Samantha Bakall

Samantha Bakall

Portland Contributor

Samantha is a queer, second-gen Chinese American journalist and strategic communications leader living in Portland, Oregon. From 2013 to 2018, she worked for The Oregonian and was the only staff food writer of color in the state, and has since worked as a freelance writer specializing in equity-based food issues, particularly about the AAPI diaspora in the Pacific Northwest, alongside nonprofit social justice work. When not sharing her opinions on food with all her friends, you can find her in the great outdoors where she’s still sharing her thoughts, just without cell service.

Fun Facts

  • Lives in
    Portland, OR
  • First Resy ever made
    The Gold Room in 2022.
  • Drink of choice
    Almost any old fashioned or Manhattan.
  • Favorite food city
    Chicago (my hometown, I’m biased).
  • Restaurant you’ve been to the most
    Cafe Olli.
  • Favorite food movie
    “Ratatouille.”
  • Last meal on earth
    A Frankensteinian menu of sashimi, salt-and-pepper head-on shrimp from Honeymoon Cafe in Chicago, butter chicken, a sausage and giardiniera tavern-style pizza from Vito & Nick’s, hot pot, and boxed yellow cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

Recent Posts


The Hit ListPortland

Where to Eat in April: Firehouse, Chelo, Jacqueline, and More

Portland’s long-awaited sun is finally shining and isn’t setting until after 7 p.m. — which can only mean spring is…

By

The Hit ListPortland

The March Hit List: Clandestino, Gado Gado, Le Pigeon, and More

Even though it’s only March, the spring flowers popping up through the cold earth gives us that winter’s-almost-over feeling. Channel…

By

The Hit ListPortland

The February Hit List: Casa Zoraya, Han Oak, Normandie, and More

This time of year, after several months of rain and gray, we always crave meals that whisk us away to…

By

The Hit ListPortland

Where to Eat in January: Lulu/Jarana, Montelupo, Fortune BBQ, and More

Another year, a new slate of restaurants! As we gear up for a brand-new year of dining, we’re keeping our…

By

Best of The Hit ListPortland

The 10 Restaurants That Defined Portland Dining in 2022

In a strong year for dining, what were the absolute standouts?  We asked our contributors to the Resy Hit List to share…

By

The Hit ListPortland

Where to Eat in December: De Noche at La Fondita, G-Love, Jacob & Sons, and More

Just like that, another year is almost over. Portland has seen enormous change in its restaurants, from new collabs (and…

By

The Hit ListPortland

Where to Eat in November: Abyssinian Kitchen, Decarli, Lilia, and More

It’s finally fall in Portland. After a long-earned summer, shimmering golden leaves, brightly colored squash and gourds, and cooler temps…

By

The Hit ListPortland

Where to Eat in October: Sousòl, Gold Room, Phuket Cafe, and More

It’s hard to believe that summer is already over. After that winter, the endless sunny days and bright blue skies felt…

By

The Hit ListPortland

Where to Eat in September: Apizza Scholls, Langbaan, Old Pal, and More

As the end of what seems like the shortest summer ever comes to a close, you can find us making…

By

The Hit ListPortland

Where to Eat in August: Canard, Kann, Dolly Olive, and More

Like all the fruit that seems to have just burst into ripening in this summer’s sun, Portland has seen an…

By

More Stories