Turning Japanese
Sake, shochu, and more
Posted by: John Chandler on Sep 16, 2009 at 10:00AM
6 Comments
Good news for gourmands, adventurous gluttons, and saké sippers: Miho Izakaya, right across the street from the Alibi on N Interstate Avenue, is now open for business.
Co-owner and rocker-about-town Michael Carothers gave me the crucial deets about this new eatery, describing it as similar to a Japanese pub or tapas bar. The food menu, prepared by chef and co-owner Michael Miho, consists primarily of small-plate entrées priced between $2 and $12. And rather than a set of carved-in-stone dishes, the menu will fluctuate depending on what the two Michaels have scouted out at the local markets. Check the chalkboard upon arrival for all the latest tastes—there will be marinated skewers, pickled veggie salads, an assortment of noodles, sushi, and exotic offerings like fried lotus root and bean curd and eel over rice. Just ask for the Full Eel Deal.
On the drinking side (about time, Bar Pilot!), there’s a full bar and a variety of sakés available, but Carothers seems most excited about the shochu, a Japanese clear spirit distilled from buckwheat, rice, or sweet potatoes. In terms of potency, it’s somewhere between wine and vodka, and it’s pretty groovy on the rocks with a little water.
“This place is traditional without being stiff,” Carothers explains. “It’s a very Japanese spot run by very Portland people.” Just save me a couple of eels, buddy!
Hours: Wed-Sun 4-midnight. 4057 N Interstate Ave
Cool! So where does the Bar Pilot school bus pick us all up for this glorious field trip? I have my helmet, my drinking goggles, and a permission slip from my dog. Let’s roll!!
Sounds good, I’m in. Hope they have some good veggie options. Soy eels, anyone? (Or seels, as I like to call them)
I just noticed the updating to what used to be a BBQ joint last week, and didn’t even realize it was open yesterday when riding past on the “shame train” (MAX Yellow line.) The remodel is very handsome, and I’m looking forward to checking this spot out. Another asset for NoPo!
Pickled veggies? I’m very there.
beautiful spot.
excellent clean, fresh food with lots of veggie & vegan options.
great sake.
open late.
inexpensive.
and topping it all off is the dynamic duo of neighborhood gents, michael & michael.
no po has been waiting for this for a long time and miho izakaya has arrived!
What can I say! Their my new neighbors and they are super guys. The food is absolutely fabu. I am proud to have them in our neighborhood.