Ratamacue Stew

Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I likely may not have believed it.  But, yes, you are reading correctly, there is a place called Voodoo Doughnut and it's in Portland, OR.  It's a great place for your morning coffee and doughnut fix or to pick up a doughnut voodoo doll to curse whatever or whomever ails you.  Complete with a gothic sense of humor, this landmark institution has three locations in Portland.  They also do weddings believe it or not!

While on vacation in the Pacific Northwest, the first night of our trip we had an opportunity to eat at another restaurant famed for the chef having been on Iron Chef America and beaten the Iron Chef competitor.  Maria Hines was on just a few weeks ago and beat Morimoto.  Inspired by her victory, we had to eat at her restaurant in Seattle.

Tilth features New American cuisine prepared with certified-organic or wild ingredients sourced from as many local farmers as they are able to support.  The executive chef and owner, Maria Hines, is a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef of the Northwest as well as one of Food & Wine Magazine's 10 Best new Chefs of 2005.  In 2008, the New York Times deemed Tilth one of the best new restaurants in the country.  Tilth received its organic certification from Oregon Tilth, an unaffiliated organization that promotes sustainability.

Great food, great wine, family, and lots of laughter made this an evening we'll remember for a very long time.