4 Days in Portland- Day 1

I <3 Portland. I know I've been starting a lot of posts this way but that's because I've got a lot of love. This past long weekend- I visited Portland, Oregon for the first time and it was everything I was looking for and wanted it to be.We left at 10pm Thursday with no plans other then just drive.

Drive, drive, drive.

We figured we would bed wherever we got tired- tried to spend the night in Tulalip Casino, but they knew we had no money- so we got the bum's rush and spent the night at the Express Holiday Inn instead.

The Express Holiday in featured a complimentary breakfast and when I saw the biscuits and gravy- it hit me that I was now in America.

The first thing I noticed about Portland was that it is small: 3 level buildings, quiet streets and a compact city center. When I saw all the mobile food carts I knew this was going to be a whole new experience.

For a small city--Portland is full of micro distilleries, breweries and bistros. I find the Portland palette very unique and attractive. In fact, it's very easy to eat and be healthy in Portland; the menus are innovative, portions are generous and the prices are affordable.

It was "Bomb Squad" (don't ask me why he's called Bomb Squad, I only named him) who pinned Portland down for me-"this is a place for foodies who don't want to spend lot of money." Did I mention they have no sales tax? Paradise.

Day 1

Deschutes Brewery and Public House

Fresh Northwest Oysters on the Half Shell

* Classic Style with Black Butter Porter Cocktail Sauce -> Full bodied flavor
* Lime and Cilantro Mignonette
* Chef's Favorite Mango Granite -> Refreshing and sweet

I also ordered the Hop-Infused Red Pepper Hummus Platter with Oregano Flat bread, Kalamata  Olives, Pepperoncini and Lemon-Marinated Tomato and Cucumber Salad -> A serving big enough for three (though I didn't share any). I couldn't taste anything in the Hummus other than the Red Pepper (which isn't a bad thing at all) and the Salad was very light and refreshing.

Rogue

Pink Gin on the rocks -> Yes, just Gin on the rocks.Made me completely re-think my favorite spirit. Good enough to sip on it's own. Beautiful.

Morimoto Soba Ale -> Favorite chef and now favorite beer. Nice clean taste-- everything Tsingtao wants to be.

Masu

Asterix Gimlet- hand peeled kiwi pureed, shaken with gin and lemon-lime juice. Served on the rocks with a dash of soda -> Balanced flavors and a deadly drink.

Hiyashi Soba with dandelion greens and soft boiled quail eggs -> The star of the meal. Fresh Soba noodles served in a light vinaigrette. Generous portion of greens and 4 yummy little eggs. Quite filling.

Oysters served in a light ponzu sauce -> A nice set of flavors

Assorted Sushi Plate -> Fresh and enjoyable. A high grade of sushi.

Tug Boat Brewing Company

I admit by this time at night--I was exhausted/wasted/confused about some things and I can't remember much of this stop. I'll try to remember to come back to this place in a couple of months when I go back to Portland.

Day 2
Day 3
Day 4