A LOVE LETTER TO PORTLAND

 

I WAS INVITED BY LESLEY ANN WARREN TO BE HER GUEST AT THE OREGON BALLET THEATRE GALA WHERE SHE WAS BEING HONORED OVER THE WEEKEND.

 

Lesley at the Japanese Garden in Washington Park in Portland

 I hadn't been in Portland since I went on a business trip for one of my first jobs after college. Now that I've practically been all over the world, Portland still holds up as one of my top ten cities. It is a charming hybrid of San Francisco and Soho, where original architecture is celebrated, the arts run the city, and people actually read books.......AND it's a foodie heaven!

We stayed at the Paramount, a well-located, perfectly fine hotel. Our eyes really opened wide when we went to Hotel Deluxe for brunch. It is an older, restored building with a touch of Hollywood glamour.

 Lobby (left)

Dining room

Bar

Portland is famous for their Rose Garden and Japanese Gardens, and we got lost in their spiritual beauty. Particularly in the Japanese Garden, where you are surrounded by tall trees that hide you from the outside world.

Gala

Rose Garden

Yes, it's the Candy Spelling Rose. We were very impressed

  And then there's the food. How about Mother's Bistro, founded by a woman whose family perished in the concentration camps. IT SIMPLY IS THE BEST FOOD IN PORTLAND.

 

COBBLER

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUST TAKE A GANDER AT THE BREAKFAST MENU....

Grilled Portabella Mushroom Scramble

grilled portabellas marinated in garlic, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, scrambled with eggs,
fresh sautéed spinach & asiago cheese
11.95

Stuffed Frittata

open-faced omelet with bacon, cheddar cheese &; potatoes, topped with sour cream &; green onions
9.95

Migas

eggs, corn tortillas, jack cheese, onions &; peppers, scrambled together,
topped with chipotle sour cream, salsa &; green onions
9.95

Greek Frittata

an open-faced omelet with fresh spinach, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese &; kalamata olives
9.95

Wild Salmon Hash

with leeks, potatoes & a touch of cream, served with two eggs any style
12.95

Breakfast Nachos

roasted red potatoes sautéed with bacon, caramelized onions ; a touch of cream,

topped with melted cheddar cheese, sour cream &; green onions
8.95

Crunchy French Toast
thick slices of challah (egg) bread, dipped in cornflakes &; grilled golden brown
7.95

 This is Powell's Books, the hottest shop in Portland. People were lined up buying books as if they were at a Costco sale. It made us so happy.

Every few blocks in Portland you discover a beautiful park/public space

Above is Jake's Famous Crawfish, similar to Musso's or Tadich in San Fran. So cool.

Shrimp and crab cakes with a remoulade sauce