Chef Crush

MIKE @ The Country Cat (503) 408-1414
7937 SE Stark Street, Portland, Oregon, 97215

Why he’s dreamy:
We love the porktastic whole hog plate- rolled belly, brined chop, & smoked shoulder on South Carolina grits- it brings out the simpering Southern Belles in us. Criminally crispy, juicy fried chicken is either the perfect comfort food dinner or a great hangover-curing brunch. The pecan spoonbread that accompanies the bird for breakfast is truly addicting, kind of like the cuties in this open kitchen.

MARTHA @ Roux (503) 285-1200
1700 N. Killingsworth Street, Portland, Oregon, 97217

Why she’s dreamy:
Tasty, rib-sticking Sunday brunches with a Southern flair that you can actually eat without having to stand in line for an hour. She had us at “beignets” but the $25 four-course breakfast is a feast if your appetite allows. And of course there are the delicous dinners we’ve already crushed on. A talented woman in charge of the kitchen? Yummy.