Brandon @ Yakuza (503) 450-0893
5411 NE 30th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97211
Why he’s dreamy:
Completely unexpected salads like a recent spaghetti squash panzanella with ume-inflected dressing, not to mention flawless sashimi (kampachi + fresh ginger = YUM!). Delicious grilled morsels, sleek environs, and a charming staff only add to the crushtastic splendor. We could develop a serious love affair with this place…
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!