### 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.

#### Samantha’s Favorite Resy Spots

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**L'Échelle**\
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Richmond\
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This place feels like a warm hug. End with custard next door.](/content/cities/portland-or/venues/lechelle?venueId=83390/index.html)
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**No Saint**\
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Vernon\
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The wood-fired rigatoncini alla vodka is a must.](/content/cities/portland-or/venues/no-saint?venueId=74494/index.html)
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**Kann**\
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Southeast Portland\
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Yes, it’s worth the hype and a last-minute 9 p.m. dinner Resy.](/content/cities/portland-or/venues/kann?venueId=42551/index.html)
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**Miracle at Deadshot**\
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East Portland\
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A phenomenal cocktail bar that makes you wonder how they do it.](/content/cities/portland-or/venues/miracle-at-deadshot-pdx?venueId=72652/index.html)
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**Scotch Lodge**\
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Buckman\
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A perfect nightcap spot no matter where you had dinner.](/content/cities/portland-or/venues/scotch-lodge?venueId=5884/index.html)
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**The Paper Bridge**\
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Central Eastside\
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Read the full menu. Trust me.](/content/cities/portland-or/venues/the-paper-bridge?venueId=77916/index.html)
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**Heavenly Creatures**\
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Sullivan's Gulch\
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Tuna tostada. Whipped Camembert.](/content/cities/portland-or/venues/heavenly-creatures?venueId=84292/index.html)

#### 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.