Meet the Cooks Redefining What It Means to Eat at Portland’s Queer Bars | Eater Portland

"At the queer bar Back 2 Earth, Jay Maas—who moved to Portland after working farms and roadhouse kitchens in Alaska—has taken over as kitchen manager and launched a drag brunch program that features items like corn flake–crusted chicken and waffles (with “fresh fruit at every table”). Maas is planning a first‑birthday menu overhaul focused on American comfort with original touches, including poutine, mini vegan corn dogs, an arugula and shaved fennel salad with gluten‑free croutons, and caramelized onion dip with potato chips; Maas says caramelizing onions makes them “more puss” while cutting down on onion breath. Maas also swaps store‑bought aioli for one made with in‑house garlic confit, which he adds to a buttery tomato soup that’s paired with a grilled cheese that quickly became the bar’s best seller—personal, hand‑made details Maas says help ground the chaos of high‑volume nights like bingo and make the food about more than just soaking up drinks." - Thom Hilton