Chef Crush

WILL @ Biwa (503) 239-8830
215 SE 9th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Because most things are better (if not healthier) when they are decadently deep-fried, and kimchi is no exception. Those miso scallop skewers are addictive, and the melt-in-your-mouth maguro poke actually made me shiver with delight. This cutie’s creations are always dependable, never boring. And I am totally digging the new late-night hours!

P.S. All you Biwa crushers out there can relax, I finally got him for you.

JAMIE & ALEX @ Biwa (503) 239-8830
215 SE 9th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why they’re dreamy:
Every darn thing on the menu. Yes, Biwa is one of our favorite chef crush destinations, due in no small part to these two cuties. Have we mentioned that CG1 has a thing for cooks in newsboy caps? And um, who doesn’t like a gorgeous, exotic girl who can master a grill like nobody’s business? They just keep us coming back with perfectly seasoned and succulent skewers, belly-warming ramen and udon, and their sassy kitchen repartee.

CHRIS and MATT @ Biwa (503) 239-8830
215 SE 9th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why they’re dreamy:
Steamy, savory ramen that warms our hungry tummies and puts a rosy glow on our cheeks. These charming cookies woo us with addictive Japanese-style fried chicken and dee-lish handmade pork gyoza, and their tasty kimchi adds a little sass to any meal. Who can resist crushably crave-able treats served up by such sexy chow slingers? Certainly not the Crush Girls, or our intrepid readers, one of whom kindly suggested we return to one of our favorite haunts and spread the crush love. Thanks for the tip, J.!

GABE @ Biwa (503) 239-8830
215 SE 9th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Those simple, adorable, and oh-so-tasty onigiri rice balls and anything on a stick. Crush-worthy skewers of lightly seasoned/marinated pork belly, chicken thigh, and scallops make us swoon. Food flirt alert! Of course, it could just be the sake, but we think we’re intoxicated by chef Gabe’s coquettish Curried potato croquettes and their accompanying spicy-sweet sauce. P.S. Handmade noodles are sexy!