Canoe Portland
February 7, 2008
The ultra hip boutique, Canoe is located on 1136 SW Alder. They carry a unique selection of home decor, bags, egg shaped bird feeders (?), and Italian handmade wooden Pinochios(?). I know, sounds totally random, but it really is a cool little shop in downtown Portland. It has a very Northwestern style to the shop. Check out this great article on CANOE by Apartmenttherapy.com.
[images by Canoe Store Portland, flickr]
Foreign Cinema at Portland’s International Film Festival
February 7, 2008
Been meaning to catch up on foreign films? You’re in luck. The Portland International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday February 7th. Think Portland can’t draw a good international cinematic crowd? Well, the festival will have no less than 17 first-time feature filmmakers; that’s right, they are choosing Portland to jump start their careers. On the screens of Regal Broadway Metroplex, the Newmark Theater and the Whitsell Auditorium you will also find 22 films that were nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. The festival goes on until the February 23rd, so go to the website, find some films you are dying to see and spice up the dreary Portland winter days with some international flavor.
General tickets are $9 and can be purchased in advanced at the ticket outlet at 1119 SW Park Avenue - in the lobby of the Portland Art Museum’s Mark Building. Tickets can also be purchased night of, at the venue, but for popular films consider buying them ahead of schedule. You don’t want to miss out!
Article By Anna Brones, Intercrossings
Montage is Serving Up Late Night Grub for all You Hipsters
February 5, 2008
The classic
The great thing about Montage is that all the complicated and crazy sounding menu items can be had on any budget. Alligator jambalaya, crawfish etoufée (my personal favorite) and frog leg appetizers are only the beginning. If your late night craving involves something nice and heavy, look no further than the Mac and Cheese section of the menu, which includes a lot of heavy cream and other delectable toppings.
Waiters and waitresses have just as much flair as the cocktail list – the Stepford or a Swell Lookin’ Broad anyone? – so be ready for some quick jokes, attitude and Portlandly good looks served with your dish.
Can’t finish all that Creole goodness that has been put before you? At Montage, it’s better not to consume everything on your plate; otherwise you wouldn’t get to experience the artistic abilities put into fashioning creatures out of the tinfoil your leftovers are wrapped in. A friend of mine thinks she has bad luck and always manages to get a woodland squirrel; I have done better and once managed to score a swan with a very long neck, it had to be bent in order to fit into the refrigerator.
If you are in the search of more than a late night joint, be sure to hit them up for their half-off wine night on Mondays and Tuesdays hosted at the bar La Merde – and yes, that means what you think it does.
301 SE Morrison
503.234.1324
Article By Anna Brones, Intercrossings
Justa Pasta is Justa Place for Great Italian
February 5, 2008
There’s something a little stressful about sitting down in a restaurant, waiting for the server to come, having to decide in a certain amount of time, and then wait until they come around again if you need something. Sometimes, you just want it cheap and easy. Dinner, I mean.
At Justa Pasta on NW 19th and Pettygrove, it’s just that. Cheap and easy. But just because it’s cheap and easy doesn’t mean it isn’t tasty as well.
Standing in line browsing the menu, if your turn comes up and you aren’t ready, just wave the next person to go in front of you and take your time. There’s lots to choose from. Salads, soups, pasta, dessert. And the specials. You have to notice the specials posted online (everyday!) and on the chalkboard when you walk in.
The night I went, there was an apple soup with blue cheese. My friend, a little skeptical of the taste asked the cashier, “So is that like applesauce with melted blue cheese?” The cashier laughed, “Let me get you a sample, then I’ll tell you how I make it.” Now that’s what I call customer service.
The pastas range from whole-wheat rigatoni to ravioli and just plain spaghetti, all available with a variety of sauces. Marinara, meatball, puttanesca, alfredo, and pesto – the typical offerings at any pasta place.
But Justa Pasta makes their own pasta on a daily basis, which makes it anything but typical. They also use local, sustainable ingredients as much as possible. Hormone-free meat stars in their heavier dishes.
The service is excellent and though you do need to grab your own table when you go in, if you go with a group like I did, they will put together a few tables for you. After you order, just take your number and sit down. They’ll bring you baskets of bread, all kinds, and olive oil. Water is in a cooler near the kitchen with lemons in it to brighten the taste. When you get thirsty, no need to wait for a waiter – it’s serve yourself.
For the price, (entrees range from $5 - $12), Justa Pasta is a great option. They deliver salads that are as meaty and filling as any entree, good homemade pasta and great service. The location at 19th and Pettygrove makes parking easy, even on a Friday night.
If you’re looking for just pasta and not the ambience of a fancy Italian restaurant, then Justa Pasta is what you need. Check it out at www.justapasta.com
Article By Elizabeth Fuss, Lizzy Dishes Portland
Beer Fest at Lucky Lab March 7th & 8th
February 4, 2008
According to Belmont Station Beer Forum, the Lucky Lab is putting on their annual beer and barley wine beer fest. The event starts at noon on March 7th & 8th at Lucky Lab’s Northwest location on 19th and Quimby. I know it’s a little early to put this event on the blog, but why not start planning for what’s to be a spectacular beer drinking event.
[image by Bridger & Felecia, flickr]
Portland Prints Out A Guide to Your Ride
February 4, 2008
The City of Portland and the Office of Transportation has just come out with a great guide for all cycling enthusiasts. It covers everything from helpful tips in accessorizing you and your bike, safety, bike routes around Portland, and wonderful resources for the cycling community. Check out the Guide Here.
[image by Kevin Wagoner, flickr]
Late Night Bites in Stumptown
February 4, 2008
Looking for a late-night bite? Here are some ideas to cure your craving in Portland:
Le Happy
Where: 1011 NW 16th Ave., Portland
What: Crepes, savory and sweet.
Tidbit: Service is slow as their kitchen is small, but the ambiance will inspire great conversation to pass the time.
Hours: M-Th: 5pm –1am
Fr: 5pm – 2:30am
Sat: 6 – 2:30am
More Info: www.lehappy.com
Doug Fir Lounge
Where: 830 E. Burnside
What: cheese fries, sandwiches, chicken strips
Tidbit: If you eat the croque monsieur sandwich in the middle of the night, you might fall asleep in one of their comfortable booths.
Hours: 7am – 2:30am Everyday
More Info: www.dougfirlounge.com
Voleur
Where: SW 1st and Ash
What: breakfast, burgers, fries, appetizers
Tidbit: The fries with habanero-blackberry ketchup are addictive.
Hours: M – Th: 11am – 3am
F & S: Open 24 hours
More Info: www.voleurrestaurant.com
Dots Cafe
Where: 2521 SE Clinton
What: All the fries you can imagine, burgers, sandwiches
Tidbit: The dark atmosphere will ensure that no one will see you eating the bacon cheddar fries, so your secret will be safe.
Hours: 12pm – 2am Everyday
More Info: http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8454295/
Article By Elizabeth Fuss, Lizzy Dishes Portland
Where is Yummy Late Night Grub in PDX?
February 1, 2008
So I was thinking last night and many other late nights here in PDX, where do I go for yummy late night grub? Every city has to have their famous late night foods, like roach coaches serving up tacos, or the diner serving up greasy fried chicken. Where are these places here in Stumptown, and why haven’t I found them yet? I am inviting all thoughts and knowledge of the best places in PDX to grab some filling late night grub. This could be interesting. Looking forward to see where all you Portlanders grab your late night eats.
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