The Weekend Blate

I'm positive that I've never crammed as much awesome into my weekend as I did over the past 5 days that Melissa was in Portland. 

Not only did I get to meet this beautiful and confident lady in the flesh, Brooke and I were able to show her some of the "greatest hits" that the Portland Metro area has to offer. She's got the cutest Canadian accent and we enjoyed pointing out how it was even more obvious when she'd get excited. Trust me, there was tons to get excited about.

Food, scenery, girl chats, good music, wine, meat(!!!). Such a packed weekend that I don't even know how to recap it all.

Let's list some of the yummy places that took my moneys this weekend. So many meat sweats I can't even count them all.

- Casa Del Matador

- Smokehouse 21

- McMenamins Blue Moon

- Tilt

- Willamette (rhymes with "Damn it") Valley Vineyard

- Stoller Family Estate

- Red Hills Market

- McMenamins Edgefield

- Deschutes Brewery Portland

Each day was something differently epic. Wine tasting, hiking and taking advantage of the beautiful things I sometimes take for granted in this city I live in. I know the song is "Don't go chasing waterfalls" but why?! They are beautiful, I want to chase them all!

On Melissa's first night she even got to see the unicycling bagpipe playing Darth Vader ride by while all of the Portlanders looked at him and immediately went back to what they were doing without taking a second look. #KeepPortlandWeird

Maybe the biggest win was that Melissa realized how not-normal Brooke and I actually are. Surprisingly she seemed to be okay with that!

Blate weekends rock. Can't wait to see you again, Melissa!!

SE Saturday Nights

I don't know what it is about Saturday nights but lately it's been Dan and I's favorite night to unwind, grab some good walking shoes and hit the neighborhood for an adventure and some drinks.

Something about flowers blooming, people out for a stroll and the crisp night air becoming tolerable have allowed us to step out of our normal routine and into a playful mindset. It also gives us Dan an excuse for reflective swoosh photos.

The trek in mind's ultimate destination was Saburo's Sushi House that I've shared here once before. The last time we made a visit it was before Dan moved in, so this time wasn't so much about the tour - it was knowing that we were locals and had every right to sign our names on the list with 30 other hungry hopefuls in front of us. That's right, there was a literal mob outside of the front door and everyone was there to stay.

Dan and I signed up, shrugged our shoulders and walked off to do what we do best - Sellwood Pub Tour.

We started at Laurelwood Public House around 8:45 and ordered the a Space Stout for him & a Free Range Red for her. We enjoyed sharing the different flavors back and forth and I still can't call which was my favorite.

Next we went back to check on the list - rookie move. We were still at least 15 people down on the list and noticed that the couple after us was the cut-off point of the list. We were going to be there to shut it down.

So what do you think we did? Went to another bar of course! I love dive bar hopping in Sellwood and tonight didn't disappoint. The Cosmo Lounge was in full effect with karaoke enthusiasts making their way in and signing up for their debut. Dan and I escaped before karaoke night started, but not before my IPA, his Negro Modelo and our four $1 each Orange Jello shots. Well played, babe!

After us lightweights were feeling happy, we snuck in a few fro-yo samples at Nectar before having perfect timing to be seated at Saburo's.

This was the longest I've ever waited, two hours from sign up to sit down, but the memories, goofiness and amazing eats at the end of the road were beyond worth it. We even had a great time with the strangers who shared our same table that were visiting from Montana and had previously lived in Portland through college. Plenty of laughs, single serving friends, single serving of sushi (because Dan swooped up 75% of the plate while I was chatty!) and a great evening with my love.

I can't wait to go back again when blogger buddy Marisa is back in PDX. Nothing like a heaping plate of sushi to bring people closer.

Week 11: Cohabitation

Did everyone fill out a March Madness bracket?

I did, along with Dan, and don't have any money on the line for my picks {read: guesses}. As I edit this, we both have 13/16 picks correct and didn't even consult one another in the draft process. We both haven't paid enough attention to any sports seasons this fall/winter to really "care" and the only thing we watched loyally and without distraction has been The Walking Dead and The Biggest Loser.

Going in blind to the bracket creation process really relieved a lot of the stress and worry about scenario play-outs that I would have experienced if I even knew the school colors of my selections. I know nothing except seed and I was able to call the Oregon upset over Oklahoma state, much like many of my native Oregonian co-workers.

I didn't get much running in this week but when I was able to I had a clear mind along with me. So clear that I finally took a moment to capture and share this stretch that always puts a smile on my face. Go home, sidewalk! You're drunk!

Speaking of feeling a little wobbly, Dan and I have found a new favorite location if we're ever arriving in the neighborhood early on a Monday through Friday. Last weekend we learned that there were margarita's for $1.99 at La Carreta on weekdays from 4-6pm so on Thursday night when we were passing through at 5:27 he suggested that we stop. As soon as we bellied up to the bar to watch an UNLV upset we were able to squeeze a few limes into a few margaritas and call it a good night.

This was a great week for Dan (and Batman) because if you didn't know any better you'd think this was my boyfriend from his facebook photo. He's in love with this combination of two of his favorite things besides me and golf - Batman and Nike. I can see this living in our home someday soon - have any preferred vendors who would make an amazing poster, canvas transfer out of this one? I'm thinking CostCo.

Dan had a lot of time on his hands this week as he planned to take Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off from work. A co-worker became sick and rather than allowing their newest teammate to be left alone, he volunteered to swap out Wednesday's day off for Friday instead so that he could attend granny's funeral and be there to support me and my family. I was really proud of decision, not only for the family circumstances but also for his integrity to help out a co-worker in need. He always reassures me of what a good, kind and caring heart he has.

The funeral service for granny is this afternoon at 1pm and I'm lucky to have a manager who is flexible and understanding of how important it is for me to attend. As she turns it into a labor of love, mom was on point to arrange beautiful flowers for the service. Pink, granny's favorite color, will surround her in her last moments in the church before she descends into the ground for eternal sleep.

Thanks again for all of your support this week - we are really looking forward to being surrounded by family and love this afternoon and the entire weekend.

Restaurant Review | The Original Taco House

Do you have that restaurant that reminds you of everything good in the world? The restaurant that was your reward after a big win, or your destination for a special birthday party. A place where you can go and see a familiar face each and every time you visit? For me, that restaurant in Portland is The Original Taco House. Authentic Mexican flare, comfortable neighborhood vibe, great eats without getting away with the "hole in the wall" ambiance and mostly importantly: no shortage on tortilla chips... ever!

Original Taco House has been a family staple for years and it was one of the first places that I showed Dan when he first started to court me. We have continued to return and enjoy it more and more each time we go back. I always dream that OTH is a well kept secret close to my heart and my family, but when I see how packed it was last Friday night I know that it's no fluke they've comfortably thrived for 53 years in PDX.

What We Drank:


2 El Bravo's ($9.50 each)

A wonderful mix of six liquors and juices garnished with fresh orange wedges, lime wedges and maraschino cherries. Served in a big bowl with even bigger straws. Dan and I choose the evenings carefully when we think we can handle one two of these.



What We Ate:

Tostada Regulario ($7.45)

Lettuce, grilled chicken, black beans (substituted), tomatoes, cheddar cheese - all piled atop a yellow corn tortilla flat. Add the house dressing and you're set for an amazing meal.

I don't even look at the menu anymore. I know that I can never finish this salad on my own and I'm happy that it's become one of Dan's favorites as well.



Chips + Salsa (free and unlimited)

One minute you see them, the next you don't. Good news is a refill is on it's way in minutes!







Know Before You Go:

• They cater and their fresh salsas can be found in a grocery near you


• Happy Hour Daily; 3-6pm and 9-close.


• I've heard rumors of some excellent lunch specials.


• If the restaurant is busy and you're 21+, head to the Cantina.


• Save room for their mouthwatering (AND FREE) cinnamon cookies at the end of your meal.


• Locations: 3550 SE Powell Blvd Portland, OR // 3255 NE 82nd Ave Portland, OR


• Hours: All days 11am-10pm
  


• If you know anyone in Southeast, expect to see them there.

I'll see you there!

<3 JE

January Summary

Since Throwback Thursday is tomorrow I will have to switch up the post schedule a little. I'm happy to share my month in review just one day early to keep on track with how much I love to share some photos from my past with you.

January somehow has come and gone and I feel like so much has changed in my life in just the past few weeks. I've had to change my day-to-day routine and share my commute with Dan which has caused me to become aware of a few of my stress triggers I've learned to manage on my own time. I have been trying really hard to decompress before leaving work for the day but sometimes it carries over into our 'us' time and frankly ain'tnobodygottimefo'dat.  I'm beyond thrilled that the month almost over is a tiny hint of a few things that are making me smile. We can look forward to more daylight, less rain in my dreams and a short month full of  fun days including a baby shower, the super bowl and a lovely weekend with Dan for Valentine's celebrations.

If you've missed a few posts, here's a round up of a few key moments from the month you may have missed:

Accomplishments:

• Successfully moved Dan across town to what we now call our home.


• Still in my new job and enjoying the process of learning every day.. I even 'graduated'  (whoo-hoo)


• Started using my DSLR again and am making serious efforts to use it more often.


• Put together (sort of) my first outfit post.

Great Eats:

• South(east) scramble on the weekends.


• Mellow Mushroom with Brad & Brooke.


• Laughing Planet


• How to Meal Prep - a must for your inner time-saver!

Great Memories:

• Counting and cataloging the memories Dan and I have created in the last 3+ weeks of living together [Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3]


• Celebrated Grandma's 80th birthday and looking forward to celebrating many more!


• Shared a look back in time for mom and dad's anniversary that they loved!


• Celebrating Brad's Birthday, Thrift shop style - featured on Brooke's blog!

Takes the cake:

One of my most favorite unexpected memories from the last month was when my mom texted me and told me that Dad had a new favorite song, and even Bailey thought that it was F*%^&#$ awesome. They've been poppin' tags ever since:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaes?feature=player_embedded&w=640&h=360]

Here's to February! A new month means new memories!

<3 JE

Restaurant Review | Mellow Mushroom

I hope that everyone had as wonderful of a 3-day weekend as I did and thank you for staying patient while I took Martin Luther King Jr. day off from both work and blogging - a girl needs her rest!

This is an easy post as I'm still in a bit of a food coma while I write this  so pardon me if I trail off mid-sentence with a drool streak.

For a MLK + Inauguration day celebrations Dan and I were invited by our good friends Brooke and Brad to visit Mellow Mushroom for an all-out lunch and day drinking extravaganza.  We had visited previously the restaurant for both a friend's birthday and for pre-New Years Eve dinner plans and can say that it's one of our favorite pizza locations in Portland. We haven't yet been disappointed and have barely covered all of the incredible options on the menu.

They are predominantly located in Southeastern states with a few locations moving West... and only one location in Oregon that we are lucky enough to have only a few minutes drive from home and work.

What's even greater about Mellow Mushroom is that on Monday's they have an All Day special where any of their beers originally priced $5.50 and under per pint (as long as its under 8% abv) are only $2.00. This isn't just a deal for the light beers and canned varieties - it's for well crafted, top quality, local and domestic micro brews. You could go there every day for a week and not order the same thing twice. <-- That is a challenge.

(via)

What We Ate:

1 Medium House Special Pizza ($20.00)

Red sauce base with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, ham, Applewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, black olives, Roma tomatoes, green peppers and onions. Topped with extra mozzarella.

[Previously we've eaten the Philosopher's Pie -

Olive oil and garlic base, all natural grilled steak, Portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, Provolone, feta and mozzarella cheeses.]

What We Drank:

Beers on beers on beers. I had three (Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar, Goose Island 312, Vertigo Raspberry Wheat) and Dan had four dark stout varieties that met his requirements for a good drink.

In addition, we all had a round of Irish Car bombs that sealed the deal on our day drinking. Martin wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Know Before You Go:

• Oh what - a Beer Club? In case you plan to try new beers and earn points for them.


• Remember that Monday night happy hour ^^ it's important when you're planning your nights out.


• They’re Social – Check out their Facebook or Twitter
  


• Address: 1411 NW Flanders St Portland, OR 97209


• Hours: All days 11am-10pm // Friday & Saturday open until 11pm.
  


• View their drool-worthy Menu here
  

I'm going to have to take my parents here, I have a feeling that my dad would find a few pizzas on the menu irresistible!

<3 JE

Restaurant Review | Laughing Planet

This post is long overdue but I think it's absolutely worth sharing if you're looking for a quick, healthy and delicious restaurant option in Portland.

Laughing Planet is near and dear to me because it's within walking distance from my home, the ingredients they use are always fresh and they source locally when possible. Their menu is always evolving and new tasty dishes are constantly adding to the already incredible lineup of options.

The reason for the visit below was a few weekends back over the Christmas holiday I was getting Dan acclimated to the East side by showing him some of the amazing local food options so that I don't have to cook when I'm tired to increase his excitement over the big move. I think this may have worked. A wide variety of Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo options are prominent within the menu but can be easily worked around as well for someone like Dan who wants everything you can put inside of a burrito. Everything.

Quick, hot food and even an impressive lineup of beers on draft will make Dan and I frequent customers - plus now knowing that they give the dinosaurs a nightly bath makes me even more excited about returning.

What We Ate:

1 Nacho Mama ($5.75) + Guacamole

A bowl of our homemade veggie chili, topped with Tillamook jack cheese, jalapeños and freshly made pico de gallo.



1 Bollywood Bowl ($7.50)

Grilled Draper Valley natural chicken breast, fresh veggie medley, spinach and chickpeas on a bed of brown rice served with a Southern Indian spicy coconut sauce.



1 Spanky's Bowl ($6.75)

Organic mashed potatoes topped with steamed broccoli, local Food Alliance certified corn and Tillamook cheddar cheese.



NOT EATEN, but adored and photographed:

Cuban Bowl ($5.75)

Plantains and sweet potatoes on a bed of brown rice and Smart black beans topped with fresh pico de gallo (served with your choice of fresh salsa).

Know Before You Go:

• You can call in your order ahead of time if you know what you want and just want to pick it up.


• There's new dinosaurs at the Woodstock location that are fun to play with, but beware - you will likely have to share with kiddo's that come in.


• There's a guide on how to properly eat your burrito pictured above. I recommend following these instructions!


• They're Social - Check out their Facebook or Twitter for weekly deals and specials!


• Address: 4110 SE Woodstock Blvd Portland, OR 97206 or several other Portland areas here


• Hours: Most locations are open everyday 11am - 9pm, checkhours by location here
  


• View their drool-worthy Menu here
  

I love trying out new menu items and hopefully you'll feel the same way when you pay them a visit at one of the many PDX area locations!

<3 JE

Restaurant Review | Fire on the Mountain

As most holidays go, the diet and strict workout routine goes out the window fast. Now away from fresh baked cookies and mom's gourmet cooking, I'm on a serious mission to eat clean and work off the holidays before I have to fit back into my skinny jeans come January 2nd. The day after Christmas, Dan and I repaired my driver's side headlight and both installed new wiper blades to prepare for non-stop spring rainfall. Unfortunately for all of us, the 2005 Ford Focus isn't a quick light to change and of course we had to be working on it in mid 30 degree weather. I felt so bad for Dan and tried to brave the cold as long as I could, but I was soon sent inside by the wonderful boyfriend. :) Lucky girl.

For working so hard, and to fulfill one of my December Goals I wanted to take him to Portland's best wing spot - Fire on the Mountain - for where coincidentally he had just received a gift card under the tree. Thanks Mom & Dad!! 

The Burnside location was packed, but we were able to belly up to the bar and have brews in front of us within minutes. Dan had eyes bigger than his stomach - which wasn't such a bad thing so that I could get several photos to share with you... This decision didn't support a clean eating strategy, but I did see plenty yummy salads on tables and on the menu.

What We Drank:

Red Headed Stranger ($4.25 / pint)

Olympia Tall Boy ($2.00 / can)

What We Ate:

Sweet Potato Tots {Cajunized} ($4.95 + .50 - Small)

Homemade Bleu Cheese Stuffed Fried Mushrooms ($4.95)

12 Wings - 6 Spicy Peanut / 6 Jamaican Jerk ($11.25)

Round 2 Tots {Cajunized} ($3.25 + .50 - Small)

Fried Twinkie ($2.75)

Know Before You Go:

• Expect for the place to be packed - no matter which location and especially when a game is on the TV!


• Grab a place to sit before you get in line for food - you don't want to be stuck eating with no table.


• Don't sample the 'El Jefe' sauce unless you're prepared for the immediate consequences ahem, Dan.


• El Jefe is actually so hot that it was featured on an Outrageous Food episode.


• So many sauce options for any spice level - check out the guide.


• Address: Several locations: East Burnside, Interstate and NE Fremont


• Hours: All locations open at 11am, location and evening vary between 11pm and midnight close


• View their Menus by location here: Interstate, Burnside, Fremont

Dan is already asking when we can go back...! Somebody likes SE eats!

<3 JE