Came for Tax-Free Shopping, Stayed for the Feasts: Korean

🌶️ Hansik (Korean): Portions So Big They Shock, The Beef & Wasabi Fiasco Is Too Funny Went in for a quick bite, but the portions here blew my mind: Dolsot bibimbap arrived sizzling, with crispy rice crust stuck to the stone pot. Stirred with gochujang, it’s a mix of carrots, bean sprouts, egg, and rice—spicy, fresh, and scraping the crust at the end is pure joy. Sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) is a spicy star! Silky tofu jiggles in red broth, with charred kimchi adding smokiness. One sip warms you from head to toe—pair with white rice, and you’ll clean the bowl. The funniest part? The steamed beef: First thought, “Why is this tasteless?” Dipped it in sauce, then got hit by wasabi so hard I teared up. Pouted through half the meal before realizing—two of the four sauces are plain soy! No-wasabi sauce with tender beef? Perfectly fresh. Scraped the rest in seconds. That “late realization” happiness—relatable, right? 😂 🔥 OX Restaurant (Argentine): $300 for 4, Every Bite Is a Flavor Firework It’s fine dining, but friendlier on the wallet than expected (4 people, $300 with drinks)—and the taste? Chef’s kiss . We got a free “salty matcha” tea first. Odd at first (like green tea with a hint of seaweed), but it grows on you—sipped half the pot without thinking. Bone marrow soup deserves a trophy! Marrow melts like butter; dip bread in it, and the rich, creamy goodness hits your tongue—so good, I almost licked the bowl. Grilled octopus is even better: charred edges, bouncy texture, bold spices that make the octopus taste brighter. Spent the meal wondering, “What are those spices?!” 🌶️ The steak? Tender enough to cut with a fork, pink center oozing juice—just a sprinkle of salt, and it’s divine. Roasted potatoes are fluffy with cheese, and lamb is fall-off-the-bone tender, no gaminess. Cocktails are genius for non-drinkers: Both we ordered tasted like fruity soda, barely any alcohol. Mine (foamy) was too sweet, but my friend’s foam-free one? Zesty lime with a hint of booze—refreshing perfection. 🥐 La Provence (French Brunch): Sweet to the Heart, Strawberry Toast Makes You Want to Hoard This little French spot (also called Petite Provence) serves brunch that’s “sinfully delicious”— Strawberry toast is a work of art: Thick-cut bread, crispy outside, soft inside, slathered with fluffy cream, piled high with fresh strawberries, drizzled with honey. One bite, and wheat, cream, and berry tartness collide—it’s very sweet, but too good to stop. Even my “I hate ” friend fought for bites 🍓 Matcha latte is “French-style”: Silky foam, matcha earthiness balanced by milk sweetness—perfect with toast. Small letdown: Salmon in the salmon-potato dish is salty, but the potatoes? (stewed) soft, soaked in broth—scooping them up is pure comfort. Wanted tiramisu, but we were stuffed to the gills—next time, it’s a must! 🧋 Bamboo Boba: Worth a Second Visit, Even If It’s Slow Didn’t expect much, but first sip won me over: Peach oolong has clean tea notes, natural peach sweetness, and chewy boba—no gross leftover bits. Jasmine is fragrant, like “jasmine tea with popping pearls.” Matcha? Mildly bitter, perfectly balanced with milk. Only flaw: Slow service. Waited 20 mins first time, 15 mins the third (we came back!). But that first sip? Totally worth the wait—slow and steady makes the best boba. 📚 Bonus: Japanese Bookstore Cuteness After eating, wandered into a Japanese bookstore. Not food, but the BL&GL&LGBT section’s plush toys? Adorable! Little bears with rainbow flags, bunnies in heart scarves—so soft and thoughtful. Portland’s got more than food; it’s full of sweet surprises 🥰 Leaving Portland, I kept thinking, “When will Seattle get spots like these?!” Who says tax-free states are just for shopping? In Portland, filling your stomach with joy is the best “splurge” ever. #Portland #PortlandEats #FoodieAdventures