Portland Museum of Contemporary Craft

It was the necklace made of Legos that first caught my eye. It was red (my favorite color), detailed and nostalgic. I picked it up and placed it around my neck, imagining all its little pieces separating and dropping to the floor. The piece was impressive, and thankfully sturdy, but it was not quite right on me. Next I was drawn to a large circular piece made of felted wool. Frankly, it reminded me of a flaccid hula hoop studded with an intimate male body part. I wrapped it around me, but felt it begged for a wilder girl. Thinking I’d never find a piece I connected with, I spotted something smaller, colorful, hanging low on the wall. I bent down to take a closer look. It was a necklace made of gelato spoons. Being a huge fan of gelato, I loved the piece immediately. It was me.

This was part of my experience last Sunday at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. It was my first visit. Not only did I make a love connection with the gelato spoon necklace, but also with the museum as a whole. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

They have an exhibit right now called “Touching Warms the Art,” which features jewelry made of alternative materials, such as rubber, plastic, fiber and found objects. The museum encourages visitors to try on the art, and it was great to see both adults and kids having fun with this opportunity to play dress-up. The museum also provides a Mac computer that you can use to snap photos of your decked-out self. The photos are posted on Flickr, where you can download your images as a keepsake of your visit. Read more

Waffles Hit the Spot at Flavourspot.

Some Saturdays just call for a hot crispy waffle. And when they do, you need to head on over to Flavourspot. It’s located on North Lombard, between Denver and Greeley in the Videorama parking lot. I know. It doesn’t sound appetizing. But they have quite the delicious selection going on there at the cart in the corner.

Their menu includes: Butter and Powdered Sugar, Maple and Sausage, Ham and Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly, a whole bunch of kinds with Nutella and Marshmallow Fluff. Check out their full menu online at www.flavourspot.com.

There’s a nice picnic bench if the weather is so inclined to cooperate and they even have free wi-fi, if you are just hanging around waiting for your waffle.

Each waffle is baked to order, so it’s no surprise that it does take a few minutes for each order to come up. Sometimes, there are lines of people waiting. But it is worth the wait. Each waffle is crispy and sweet and hot and wrapped in foil to keep it warm, with just the top of the waffle peeking out for the convenience of your first bite.

Espresso, specialty drinks, including Thai Limeade and Italian sodas are also available to quench your thirst and wash down the sweetness.

Monday - Friday 6:30am - 3pm

Saturday and Sunday 8am - 3pm

Article By Elizabeth Fuss, Lizzy Dishes Portland

Thai Street Food in Southeast Portland

Pok Pok was named Restaurant of the Year for 2007 in the Oregonian. And after tasting their food several times now, I am convinced that the Oregonian was spot on.

Forget the typical Thai food that you are used to eating. Erase the desire to order Pad Thai and peanut sauce. Here, you will find a wider selection of Thai “street food”, which includes such dishes as Hoi Thawt, a crispy broken crepe filled with mussels, eggs and bean sprouts; Khao Soi Kai, a mild Northern Thai curry that is warm and soothing; and Muu Paa Kham Waan, spicy boar collar meat served with chilled, salted mustard greens.

Then there are the addictions: Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings, sugary, spicy and full of depth and flavor; the House Roasted Peanuts, with lime and chile; and the amazing Limeade, warm, a little salty and tart.

I haven’t tried every dish on the menu, but every one that I have tried has been really spectacular. The service has been very fast and courteous each time I have eaten there and the wait for a table hasn’t been too bad.

If you are waiting for a table, you can order a drink to pass the time and maybe if you are brave, you should check out some of the drinking vinegars - truly unusually flavorful and refreshing.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out Pok Pok for yourself and discover why the Oregonian named it Restaurant of the Year.

Pok Pok and Whiskey Soda Lounge

3226 SE Division

Article By Elizabeth Fuss, Lizzy Dishes Portland

Take a Hike… to Saddle Mountain

 

 

If you’re an Oregonian, you owe yourself this classic hike. Saddle Mountain is steep, difficult, and often exposed, but the incredible views, rare wildflowers, and a sweet sense of accomplishment when you reach the top more than compensate for the burning in your thighs.

 

At 3,283 feet, Saddle Mountain is the highest peak on the north coast and towers above forested foothills and patchy clear cuts. On a clear day, the 360 degree view sweeps from Tillamook Head, across Astoria, and north over the Columbia estuary. Cascade volcanoes dot the horizon behind you. The 3-mile trail climbs 1,600 feet through an island ecosystem left behind by retreating glaciers - many of the plants and flowers you’ll see are rare or unique to the mountain.

 

Read more

100 Best Companies to Work For In Oregon

Every year Oregon Business Magazine researches Oregon’s Best Companies to Work For. They consist of large and small companies all throughout Oregon. Portland dominates both lists. Check out the following Best Companies to Work For:

1. Large Companies
- Companies with 250 or more employees.

2. Small Companies
- Companies with fewer than 250 employees.

3. 100 Best Category Winners
- Consists of the best company for benefits, work environment, decision making, career development, & employer benefits survey.

Gluten-Free Goodness at Corbett Fish House

I always know at least two or three people who are on a gluten-free diet, for one reason or another. And going out to dinner always becomes a challenge when trying to accommodate special diets.

Thankfully, the Corbett Fish House (5901 SW Corbett Ave.) fries up a mean gluten-free plate of fish and chips. In fact, everything on their menu is gluten-free, including the sauces and desserts.

It’s a weird phenomenon, actually. Eating a plate of fish and chips and not feeling sick afterwards. But that’s what happens. You see, they bread the fish with rice flour, then fry it in rice bran oil. It’s not greasy or heavy, just crispy and full of flavor. My favorite, and one of their specialties, is the chile-fried catfish, with a spice just beneath the crunch.

Bring the kids and they can get chicken strips, which are just as tasty as the fish and you if you are feeling particularly healthy, check out one of their salads. Read more

Monthly Art Review: Redux and Grass Hut Studio

On Friday night my friend took me along to the opening of Lisa Congdon’s show at Redux. The fabulous boutique on Burnside is like a good design blog come alive; the place screams creativity. Congdon’s romantic collages and mixed media paintings fit right in. If you don’t know about Congdon, she is a self-taught artist based out of San Francisco. Her show at Redux, “Little Souvenirs,” is a collection of her newest mixed media work, combining old photographs and ordinary objects with bits and pieces of nature that lure the viewer in.

The reception at Redux was a part of the Central Eastside Industrial District’s (CEID) monthly First Friday, where numerous galleries around the east Burnside area put on a variety of openings.

[Artwork by Lisa Congdon]

We took a peek at what was going on next door at Grass Hut Studios. Their contribution to this month’s CEID First Friday was “Balls Out.” More than 60 artists were given a panel of wood and told to go all out with it; no theme, no set price, pure creativity. The end product was an impressive mix of Portland imagination that is worth a look.

Both shows are open through the end of the month.

[Artwork by Spencer Hibert]

Article By Anna Brones, Intercrossings

Deschutes Brewery

If you’re looking for a cool place with good beer, look no further than the new Deschutes Brewery and Pub located blocks from the Pearl District, in the brewery blocks. This massive establishment comes equipped with a spacious bar area perfect for a happy hour throw down or just hanging out with a date. The restaurant area is an open air space great for large parties or bringing the family in for a quick dinner. The staff is friendly and eager to help out. The burgers are great (they even have an elk burger on the menu) and you can’t go wrong with the Caribbean or Original-style hot wings. The price is typical for the area, but it’s totally worth it considering the fresh brew and great atmosphere. From what I hear, the majority of Deschutes beers will eventually be produced from this location. So if you have some time, stop in and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

Deschutes Brewery and Pub
210 NW 11th Ave
(503) 296-4906

Free Events This Weekend

Check out these FREE EVENTS going on all weekend right here in Portland.

Tin Shed Garden Cafe in Alberta Arts

I have to say I get an overwhelming excited feeling when I know I am heading to Tin Shed Garden Cafe, located in the heart of the Alberta Arts District. This neighborhood cafe has a welcoming feeling as soon as you enter. There has always been a wait every time I’ve gone, but there is always fresh hot cafe to sip on while you wait. Trust me this place is worth the wait. They have an extensive menu with loads of fresh and satisfying items. I have been so lucky to order the How Latin, a wonderful scramble mixed with sausage, bell pepper & onion topped with jalapeño-cilantro creme fraiche, tomato, avocado & mango-black bean salsa. Not forgetting the sides of cheese grits and a homemade biscuit. Yum!

I would also recommend their Bloody Mary’s, which are perfect for a Saturday morning or a Monday, whatever your preference. So stop by and check out this very cozy and inviting neighborhood hangout. They have lots of outdoor seating, so nice for a sunny spring day.

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