Stumptown Coffee kingpin Duane Sorenson and local rock star chef Joshua McFadden combined forces to create one of the hottest eateries in town, on the city's burgeoning foodie street, SE Division. The "Roman-inspired" menu at Ava Gene's delves deep into the bounty of Northwest meats and vegetables, with crusty breads, liquid gold olive oils, and a tripe stew worthy of the Old Country. Try the cauliflower grilled over an open fire with chiles and tonnato sauce, or the tagliatelle al carbonara with duck egg and prosciutto. Many of the plates are sized to share, although you probably won't want to. You need to book a table as far in advance as you can; otherwise, you can sit at the chef’s counter, which is kept open for walk-ins. Breads and pastries come from Roman Candle Bakery, right next door; you can get a good slab of focaccia there to take home.