Chef Crush

ERIC @ The Victory (503) 236-8755
3652 SE Division Street, Portland, Oregon, 97202

Why he’s dreamy:
Yummy hushpuppies are enough to win this cutie a place in our hearts, but we can’t leave out the rest of this fancy bar food. From baked spaetzle with gruyere and crispy shallots, to Belgian-style mussels with fennel, citrus and ale, the small but expertly executed menu is the perfect companion to the rosy-cheek-making drinks. The Victory is a comfy, cozy place to while away a winter’s evening, especially with eye candy this tasty!

NICK @ Bunk Sandwiches
621 SE Morrison Street, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Sandwiches featuring melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, roast beef with carmelized sweet onions and horseradish, or classic grilled cheese. Plus unexpected sides like red beans and rice or roasted brussel sprouts. Get there before the lunch rush or be prepared to stand in a line out the door. With cutie chefboys like Nick making tasty bread-bookended morsels like these, it’s worth the wait.

JAMES @ Venue (303) 477-0477
3609 W. 32nd Avenue, Denver, Colorado, 80211

Why he’s dreamy:
Well, we can’t say exactly since we’ve never eaten his food, but James was nominated by an intrepid ChefCrusher out there, and we think he’s pretty darn cute. We’ll let his menu speak for him…

Mixed Greens
walnuts, apples, goat cheese, cider vinaigrette

Beet Salad
greens, goat cheese, pistachio, honey vinaigrette

Squash Soup
candied pepitas, brown sugar, clove

Pork Stew
pork shoulder, potato, bacon, thyme

Cheese
St. Kilian’s cheeses, spiced pecans, marmalade

Mussels
caramelized fennel, tomato, tarragon

Charcuterie
weekly variation, accompaniments

Pasta Agnolotti
brie, roast tomato, mushroom, leeks, white bean puree

Scallop
buttered leek risotto, frisee, honey vinaigrette

Barramundi
white beans, tomato, olive, smoked paprika

Chicken
squash, potato, celery root, pearl onion, thyme

Flat Iron
potato confit, mushroom, green bean, celery root

Pork Belly
hash, squash, cardamom apples, maple pork jus

LARRY @ Nostrana (503) 234-2427
1401 SE Morrison, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Rustic and simple yet never boring Italian comfort food like Sunday roast lamb with mashed potatoes Bolognese and brussels sprouts with butter and bread crumbs, or pappardelle with chicken ragu and Castelveltrano olives. And let’s not forget those drippingly luscious pizzas from the wood-fired oven, crispy, thin-crusted treats that are totally worth crushing any day of the week!

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.

PATRICK and JUSTIN @ 50 Plates (503) 228-5050
333 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97209

Why they’re dreamy:
Cutesy little “sammies” like the Roscoe’s- crispy fried chicken on a waffle with coffee maple drizzle- or the Lousy Hunter, fried green tomatoes, goat cheese, and relish…Perfect for taking the edge off your hunger while you scan the massive menu and devise a plan of attack. We recommend fortifying your strength with dirty rice beignets or comfy classics like mac ‘n’ cheese and chicken pot pie. You’re going to need the energy for flirting with these two hotties on your way out…

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…

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.

KENNY @ Bluehour (503) 226-3394
250 NW 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97209

Why he’s dreamy:
One word. Fondue. Oh yeah, the rest of the menu is downright amazing, and this is one of the grande dames of Portland’s ubercool restaurant scene, and happy hour is a swanky affair, and gosh the staff is good-looking, and blah blah blah…But make no mistake, it’s the ooey gooey cheesy goodness that makes us swoon and blush whenever this cutie is in view. It’s fondue, fercryinoutloud, who doesn’t love the dip ‘n’ twirl?

SAM @ Ciao Vito (503) 282-5522
2203 NE Alberta, Portland, Oregon, 97211

Why he’s dreamy:
Really, really good fried meatballs. And linguine with clam sauce. And sugo of pork. And duck confit. In fact, most of the menu is crush-inducing. But this handsome gent’s meaty mouthfuls of beef, pork, and veal are what keeps us coming back for more. Plus, the place has an effortless sleek/sexy vibe that’s welcoming not intimidating and definitely puts us in the mood…For food!