Portland Spoke – The Official Blog of Travel Portland

IFC’s show all about Portland, “Portlandia,” is gearing up for its second season, which starts on Jan. 6. They’ve been releasing some new video clips and this one in particular tickled my funny bone. While we are passionate about recycling, I’m not quite sure that the real city is ready for this level of detail.

Want more? If you have 24 minutes to spare, check out this short film, “Inside Portlandia.” It features interviews with Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein (of course) and tells the story of how “Portlandia” came to be. If you just want to hear what they think of filming in Portland, you can skip ahead to the two-minute mark. It’s such a compliment to hear so many people say great things about the city.  Happy viewing!

Is it possible to be a restaurant loyalist after one visit? Either way, I am Bamboo Sushi’s newest fan. The Ring of Fire roll is to blame – fried oysters, cucumber and chopped albacore (Marine Stewardship Council approved), topped with jalapeno marmalade, then seared and finished with fried shallot rings and yuzu juice. This is serious stuff from a place with a serious commitment to sustainability – that, amazingly, doesn’t take itself too seriously.

As the first certified sustainable sushi restaurant in the world, Bamboo Sushi’s business practices and menu are thoughtful and calculated. Their sleek dining room is complemented by friendly wait staff and a menu that reflects their attention to detail without letting it get to the prices. (more…)

What’s a favorite family outing among Portlanders in autumn?  Going to the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island!  In October, the Pumpkin Patch has the largest supply of pumpkins in Oregon.  This is a great place to find that perfect Charlie Brown pumpkin.  And there are lots of things to do while you’re there, including free hayrides, a petting zoo, $2 rides on the cow train and a haystack pyramid.

There’s a covered picnic area, so pack a lunch or grab a snack at the patio cafe.  The MAiZE  is a 5-acre cornfield maze and this year’s design is a tribute to our local NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers.   There’s a separate Haunted Field of Screams maze for those who want to get stalked in the corn … (Might not be suitable for children ages 6 and under and easily scared adults like me.) (more…)