Thursday, June 5, 2025

Foxtrot


Having pie at the former Pied Cow revisited, now called Foxtrot. I suspect the presence of spirits as the best explanation for the peculiar energy of this place, which is a blend of 1860s and 1960s time warps (with a dash of 1990s thrown in).


 

Tao of Tea

 

Whipping over to Belmont St. for lunch at Tao of Tea.

Wallflower Coffee

 

Another coffee highlight of Portland, OR - also located on the famous Division St.

Salt & Straw

 

 Portland's famous artisanal ice cream venue on SE Division and the view out the window.

Bollywood Theater


An Indian "street food" venue on SE Division St. that we ate at years ago. I now read that it is permanently closed and soon to be turned into an Italian restaurant and market. Whereas their location on Alberta St. remains open.

gachapon


At Collage on SE Division: a Japanese vending machine called a gachapon which dispenses toys.

The Fresh Pot


The coffee shop connected to Powell's Books on Hawthorne, and the view of the Bagdad Theater and Pub out the window.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Ava Gene's in 5 parts


One of Portland's top "fine dining" venues and perfect for a special occasion.




Case Study Coffee

One of the more "picture perfect" coffee houses we experienced in Portland. 

a timely message

 

Seen in Portland's Alberta neighborhood.

Norah

We ventured out to see the Alberta area and started with lunch at Norah.


Mt. Tabor round 2, part 3


Even the restrooms give an indication of what a charming park this is. I must mention however that despite what the 1952 plaque states, Portland is one of six U.S. cities that have an extinct volcano within its city limits. The others are Bend, OR; Jackson, MS; Diamond Head, HI; Prescott Valley, AZ; and Austin, TX.


Mt. Tabor round 2, part 2


Next we entered Mt. Tabor Park from its north side, which is what I remembered doing in 1991. Immediately one encounters a heavy dose of classic Pacific Northwest greenery. A little further up the road you realize that on a clear day you can probably get a good view of Mount Hood. This was not such a day. The top of Mt. Tabor is 636 feet high.



Mt. Tabor Park, round 2


Returning on a sunnier day, we started with a walk around the lower reservoir.




Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Thanh Thao remembered


Walking back from the grocery store, I had a feeling that this restaurant - Bamboo House - was the same building that used to house Thanh Thao - where Mrs. and I had a few meals back in the day. Seeing that both restaurants were located at 4005 SE Hawthorne, it would appear to be the case. Below, a 2016 photo of Thanh Thao I found on Yelp.

Jam on Hawthorne

A spacious and busy new breakfast joint, quite enjoyable as I was yearning for coffee and breakfast. Not far from the old Portland youth hostel, which sadly has been torn down and replaced with apartments.

Tin or Aluminum

 

They represent the ability to bend, not break, and adapt to life's challenges together.

Memories

TarBoush


A good place to have a little bit too much Lebanese food on SE Hawthorne in Portland. Housed in a beautiful old Victorian, we were possibly seated at the best table in the house.


Better Days Café

 

A convenient place to have your post-lunch coffee on SE Division St. in Portland.