Karen Brooks eats, drinks and thinks about food for Portland Monthly, as the magazine's trend-spotting food critic at large. Karen's reviews and think pieces ferret out the restaurants, food carts, and maverick thinkers defining Portland's food voice. In 2017, Karen won one of the food world's most prestigious titles: the James Beard Craig Claiborne Distinguished Restaurant Reviewer Award. She's penned nine books on food and drink, and in 2020 guest-starred on Hulu's food series, Eater's Guide to the World.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

From Russia, With Love

A James Beard chef finds the lost cooking of his childhood—and creates one of the year's most dynamic dining experiences.

07/20/2015 By Karen Brooks

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Rose VL Deli Opens Another Door to Vietnamese Soup Heaven

Dinner is on at SE Powell’s new soup-and-bahn mi shop, from the founders of 82nd Avenue’s famed HA&VL breakfast and lunch spot.

07/07/2015 By Karen Brooks

BREAKING NEWS

Biwa Owners to Open Kotori, a Sidewalk Yakitori "Restaurant"

On July 9, hardcore Japanese grilling hits the streets with beak-to-feet specials and a covered tachinomi bar for 20.

07/07/2015 Edited by Karen Brooks

BREAKING NEWS

Bunk's Tommy Habetz to Open Pizza Jerk on NE 42nd

Moon Pizza is no more; the newly named Pizza Jerk will rise this fall with slices, pies, and soft-serve.

07/06/2015 By Karen Brooks

BREAKING FOOD NEWS

Falafel’s Rising Star Chickpeadx Opens Inside the Zipper

A promising Mid-East cart embarks on a new future inside the Zipper, a micro-business incubator on NE Sandy.

07/01/2015 By Karen Brooks

RESTAURANT AND BAR UPDATES

Portland News to Chew

Gabe Rucker takes over Little Bird, Erik Van Kley opens Taylor Railworks, and Flying Fish expands its seafood empire.

06/30/2015 By Eat Beat Team

BREAKING NEWS

Kim Jong Grillin’ Opens Second Food Cart in Northeast Portland

From collaborative dinners with Portland chefs to new cart luxuries (outdoor tables! beer!), Han Ly Hwang ramps up his considered Korean street food.

06/23/2015 By Karen Brooks

HIT LIST

Where Portland Monthly Staffers Really Eat Lunch

Ever wonder where to grab a bite in the bustle of downtown Portland? We share our go-to lunch orders to help you wade through the sea of carts and delis.

06/23/2015 By Portland Monthly Magazine and Allison Jones

WORD OF MOUTH

3 Things You Must Eat in Portland this July

Portland Monthly food critic Karen Brooks dishes on the restaurants, obsessions, and under-the-radar finds of the month.

06/22/2015 By Karen Brooks

The Scoop

Taste Test: Salt & Straw’s Food Cart Flavors

Portland’s ice cream innovators hit the streets to create five new flavors. We got the inside scoop.

06/17/2015 By Karen Brooks

BREAKING NEWS

HA & VL Founders to Open New Vietnamese Soup Shop in Late June

At last, Rose VL Deli will serve the 82nd Avenue shop's iconic Asian soups—and more—for dinner on SE Powell.

05/26/2015 By Karen Brooks

WORD OF MOUTH

3 Things You Must Eat in Portland This June

Portland Monthly food critic Karen Brooks dishes on the restaurants, obsessions, and under-the-radar finds of the month.

05/26/2015 By Karen Brooks

RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Rise of Portland's Iconoclastic Asian Cuisine

The city's new wave of Asian-inspired cooking is punk rock, adventurous, and delicious.

05/26/2015 By Karen Brooks

IN MEMORIAM

Why Josh Ozersky Was America's Most Original Food Writer

Local chefs and friends recall the life and times of meat evangelist Josh Ozersky, who moved to his beloved Portland before his untimely death on May 4.

05/13/2015 By Karen Brooks

BREAKING NEWS

Iconic Big Egg Cart Closing Sunday To Open Brick-And-Mortar

After this weekend, Portland’s temple to fried egg sandwiches will get a new lease on life: the just-closed Sugar Cube space on Alberta, opening late June.

05/05/2015 By Karen Brooks