Chef Crush

RYAN @ Pause (971) 230-0705
5101 N Interstate Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97217

Why he’s dreamy:
It’s all about the ground-daily, house-made burgers and sliders, available into the wee hours of the night from this tattooed cutie’s kitchen. Surprisingly fresh salads and soups, vegetarian options, nicely-presented sandwiches- it’s really, really good bar food, which goes well with the perfect whiskey sours. And cheers to whoever came up with the $7 Everyday Special (2 sliders and a beer) for easing the crunch of our current financial crisis.

KYLE @ Serratto (503) 221-1195
2112 NW Kearney Street, Portland, Oregon, 97210

Why he’s dreamy:
The wild boar tagliatelle is as crushable as ever, and the roasted Muscovy duck breast is bite after bite of melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Simple dishes don’t suffer neglect though, as this cutie and his kitchen compatriots churn out the perfect juicy burger and crisp, stone-oven baked pizzas that satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Warm, comfy decor, a generous happy hour menu, and the big open kitchen make this one of our favorite chef crush destinations.

JESSE and DANE @ Cafe Castagna (503) 231-9959
1758 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why they’re dreamy:
Sassy starters like sauteed scallops with fennel and cauliflower mushrooms, and adorable arancini- fried risotto balls filled with luscious, gooey fontina cheese. The chanterelle pizza with pecorino fresco and torpedo onion fans our fungi flames, while the gelato affogato decimates our dessert willpower. Every entree these hotties send our way makes us swoon. And that burger? More of a player than John Mayer- it scores with us every time.

RYAN @ Slow Bar (503) 230-7767
533 SE Grand Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Crunchy-on-the-outside, perfectly moist-on-the-inside hushpuppies with honey butter. We crush on the white wine fondue with truffle oil and the much-lauded slowburger too, but we rarely make it past this cutie pie’s little corn fritters.

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

Why they’re dreamy:
One of the best happy hour burgers in town, and that strangely addictive popcorn with pimenton. The grilled whole fish with salt-roasted potatoes, olives, shallot, and tarragon relish makes us feel like kicking up our designer heels, and the “5 hour egg” is four bites of crushworthy deliciousness. And the bonus is that every seat in the house has a view of these cooking cuties! *swoon*