READERS RECOMMEND

Portland chefs' school gets high marks

12:00 AM PDT, April 09, 2006

"WE spent three days touring Portland, Ore., and had a wonderful five-course lunch at the Western Culinary Institute, a restaurant that also serves as a school. The food is prepared and served by the students. It was delightful, and the food was delicious and presented in a lovely way. It is open Tuesdays through Fridays, and reservations are recommended."

Western Culinary Institute, 921 Morrison St., Portland, OR 97205; (503) 294-9770, http://www.wci.edu . Three-course lunch, $10.95; five-course lunch, $14.95; five-course dinner, $24.95.

TONI AND BRUCE STAFFORD

Manhattan Beach

London lodgings

"WE visit London frequently, and we have found lodging that has been perfect for many years: Scala House, apartments usually rented by the week but which may be available for one or two days. Standard units have two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. It is one block to the Underground station and food markets and a 15-to-20-minute walk to Piccadilly."

Scala House, 21 Tottenham St., London W1T 2AW; 011-44-207-580-6644, http://www.scala-house.co.uk . Doubles from $226 per night, based on a three-night stay.

BOB ROSEFSKY

Palm Springs

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