I Heart Portland

I recently had the opportunity to visit one of my best friends in Portland, Oregon – and it was lovely. I’ve been to Portland many time and I’m always enchanted – this trip, my first in over two years, was no exception.

I was visiting my friend Nicole (who I’ve known for 18 years) and her delightful family. We had a great time eating, shopping, and going to the ballet.

 Day One – Lots of Buses

First we went Tasty n Sons for lunch. I had the best roast beef sandwich I’ve ever had.

Roast beef at Tasty n Sons

Yum! 

Then we went vintage clothes shopping in a bus…yes a bus. The shop Lodekka is located in an old double decker bus. I found a lovely 1950’s dress for summer. I can’t wait to wear it. 

Vintage Dress Shop Lodekka

Later we had dinner in a bus…yep, dinner in a bus. We had grilled cheese sandwiches at the Grilled Cheese Grill, which is one of Portland’s many food trucks with a permanent location. The dining room was a converted school bus. The grilled cheese was mediocre, but eating in a school bus was fun.

Day Two – Giselle and Ice Cream

On the second day we attended a matinee of Giselle preformed by Oregon Ballet Theater. The performance was designed for children and they only preformed the 2^nd act – Nicole’s daughter, Naomi came along. She and I enjoyed every minute of the afternoon. 

Nicole, Naomi, and I with a costume from Giselle

That evening Nicole and I sneaked out for some gourmet ice cream from Salt and Straw.  Salt and Straw is known for their ice cream which is handmade in small-batches using only all-natural dairy with the best local, sustainable and organic ingredients. I was intrigued by their strange and exotic flavor combinations…and of course I had to try some of the wackier flavors.

I sampled Bone Marrow and Smoked Cherry (delicious) and Pear with Blue Cheese (also delicious), but finally ordered Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Black Pepper (super delicious). 

Day Three – Shopping and Biscuits

On the third day Nicole and I explored her neighborhood (Alberta Arts), did some shopping, and had a wonderful lunch at Pine State Biscuits before I headed home.

The Reggie Deluxe at  Pine State Biscuits 

I’m not kidding you when I say the biscuit sandwich I had was one of the best things I’ve every eaten…It was really amazing. Fried chicken, bacon, cheese, a fried egg, and the best gravy I’ve ever had, all piled up on a delectable biscuit…heaven!