The guy at Le Pigeon’s bar was nodding and talking through a mouthful of food. “This is the best burger I’ve ever had,” he kept saying to us. We weren’t there for the burger (a lower-priced staple at the restaurant), but to sample its extraordinary French cuisine. Taking our time with the king crab appetizer and a salad of endive, blue...
With inventive dance, costumes, sound and humor, BodyVox modern dance troupe performances are simply dazzling. Its website puts it best: BodyVox has “a reputation for adventurous and innovative choreography that is challenging and engaging for committed dance fans while also remaining accessible to new audiences.” It holds its performances in its roomy, new space in Northwest Portland. It’s perfect for...
Lardo is a terrific, casual restaurant specializing in pork-laden Italian sandwiches and craft beers (18 taps, folks). Seated at picnic tables in the covered tent, we started off with incredible pork meatball banh mi and smoked “Coppa Cubano” sandwiches. Chef Rick Gencarelli came out to walk us through our selections, which also included mind-blowing French fries. “Our pork meatball bahn...
For a delicious slice and a hearty salad, try Blackbird Pizza on SE Hawthorne. The portions are deceptively ample. It offers build-your-own pies and vegan options too. If a member of your group whines that they don’t waaant pizza, they can order chicken cacciatori, eggplant parmesan, pastas or a sandwich. But the salads are really sensational. If you’re thirsty, there are...
Pittock Mansion offers an opportunity to enjoy a bit of Portland’s past. Completed in 1914 by Henry and Georgiana Pittock, their Portland mansion creatively incorporates Turkish, English and French designs. In keeping with their loyalty to their home state, the Pittocks hired Oregon craftsmen and artisans, and used Northwest materials to build their house. A consummate businessman, Henry Pittock took ownership...
Kurt and Rob Widmer helped usher in the Portland brewpub revolution. In 1984, the brothers founded Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, and soon after pioneered the world’s first American-style hefeweizen. It now stands as one of America’s most popular wheat beers. Widmer Brothers Brewing brews Widmer Hefeweizen – America’s Original Hefeweizen®, Drifter Pale Ale®, Drop Top Amber Ale® and Broken Halo...
Rocky Butte is an easy, 3.2-mile hike in Northeast Portland where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Hood. Or you can drive to the top. Either way, it’s a treat. If you hike it, start at The Grotto Trailhead. The elevation is just 140 feet. At the top is Joseph Wood Hill Park with people picnicking, walking dogs, taking pictures...
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, is Portland’s newest bridge. Opened in 2015, links the newer South Waterfront district to the energetic, urbane Central Eastside. When I asked why Tilikum Crossing is closed to motorists, TriMet’s project manager Dave Unsworth bristled slightly. “That’s a little bit arrogant, don’t you think?” he replied. “We already have 10 other bridges you can...
Dan and Louis Oyster Bar is the oldest family-owned restaurant in town. Since Louis C. Wachsmuth opened the doors in 1907, five generations have been involved in bringing seafood to Portland diners. It’s well known for its oyster stew, steamer clams, seafood entrees and platters of fresh oysters. Its oyster varieties change daily. Every summer, the restaurant closes down SW Ankeny...
Mole is life for lovers of Mexican cooking, and Mi Mero Mole offers mouth-watering moles and other traditional Mexican fare. Flavors range from butternut squash in mole poblano, to my favorite: pork mole verde. There are plenty of choices for vegetarian and carnivorous customers. The corn tortillas are made onsite, and the chips and salsa are the perfect pairing to Mi...
When you ask a local for a recommendation, you’d better be prepared to act on it. My friend, Joel, was aghast that among all the restaurants I listed in this collection of Portland itineraries, I had omitted Grain & Gristle, voted Portland’s best hamburger by Willamette Week newspaper. To correct this error, I drove to Northeast Portland to sample this heralded...