Are you in the mood for some comfort food? Skip the typical unhealthy fried food this time and try Kalé.
Kalé, which is a simple spiced stew consisting of meat, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and other vegetables and served with rice, was first introduced in Japan in the late 1800’s. The popularity of the dish grew throughout the years, as it became a staple at well-known restaurants and was added to the official cookbooks of the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy. Now, it’s so popular in Japan that it’s considered a national dish; one that the average person eats 86 times per year!
So where do you go to get Kalé in Portland? That’s where Makoto Yoshino comes in. Originally from Kobe, Japan, Makoto came to the U.S. to attend college and graduate school. He became a U.S. citizen and moved to Portland in 2008, and seeing a lack of restaurants that served the comfort foods of his native Japan, he decided to open one. The aptly-named Kalé opened its doors in 2010 and has been going strong ever since, serving a simple menu with a few variations of the famous dish. And Portland has taken notice. Makoto’s Kalé was recently mentioned by The Oregonian as one of the ten best rice dishes in Portland and Willamette Week’s Cheap Eats 2013 urged readers to try the “comfortingly spiced” dish.
So head on over to 900 SW Morrison and order your Kalé directly from Makoto. Or have it delivered for lunch by one of the friendly cyclists at Portland Pedal Power. Either way, enjoy it! You deserve some comfort food!
Click here to read more about the history of Kalé.
