Casa Del Matador

Casa Del Matador is a Seattle chain that has opened up shop on NW 23rd and E. Burnside in Portland. They specialize in Tex Mex and tequila. We checked it out with a large work group and the staff did a good job of keeping the food and drinks flowing. The margaritas are big and strong and are best on the rocks. We started with the Blackened Ahi with Green Apple Slaw, the Ancho-Chipotle Wings and the Habanero Prawns which were both pretty hot and tasty, and the Spicy Fried Calamari, which was the only disappointment.

As an entree, I had the red chile carnitas enchiladas plate with black beans, rice and pico de gallo; the enchiladas also come with carne asada, shredded chicken, or shrimp. Another favorite at our table was the Carne Asada Surf and Turf: seared, marinaded skirt steak and Garlic or Habanero Prawns, served with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed corn and leeks.

The prices are very reasonable and overall the services was good. They also have a huge bar where you can eat and watch a game. When the opened the big garage doors the breeze made it very comfortable despite being a hot evening.

11am - 2am Every Day

Casa Del Matador
1438 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR
(503) 228-2855

The Oldest Tavern in America

One of my favorite places we visited in Rhode Island was the White Horse Tavern in Newport, which claims to be the oldest tavern in America. The original building was built in 1652, and although there were taverns before that, this is supposedly the only one that has been in continuous existence as a tavern since it opened. They also claim that in 1708 the Tavern became “birthplace of the businessman’s lunch” as city councilors dined here and charged their meals to the public treasury. It is a great bar and although we didn't get to eat, we heard from plenty of people that the food is excellent too. I doubt there is a drink that the bar tender doesn't know how to make, especially old cocktails from the 18th and 19th century.

White Horse Tavern
26 Marlborough Street
Newport, RI 02840
401-849-3600

White Baiting

Today we took part in a sacred Roger's family tradition before we got on the plane to head back to Portland; today we got to white bait. White bait are a very small fish that you get in the northeast, that I have also tasted in Scotland. They look like little sardines and can be tasty if you fry them up and make a good sauce. The process is pretty simple, you get two guys with a net down on one side of the beach and a group of 10-12 people about 30 yards away that walk towards the net, scaring the fish into it. The hardest part is getting up at 7 AM to get to the beach. We made three passes and filled up a good size bucket with fish.

You can see a great documentary that David Baugnon made on white baiting at his film website.

The Christening

Today was the main event, the christening of Matthew Emanual Baugnon. It was held in a beautiful church that has been around for a couple of hundred years and Meg's great grandfather was once a minister. It was a great event with family from all over the north east and New Orleans in attendance. Up until the christening, Matthew had been one of the best behaved babies I had ever met. I had not heard him cry and he was only a little fussy if he got hungry. However, as soon as the spotlight was on him he erupted like a volcano. He howled throughout the christening as if the minister were pinching him. to break the tension Meg suggested, "maybe he's Jewish." As soon as the ceremony was over he went back to being a perfect baby.

I dont Like lobster

I have a terrible admission to make, I don't like lobster. I always thought it was because I hadn't gotten a really good one, but today I confirmed it. We all went to Anthony's Seafood Restaurant in Middletown, RI, where the lobster is only hours out of the trap, and I ordered a large lobster. I thought if I am in Rhode Island I have to try the official state food, and I will probably never get a better, fresher lobster. Unfortunately I was about two bites in when I realized I really don't like this. The other lobster lovers tasted mine to confirm it was good, so there are no excuses. I now officially know I never have to waste $40 again to prove this point

Hanging out at the beach

The weather was beautiful on our trip to Rhode Island, so we spent a lot of time at the beach. This particular area we went to is called Wet Stone and is at the foot of the yard of one of Meg's family friends. They have four huge family houses on the property and some great waterfront property. The water was really cold, but it felt great to jump in there and cool off.

Visiting our smallest state

Today we took out to Rhode Island for the christening of Matthew Emanuel Baugnon, son of David Baugnon and Meg Rogers. It was out first trip to Rhode Island where Meg's family has a summer house. The house is pretty amazing and has been in the family since the 1840's. It is in Middletown, which is a suburb of Newport. It is an easy walk down to the beach and about a 15 minute drive into Newport.