211

Why he’s dreamy:
Really, really good fried meatballs. And linguine with clam sauce. And sugo of pork. And duck confit. In fact, most of the menu is crush-inducing. But this handsome gent’s meaty mouthfuls of beef, pork, and veal are what keeps us coming back for more. Plus, the place has an effortless sleek/sexy vibe that’s welcoming not intimidating and definitely puts us in the mood…For food!

LUKE @ Clyde Common (503) 228-3333
1014 SW Stark Street, Portland, Oregon, 97205

Why he’s dreamy:
Tagliatelle with spring onions, morel and king oyster mushrooms, chard, and grana padano is a down-to-earth delight, and we love the combination of seared scallop with grilled beef tongue, fennel, and green goddess. The marinated octopus, blood sausage, potato, orange, and oregano appetizer is sassy and surprising, just the way we love a cool chef.

P.S. We really hope we didn’t get his name wrong. Our notes are a little difficult to read due to the *ahem* effectiveness and efficiency of the crushable-in-their-own-right bartenders and their dee-lish alcoholic concoctions. *sheepish grin* Feel free to correct us if we’re tipsy, errrr, mistaken…

DANI and SHANNON @ Moxie (509) 456-3594
W. 816 Sprague Avenue, Spokane, Washington, 99201

Why they’re dreamy:
Black pepper and sea salt cured yellowfin tuna with wasabi avocado mousse is one of the best raw seafood dishes we have ever encountered. As if that weren’t enough, grilled kalbi beef with asian slaw has the perfect balance of rich, tender meat and cruchy tang. Sassy and refreshing, just like this (at least when we were there) all-female kitchen. Hot babes totally in control and turning out crushworthy food like this? We’re smitten!

*special note*
We are still accepting submissions for our Chef Crush Contest, but don’t dawdle- we already have tons of cuties to choose from, and as soon as we narrow it down, we’ll be posting and notifying the winners.

BRANDON @ Caffe Mingo (503) 226-4646
807 NW 21st Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97209

Why he’s dreamy:
Sugo di carne, the house signature dish of penne pasta tossed with Cascade Natural beef braised in chianti and espresso. Yum. Semolina gnocchi “alla Romana” baked with butter and parmesan and topped with salsa rossa sends us swooning. From artful antipasti to sublime salads, fresh pasta or fish du jour, we have never (repeat, never) had a bad meal at the hands of this adorable chef and his kitchen compadres, which include at least one other hottie chefboy and a totally crushable chefbabe. Some of the best service in town adds to the romance with liberal wine pours and perfect meal pacing.

*special note*
This irresistable cutie holds the dubious distinction of being CG1′s original chef crush and the inspiration for this entire website!