Calbee Sukiyaki JagaRico: I love the crunchy Japanese potato snack JagaRico, which is a staple in any convenience store and comes in many different flavors. I hadn't seen the Sukiyaki one before, though, and found it especially addictive. It has a meaty, roasted flavor reminiscent of soy and shiitake, inspired by the hot pot dish typically consisting of sliced beef, mushrooms, onions, and other vegetables. JagaRico more generally is a nice option when you're looking for a potato snack with more bite than a crispy po... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended japanese potato calbee sukiyaki jagarico 3.5
Bibi Bitter Apertivo Soda: This non-alcoholic beverage has a vivid blood orange flavor and wonderfully balanced citrus and herbal notes. The can doesn't contain any identifying information other than "natural herb and fruit extracts," but it reminds me a little bit of the classic, slightly medicinal flavor of sarsaparilla soda mixed with a bright yet bitter orange kick. Made in Toronto, Canada. 4.0/5.0
recommended drinks bibi bitter apertivo soda 4.0
Lolo Sparkling Pomelo Sage Hops: Lolo is a Pacific Northwest brand that makes non-alcoholic, low-calorie drinks. I typically don't like hops-based drinks (and generally don't enjoy the taste of beer), but this sparkling pomelo sage drink went way beyond my expectations. I really enjoyed how vibrant the citrus flavor was. It's sweetened just enough but also quite acidic and well balanced. And it has an herbal aftertaste from the addition of sage. Highly recommended. Purchased at Anchored Ship Coffee Bar in Ballard. 4.5/5.0
drinks exceptional lolo sparkling pomelo sage hops 4.5
Lay's Roasted Seaweed Potato Chips: Since when did Lay's make Pringle's canister potato chips? Unlike the classic crispy, transluscently-thin Lay's potato chips, these are very much in the style of Pringles, though slightly smaller. They surprisingly come packed in a pull-out plastic tray (so you don't have to dig for the chips at the bottom, I suppose). I purchased them from Uwajimaya (the Japanese grocery chain in the PNW), though these are Chinese. The roasted seaweed flavor has a really satisfying savory sweet flavor and... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended chips fritolays chinese uwajimaya lays roasted seaweed potato 4.0
Matutina Cinnamon Concha: Sadly, this post is solely for documentation as Matutina, a Mexican bakery in downtown Portland (about a 5 minute walk from Powell's), is now closed. I was able to try a concha fresh from the oven on the day before they shut their doors, and it was excellent. The bread itself was fluffy, yet had a slightly chewy texture, and the cinnamon crust was on the sweet side but had a lovely spiced flavor reminiscent of breakfast cereal. I hope they're able to open up elsewhere as these baked goods ... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional portland pastry mexican matutina cinnamon concha 4.5
Trader Joe's Yuzu Ripple Coconut Frozen Dessert: This vegan coconut-based "ice cream" is one of the best things I've ever had from Trader Joe's. The coconut base is more neutral than other vegan frozen desserts I've had, making the acidic yuzu ripples the dominant flavor. It seems to be flavored with both yuzu zest as well as marmalade-like yuzu "ripples" that add a satisfying chewy texture. Perfect for hot summer days. 4.5/5.0
exceptional vegan desserts icecream traderjoes yuzu ripple coconut frozen dessert 4.5