Brisk Weekend in Portland

I stayed here Fri-Sat nights during a perfect weather early November weekend, for a conference rate of $60. Being a New Yorker, I was amazed at this rate (even being a conf rate) for such a nice hotel! Overall the stay was smooth and certainly worth the price. Walking in, you'll experience a high class business hotel amidst a mini-bustle of a downtown.

My room held a cloudlike king size bed, along with the standard desk and two chairs. I was on the 13th floor, allowing me a superb view of the northern view of Portland including the rising mountains. Though the bathroom was small, the sliding door made it seem more spacious and the bronzed handles added a touch of elegance. The room wasn't cramped as they sometimes are with a kind sized bed, and the wonderfully soft bed provided me with excellent nights' rest. Downside to the room - having to pay for the internet, especially when the city of Portland provides free wi-fi outside!

At 2 pm my room was not ready yet, and I was told I would receive a call when it was ready. I went to Sherman Square just down the street, a lovely urban "park" area, and made a few phone calls to friends. Then I headed across the street to Nordstrom's (friendly staff to help me find jeans!).

By 4:30 pm I had not received a call that my room was ready, despite the check-in time of 4 pm. I headed back the super close two blocks to the hotel, and my room was ready. Upon telling the staff that I was not called, they seemed concerned and apologized. Once I asked about the fitness center, they informed me the nice fitness center was at a cost of $15 a day and the "included" center was across the street at the Towers, but because no one called me I could use the full service fitness center at no cost - great perk and make-up for their error!

Late one evening I realized I was without toothpaste, and went to the concierge where a very amiable attendant searched in several rooms for over 10 minutes until he finally emerged with the toothpaste - to which I was very grateful! This showed excellent care for their guests.

I visited the hotel for a conference, and the facilities were adequate. The floors housing meeting rooms were the two below the lobby and one above the lobby, leading to a bit of disconnect for people transitioning from workshops. The grand ballroom's more narrow set-up was favorable than others I have visited, due to everyone's ease of seeing the stage.

The hotel is located amidst eating and shopping in the downtown Portland area, and is conveniently located just a few blocks from the light rail system - making it easily accessible from the airport. Though not in the funkiest fun area of Portland, a great deal for a nice hotel for my purposes!

Southern cuisine made from local products makes this Portland restaurant a delightful experience, with a soft ambience, Southern flavor and serious drinks.

Have a seat at the bar and a friendly yet gritty bartender will make you a stiff one - choose from the list including the Rhett Butler, the Dixie, or the Hot Bayou Buttered Rum. Also has a small selection of draft beer and a decent list of red and white wines.

The real treat of course is the food. We started with the hushpuppies appetizer - hushpuppies being a key part of eating at a Southern restaurant, and their unique take on these was mouth-watering - round hushpuppies with an amazing honey creole mustard dipping sauce.

Each week the restaurant changes their list of sides, choosing organic produce and making rich options. The delight in going each week for new sides would keep me coming back if I lived here! From duck confit hash to glazed carrots, they take the Southern tradition and add a healthful and local twist.

With my favorite choice of side unfortunately being out, I switched from an all slides "screen door" plate (which my friend had, loved, and had way too much food - the mac & cheese being superb) to the "carlton farms pork shank." The meat fell delectably off the bone, and was surrounded by bourbons & apple and mashed sweet potatoes. Though I felt full when finished, I also felt a sweet satisfaction in having eaten the slightly salty pork and the sweet sides. I also felt as if I'd been treated to a healthy Southern cuisine - a rarity, being a native Southerner myself.

Drop in to this classic in Portland, a Northwestern city, for a hipster-ish, slow, Southern charm. Farm fresh and organic foods, along with friendly staff, treat you right!
Fit for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Find out more at
www.screendoorrestaurant.com

Rustic and fun in South Portland, the Tin Shed provides great food at a great value. In the winter, sit outside in the covered area and stay warm by the fire. Don't worry if you want to bring your canine friend, dogs have their own menu!

The dinner menu has a mix of Mexican, American and pasta specialties. High on vegetables, the cafe serves meat too but with enough veggies to make your momma smile. I ordered the Holy Shroom burger, and though it appeared manageable when it arrived by the end I was full on my burger with tasty mushrooms and the special Shed sauce. The side of vegan potato salad complimented the burger well, and gave it a high class feel. This was no pub burger - it was a well done classy dinner eaten by a fire, just with the American classic as the centerpiece.

A plethora of specialty fruit drinks sounded very thirst quenching, and the winter hot drinks looked like the perfect night caps.

Choosing to sit outside meant the real fireplace experience, and they even provide blankets to you. On a Friday evening around 7 pm, we had no wait to sit outside. Enjoy a casual dining experience with tasty, filling food at Tin Shed with good friends & family!

Though not a native to Portland, I know that the city is shifting - the downtown more bustling, an influx of new residents. Veritable Quandry existed before all of this, founded in 1970 and still a classic restaurant near the river. I went for brunch, and though we nearly had to eat at the bar since we had no reservation the hostess was able to fit our party of two into the little side nook where the bar changes to the restaurant. Though the weather was nice, the air was brisk and thus no one was sitting on the elegant outdoor patio.

My friend had sampled a few of their brunch options, and the french toast was highly recommended. I'm a huge fan of the french toast brunch, but as of late try to eat something more filling and healthy (not just a pile of carbs!). Am I glad i chose the Brioche French Toast! Two enormously huge piece of French toast were coated in sugar, with maple syrup on the side. The banans and candied walnuts were sprinkled on top of and around the sides, adding a healthful crunch and flavor to the warm, moist, spongy french toast. My only complaint is that it was far too much - but luckily my friend could finish off the half I couldn't eat.

He chose to get the johnny cakes, and enjoyed those also. The honey butter and local apples were a great addition, but for the same price he appeared to have about 3/4 the food of my enormous plate.

The service was quick, and like any good Sunday morning brunch the restaurant was bustling. I wanted orange juice halfway through the meal, yet wasn't able to order until our waitress came back when we had finished - despite being beside the waitstaff "central spot" with coffee pots and the computer to register food.

The brunch offered an elegant, classy update on typical brunch fare in a nice oasis of tall ceilings and large space out of the downtown. The attention to multiple ingredients was appreciated and enjoyed! Would certainly visit again for lunch or a romantic dinner.

Great Northwest pizza chain! The pizza is thick and YUMMY, and they offer a great value.

I had a slice of the Cochino Chicken, loaded with pesto chicken, red onions, hickory smoked bacon & feta cheese - awesome! Specialty pies are great but can sometimes like the "pulled together" feel and just taste like ingredients slopped together.

This chicken slice was thoughtfully done and a great mixture of ingredients for my quick lunch slice. I got a side ceasar salad to go, and a large drink, for under 7 bucks. The ceasar dressing was light and tasty and the quality of lettuce was superb, as was the quantity for a side salad.

Though only two people were working, the meals were served quickly! A huge conference rush had just been through but the staff were friendly and were giving complimentary drinks for those who had waited for an excessive amount of time. Great decision by the staff to keep customers happy.

Pizza is served by the pie, slice, or in the combo meals such as I got - they have tasty looking breadsticks too. Typical fast food soft drink options, and they'll call your name when your order is ready. A fun, youthful interior would have been great to sit, eat and chat in - but alas I grabbed mine to go and easily took it out to enjoy! Several locations in the Portland area.

You can get lost in Washington Park, a favorite of local residents and visitors alike since 1871. The park contains the Oregon zoo, Portland Japanese Gardens, International Rose Testing Garden, World Foresty Center, Portland Children's Museum, a Holocaust Memorial and Veteran's Memorial. You can stay busy with a visit to Washington Park!

We spent most of our time in the Hoyt Arboretum, an amazing collection of over 1,000 species of trees & plants. The Visitor's Center provides a plethora of brochures, including several options for walking the Arboretum - at one, two and four miles tour. You can also choose your own path, with well marked signs and a handy free map.

We winded through bamboo, the conifers, grand Sequoias, spruce, fir, Himalayan pines, the Redwoods Collection... the majestic trees were amazing, and the blend from one collection to the next was impressive. You felt as if you were in a myriad of forests at once, each their own secluded splendor. We met with a few runners, and some couples taking a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll, but the solitude and magnitude of the trees overpowered any encounter we had with others.

On just a brief self selected tour, we were able to see at least one third of the Arboretum in an hour. We could have spent much more time with the trees, but enjoyed each moment we had in the outdoor wonders!

The tour options include a one mile tour for strollers and wheelchairs. View all the ours, plants & more at www.hoytarboretum.org - or just arrive and experience the wonder firsthand, site unseen!