With its brisk February weather and chill vibes, Portland (Oregon) welcomed me with rare sunshine and the usual eccentricities that can only be expected from episodes of “Portlandia”. For those of you unfamiliar with Portland (or the show “Portlandia” for that matter) may not know it’s one of the most charmingly quirky and politically correct cities you can visit in the US.
The fashion is unique, the art community vibrant, and the food scene is off the charts. Why not trek to PDX? There is always something new to see or do. I should mention, if you are outdoorsy, there are plenty of gorgeous hikes just outside of Portland, tons of waterfalls to see and even wine country to explore. Since my cousin and I knocked off a few hikes in my last trip up, this past weekend was more of a “leisurely trip” from a local’s perspective. My cousin (Gillian) has lived there for a few years now, has since acclimated and stays current with what to do in Portland (she’s an excellent hostess).
Knowing that I am lectin-free, Gillian was thoughtfully concerned with where to take me for dinner Friday night. “Should we try to get into Le Pigeon? I know you mentioned French food being a good option for you…”, she asked. I agreed, and wanted to try this teeny tiny, yet bustling bistro she raved about.
A charismatic, yet elegantly small restaurant, Le Pigeon invited us in with rare last minute seats at the bar without a reservation. We really lucked out! With a view overlooking the kitchen and pots and pans above, we were able to watch the careful attention given to each dish with techniques that were intriguing to watch. I always enjoy a front row seat to the kitchen to painstakingly learn a thing or two!
We both ordered Duck à l’Orange. A brilliant combination of orange and sunchoke glazed duck, with foie gras sunchoke “hummus” (no legumes!), a pillow of fluffy black pepper ricotta cheese and rosemary dusted oranges. I was blown away by the creativity of the dish and was yet again inspired to somehow add this to my own mental database of things to attempt at home. I was dazzled and ate every bit of my dinner and even helped my cousin finish hers; I could not resist.
I usually do not order dessert, but was inclined knowing it would most likely leave me in a heavenly state. White parsnip pot de crème? Sure, why not! With my first bite I closed my eyes with sheer pleasure and told my cousin, “I know you are full, but you have to try this…” She did and we were both amazed. Who knew white parsnips could be used in a pudding-like dessert? I loved it! All lectin free too, I might add.
I highly recommend a reservation in advance. Le Pigeon was packed and we were incredibly lucky to grab a seat at the bar right as the doors opened. There was not one empty seat in the house the whole night. Definitely one of the best restaurants I have tried in quite some time.
After eating more than my share, I was ready to “walk it off” after dinner. Le Pigeon is conveniently located on Burnside Street, close to bars for an after dinner nightcap. What was supposed to be an after dinner stroll really turned out to be two blocks at most where we ponied up to Rontom’s. The windows revealed a dark and moody bar with modern lounge seating and a cozy fireplace. We were sold. With the cold weather outside, a nightcap by the fire was just what the doctor ordered.
In a typically cute Portland neighborhood of craftsman houses, we simply had to enjoy the spot of sunshine we were graced with the very next morning. Sitting on rocking chairs, bundled up in puffy vests and drinking hot cups of coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed just hanging out, people watching and feeling like a local. Hunger struck and before we knew it, it was brunch time!
When in PDX, you must brunch! Culturally, it seems like brunch is the most popular meal of the day. The options are endless; with so many places to try and all of the different neighborhoods to explore. It’s not uncommon to see lines outside of restaurants with people waiting to brunch. It was an oddly lucky weekend (again, aside from the sunshine), as we had no wait time at all at each place we visited. Meriwether Lewis (yes, named after Lewis of the Lewis and Clark famous duo), was the spot for Saturday’s brunch. The restaurant is located where Portland’s 1905 World Fair “The Lewis and Clark Exposition” took place. Now the name makes sense. History aside, it’s a tasty brunch spot and boasts a farm-to-table experience with vegetables from their Skyline Farm. I must say, I ordered a cauliflower and leek scramble with a side salad and the vegetables were divine. Another meal that was again far from falling short.
With the idea to walk off another meal, we headed to NW 23rd to grab coffees at Barista coffee shop and peruse the quirky shops of Portland. The sun again came out to play and we had so much fun popping in and out of stores that are uniquely PDX. I had to go in a crystal and book store, with it’s loud teal doors. Enya played and stones of every color decorated the shelves. I love reading the descriptions of energies each rock is supposed to bestow upon you (if you just buy them and take them home). Let’s just say I didn’t walk out empty handed…
Then we found an adorable shop full of chocolate bars galore! There was even a rolling ladder (as if we were in a library), but alas, just far-reaching chocolate bars! Also, interesting salts of all kinds from Europe and, yours truly, Portland. The Meadow is a store to check out if you are into exotic chocolates and salts.
After a day of shopping we peeked our heads into El Matador Mexican restaurant for late afternoon blood orange margaritas by an indoor fire pit. Why not? After all, it was vacation…
Saturday we had tickets to Science on Tap’s “Sex, Relationships and Technology” at the Alberta Rose Theatre on, you guessed it, Alberta. Alberta Arts District is another cool area full of interesting restaurants, bars, shops and colorful murals.
A few pictures later we met up with a friend a grabbed and a light bite at Ciao Vito, full of sparkly lights (which made for a cozy place to eat) and offered a tasty happy hour menu.
Afterwards we headed to Alberta Rose Theatre for our intriguing lecture on all things steamy and science. I must say I learned a lot that night! Or should I say a lot about online dating statistics and the potential future for robots in the bedroom? The talk was entertaining for sure and I would like to check out another Science on Tap discussion in the future. Robots, however? Not in my future…
The next day we drove over to a park reminiscent of medieval times overlooking Portland named after Joseph Wood Hill, often referred to as Rocky Butte. Definitely hit this spot up if you it’s a sunny day, so you can see some of the best views of the river and downtown Portland. Just make sure to bundle up, it can be chilly!
Portland was a riot and will continue to be. With so many unique things to do, whether it’s shopping the different neighborhoods, seeing a science talk on sex and robots or testing out the many excellent restaurants Portland has to offer, you will surely be entertained!
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