So we went to Portland, again, and it was amazing. Even better than last time, which I didn't think was possible. Highlights of this trip were a food cart tour with Brett from Food Carts Portland, beer and cider, the Laurelhurst Theater, Ken's Artisan Pizza, Pok Pok, spring time... I could probably go on. We had a couple family related events almost as soon as we got back, hence the quiet blog.
Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
PDX 2014
We are heading to Portland tomorrow, for a very short trip... We're back Tuesday. I'm doing my best to balance spots we loved last time, whilst trying to get some new ones in there. Details on our last visit to PDX are here.
My current list is below, sort of arranged by neighbourhood. If you have any musts, please leave 'em in the comments below.
My current list is below, sort of arranged by neighbourhood. If you have any musts, please leave 'em in the comments below.
Buckman/SE (where we're staying)
Ken’s Artisan Pizza (304 SE 28th Ave)
Heart Coffee (2211 E Burnside St)
Screen Door (2337 E Burnside St; Dinner and weekend Brunch; Southern food)
East Burn (1800 E Burnside St – Beer and Food)
Café Castanga (1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd)
Little T Baker (2600 SE Division St)
Apizza Scholls (4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd)
Church Bar (2600 NE Sandy Blvd)
Coava Coffee (1300 SE Grand Ave)
Pok Pok (3226 SE Division St)
Ava Gene’s (3377 SE Division St; Cocktails and Italian food)
Olympic Provisions (107 SE Washington St)
Eastside Distilling (1512 SE 7th Ave)
Downtown
Tasty N Alder (580 SW 12th Ave – Walk down Burnside Bridge)
Clyde Common (1014 SW Stark St, Portland)
Little Bird (219 SW 6th Ave, Portland)
Blue Star Donuts (1237 SW Washington St)
Ken’s Artisan Bakery (338 NW 21st Ave)
Pearl Bakery (102 NW 9th Ave)
Bailey’s Taproom (213 SW Broadway)
Cacao Drink Chocolate (SW 13th Ave)
Stumptown Coffee (128 SW 3rd Ave; 1026 SW Stark St)
Courier Coffee (923 SW Oak St)
Barista (539 NW 13th Ave)
PSU Farmers Market (SW Park Ave & SW Montgomery St; 8:30-2)
Tenth Avenue Liquor (925 SW 10th Ave)
NE (our local last time)
Nedd Ludd for brunch (3925 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd)
Other Plans
Food Carts Portland Tour (1000 SW Washington St)
St. Vincent (Crystal Ballroom 1332 W Burnside St)
Other Reference
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Corvallis, the Oregon coast and the Columbia Gorge
I was glad we got the chance to head out to Corvallis for the weekend to visit relatives, and in retrospect, more time spent in the area would have been a good idea. It's right in the middle of breweries, wineries and farms, and it's just a short 1.5 hour trip to the coast. Furthermore, we left just before their "Beer Week" began.
If you happen to be in the area, there are a couple things not to be missed. Firstly, their farmers' market is beautiful, and full of Oregon specialties like hazelnuts and wine, in addition to all the produce Oregon's rich soil and temperate climate allow for. I picked up some sweet-tart green grapes, in addition to some lovely fresh figs and hazelnuts.
Block 15 Brew Pub - I was in love with this place as soon as we walked in. A giant chalkboard held their regular brews and seasonal varieties, and also tantalized us with up coming brews that we are missing right now. We had to try as many as possible, and thus two tasting boards were ordered. By far the best glass on the tray contained their "Nebula, Naked Oat Stout." It was super smooth and creamy, with all the coffee and chocolate notes that make stouts lovely. I wish I would have picked up a bottle of this to bring home.
On a beer note, the best selection we found at any grocery store was at Corvallis' Market of Choice. A four sided cooler held an unimaginable amount of micro-brews from the area, and we picked up half a dozen different bottles to tote home. Besides the Nebula Stout, we fell hard for many of the brews from Pelican Brewery, particularly their Belgian style ale - Ankle-Buster - and their award winning IPA (India Pelican Ale). Both came home with us.
The Oregon Coast
Our hosts for the weekend - John and Janie - also took us out to the nearby coast for an evening. Though it was pretty cold, I'm incredibly glad we made it out to the water, and that we got to catch this sunset from their friends' beach house balcony...
We also stopped at a crab shack on the way home for fresh crab sandwiches and fish and chips.
The Columbia Gorge
One of our favourite activities in Oregon was biking the Columbia Gorge. We went with Pedal Bike Tours, and our Tuesday morning tour ended up being a private one - just us and the guide. Whilst we biked the gentle slopes of the road, our guide drove the vehicle, meeting us at each waterfall to give us a quick run-down of history, etc. From there we hiked down (or up) to check things out while he stayed with the bikes.
If you happen to be in the area, there are a couple things not to be missed. Firstly, their farmers' market is beautiful, and full of Oregon specialties like hazelnuts and wine, in addition to all the produce Oregon's rich soil and temperate climate allow for. I picked up some sweet-tart green grapes, in addition to some lovely fresh figs and hazelnuts.
Block 15 Brew Pub - I was in love with this place as soon as we walked in. A giant chalkboard held their regular brews and seasonal varieties, and also tantalized us with up coming brews that we are missing right now. We had to try as many as possible, and thus two tasting boards were ordered. By far the best glass on the tray contained their "Nebula, Naked Oat Stout." It was super smooth and creamy, with all the coffee and chocolate notes that make stouts lovely. I wish I would have picked up a bottle of this to bring home.
The Oregon Coast
Our hosts for the weekend - John and Janie - also took us out to the nearby coast for an evening. Though it was pretty cold, I'm incredibly glad we made it out to the water, and that we got to catch this sunset from their friends' beach house balcony...
We also stopped at a crab shack on the way home for fresh crab sandwiches and fish and chips.
The Columbia Gorge
One of our favourite activities in Oregon was biking the Columbia Gorge. We went with Pedal Bike Tours, and our Tuesday morning tour ended up being a private one - just us and the guide. Whilst we biked the gentle slopes of the road, our guide drove the vehicle, meeting us at each waterfall to give us a quick run-down of history, etc. From there we hiked down (or up) to check things out while he stayed with the bikes.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Portland(ia) Part 2 - Northeast Portland
Northeast Portland served as our home base for the entire week we were in town and we probably could have entertained ourselves in this neighbourhood for our entire stay. Many of the restaurants found in South Portland - like Cha Cha Cha or Pok Pok - have opened locations in the area, plus there are all the originals that call NE home, like Gravy, Tasty n Sons, Ned Ludd and Toro Bravo, just to name a few.
Accommodations
Though we love hotels, we decided to try vacation rentals this trip. Not only were many of the rentals we found nearly 1/3 of the price of hotels, but they were situated in less touristy, residential areas, which we loved. Furthermore, our hosts for the week were able to give us some great tips on shops, restaurants and sites. We never would have seen 'The Swifts' or made it to The Meadow if it weren't for Heather.
The 'Piedmont Cottage' was incredibly well situated - bike routes to and from downtown were just a couple blocks away and downtown itself was a 20 minute ride. It was also an easy 5 minute ride down Albina to get to the shops and restaurants on Mississippi Avenue. As far as getting to and from the airport and Union Station, MAX ran from the airport to the train, and once arriving back from Corvalis we were able to take transit (the MAX or the number 4) up to Piedmont easily. And finally, there was a gigantic rose garden across the street - Portland is, after all, the city of roses.
Food
Ned Ludd (3925 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.) - This was the first restaurant we visited in Portland and it was fantastic. The wood fired oven that served the former pizza restaurant is still being put to good use - all the food is cooked in it. We enjoyed fresh, wood fired flat bread, whole trout stuffed with fennel and dill, smoky, rich ratatouille and finally s'mores made with chocolate from Xocolatl de Davíd.
The Albina Press (4637 N Albina) - A coffee shop perfectly situated on an easy route downtown, they made excellent cappuccinos and lattés utilizing Stumptown Coffee. Wireless, reading material and fresh pastries were also readily available.
Lovely's Fifty Fifty (4039 N Mississippi) - We were directed to this spot by the Pedal Bike Tours people and couldn't be happier with their recommendation. Lovely's features wood fired pizza and homemade hard scoop ice cream, and both were amazing (hence the half hour wait to get in). A pickled beet salad with Oregon hazelnuts and blue cheese as well as a sweet corn pizza with caramelized onions and pancetta made it to our table for dinner. For dessert, Charles went with a scoop of salted caramel, while I decided on the peach buttermilk. We definitely wouldn't hesitate to return.
Tasty n Sons (3808 N Williams) - This was one of those spots I saw on the Chow Tour of Portland, and once we realized it was in the neighbourhood, we decided to head over for breakfast. Toast and jam, the breakfast board, the beautiful potato donut and unlimited coffee came to $20 even, including tip. We were full of food, and amazed.
Gravy (3957 N Mississippi) - After waiting in line for sometime to get into this busy spot, we were served tasty, gigantic plates of food. While Charles did his toast-bacon plate, I went for an omelette filled with mushrooms and peppers and smothered with sausage gravy (how could you not have gravy at a place called 'Gravy'?).
The Meadow (3731 N Mississippi) - I was easily wowed by The Meadow. An entire wall of chocolate, another of 'finishing salts' and another full of bitters. The place was quite dreamy.
Ruby Jewel Scoop Shop (3713 N Mississippi) - We ended up at this spot twice late into the evening, lured by the smell of fresh waffle cones and cookies. There were scoops of caramel with salted chocolate and on our final evening in town, a hazelnut-chocolate ice cream sandwiched between double chocolate cookies.
Saraveza Bottle Shop and Pasty Tavern (1004 N Killingsworth) - If I left my heart anywhere in Portland, it would certainly be here. The walls are lined with bottles of beer to be opened in house or taken home to be enjoyed, and there are eight taps which rotate every few days (mostly with brews from the NW coast) to serve in house patrons and growler fillers alike. And the pasties. While Charles adored the beef, I ended up with a daily special coconut curry pork that was particularly excellent. For dessert, an apple pasty with Carlton Cyder's 'Citizen' apple cider ice cream. It was a beautiful way to end the week in Portland.
Accommodations
Though we love hotels, we decided to try vacation rentals this trip. Not only were many of the rentals we found nearly 1/3 of the price of hotels, but they were situated in less touristy, residential areas, which we loved. Furthermore, our hosts for the week were able to give us some great tips on shops, restaurants and sites. We never would have seen 'The Swifts' or made it to The Meadow if it weren't for Heather.
The 'Piedmont Cottage' was incredibly well situated - bike routes to and from downtown were just a couple blocks away and downtown itself was a 20 minute ride. It was also an easy 5 minute ride down Albina to get to the shops and restaurants on Mississippi Avenue. As far as getting to and from the airport and Union Station, MAX ran from the airport to the train, and once arriving back from Corvalis we were able to take transit (the MAX or the number 4) up to Piedmont easily. And finally, there was a gigantic rose garden across the street - Portland is, after all, the city of roses.
Food
Ned Ludd (3925 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.) - This was the first restaurant we visited in Portland and it was fantastic. The wood fired oven that served the former pizza restaurant is still being put to good use - all the food is cooked in it. We enjoyed fresh, wood fired flat bread, whole trout stuffed with fennel and dill, smoky, rich ratatouille and finally s'mores made with chocolate from Xocolatl de Davíd.
The Albina Press (4637 N Albina) - A coffee shop perfectly situated on an easy route downtown, they made excellent cappuccinos and lattés utilizing Stumptown Coffee. Wireless, reading material and fresh pastries were also readily available.
Lovely's Fifty Fifty (4039 N Mississippi) - We were directed to this spot by the Pedal Bike Tours people and couldn't be happier with their recommendation. Lovely's features wood fired pizza and homemade hard scoop ice cream, and both were amazing (hence the half hour wait to get in). A pickled beet salad with Oregon hazelnuts and blue cheese as well as a sweet corn pizza with caramelized onions and pancetta made it to our table for dinner. For dessert, Charles went with a scoop of salted caramel, while I decided on the peach buttermilk. We definitely wouldn't hesitate to return.
Tasty n Sons (3808 N Williams) - This was one of those spots I saw on the Chow Tour of Portland, and once we realized it was in the neighbourhood, we decided to head over for breakfast. Toast and jam, the breakfast board, the beautiful potato donut and unlimited coffee came to $20 even, including tip. We were full of food, and amazed.
Gravy (3957 N Mississippi) - After waiting in line for sometime to get into this busy spot, we were served tasty, gigantic plates of food. While Charles did his toast-bacon plate, I went for an omelette filled with mushrooms and peppers and smothered with sausage gravy (how could you not have gravy at a place called 'Gravy'?).
The Meadow (3731 N Mississippi) - I was easily wowed by The Meadow. An entire wall of chocolate, another of 'finishing salts' and another full of bitters. The place was quite dreamy.
For my chocolate stash
Saraveza Bottle Shop and Pasty Tavern (1004 N Killingsworth) - If I left my heart anywhere in Portland, it would certainly be here. The walls are lined with bottles of beer to be opened in house or taken home to be enjoyed, and there are eight taps which rotate every few days (mostly with brews from the NW coast) to serve in house patrons and growler fillers alike. And the pasties. While Charles adored the beef, I ended up with a daily special coconut curry pork that was particularly excellent. For dessert, an apple pasty with Carlton Cyder's 'Citizen' apple cider ice cream. It was a beautiful way to end the week in Portland.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Portland(ia) Part 1 - Food Carts
I wasn't really sure where to start discussing our stops in Portland and Seattle. Between the two cities, Portland was easily our favourite - the food and drink, the affordability and the bike-ability all made the place incredibly loveable. That said, Seattle had its charms... and oysters.
We could have eaten at food carts for our entire stay in Portland - there are over 200 operating at any one time - but with so many great restaurants around the city, we found ourselves at the carts for just about four meals, mostly sharing one item and checking out two or three carts for each meal. Here's who we hit:
The Peoples' Pig (11th and Alder) - After raves on Food Carts Portland, we had to head to this one for a porchetta sandwich ($8). It was amazing - moist, flavourful, and peppery from a nice handful of arugula. This cart also featured a few specials, and we ended up with a cone of refreshing watermelon and arugula salad ($3), that went well with our sandwich.
Flogene's Home Cooking (11th and Alder) - About five carts down from our first cart was Flogene's, and we thought it best to follow our sandwich with some fried chicken and a biscuit ($6). The fried chicken was tasty, albeit slightly greasy. The biscuit, however, was perfect in every way; flaky, buttery and tangy from the buttermilk.
Nong's Khao Man Gai (9th and Alder) - Nong's cart has received a ton of press and after we tasted her chicken and rice ($6), we can certainly see why. The garlic-y ginger sauce was beautiful and this $6 dish was easily one of the best things we ate over our entire trip.
Noodle House (10th and Alder) - Whilst we were in Portland we happened upon this review of the Noodle House, that praised hand pulled noodles with squid and shrimp ($7.5). While I had the seafood - which easily lived up to the hype - Charles selected the chicken noodles ($6.5) which he was completely happy with. Though the noodles were lovely, the portions were quite large, and neither of us could finish our dishes.
Tábor Czech Food (5th and Stark) - The Schnitzelwich ($8) from Tábor was certainly on my list even before heading down. Though I don't think it quite lived up to the hype, the pork loin version of this sandwich was certainly tasty.
Boolkogi Taco (5th and Stark) - This cart was irresistible, and we got three tasty 'Boolkogi' beef tacos for just $5.
The Pie Spot (D Street Noshery at 32nd and Division) - After lunch at Pok Pok, we couldn't resist heading across the street to check out the carts at D Street. I only wish our stomachs hadn't been so full. We did, however, find room for maple pecan pie ($3.5). Sadly we had to miss Awesome Cone and Captured by Porches Brewing. D Street is definitely on the list next time we're in town.
Although we were staying in the Mississippi area, we never did make it to Mississippi Marketplace, where I was hoping to get my hands on some of the creations from Garden State. Once again, next time.
Since Portland is "A city of neighbourhoods" (I heard that at least a dozen times and read it in articles and guide books even more), I'm going to split restaurants up by NE, Downtown/Pearl and SE Portland, plus there will be one more post on Corvallis/Oregon coast and some general thoughts on Portland. We're doing some post-holiday catch up right now, but I promise I'll get on it soon!
We could have eaten at food carts for our entire stay in Portland - there are over 200 operating at any one time - but with so many great restaurants around the city, we found ourselves at the carts for just about four meals, mostly sharing one item and checking out two or three carts for each meal. Here's who we hit:
The Peoples' Pig (11th and Alder) - After raves on Food Carts Portland, we had to head to this one for a porchetta sandwich ($8). It was amazing - moist, flavourful, and peppery from a nice handful of arugula. This cart also featured a few specials, and we ended up with a cone of refreshing watermelon and arugula salad ($3), that went well with our sandwich.
Just some of the carts on Alder between 9th and 11th
Flogene's Home Cooking (11th and Alder) - About five carts down from our first cart was Flogene's, and we thought it best to follow our sandwich with some fried chicken and a biscuit ($6). The fried chicken was tasty, albeit slightly greasy. The biscuit, however, was perfect in every way; flaky, buttery and tangy from the buttermilk.
Nong's Khao Man Gai (9th and Alder) - Nong's cart has received a ton of press and after we tasted her chicken and rice ($6), we can certainly see why. The garlic-y ginger sauce was beautiful and this $6 dish was easily one of the best things we ate over our entire trip.
Noodle House (10th and Alder) - Whilst we were in Portland we happened upon this review of the Noodle House, that praised hand pulled noodles with squid and shrimp ($7.5). While I had the seafood - which easily lived up to the hype - Charles selected the chicken noodles ($6.5) which he was completely happy with. Though the noodles were lovely, the portions were quite large, and neither of us could finish our dishes.
Tábor Czech Food (5th and Stark) - The Schnitzelwich ($8) from Tábor was certainly on my list even before heading down. Though I don't think it quite lived up to the hype, the pork loin version of this sandwich was certainly tasty.
Boolkogi Taco (5th and Stark) - This cart was irresistible, and we got three tasty 'Boolkogi' beef tacos for just $5.
The Pie Spot (D Street Noshery at 32nd and Division) - After lunch at Pok Pok, we couldn't resist heading across the street to check out the carts at D Street. I only wish our stomachs hadn't been so full. We did, however, find room for maple pecan pie ($3.5). Sadly we had to miss Awesome Cone and Captured by Porches Brewing. D Street is definitely on the list next time we're in town.
Although we were staying in the Mississippi area, we never did make it to Mississippi Marketplace, where I was hoping to get my hands on some of the creations from Garden State. Once again, next time.
Since Portland is "A city of neighbourhoods" (I heard that at least a dozen times and read it in articles and guide books even more), I'm going to split restaurants up by NE, Downtown/Pearl and SE Portland, plus there will be one more post on Corvallis/Oregon coast and some general thoughts on Portland. We're doing some post-holiday catch up right now, but I promise I'll get on it soon!
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