Chef Crush

KEVIN and FRANK @ Duh Kuh Bee (503) 643-5388
12590 SW 1st Street, Unit #B, Beaverton, Oregon, 97005

Why they’re dreamy:
It’s the noodles. Hand stretched right in front of you and tossed with as much spice as you convince them you can handle. While everything I’ve had at this hidden Korean dive satisfies, it’s the chewy noodles accompanied by a handful of crunchy veggies and choice of protein that brings me back for more, despite having to brave the icky Beaverton traffic.

SHANNON and WILL @ Laurelhurst Market (503) 206-3097
3155 E Burnside, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why they’re dreamy:
Because there are two ways to melt my heart instantly- gnocchi of any kind, or steak frites- and this comely pair do both to perfection. But really, it’s all about the quality of the meat in this place. Sure, you could probably cobble together a decent vegetarian meal (we bet vegans are out of luck though) from appetizers and side items, but then you’d be taking up a chair that would be better filled by a carnivore slurping roasted marrow from the bones, dipping into the addictive cassoulet, or sticking their face into any one of a number of juicy steaks. I beg you, veggie sisters and brothers, have mercy on my meat-loving soul and leave this crush to us meat sinners…

JESSE @ Packrat Louie (780) 433-0123
10334-83 Avenue Old Strathcona, Edmonton, Alberta

Why he’s dreamy:
Because after 6 weeks of existing on a starving artist’s meager pay while on tour in Canada this summer, I finally ponied up the plastic for a real meal, and this handsome fellow got the job done right. The perfectly pink-red juicy beef tenderloin with caramelized onions, potato gratin, morel cream, and garlic sauteed mushrooms made up for every burger I had to decline in the weeks prior. Did you know it’s illegal in Canada to cook a burger less than well-done? ~shudder~ So thanks to Jesse, for erasing the painful memories of an entire summer of overcooked meat in one meal.

BEN @ Beaker and Flask (503) 235-8180
720 SE Sandy Boulevard, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Fried razor clams put a satisfied smile on my face, while the tender pork cheeks with pickled octopus made me positively giddy. And you have to love a guy who can make simple, lightly-herbed fresh soft pretzels and mustard with a beer back seem like the sexiest snack in a place full of tasty treats.

ALLEN, CHRIS, DICK, & VINCE @ Blue Plate Diner (780) 429-0740
10145 – 104 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 0Z9

Why they’re dreamy:
Three meals a day with vegetarian (and vegan!) options and a locally-sourced bent (not so easy to find across Canada, as I discovered during her summer tour) is enough to make this quartet swoon-worthy. A juicy pork chop special paired with the succulent, pan-fried prawns appetizer makes for an indulgent dinner date, especially with the interesting art on the walls and low lighting as a romantic backdrop. And while “fresh fruit and our incredible maple-glazed cornbread” appears on the perfectly-sized (not too big but with enough variety) brunch menu, it flirted with me like a scandalous dessert.

WILL @ Biwa (503) 239-8830
215 SE 9th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214

Why he’s dreamy:
Because most things are better (if not healthier) when they are decadently deep-fried, and kimchi is no exception. Those miso scallop skewers are addictive, and the melt-in-your-mouth maguro poke actually made me shiver with delight. This cutie’s creations are always dependable, never boring. And I am totally digging the new late-night hours!

P.S. All you Biwa crushers out there can relax, I finally got him for you.

CAT @ Diner Deluxe (403) 276-5499
804 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 3J6

Why she’s dreamy:
I had trouble finding organic and locally-sourced restaurant meals in Canada, but this comely cook came through with all sorts of eggstastic goodness, a variety of Benedicts, maple fried oatmeal, and chocolate french toast with grilled bananas. Yum! Hands down, the best breakfast to be had in Calgary.

KENT and GABRIEL @ Davis Street Tavern (503) 505-5050
500 NW Davis Street, Portland, Oregon, 97209

Why they’re dreamy:
Classic comfort food with a tasteful twist. Oh who am I kidding? They make the grade for graciously serving me a juicy steak frites off-menu at lunchtime. I was really craving it, and I know they have one on the dinner menu sometimes, so I dared to ask. They kindly obliged, and for that alone they win my adoration. But don’t let my obvious bias sway you…Try the fancier-than-grandma-ever-made tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich the next time you’re feeling nostalgiac but can’t stomach the thought of Campbell’s. It’s just the right food at the right time.

BRETT @ Caffe Mingo (503) 226-4646
807 NW 21st Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97209

Why he’s dreamy:
Impeccable Italian fare. I never tire of singing this cutie’s praises- the place is comfy yet elegant, the service smooth and knowledgable, the food simply divine…You cannot go wrong with the house special penne with Chianti- and espresso-braised beef, or any of the pasta dishes really, but I go positively weak in the knees for the semolina gnocchi with salsa rosso. Save room for dessert- the chocolate budino (a kind of baked pudding) will send you stumbling into the street sublimely satisfied.

JASON @ Firehouse

Why he’s dreamy:
From the savory house-made lamb sausage and rotisserie chicken to crushably chewy-crusted Neapolitan pizzas, the boys at Firehouse really know how to make a girl swoon, and at scandalously reasonable prices. Plus, nearly every seat in the house has a view of at least one kitchen cutie…