Chanel Moving Forward

A modern lifestyle blog dedicated to the moments in between

Portland Part 2

Writing this last recap and reminiscing about our trip really has me wanting to go back. My husband and I are talking about taking a trip in September for Feast Portland since we basically travel to eat good food. Until then I can continue to follow all the Portland instagram accounts and drool over everything I see … Back to our trip recap (and my diet). It was a good decision to keep the rental car for the rest of our stay. We wanted to explore Cannon Beach so we headed out pretty early Saturday since the ride was about 90 minutes each way. The drive was a straight shot down Route 26 and overall very easy. There was some winding roads but I think the ride could be done for at nearly age, even with kids. We stopped first at the top part of the cliff which was extremely windy. I literally thought the wind was going to blow me over. It was also freezing so after I took a few pictures and mental snapshots I hightailed it back to car since my fingers felt like ice cubes. In true Oregon fashion, the sky had parted and the sun was out by the time we got back down to Cannon beach. It was so beautiful and spacious. The coast line is definitely different from southern beaches. The sand extends much deeper into the water. I loved seeing Haystack Rock which was accessible by foot since the tide was low. buy desyrel online https://bethanyhealthcare.org/wp-content/languages/new/desyrel.html no prescription
Goonies Never Say Die.

We ended up back in Portland right around lunch time and hit up Lela’s Bistro for some bahn mis. They have a ton of vegan options and the food was pretty decent. Prices were a little high compared to Atlanta but still good. By the time we finished eating it was pouring out, of course, so we got the car and drove to the Portland Gear store which I had been dying to check out. I have followed them on instagram for months and I love their clothing and accessories. When I heard they were opening a store a few weeks before our strip, I knew I had to go and buy some goodies. I got a few shirts for my husband and myself and a coffee mug since I am a mug hoarder. The shirts are super soft with a great slim fit and the mug holds a ton of coffee since I never just have one cup at a time. Marcus, the owner, was there and he was very friendly and seemed genuinely interested in our group, asking us questions about our trip and if we were having a good time. I definitely recommend checking this store out if you have a chance to visit Portland. buy effexor online https://bethanyhealthcare.org/wp-content/languages/new/effexor.html no prescription
It’s right by Providence Park so if you’re going to check out a Timbers game, stop in there for some hometown gear.

For a late afternoon snack we braved the cold rain and stood in line at Pip’s Original Doughnuts, which was the longest wait we had since being in Portland, but it was so worth it. Their donuts were some of the best I have ever had. They were all made fresh as you ordered and came out super warm. The Dirty Wu is their most popular and I can see why. How can you go wrong with cinnamon sugar drizzled with warm nutella? You can’t. It’s also named after Sgt. Wu on my favorite show Grimm. The pricing is very cheap but that’s because the donuts are all minis. They are the perfect size for a snack or to share and you can try all flavors without overdoing it since they are light and airy. The staff was very friendly and patient. You could tell they are used to crowds and tourists and they answered everyones questions with a smile on their face. buy premarin online https://bethanyhealthcare.org/wp-content/languages/new/premarin.html no prescription
Saturday night was our last dinner together and since we were pretty exhausted from such a full day, we Yelped it for some low key Italian. Serratto, located in the Alphabet district, was quaint and quiet with dim lighting and a warm atmosphere. They had valet on site which was perfect for a busy Saturday evening since parking was scarce. I of course had a few glasses of prosecco which tasted so refreshing and the girls and I split the Pommes Frites (house-cut fries, fried twice with garlic aioli) as our starter. The Risotto with mushrooms, leeks, Grana Padano and white truffle butter was incredible. Mind blowing even. I could have licked my dish but decided to spare my friends and fellow dinner goers. As much as I would love to come back here and try other things on the menu I don’t think I could because I’d want to order the risotto again, it was just that tasty. Of course we went out with a bang and ordered the Creme Brûlée for dessert, how daring of us. I usually never order dessert because I am so stuffed from entrees and wine but the Creme Brûlée must have been a house favorite because we were watching them walk by us all night. It was delicious, which wasn’t surprising and the perfect way to end a great evening with friends in such a wonderful city.
Two of the girls on our trip booked the noon flight home so they had to head out relatively early. We decided to have one last meal together and went to Meriwether’s for brunch. This place was just down the street from our rental in the Northwest/ Industrial area and had it not been pouring we could have walked. The service here was excellent but we were also only the second table to be seated which may have played a part. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive and made us feel very at home. We ordered a stack of the classic buttermilk pancakes as an appetizer .. not really sure if people do that at brunch but they sounded, and were, delicious. I love how this restaurant operates their own farm which is located 20 minutes away so you know the ingredients are top notch. Fresh squeezed orange juice and vanilla iced coffees were flowing and the rain outside kept pouring. One of the girls ordered the chicken chilaquiles (basically nachos for breakfast) and I was lucky enough to try a bite and they were superb. The southern part of me chose the fried chicken and waffle with orange marmalade. It sucked. I’m kidding, it was everything I had hoped it would be. The orange marmalade, pure maple syrup and light dusting of powdered sugar added the finishing touch with just the right amount of sweetness.
After our group breakfast two of the girls headed to the airport and my other girlfriend and I went back to our rental house to sleep/lounge off the carbs. We packed up the car with our luggage, returned the keys and spent the next 9 hours exploring the different neighborhoods in the city. We were on the red eye which left at 11pm and had to check out by noon. It was a good excuse to really take advantage of the day and not have the house to go back to for periodic carb induced naps. On our last day the weather called for 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms but the weather pattern changed drastically and we were blessed with clear skies and sunshine. We couldn’t have asked for a better surprise since we didn’t have a house to go back to in case of continuous downpours. Since we were just down the street from the Industrial area I had to stop at Schoolhouse Electric & Supply. They had been on my “must go to” list since planning this trip. I’m a huge fan of industrial decor and lighting and being in their store made me long for city lofts with exposed brick walls and pipes.
One of my favorite things about Portland is all the beautiful murals throughout the city. They’re so gorgeous and basically outdoor works of art. I have a thing for colored and textured walls and there is definitely no shortage in Portland. My friend and I hit up Alberta street for some shopping and exploring since ironically our last day of the trip also gave us the best weather. I loved how unique each shop was and definitely did my part to help boost the economy by purchasing something in almost every single one (sorry babe).
Once the rain started to come down a little we thought that would be a good time to grab some lunch. Boxer Ramen was literally right in front of us as we were talking about food so in we went. The restaurant was very tiny but we only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. Luckily the waiting area is outside the restaurant so there aren’t people hovering over you watching you eat and huffing while looking at their watches. The portions were huge and the prices were very reasonable ($12 for a large bowl). If I were a local I would come here all the time and get the lunch and save half for later. I ordered the Tonkotsu Shio: traditional pork broth, pork belly, soft-poached egg and scallions. We split the Okonomiyaki Tots which were tater tots with a creamy spicy sauce, tonkatsu sauce, shavings of bonito flakes, togarashi and nori. The bonito flakes actually moved and it looked like our tots were alive. One of the craziest things I have ever seen and I would definitely spend the $5 just so you can see this. Even though there weren’t kids with us, the place was kid friendly and I know my son would have loved watching the dancing tater tots.
We walked off our ramen and headed to Salt & Straw because why not? I could not leave Portland without trying this awesomeness. I chose the Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon scoops. How local of me, right? Some seats emptied at the front bar and we were able to enjoy our ice cream and people watch. By the time we left the line was out the door. The staff was also super friendly and handed out a ton of samples. Everything was delicious and I wish I lived closer so I could try all the flavors. The shop was very clean and kid friendly and I was definitely getting home sick seeing all the little boys excited for ice cream with their mamas. Until a little boy tried to pull his pants down and that reminded me of something Henry would do so I quickly snapped out of it.
After our Alberta street adventures we went to see a friend of my girlfriends who happened to be a bartender at a bar in North Portland, the Florida Room. The drinks were very well made and there was a Photo Booth so I could have stayed there all night pumping money into that machine. My friend told me about photo booth hire Birmingham since she lives in the UK and she’s considering getting a booth for her wedding. I told her to do it! They’re so fun!! This place definitely has that road-side bar feeling with graffiti in the bathroom, a pinball machine and a covered front patio for smoking. Being non smokers we sat inside at the bar which was pretty comfortable. We didn’t stay long and it was in the afternoon so it wasn’t too crowded but it sure seems like a fun and interesting place to hang out at night.

Before the sun set we really wanted to see the Cherry Blossoms that had recently bloomed by the Steel Bridge, so we booked it over to Tom McCall park to walk along the waterfront. As I mentioned before, Sunday gave us the best weather of the trip and I am so glad I decided to take the red eye back so I had another whole day to see Portland. It was also nice to spend quality time with one of my best friends who I’ve known for almost 20 years!

We had worked up an appetite and were running out of daylight (and energy), so we decided to spend the rest of our time perusing the isles at Powell’s and having some pizza at Sizzle Pie. The slices were huge and the people watching was fantastic, since the face of the restaurant sits right on the corner and there are people coming and going in all directions. At the bookstore I came across from vintage JFK coloring books and am kicking myself for not getting them, even though they were nearly $30 a pop, but still. I know what I will now be searching for on eBay.

Just like that, our trip came and went and we are all back to our real lives. Mine currently consists of registering my son for pre-k and being covered in smashed bananas, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Portland, you were so good to us … what an amazing city you are. I’ll be back for you soon.

Comments

  3. Such a fun trip! You have given me some ideas of places to explore since I am still so new to Portland. Those murals are so beautiful, where did you find them??

    Also creme brûlée happens to be my all time favourite dessert 🙂

    • I think they were mostly all along Alberta street! The Keep Your Chin Up was right by Salt & Straw, because everyone kept holding up their ice cream cones and taking pictures of the cone in front of the wall, haha! And amen to the creme brûlée!

  5. My mom is from Oregon but I've never explored Portland. My hubby and I have been talking about a PNW trip and I'm loving all your recs!

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