Chef Crush

ELI @ @ Castagna (503) 231-9959
1758 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
We’re partial to the coquettish corn soup garnished with chanterelle mushrooms and creme fraiche as a starter, but you basically can’t go wrong with anything on this menu, especially the highbrow steak bordelaise with shoestring potatoes. What is it with tattooed, shaved-head studlies being such fantastic chefs? Plus, that fiscally fabulous three course meal for $30 makes us swoon every time.

BEN and AARON @ 23Hoyt (503) 445-7400
529 NW 23rd Avenue @ Hoyt Street, Portland, Oregon, 97210

Why they’re dreamy:
The seared sea scallops appetizer with butternut squash puree, sauteéd chantrelles and brown butter-caper vinaigrette actually makes a perfectly-sized light entree, especially when paired with a happy hour deal or two. It’s nice to eat (and drink!) like a princess, especially on a (volunteer) blogger’s salary, so we appreciate being able to mix and match off both menus. And of course if we feel like splurging, there’s always the trout with grilled baby octopus, mint, capers, olives, tomato, preserved lemon and olive oil potatoes…

Also, we have to mention that Aaron has been our most requested chef crush ever, with a total of five different readers taking the time to suggest we crush him. Must be quite the Casanova, hmm? *wink* You gals can lay off already…We got him for you, ok? Hehehe!

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.