Papa G's offers choice vegan
cuisine & world-class musicians
by KT
Papa G's is located at S.E. 23rd & Division. This quaint building sports a small parking lot, and on-street parking is available.
This writer recently stopped in to investigate the food and live music. The ambience is very comfortable and relaxed, but Papa G's is different from the early '60s communal macrobiotic kitchens. This little restaurant is possibly a marker of the "change" in our society that is so desired by residents.
Tim Acott
(Photo by KT)
Papa G's is sophisticated but user-friendly. They serve genuine vegan fair-trade food. The salad bar presents some traditional salad fare plus many delicious choices. The cooler holds a variety of drinks, including a nice selection of coconut water; this writer had the tangerine-flavored version. It's very cooling and soothing, with a light touch.
In addition to the BBQ tofu, sweetpea chocolate cupcakes, gluten-free items, Papa G's regularly offers biscuits-and-gravy. Service-person Angie is eager also to dish out hot food such as mashed yams, and other comforting selections, all from organic, vegetarian, fair-trade sources, including local farms. (Check out the barbecue tofu! ) Everything tastes good! No sacrifice for the righteous.
Papa G's isn't a fast-food-pocket-change place; it is a nice restaurant serving decent, clean, healthy food from a large selection of menu items. Even the to-go food containers are biodegradable and compostable.
This writer's choice included the "high protein" cookie, made with peanuts, coconut, oatmeal, chocolate chips, sunflower seeds and more. All ingredients are listed, so you can scan for personal allergens. The calcium lactate in some bakery items is made from sugar beets, not milk. Gluten-free items are labeled, and some items use wheat alternatives, such as spelt. The EnerG egg replacer in some items is made from potato starch and non-dairy calcium lactate. Papa G's is a must-see-and-eat spot where anyone can get a great meal of their own best choices.
Jake Ray and Billy Kennedy
(Photo by KT)
The live music Sunday afternoons features guitarist and singer Billy Kennedy; bassist Tim Acott on a flat-top acoustic four-string; and singer-songwriter-guitarist Jake Ray. This group is the basic "house band" at the Laurelthirst Pub on Wednesdays. Kennedy and Acott are a welcome fixture in the Portland music scene and Ray also performs at the Langano Lounge on Thursdays.
Well-known and in-demand Dobro player Paul Brainard joins these "Antiseptic Monks" when he is in the Portland area. Since he’s a world-class player, Brainard often works elsewhere.
On this visit the group, was billed as the Anesthetic Monks. The style of tunes can be described as anything from classic country-style ballads to borderline jug band, with honky-tonk and western in between. Ray's vocals are smooth and a bit dry, with straightforward and consistent delivery. New to the area, he's well worth a look-see and listen-to.
Billy Kennedy, master guitarist, may be recognized from previous acts such as Special K, Billy Kennedy Trio, LeBone (jazz group with Dan Balmer and Carlton Jackson or Calvin Walker). Before putting down roots at the Laurelthirst, Kennedy performed at the old Dublin Pub in Portland.
Acott is a solid and hip bassist with at least 20 years of performance at the Laurelthirst Pub. You might recognize him from his "sourdough" cachet and the twinkle in his eye. He's a man of few words.
These musicians have the calm competence that comes from many years of the right kind of experience. This equates to leadership in the live music arena. This writer enjoyed them greatly and absolutely will return to Papa G's. Future self-selected full-plate nourishing comfort food might resemble the "veggie plate," once served at the former Doris Café in Northeast Portland, but this time with medically benign healthy food. Go soon and enjoy the comfort zone at Papa G's.