In coffee-crazy Portland there is always something new brewing.
Matt Higgins, behind the counter at Coava Coffee Roasters (1300 S.E. Grand Ave.), discusses how he sources beans.
Bad puns aside, it’s completely true, and just when you think you’ve found your favorite roaster, blend or bean, you stumble on something new. I’ve always been a fan of the much-lauded Stumptown; I love the espresso at the Spella Caffe cart at Ninth and Alder; I rarely pass the chance to have a cup at Cellar Door in southeast; and I think Barista is a gift from java heaven. My newest favorite is Coava, owned and operated by Matt Higgins and Keith Gehrke in the up-and-coming Central Eastside District (also home to the meaty goodness of Olympic Provisions, of which I’ve blogged before). Their new tasting room pulls double duty as a showroom Bamboo Revolution, a sustainable bamboo supplier that built the coffee bar. (more…)
There’s plenty of new eats in Portland these days, as detailed by this story in The Oregonian. But the newcomers don’t outshine some of our veteran chefs, many of which continue to draw national attention — such as this article in Travel & Leisure.
Bright new (energy-efficient) lights came on in downtown Portland’s cultural district today with the grand re-opening of Portland State University’s renovated Lincoln Hall. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and PSU President Wim Wiewel presided over the ribbon cutting in the 465-seat venue that will host national and regional dance, theater and music companies such as White Bird’s Uncaged dance series, Friends of Chamber Music, NW Dance Project and PSU’s own symphony and theater programs. There’s already a buzz around town about PSU’s world-renowned opera program’s presentation of Kurt Weill’s “Street Scene” next spring. (Note to theatergoers – there are excellent venues such as Higgins bar nearby for deconstructing the evening over a post-performance pint!) (more…)
Businesses and restaurants around Downtown Portland are offering up deals and doing good with their Compassion Coupon program, which runs through the end of September.
Under the program, users print off coupons for discounts and “extras” at participating shops and dining establishments. Then, for every coupon that is redeemed, $5 is donated to New Avenues for Youth, a Portland social services organization that works to provide education, job training and other outreach to young adults. It’s an all-around great program – in addition to Oregon’s lack of sales tax, shoppers get an even better discount or experience; the store gets the business; and the charity gets funding. Just in case you needed extra incentive to indulge in a little fall fashion …
Farming by the phases of the moon, burying manure in a cow horn, letting 450 sheep loose in the vineyard to eat back the weeds — these are just a few of the things that Montinore Estate does to grow grapes biodynamically.
The technique is complicated, but the purpose is simple: to make better wine. Owner Rudy Marchesi converted this, one of the larger wineries in Oregon, to biodynamic five years ago. His wine has improved immensely since. But whatever it takes, he’ll tell you that his bottom line is to make great wine, at an affordable price. Montinore’s versatile Riesling is only $12 a bottle, and refreshing Pinot Gris is $15. Their Pinot Noir ranges in the low $20s, and for you connoisseurs out there — this is a great price for a Willamette Valley Pinot. (more…)
While I’m still coming to terms with the fact that it’s somehow September already, I am feeling the annual urge to stock up on sweaters and boots. Luckily, there’s an event to help fulfill my fall shopping desires: Fashion’s Night Out.
This event was founded in NYC in 2009; now it’s expanding to fashionable cities around the globe. With our edgy, accessible and earth-friendly design scene, it’s no surprise that Portland made the cut. We really do have world-class shopping and fashion here — and no sales tax, to boot!
The FNO events will run from 4-9 p.m., followed by an after-party at the Nines. There’s no cost to attend, which is good — you need that cash to spend at Mario’s, Mercantile, Radish Underground, Macy’s … the list goes on! Speaking of spending, when you spend $150 or more at participating stores, you’ll get a gift bag with an American Express gift card worth anywhere from $25-500. Instant cash back! (more…)
A sampling of what you'll find at Koi Fusion, Portland's Korean taco truck. Clockwise from upper left: kimchi quesadilla, bulgogi beef Seoul sliders, Korean short rib burrito and spicy chicken taco.
Portland continues to flex its foodie muscles, appearing in my Twitter and Facebook feeds more frequently lately. I love living in such a tasty city. Here are a few recent mentions in case you’re wondering what you’re missing.
For the 100th episode of Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations,” viewers voted on the most memorable moments from the last six years — and Portland won!
Portland’s food carts are getting noticed more as well. They are amazing little mini-restaurants that specialize in a particular type of food and offer generous portions for a reasonable price.
Feeling inspired? Check out our new Garden Pass and save more than 25 percent off adult admission to the Japanese and Chinese gardens, as well as Pittock Mansion.
Bob Dylan and his band playing to a sold-out crowd.
I can’t believe I’ve lived in Portland as a music lover for years, and JUST went to my first concert at Edgefield last night. What a show, and what a venue! This year’s summer concert series at Edgefield features living legends like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, as well as hot young bands like Vampire Weekend. There are still a few more shows to come until mid-September, but music fans should make a note to check out the calendar in the spring in anticipation for next summer.
With the McMenamins Edgefield hotel and winery on-site, signature groovy character and festival-like (yet intimate) setting, this outdoor venue is a destination in itself. In the winter months, check out the smaller live music shows (like the Small Batch Tours series) in the Edgefield hotel, sip a pint of McMenamins brew and soak in the artful atmosphere.
