Gourmet donuts, chocolates, candies and cupcakes – Portland certainly loves its high-end treats. And what could be sweeter than a decadent, frosting-topped cupcake? Sprinkled throughout the Portland Metro Area, these six independent, brick-and-mortar bakeries create some of Portland’s best cupcakes (many of which are filled, flavored and decorated by hand) using top-notch ingredients. photo: Carrie […]
Beaverton’s Oyatsupan Bakers Deftly Blend Japanese & European-Style Pastries
Japanese, French and American baking traditions are mixed to create delicious, one-of-a-kind baked goods at Oyatsupan Bakers, a new brick-and-mortar bakery located in Portland’s ethnically diverse suburb of Beaverton. A longtime fan of Japanese foods and culture (ever since I spent an amazing month years ago exploring Japan) I was delighted to visit recently and […]
Five Portland Tea Purveyors In Which to Steep Yourself
Tea lovers, rejoice! Portland may seem to run on coffee, but more and more high-quality teahouses and teamakers are setting up shop in the Rose City. Here’s a list of five of my favorites. All offer high-quality teas, herbals, tea ware and specialty tea drinks, so you’ll never run out of fine blends to sample. […]
A Sweet Peek Inside Salt & Straw’s Production Facility
At the corner of a dark grey building in Portland’s Central Eastside, I step through the unassuming glass door into a sanitizing foot bath. This cleans any bacteria from the soles of my shoes. Then I tuck my hair into a bright blue hairnet. Around me, a half-dozen fellow journalists and writers do the same. […]
A Delicious Meal on A Busy Day at Arrosto Mediterranean Rotisserie
Who wants to stay inside during this beautiful weather? Not me! Last Sunday, in the middle of running from one activity to another, we made a stop at Arrosto Mediterranean Rotisserie on Northeast’s Sandy Blvd. for a quick, delicious, and healthy lunch that we enjoyed picnic-style at their outdoor dining area. Located on the west side of Providore Fine […]
With Warmer Weather Comes A Trip to North Portland’s Island Cafe
Jimmy Buffett may have his Margaritaville, but when Portlanders need a tropical escape they turn to NoPo’s Island Café to find their slice of paradise. Located on the shores of the Columbia River, the Island Café is an oasis for boaters and anyone looking for the laid back vibe typically found in warmer climates. This […]
Savor Latino Foods and Cultures at Portland Mercado
Consisting of a jewel-colored, two-story building filled with locally-owned shops as well as an open air plaza with eight food carts, Portland Mercado is a public Latino market, kitchen and hub. It brings together a continent of diverse and vibrant cultures, traditions, entertainments and foods for all visitors to enjoy. The Mercado is a grass […]
The Luck of the Irish is Found at Kells Irish Pub
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, but you don’t have to wait any longer to enjoy the rich heritage of the Irish if you order up a hearty plate of the Emerald Isle’s best meals at Kells Irish Pub I celebrated my Gaelic roots early with a trip to Kells last weekend, where […]
Tour the Kura and Taste Oregon Craft Saké at SakéOne
I sampled my first saké in the summer of 1998, when I spent a month traveling in Japan. Since then I’ve enjoyed many an earthenware or porcelain cup of this wonderfully nuanced rice-based spirit. Brewed in Japan for centuries, a good saké can range from dry and crisp to sweet and creamy. So when I […]
Portland’s Urban Cider Pubs, Taprooms & Cider Houses
From urban cideries creating their own small-batches onsite to cider houses with 20+ taps from around the Northwest, Portland’s five (and counting) cider-centric establishments are a place where you can relax, chat with friends and sample a variety of excellent ciders. Portland’s first and original cider pub is Bushwhacker Cider. Opened in September 2010 by […]