Restaurant review

Two restaurants have recently opened in our neighborhood. I'd say one's a keeper and the other is not.

Laurelhurst Market and Butcher Shop
Great name, nice location in a former run-down convenience store. Meat counter in the front, restaurant in back. Seating outside. Expensive ($13 hamburger) and a touch pretentious. Probably won't go back, but I like the idea of the place. Just wish it was a bit more, um, down-to-earth, I guess.

The Matador Bar
A jewel of a place! The food seems to be some sort of spanish-mexican fusion. The portions are large, the nachos are HUGE and only $4 during happy hour, the atmosphere is comfortable, airy, and all-in-all pleasant, and the prices aren't too bad. Last time we went Ryan and I shared a dish. It's the kind of place I want to go back to, no doubt.

I'm excited to see our little neighborhood blossom. It's quickly turning into a mini-mecca of restaurants, botique shops, coffee bars, and dessert places, all within walking distance.