You'll pardon if I resort to my old standby in the BiGMoUtH blog known as Leftovers. Basically, I upload all of my pictures from my phone and camera, sort through and if I remember when and where and why I took a picture, it makes it to the page. That is some major scrutiny so trust me when I tell you that this is some good stuff.
Reaching back to the beginning of the year, I returned to the People's Pig and actually took a picture of my feast before I plowed in. The lighting isn't the best and neither is my patience when I am sitting in front of the Smoked Fried Chicken plate with Greens and Jo Jos (which I can no longer find on the menu). This is the most uniquely flavored fried chicken I've ever tried, really. The smokiness under the perfectly crisp fried batter is what takes it over the top. The delightful People's Mules (Monopalowa Vodka, Lime, House Ginger Syrup, Soda Water) served authentically in copper cups only enhanced the warm fuzzy feelings this meal provided. The greens are good, mine are better. The jojos were delicious and one of the better side options so I hope they're not gone for good. This chicken is one of those items that you want to order every time you visit the place. It's hard to break away from something this good. 
Another place we visited earlier in the spring was Newport, Oregon's Ocean Bleu at Gino's. Nothing new here, same old perfection on a plate. I ordered the fresh from the ocean that morning rockfish and chips. I can't even explain without crying. I love this place and everything about it. This time around I did dive into my food before I could take a picture and so I leave you with some pretty pictures from the comfy fun dining room and sweet hide-away patio. Someday, I'll actually have to write them a legit review. After all, this is a family who shops locally, supports their local industry, processes their fresh fish on site and even participates in some of the fishing themselves. Talk about a serious farm to table movement. 
This next place is new to me and I get a bit giddy thinking about them. They are Donut Byte Labs and they are a food cart at SW 4th and Burnside. These little baby donuts are just enough. Just enough sweet, just enough savory, just enough soft doughyness, just enough delightful crisp. I cannot quite grasp why people will stand in a humongous line at the pink box place two streets over when this little cart is pumping out these little flavor bombs. They have passed my favorite three picks for best doughnut in Portland and have rolled themselves to the top for flavor alone. My favorite? So hard! OK, please try the Milk and Honey, it is heaven on earth. Just so you know, I still have tremendous love for Joe's in Sandy, Pip's Original, and Annie's on Sandy Blvd.
I'm not always out and about eating and drinking, I do plenty of that stuff at home too. I mean with someone like K whipping out baby Beef Wellingtons and Bacon and Eggs for days, I consider myself pretty spoiled.
I enjoy the familiar as much as I love trying something new. Sometimes, it's a little bit of both. Headed back to the Portland Mercado, we discovered the newly opened Que' Bola! Pretty much anything from the carts or vendors at the Mercado can be certified delicious but I was really excited to try the Cuban comfort food served up by Jose Perez and family. It did not disappoint. K went straight for the Cubano sandwich with a side of gooey crisp sweet fried plantains. My favorite. I was looking for the savory sour of Cuban Picadillo. Delicious green olives and golden raisins pack the sweet and sour punch required for this chopped meat dish. With a side salad and white rice it is a sizable meal; I could've shared but I didn't. Served with a smile, I will definitely be returning to Que' Bola! to check out the other items on the menu at this delightful Mercado addition.
Thank you for your patience while I cleaned out my phone and photos to bring you today's blog. It was stuffed with pictures from our family trip to Kauai.
Mahalo!
