There was a time not so long ago that Portland enjoyed a reputation for bold culinary initiative and intense creativity. In recent years, however, the trend has been to safe, simple ideas with mass appeal; burgers, pizza, fried chicken, rinse and repeat.
The Paper Bridge, the inner Southeast restaurant specializing in North Vietnamese food, is ready to subvert the dominant paradigm. In April (and the last few days of March, beginning March 27), Chef/co-owner Carlo Reinardy and crew will summon the halcyon days of Portland dining with its latest monthly special: iguana.
Reinardy and his wife and business partner, Quynh Nguyen, have already vaulted The Paper Bridge to the top tier of local establishments with its long, deep, and interesting food and drink menus. It has captured the attention of The New York Times as well as local food enthusiasts. The below-grade space buzzes with energy every night…