Browse

our directory of women-owned businesses

Archive for the ‘Sip / Savor’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Dangerous Foods Hiding in Your Pantry

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Do you CRAVE a healthier lifestyle? We asked one of our favorite wellness gurus, Jamie Dougherty, for some simple ways to improve your diet by cleaning out the “dangerous” foods hiding in your pantry. Here is what Jamie had to say about those last few items in your kitchen standing between you and your healthiest self.

When people begin to eat better, the food in their refrigerator changes. More fruits, fresh vegetables, organic, pasture raised diary and meat. However there is one place that is always the last vestige of unhealthy food…the pantry! Pantries are the final frontier of “hazardous for your health” foods. Pantry food must be shelf stable, meaning food items are pumped full of chemicals and preservatives to make them last longer. Processed foods are also loaded with sugar, low quality oils and genetically modified fillers that can damage our bodies.

Luckily there are a number of tasty alternatives to replace the unhealthier models. Here are a few easy pantry raiding swap-outs to get started.

Top 5 pantry foods to replace

Bread crumbs

OUT - The packaged stuff. Full of hydrogenated oils, sugar, and anti-caking agents.
IN - Make your own crumbs. Take unused stale bread, put in a food processor with sea salt, and then toast in a slow oven. Keep them in the freezer or in the pantry in a sealed container.

Broth

OUT - Bouillon cubes, powder or canned stock. Full of sugar, low quality salt, MSG, and genetically modified ingredients.
IN – Homemade or organic boxed stock (Pacific Naturals Vegetable Stock is very good).

Cooking Oils, Fats & Sprays

OUT –Aerosol oils (PAM) and vegetable shortenings. Dump the corn, peanut, vegetable, soybean, safflower oils, margarine, and Crisco.
IN - High quality extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed & hemp oils, ghee/clarified butter, organic butter.

Salad Dressing and Sauces

OUT - Bottled dressings, marinades, sugary BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce.
IN – fruit sweetened ketchup and BBQ sauce (check out Organicville), tamari/shoyu, and homemade dressings. Use good oils, balsamic/red wine vinegar, ginger/sesame oil/tamari, tahini with lemon.

Vanilla

OUT - Imitation vanilla: loaded with corn syrup and added sugars.
IN – Real vanilla extract and vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but totally worth it!

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at www.jamieliving.blogspot.com.

Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Interviews, Sip / Savor | No Comments »

How to Plan Your Perfect Summer Party with LA Glam

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Planning a party can be loads of fun but let’s be totally honest…planning and attending the same party can be tough. That’s why CRAVE asked Christina Murphy, who runs LA Glam Events with her partner Erin Preuss to give us a few pointers. The good news is that with a little planning and creative magic you can host a party everyone (including you) will love!

With the summer party season about to get into full swing starting on Memorial Day Weekend it’s a perfect time to treat your friends to a love-everything-about-summer party that will set the standard for everyone else. (And no, it doesn’t require boatloads of cash or a swank Hampton’s seaside soirees.)

4 easy ways to make your Memorial Day BBQ better than everyone else’s…

1) Invites: Evites are ok, Paperless Post is so cool (but pricey) and so why stick to the norm. A trip to the 99 Cents store will yield a plethora of fun and funky ideas. It’s much less expensive than you would think to send unusual invites and it’s a great way to make your party stand out from the rest. Mix and match and let your imagination run wild. It’s half the fun.

2) Food: it’s sort of crucial to a good party. Nothing is more delicious and easy than good old fashion burgers on the grill and burgers don’t have to boring. Add an array of interesting self-serve toppings like sautéed mushrooms, arugula, bacon, avocado, etc to create a gourmet burger bar. You can even ask people to write down their custom burger, name it and take pictures for your own Burger Hall of Fame.

3) Cocktails: a trip to your local farmers market will start your inner mixologist juices flowing. Take all the favs (fresh squeezed OJ, grapefruit, lemon and lime) throw in some new twists (muddle berries, pineapple or watermelon) and some smoothie-like purees (cantaloupe, honeydew, banana and mango).Use some basic alcohols and set it all out for people to create their own signature cocktail. People love experimenting and the bonus is for the people who are going adult-beverage free they can make a killer virgin version of the same thing.

4) Décor: for some seriously-talented-crafty types décor is a hallmark of their parties. For me, with limited time, décor needs to be simple and accessible. My favorite budget friendly décor item is cotton quilt fabrics. These fabrics are your new, super crafty best friend. You can make awesome mix and match table overlays (most standard fabrics aren’t wide enough for a full table linen) but they make cute overlays either over whatever linens already have or over plain white sheets hemmed to fit your table. Mix patterns and colors to create a really festive look.

The good news is all these projects are relatively easy and don’t require a bunch of time or money. Just give yourself a week to work on your décor projects in the evening and prep your food and juices the morning of your event and you will be able to party-hardy with all your pals!

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Interviews, Sip / Savor | 1 Comment »

Planning a Fun in the Sun Picnic

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Food always seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors and in the company of great friends and family. So, pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, bring some companions, and take advantage of the sunny warm weather the spring and summer months have to offer with an al fresco dining experience! Don’t sweat, planning a picnic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some fun and fuss-free ideas for planning a picnic in the fresh air and sunshine!

1. Pick a Location:

  • At the Park: Whether you’re on a grassy spot in the sunlight or under the shade of a tree, a park is the perfect place to gather for a picnic! If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your beloved pooch at home, there are plenty of pet-friendly parks so you can bring Fido along!
  • On a Beach: Sun, surf, and sand is the ideal combination for a picnic on the beach! Just make sure you enjoy each element separately to avoid melted, soggy, or grainy grub.
  • At a Drive-In Movie: CRAVing a romantic night with your sweetie? Dinner and a movie underneath a blanket of twinkling nighttime stars is a perfect date night combination. Don’t forget to bring popcorn and candy!
  • In Your Backyard: Want to enjoy a meal outside but don’t feel like hauling a basket or cooler full of food around? No problem, a picnic in your backyard can be just as fun and probably less stressful if you happen to forget the napkins!
  • On a Roof-top Patio: For those of you dwelling in the concrete jungle, many apartment and condo buildings have a roof-top patio for their residents to enjoy. The only difference? Rather than being surrounded by trees, you have adjacent skyscrapers to provide shade.

2. Picnic Menu Items:

We encourage you to be creative, but to also keep things simple with your picnic menu! Remember, you have to schlep these baskets around with limited heating or cooling available, and food poisoning is never included in the recipe for fun. Pack your picnic baskets with these simple palate pleasers, bon appetit!

  • Savor: Definitely use your left-overs when you can! Roasted chicken can be used to make a yummy pasta or Caesar salad. You can also make some simple PB&J or turkey sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to head out. Soft bagels with cream cheese are also a great and effortless menu option. Here are some other easy picnic recipes to consider.
  • Sip: Class up your picnic with a bottle of wine to sip while you savor your meal, which is ideal if you’re enjoying a laid-back picnic on your backyard porch. For public parks and beaches, we recommend some bubbly and refreshing sparkling apple cider instead. Lemonade is also the classic beverage of choice for a sunny spring/summer picnic.
  • Sweets: You can’t go wrong with brownies and cookies, which are crowd-pleasers for any age. A fresh fruit salad is delicious and nutritious, and also surprisingly portable! We generally don’t recommend packing anything that melts quickly, but if you’re having a backyard picnic you can get away with serving ice cream and popsicles!

3. Picnic Essentials NOT to Forget:

  • Sunscreen/sun block: Don’t ruin your outdoor picnic with a painful sunburn, keep yourself sun protected! As the people from the land down under would say, “Slip, Slop, Slap: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.”
  • Insect repellant: A good idea if you’re going to be outdoors long enough for the mosquitoes to come out for their own picnic.
  • Big quilt/blanket: If you’re going to be dining on the grass, sit on a big quilt or blanket to protect yourself from ants in your pants, or even worse, in your food!
  • Eating utensils: Finger food is always fun, but if you plan on serving something that requires a fork, spoon, or knife, eating with your bare hands will get messy and complicated.
  • Plastic bag(s): Be considerate of others and the park in which you are enjoying your picnic and clean up any trash or food waste. Also, if your pooch joined you for your picnic, please pick up behind your pawed pal as well.
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes: Ahh, germs! Need we say more?
  • Entertainment: Don’t dine and dash, stay a while! Bring some playing cards, a Frisbee, or play bocce ball while your tummies digest.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Moms, Sip / Savor, Travel | No Comments »

What We’re Craving: Spicy Foods

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010


When it comes to food, are you more attracted to more subtle flavors or do you enjoy a more adventurous palate of spices? Either way, spices can take your palate on a journey of spicy dimensions ranging from mild heat to “it hurts so good!” hot. Spices have been known to clear sinuses as well as release endorphins in your body to put you in a good mood. If you’re new to trying spicy flavors, begin with the lowest level of spice and work your way to higher levels. Get your beer ready or glass of milk in hand, we’re going to highlight spicy dishes available here in Portland to add a little kick to your usual routine.

Sushi Mazi’s Fire Cracker Roll
Sushi Mazi is a fantastic sushi restaurant located by Ladd’s Edition and Clinton Street neighborhood in Southeast Portland. Chef Marc Suwansathien opened Sushi Mazi last year here in Portland after living in New York for the past fifteen years. The warm, inviting atmosphere creates the perfect environment in attempting adventurous dishes, such as the deliciously spicy Fire Cracker roll. The Fire Cracker roll is filled with crab, jalapeno wrapped with nori and tempura top with hot sauce and caviar. Chef Marc’s delectable Fire Cracker roll will liven up the flavors for any sushi experience.

Sushi Mazi
2126 Southeast Division Street
Portland, OR 97202-1243
(503) 432-8651

Baan-Thai’s Medium Pad Thai
Baan-Thai is a Thai restaurant located on the Portland State University campus. This restaurant is a local favorite for PSU students, and is known for their delicious Thai dishes full of aromatic flavors. However, be aware of Baan-Thai’s spice levels, especially if you’re just beginning to try spicy flavors. Their level of mild spice is more like an average medium spice for most restaurants, while their medium level is hot hot hot! Try the Medium Pad Thai with chicken, beef, tofu or seafood!

Baan-Thai
1924 Southwest Broadway
Portland, OR 97201-3262
(503) 224-8424

Pok Pok’s Spicy Fish Sauce Chicken Wings
Pok Pok is a fun, energetic indoor/outdoor restaurant located in southeast Portland that specializes in foods mostly from North and Northeast Thailand. Their chicken wings are a customer favorite at Pok Pok. These are a good place to start for those who aren’t quite spice-aficionados just yet. The Spicy Fish Sauce Wings have a milder heat without compromising sticky addictive taste. Their Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Wings provide the perfect meal for a night out with friends and family looking for delicious finger foods to fawn over. They’re so good, even famous culinary professionals like Bon Appetite magazine have nationally recognized these wings.

Pok Pok
3226 Southeast Division Street
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 232-1387

Secret Aardvark’s Hot Sauce
Locally developed here in Portland, this operation began in 2004 as the founders of Secret Aardvark would pedal their sauces to farmer’s markets around town. Their hottest sauce, Secret Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce can be found at many restaurants all over Portland. This tangy sauce laced with lots of heat can be found swirled into a bloody mary to diminish your hangover at Jam on Hawthorne, on top of your favorite farm plate special at New Seasons, or pizza slices at your favorite pizza joint. Made from white wine vinegar, roasted tomatoes, and habanero peppers, Secret Aardvark Habenero would be the perfect spicy addition to any dish, whether it’s made in your kitchen or at one of Portland’s fabulous restaurants!

Montage’s Spold Macaroni and Cheese
Located under the east side of the Morrison Bridge, Montage is well-known for their wide range of interesting selections. Their menu includes frog legs, crocodile bites, and Spold, a combination of the Old Mac and Spicy Mac. The Old Mac has a more traditional flavor, whereas the Spicy Mac adds a bit of a kick to the traditional Mac and Cheese. The Spold combination is the perfect fusion of spicy and old to create a mouth-watering (and possibly sweaty) experience. This dish consists of garlic, parmesan, Cajun gravy, jalapenos, and tomatoes that will liven up your perspective on the classic favorite.

Le Montage Bistro
301 Southeast Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 234-1324

Also check out: Ping Pdx, My Brother’s Crawfish, and Salvador Molley’s for more spicy food specialties!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Sip / Savor | 1 Comment »

Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

Monday, April 26th, 2010

We are all familiar with the old adage of Spring cleaning, but did you know that it doesn’t just apply to your closet? Spring cleaning is also important for our bodies and very helpful in flushing toxins, losing weight and creating increased energy. The best place to start your spring cleaning is with spring eating! Jamie G. Dougherty, owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling, offers us a fresh approach. Spring foods are light, water-logged, and perfect for cleaning out our systems of excess junk. Some of the most popular spring foods include:

Asparagus: High in potassium and folate which aids the cardiovascular system- Roast with olive, sea salt, and pepper with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Artichokes: A good source of iron and calcium- Steam and enjoy with your favorite vinaigrette.

Dandelion Greens: Aid in liver cleansing- Blanch, then sauté with garlic, olive oil, and top with currants and pine nuts.

Green garlic: Delicious young garlic plant that has anti-bacterial properties- A perfect addition to eggs or a frittata.

Radishes: Very high a vitamin C. Eat them raw or dip in hummus or your favorite dressing.

The best place to find spring foods it at your local farmer’s market where vendors will have the freshest produce available. Here is a perfect dish to get your started. Who ever thought spring cleaning could taste so good? Enjoy!

Asparagus and Brown Rice Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Serves 4

For the Dijon vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
Sea salt to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove or shallot, finely minced or pureed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:

1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut in 1-inch pieces and blanched for 3 minutes
Sea salt to taste
2 cups brown rice, freshly made or leftover
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, tarragon, marjoram
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, mustard and garlic. Whisk in the oil, taste and adjust seasonings.

2. Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces and place in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Add asparagus to the rice and toss together with the Dijon dressing.

4. Add the fresh herb and pumpkin seeds and toss all together. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve.　

To reheat leftover rice: Place cold rice in a small pot with ¼-1/2 cup of water (depending on amount of rice). Bring to medium heat and let steam for 4-5 minutes, or until water has evaporated. Remove rice from the heat and mix with your dressing.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at:　www.jamieliving.blogspot.com

Jamie is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Enhance, Interviews, Sip / Savor | No Comments »

Best of Portland: Coffee and Tea Blogs

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010


We love sharing the latest insider information with you here at CRAVE Portland, but we don’t mind admitting when someone’s got us beat. We’re deferring to the experts in this post by introducing the gurus of coffee and tea through the following three blogs. These masters of brewed beverages provide information on Portland’s most current caffeinated occurrences, keeping you up to date on all things loose leaf, fair trade, decaf, and whole bean.

Bellissimo
As the President of Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup and founder of the American Barista & Coffee School, Bruce Milletto has long been recognized as the voice of the specialized coffee industry. Earlier this year, Milletto transitioned from his long-time coffee blog espresso101, to the Bellissimo blog, continuing to dispense valuable insider information on all of his encounters with specialty coffees. As an international coffee consultant, Milletto shares the details of his professional endeavors in New York, Morocco, and of course Portland! Look for information about local barista trainings, new brews and beans, and shop openings on the Belissimo blog.

Portland Roasting Coffee
After twelve years of roasting premium coffee beans, Portland Roasting Coffee has gained plenty of experience exploring a vast array of beans from around the world. Through its blog, now three years old, PRC shares knowledge and enthusiasm with readers, posting information on events, new brews, and other info pertinent to the consumption of coffee (see post on how the number of FP’s on one’s tongue affects perception of taste!). Posts are written by twelve different bloggers, from various positions within the company including Coffee Graders, Operations Executives, and Columbian Correspondents, ensuring a balanced view of the industry. The blog also includes links to PRC’s Coffee Education and Training Videos on all things relevant to coffee creation and consumption, including ‘Latte Basics’, ‘Handling and Pruning Coffee Trees’, ‘Espresso Machine Maintenance and Cleaning,’ ‘Espresso Tamping,’ and many more. Portland Roasting Coffee’s blog is a great resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of this internationally involved industry. Best of all PRC’s blog includes great information about coffee happenings right here in Portland, check out their recent post on the Walk For Water event!

Tea Time in Portland
Though this blog hasn’t been updated recently, the archives are well worth perusing. The self proclaimed ‘tech geek with a tea obsession’ who pens these posts shares colorful reviews of new tea varieties and tools, using jargon that clearly communicates this blogger’s passion and expertise on the subject. The reviews detailed here are always engaging, and never fail to make readers crave a pot-full of hot tea in a daring new flavor. Get the scoop on steeped specialties through Tea Time’s many mouthwatering entries.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Sip / Savor | No Comments »

GIVEAWAY: Cirque du Soleil KOOZA Exclusive Preview Tickets & Dinner for Two at Aquariva – April 8, 2010

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

We’ve partnered with Cirque du Soleil KOOZA and Aquariva Restaurant to give our fabulous friends and fans an ELECTRIFYING giveaway!

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE (2) EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW TICKETS TO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL KOOZA ON THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010 AT 7:30PM, AND A SPECIAL DINNER FOR TWO THAT SAME EVENING AT AQUARIVA ITALIAN KITCHEN + WINE BAR!

HOW TO ENTER:

  1. Post a photo on CRAVE Portland’s Facebook wall of you & the guest you’d like to take to Cirque du Soleil KOOZA. Any photo will work but you both have to be pictured together!
  2. Under the caption, give us your e-mail address and reason why you should win.
  3. Get everyone you know to comment and “LIKE” your wall photo.

HOW TO WIN:
The photo with the most “LIKES” by Monday, April 6th at 6PM will win! You’ll be notified through e-mail. Respond by Tuesday, April 7th at 6PM in order to claim your prize!

About Cirque du Soleil KOOZA:
KOOZA tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world. Between strength and fragility, laughter and smiles, turmoil and harmony, KOOZA explores themes of fear, identity, recognition and power. The show is set in an electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills, chills, audacity and total involvement.

KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil is coming for a limited time, from April 9 – May 16.
KOOZA will be playing under the blue & yellow Grand Chapiteau at SW Moody Avenue (South of the Marquam Bridge)
Tickets are ON SALE now at cirquedusoleil.com.

About Aquariva:
Aquariva is easygoing elegance, relaxed sophistication, and located perfectly on the riverside just a few minutes south of downtown Portland on the banks of the Willamette River. Enjoy mouth-watering Italian delights in a hip and ambient environment. www.aquarivaportland.com

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Connect, Sip / Savor, Travel | 1 Comment »

Best of Portland: Pet-Friendly Places

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

As pets have transformed from our companions to second children, it’s become increasingly common to bring them along on our daily adventures. But even in a town rated amongst the most pet-friendly cities in the country, finding venues accepting of both you and your pooch can be a challenge. This week we’ve compiled a list of the best spots to take your canine companion on a coffee run, meal out, shopping trip, or after-hours outing.

Amnesia Brewing—The definition of a laidback atmosphere, Amnesia Brewing caters to a younger crowd serving inexpensive beer and bratwurst on the back patio. The large covered patio serves as a great spot to sit and enjoy the company of fellow diners and their dogs. Under each picnic table is a water bowl, and the owners occasionally serve lucky dogs overdone sausages. Find Amnesia Brewing at 823 N. Beech St.

Tin Shed—Located on NE Alberta St., the Tin Shed is the recipient of endless rave reviews for its cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Home to summertime concerts, movie screenings, and an outdoor patio complete with fireplace, the Tin Shed is a very popular destination in NE Portland. Items like the Sweet Potato French Toast, Goat Boy (raspberry marinated portabella mushrooms, sun-dried tomato & spinach, topped with goat cheese), and famous biscuits, keep carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans coming in droves. The wait is often long, but the endless self-serve coffee makes it much more manageable. What’s more, this place takes pet-friendly to a whole new level, with a special section of the menu dedicated to the tastes of accompanying canines. Dogs are welcome on the patio where they are served fresh water and menu items ordered by owners. Pack up your pooch and head to 1438 NE Alberta Street!

Portland Farmer’s Market—Though dogs aren’t technically allowed at the PSU Farmer’s Market, this doesn’t seem to stop dog-toting foodie enthusiasts. The Farmers Market is a great place to try all kinds of samples and get hooked on items you never knew you could crave (i.e strawberry jalapeño jelly….). Dogs love the outdoor atmosphere, and on sunny summer days this is the best place to peruse while chowing down on Salvador Molly’s Tamales, or Pine State’s irresistible biscuit sandwiches. Why not put a paw to the lawn on a sunny Saturday? The Farmer’s Market is open 8:30am-2pm.

Yappy Hour—Voted Portland Monthly’s ‘Best Place To Hang Out With Your Pet’, a visit to this monthly event is a must for those of you with dogs as social as you are. Each last Wednesday of the month, LexiDog Boutique & Social Club and Oregon Humane Society put on this fun event at the trendy Jupiter Hotel. The renovated motor inn, turned boutique hotel hosts the hip event, featuring fun activities, local wines, food, pet-related artists, and pets available for adoption. Each month has a different theme, and a portion of the proceeds benefit animals at OHS. This month’s event is entitled “Spring Training” featuring dog behavior specialists, wine from CHEHALEM, food by Catering by Bo (Thai Sampler Platter), and artist Brad Kaufam. April’s Yappy Hour theme is “Paws & Paint”, featuring the opportunity to paint your own dog bowl with Ready Paint Fire! This is a great event, for a great cause! Guests and their pets are also welcome to stay at the Jupiter in a pet-friendly room with all the amenities your dog could desire. Proceeds from each guestroom also benefit OHS.

Sellwood Riverfront Park—This 8.75 acre area of unfenced territory is an ideal place to let your dog run wild. One of the 32 off-leash areas in Portland, Sellwood Riverfront Park offers plenty of space to let dogs enjoy the outdoors, and convenient spot to cool off after a long day of play. Dogs love taking a quick dip in the nearby Willamette River, and owners can retire to picnic tables while their pets enjoy the water. Sellwood Riverfront Park is located on SE Spokane Street and Oaks Parkway, open 5am-midnight.

Che’ Café—Named after owners Terri and Ryan’s dog, Che’ Café may be one of Portland’s most pet-friendly food carts. The concept behind this cart’s cuisine is handmade comfort food you don’t have to cook yourself. Orders can even be submitted online (for free delivery if you mention that you saw the order form on the website), or pick-up. For those customers bringing dogs along during Portland’s rainy season, pooches are welcome inside the indoor seating area. Che’ Café also makes dog treats out of dehydrated chicken, so you can be sure your dogs will be happy they tagged along. Find Che’ Café at 3954 N Williams Avenue.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Connect, Sip / Savor | 3 Comments »

Best of Portland: Happy Hours with the Gal Pals

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

As a capital of creative cuisine, Portland offers an abundant supply of dining destinations. The only downside to living in this mecca of fantastic fare is the toll it can take on one’s wallet, so we are delivering the perfect anecdote to this mouthwatering dilemma: happy hours! Great places to get small plates, cheap drinks, and enjoy new atmospheres with friends, happy hours are perfect for frugal foodies. Here are some of our favorite places around town.

Casa Del Matador
Everyday 4-6pm & 10-1am
Extremely dedicated to providing a true tex-mex experience, the industry veterans behind Casa Del Matador have created an impressive restaurant reflective of their inspiration everywhere from the décor to the food. The interior is artfully decorated with unique woodworking, antique light fixtures, custom ironwork, and an open fireplace set atop one of the tables. Prices range from four to five dollars for food, and the flavors are unforgettable. The famous Texas Sized Nachos are piled high with melted cheese, chopped onions, black beans, pico de gallo, and somehow manage to stay crisp all the way through. Other happy hour menu items include the very flavorful Spicy Fried Calamari, Tex-Mex Spring Rolls (served with a sweet chili sesame plum sauce—YUM!), Chorizo Quesadillas, and many more. Although a drink purchase is not required, the tequila bar is stocked with over 95 varieties, and the margaritas are poured very generously (get the best for your buck!). Find Casa Del Matador at 1438 NW 23rd Ave., and 2424 E. Burnside St.

Mint/820
Mon- Tues 4-8pm, ALL NIGHT Wed, & 4-6:30 Thurs-Sun
This Pan-American Bistro takes influences from the Pacific North West, the Mediterranean, and Latin America offering a happy hour menu with varied options. Tucked away, this slim little restaurant is cozy and low lit for a swankier happy hour atmosphere. Happy hour menu items include Sweet Potato Fries ($3.50), Fried Stuffed Risotto Balls ($6), Cuban Lamb Burger ($8), Spicy Caesar Salad ($6), soup ($4), and daily specials. The drink menu is also one of Mint’s best assets; the Avocado Daiquiri, Pineapple Drop, Bella (Blackberry puree, vodka, and lemon lime), and Ruby (beet infused vodka with a splash of lemon lime juice) are all great options, and Mint offers many, many more. Even better, drinks are just $6 during happy hour. Find Mint/820 at 816 N. Russell St.

Bernie’s Southern Bistro
Tues-Sun 4-6pm
The phrase southern comfort sure does apply here. Bernie’s Southern Bistro offers the best in southern comfort food at excellent prices. During Bernie’s happy hour each dish is just $3! Menu items include the Po’ Boy Sandwich (your choice of chicken or fried green tomatoes), Creole Meatloaf Sandwich, Cornmeal Fried Okra, Mac n’ Cheese (creamy, cheesy, and SO delicious), Hush Puppies with an amazing jalapeno marmalade, Fried Dill Pickles, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, and more. Also, the Southern Bell (gin, fresh lime, rashberry liqueur, and soda) is perfectly refreshing and just five dollars along with four other drink specials. House Chardonnay and Cabernet are also just $4 during happy hour. Bernie’s Southern Bistro is one of the best deals in town; find it at 2904 NE Alberta St.

Ciao Vito
Everyday at 4pm
Also located on NE Alberta at 2203, Ciao Vito offers a very different kind of happy hour. Here, under candlelight and crystal chandeliers, guests are invited to try modern takes on classic Italian dishes. A heaping plate of Ken’s Artisan bread, olives, and white bean spread is just $2, while other menu items like Spaghetti Agli’Olio, Fried Crispy Meatballs, Sugo of Pork with Fried Crispy Polenta, Butter Leaf Lettuce Salad with Olive Oil and Cabernet Sauvignon Vinegar, and Fried Potato Fritters in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, are all between $5-8. Also, the antipasti platter is a great option for trying small bites of everything, with salted meats, cured olives, cheese, frittatas, and more. The staff is very knowledgeable about available wine pairings, and the owner is most often just a table away chatting with diners.

DragonFish
Mon-Sat 4-6pm & 9-close, Sunday 3pm-close
Those of you with sushi habits know how expensive keeping up with crab roll cravings can be. Fortunately, DragonFish’s newly revamped happy hour offers some great dishes at low prices. Half rolls and small plates like Caramel Ginger Chicken, Miso Soup, Hoisin BBQ Ribs, and Salmon Katsu cost between two and five dollars each with a minimum drink purchase. Dragonfish also has a trendy drink list, with items like Guava Mai-Tai’s, Lemongrass Lime Ricky’s, Electric Blowfishes, and Peachy Samurai Martinis for $5. Sake ($3), beer ($3.50), and Wine ($4) are also available during happy hour. Dragonfish is located at 909 SW Park Ave.

Got a favorite we didn’t mention? Comment below to share your favorite places with fellow readers, we know you’ve all got a little frugal foodie in you!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Sip / Savor | 3 Comments »

Valentine’s Day – Pink Themed Recipes

Friday, February 12th, 2010

There are so many pros to going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day and we can think of a lot of cons to staying in and cooking. But with the following recipes, staying in and making a home-cooked meal with your sweetheart might just look like the best idea ever!

Rack of Lamb with Herb and Olive Crust
For a pink themed menu, let’s start with a delicious lamb recipe. It comes from Caroline in Chicago’s blog (hwhippedtheblog.com). Our mouths are watering already!

1/3 cup coarsely chopped olives – kalamata, picholine or Manzanilla
1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh thyme
2 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
2 racks of lamb (7-8 ribs each, trimmed or frenched)
salt and pepper
3/6 cups breadcrumbs

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Combine olives, parsley, thyme, garlic and red pepper in a food processor or mortar. Make a rough paste. Stir in mayo. Set aside. Trim lamb so only a thin layer of fat remains. Heat a heavy skillet (NOT a nonstick) over high heat. Season racks with salt and pepper. Set in skillet fat side down and cook for about 2 minutes. Spread breadcrumbs on a plate. Coat the surface of the lamb with the olive paste then dip in the crumbs to coat. Put bone side down in a roasting pan. Cover the bone tips with foil so they don’t burn. Roast until instant read thermometer is 120-125 degrees for rare or 130-135 for medium. It will cook another 5 degrees when out of the oven. Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes. Cut apart between the bones and serve.

Strawberry Cupcakes
Amy Sherman, a San Francisco-based author, writer, and developer of all things food, shares an amazing strawberry cupcake recipe on her blog (cookingwithamy.blogspot.com). Cupcakes and strawberries are the key to any beau’s heart.

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 large egg
6 ounces Dannon® All Natural Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt (or any other fruit flavor of yogurt)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Frosting:
2 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 fresh strawberries, about 2 Tbsp. mashed

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. With an electric hand mixer, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg, Dannon® All Natural Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt and vanilla, blending until smooth.
2. Measure the dry ingredients into the bowl and blend, then fold in the strawberries.
3. Divide the mixture equally between the 12 paper-lined cupcake cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
4. Beat together butter, powdered sugar, and mashed strawberry in medium-size bowl until creamy and smooth. Chill frosting for 15 minutes or until thick. Frost cupcakes with a spatula. Keep cupcakes in the refrigerator loosely covered.
Yield: 12 servings

French Kiss
To accompany your beloved meal (cupcakes are a meal, right?), the Wedding Paper Divas have some suggestions for romantically festive drinks (blog.weddingpaperdivas.com). May we recommend the French Kiss? It’s just the perfect shade of pink to match you cupcakes…we mean cheeks!

¾ oz Chambord
¾ oz Peach Schnapps
¾ oz Vodka
Splash orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice
Serve straight up in a martini glass

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Sip / Savor | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »