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Updating the Eater PDX Heat Map: Where to Eat Now

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Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, etc., and more often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" (ie, newest) places of the moment.

Thus, we offer the Eater HeatMap, which will change often to continually highlight where the food-focused crowds are flocking to at this very second. February should prove a fruitful month for hotly anticipated restaurant openings, so for now, just two spots to mention (and they're monster ones): The expansion of a brunch favorite in Tasty N Alder and the high-profile fine dining restaurant Raven & Rose.

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Tasty N Alder

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John Gorham expands his popular Tasty N Sons concept with the just-opened downtown spot Tasty N Alder. Right now, just brunch is available — and staples like shakshuka and Burmese pork stew are absent from the downtown menu. But chef Kyle Prewitt gets to explore other world flavors in equally comforting dishes like schnitzel and bibimbop with bacon and eggs.

Raven & Rose

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Most of the buzz seems reserved for Raven & Rose's upstairs cocktail bar (and indeed, it's often packed to the gills on weekends), but don't overlook the downstairs dining room, where chef David Padberg churns out simple-but-flavorful plates.

Ava Gene's

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The newest spot by Stumptown's Duane Sorenson, the Italian-by-New-York Ava Gene's is drawing crowds for chef Joshua McFadden's al dente pasta, pork osso busco, and surprising vegetable dishes. Also: a cocktail menu by Woodsman Tavern's Evan Zimmerman.

Verde Cocina en la Perla

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Farmer's market favorite Verde Cocina opens a brick-and-mortar location in the Pearl, offering hearty and healthy interpretations of Mexican food. Chef Noe Garcia's popular huevos rancheros and gringas are on offer; in addition to ceviches, mole, and squash-stuffed quesadillas.

Blue Star Donuts

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One of the buzziest recent openings, somewhat surprisingly for this doughnut-happy town, is Micah Camden's Blue Star Donuts, which takes a from-scratch approach to deep-fried dough. Expect unique, house-made glazes (blueberry bourbon basil!) and savory options (like a doughnut topped with fried chicken).

Portland Penny Diner

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The casual little sister to Vitaly Paley's upscale downtown spot Imperial, the Portland Penny Diner feeds nearby lunch crowds with flatbread sandwiches, salads, and a playful soda-fountain-inspired cocktail menu.

The Tannery

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Caleb McBee transforms his Skin & Bones Bistro into a bar that still provides upscale eats in a casual, neighborhood setting. Pair a craft cocktail with an order of duck wings, shepard's pie, or the Monte Cristo sandwich.

Lardo West

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Just like his Lardo Hawthorne location, chef Rick Gencarelli offers porchetta, mortadella, and smoked coppa sandwiches at this casual spot (which also flaunts a killer tap list).

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The rock-n-roll-leaning Bunk Sandwiches team offers its version of Tex-Mex in the space under the Wonder Ballroom. As to be expected from Bunk-Mex, queso comes pimped out with brisket ends, giant margaritas arrive with Corona bottles submerged, and tacos offer twists like fried chicken sandwiched between the tortillas.

Tasty N Alder

John Gorham expands his popular Tasty N Sons concept with the just-opened downtown spot Tasty N Alder. Right now, just brunch is available — and staples like shakshuka and Burmese pork stew are absent from the downtown menu. But chef Kyle Prewitt gets to explore other world flavors in equally comforting dishes like schnitzel and bibimbop with bacon and eggs.

Raven & Rose

Most of the buzz seems reserved for Raven & Rose's upstairs cocktail bar (and indeed, it's often packed to the gills on weekends), but don't overlook the downstairs dining room, where chef David Padberg churns out simple-but-flavorful plates.

Ava Gene's

The newest spot by Stumptown's Duane Sorenson, the Italian-by-New-York Ava Gene's is drawing crowds for chef Joshua McFadden's al dente pasta, pork osso busco, and surprising vegetable dishes. Also: a cocktail menu by Woodsman Tavern's Evan Zimmerman.

Verde Cocina en la Perla

Farmer's market favorite Verde Cocina opens a brick-and-mortar location in the Pearl, offering hearty and healthy interpretations of Mexican food. Chef Noe Garcia's popular huevos rancheros and gringas are on offer; in addition to ceviches, mole, and squash-stuffed quesadillas.

Blue Star Donuts

One of the buzziest recent openings, somewhat surprisingly for this doughnut-happy town, is Micah Camden's Blue Star Donuts, which takes a from-scratch approach to deep-fried dough. Expect unique, house-made glazes (blueberry bourbon basil!) and savory options (like a doughnut topped with fried chicken).

Portland Penny Diner

The casual little sister to Vitaly Paley's upscale downtown spot Imperial, the Portland Penny Diner feeds nearby lunch crowds with flatbread sandwiches, salads, and a playful soda-fountain-inspired cocktail menu.

The Tannery

Caleb McBee transforms his Skin & Bones Bistro into a bar that still provides upscale eats in a casual, neighborhood setting. Pair a craft cocktail with an order of duck wings, shepard's pie, or the Monte Cristo sandwich.

Lardo West

Just like his Lardo Hawthorne location, chef Rick Gencarelli offers porchetta, mortadella, and smoked coppa sandwiches at this casual spot (which also flaunts a killer tap list).

Trigger

The rock-n-roll-leaning Bunk Sandwiches team offers its version of Tex-Mex in the space under the Wonder Ballroom. As to be expected from Bunk-Mex, queso comes pimped out with brisket ends, giant margaritas arrive with Corona bottles submerged, and tacos offer twists like fried chicken sandwiched between the tortillas.

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