No need to induce “alternative facts” to paint the real scene of the newly opened Izakaya Minato, a surefire example of a Japanese gastropub. So, if you’re looking for the next big thing in Portland dining then take yourself to 54 Washington Ave. where this newcomer opened earlier this week. It’s next door to the Tex-Mex grandee, Terlingua, and across the street from the strip’s highly regarded darling, Drifter’s Wife. It also sits opposite from the former Roustabout, which closed last month. Word has it that none other than the indefatigable Rooms honcho Harding Lee Smith will fill the space. It’s unclear what culinary route he’ll take, but so far no names have drifted across the transom. Do I hear The Washington Room?
Izakaya Minato’s open kitchen and dining bar
