[ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
As the year comes to a close, Eater sites across the globe are tipping hats to all of 2018\u2019s restaurant memories and meals. <\/em>Here in Portland<\/em><\/a>, we asked some of the city\u2019s best fed about the biggest dining grievances of 2018. From a lack of izakayas to a limited pool of young new talent, these are Portland\u2019s professional eaters\u2019 biggest gripes about the local culinary scene.<\/em><\/p>\n Michael Russell<\/strong><\/a>, restaurant critic for <\/strong>The Oregonian<\/strong><\/em><\/a>:<\/strong> Gary Okazaki<\/strong><\/a>, co-host of the podcast <\/strong>Walk-ins Welcome with Gary & Michael<\/strong><\/em><\/a>:<\/strong> Michael C Zusman<\/strong><\/a>, restaurant critic for <\/strong>Willamette Week<\/strong><\/em><\/a>:<\/strong> Pechluck Laskey<\/strong><\/a>, author of <\/strong>Pechluck\u2019s Food Adventures<\/strong><\/a> and Eater PDX contributor:<\/strong> Mattie John Bamman<\/strong><\/a>, author of <\/strong>Ravenous Traveler<\/strong><\/a> and former Eater PDX editor:<\/strong>
\u201cThe switch from \u2018dishes will come out when they\u2019re ready\u2019 to \u2018the kitchen asks that you place your entire order at once\u2019 has given me whiplash.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPDX has a dearth of izakayas.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOther than the mom and pop non-Western restaurants I love and have written and talked about repeatedly, there is precious little new blood on the Portland scene. I\u2019ll avoid the standard screed about Portland being over, but it is a victim of its own notoriety in many ways. It so much more difficult for young, creative but poorly financed new talent to find a niche. Instead, the same operators who have been around for a while and figured Portland out expand or add new concepts. Also, the rise of hotel restaurants is mostly a horrifying development.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c(We\u2019re in the midst of) a tropical drinks trend, yet no one seems to have figured out a menu that brings really good food and those libations together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted more experimentation! More newcomers! More innovative flavors and rare dishes from afar!\u201d<\/p>\n