Thomas Ngo has photography up at J Cafe for the entire month of May. A small collection of photos are displayed in the cafe, so you can appreciate the pieces while you have lunch or grab a cup of coffee.
Thomas Ngo's photos are primarily taken in local places. My favorite was a photo taken in Mount Tabor Park, showing sunlight streaming through trees. There are a number of other great photos as well.
The pieces are on sale, and prices vary depending on the framing and size of your choice. Thomas is a personable guy, and he takes great photographs.
Make sure you don't miss the photos, get in to J Cafe before the end of May!
Pros: great photos, good menu
Cons: the cafe is near Lloyd Center, so you will likely have to pay a bit for parking
Bottom line? Thomas Ngo's photos are a must see.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Guerrilla Girls
One of the founding members of Guerrilla Girls spoke at Portland State University last night. The event was part of a speaker series put on by Bitch Magazine.
The Guerrilla Girls were formed in the 1980s and are a group of female artists fighting discrimination in the art world. They use humor and facts to get their point across, and have had a good amount of success drawing attention to the issue of discrimination in the arts.
The lecture took place in the Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom, and there was seating for hundreds. Once everyone was settled, the introduction was made and the speaker came out. She was dressed in black from head to toe, with this exception of her gorilla mask. As she walked from the back of the room toward the stage, she handed out bananas. I received a banana as she walked passed me, which was very exciting. She showed us slides of different projects and demonstrations her group has done, and worked in very funny anecdotes throughout.
The group has an interesting history and the speaker was very talented.
Pros: funny speaker, great information
Cons: a crowded seating arrangement makes it challenging for short people to see, if you can't find street parking, you have to pay
Bottom line? Definitely attend a Guerrilla Girls speaking engagement if you ever have the opportunity
The Guerrilla Girls were formed in the 1980s and are a group of female artists fighting discrimination in the art world. They use humor and facts to get their point across, and have had a good amount of success drawing attention to the issue of discrimination in the arts.
The lecture took place in the Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom, and there was seating for hundreds. Once everyone was settled, the introduction was made and the speaker came out. She was dressed in black from head to toe, with this exception of her gorilla mask. As she walked from the back of the room toward the stage, she handed out bananas. I received a banana as she walked passed me, which was very exciting. She showed us slides of different projects and demonstrations her group has done, and worked in very funny anecdotes throughout.
The group has an interesting history and the speaker was very talented.
Pros: funny speaker, great information
Cons: a crowded seating arrangement makes it challenging for short people to see, if you can't find street parking, you have to pay
Bottom line? Definitely attend a Guerrilla Girls speaking engagement if you ever have the opportunity
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Living Out
Living Out at the Portland Actors Conservatory was quite a show. Written by Lisa Loomer, the play follows a nanny who "lives out" as she works to balance her stressful personal life with a challenging professional life. The nanny immigrated to the US with her husband and one of her sons from El Salvador, leaving another son in the country.
It is an emotional roller coaster, often funny and sometimes very sad. It's an intriguing and sometimes satirical look into a part of society we often don't examine.
The actors did an exceptional job, including both the student actors and the visiting graduates. One actor even accidentally (I think) spilled a glass of water, and everyone worked it in as if it were a part of the scene. It was quite impressive.
Pros: interesting play, great acting, overall great show, relatively inexpensive tickets
Cons: parking can be an issue, seating is limited, and the bathrooms leave something to be desired
Bottom line? See this show if you can, it is definitely worth it
It is an emotional roller coaster, often funny and sometimes very sad. It's an intriguing and sometimes satirical look into a part of society we often don't examine.
The actors did an exceptional job, including both the student actors and the visiting graduates. One actor even accidentally (I think) spilled a glass of water, and everyone worked it in as if it were a part of the scene. It was quite impressive.
Pros: interesting play, great acting, overall great show, relatively inexpensive tickets
Cons: parking can be an issue, seating is limited, and the bathrooms leave something to be desired
Bottom line? See this show if you can, it is definitely worth it
Friday, April 24, 2009
Grease
Grease is in town with the Broadway Across America Series. Performed at the Keller Auditorium, the show is engaging and entertaining. Fans of the 1970s film will find the musical numbers satisfying, and will be pleased at the additional songs included.
Before the show began, the actor playing Vince Fontaine came onto the stage and led the audience in song and dance. The show was fun, and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks makes an appearance as Teen Angel.
There are other Broadway Across American shows, and season tickets are available.
Pros: fun show, great songs, classic musical, plenty of beverage options
Cons: you have to pay to park
Bottom line? Go see Grease!
Before the show began, the actor playing Vince Fontaine came onto the stage and led the audience in song and dance. The show was fun, and American Idol winner Taylor Hicks makes an appearance as Teen Angel.
There are other Broadway Across American shows, and season tickets are available.
Pros: fun show, great songs, classic musical, plenty of beverage options
Cons: you have to pay to park
Bottom line? Go see Grease!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
White Bird Dance
White Bird Dance hosted the final show of the season at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall last night. The Compania Nacional de Danza 2 performed the choreographic stylings of Nacho Duato.
The dancers in the company are an international mix of young dancers (approximately 18-22 years old).
There were several pieces performed in three acts. A mix of ballet and modern dance moves were worked in throughout. The best piece, though, was the conclusion. The music was much more upbeat than during the other pieces, and the choreography was very interesting. It was a fantastic show.
There are always a mix of people at the Schnitz. You get the people who think they are at an opera in New York, and you get people who think they're going to a movie theatre. Most often, though, you come across friendly people dressed in a casual but appropriate way (slacks, simple cocktail dresses, et cetera). There is also always something to drink at the Scnitz. It seems like they have a bar booth on every floor.
Pros: talented dancers, great choreography, fantastic finale
Cons: the first two acts were almost too similar, you have to pay for parking, those guys cleaning the cement "lobby" floor of the parking garage/Broadway theatre across from the concert hall will rudely spray you as you walk past for no reason, even if you're wearing pradas
Bottom line? See CND2 if you can, and definitely attend a white bird show
The dancers in the company are an international mix of young dancers (approximately 18-22 years old).
There were several pieces performed in three acts. A mix of ballet and modern dance moves were worked in throughout. The best piece, though, was the conclusion. The music was much more upbeat than during the other pieces, and the choreography was very interesting. It was a fantastic show.
There are always a mix of people at the Schnitz. You get the people who think they are at an opera in New York, and you get people who think they're going to a movie theatre. Most often, though, you come across friendly people dressed in a casual but appropriate way (slacks, simple cocktail dresses, et cetera). There is also always something to drink at the Scnitz. It seems like they have a bar booth on every floor.
Pros: talented dancers, great choreography, fantastic finale
Cons: the first two acts were almost too similar, you have to pay for parking, those guys cleaning the cement "lobby" floor of the parking garage/Broadway theatre across from the concert hall will rudely spray you as you walk past for no reason, even if you're wearing pradas
Bottom line? See CND2 if you can, and definitely attend a white bird show
Sunday, April 19, 2009
McMenamins Lighthouse Pub
The McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub is just like any other McMenamins in the area. In Lincoln City, the pub is in the Lighthouse Shopping Center (or some such thing, and boasts an ocean view. The ocean view, however, is only accessible from one part of one window, and you have to climb three stairs to get to it.
In this pub, you just have to sit upstairs. The downstairs tables are just too boring. The decor of the Lighthouse pub is much like that in any McMenamins. The booths have that same color of wood, the setup is similar, et cetera. The menu is also like any other McMenamins, with a few special additions in honor of its coastal location.
The burgers are pretty darn good, and the clam chowder is surprisingly better than Mo's (which is beyond good...you know this if you've ever had it. The wine sampler is interesting and fun to try, but probably best when shared with a partner, unless you want to get smashed at lunch. There are six wines in the sampler, and you get a small amount of each. They offer three reds and three whites.
The pub was very busy, but the service didn't suffer much. Our waiter kept running past us and shouting, "I'll be right there!" though we didn't need anything at all. The only qualm I can offer is the disregard the servers have for common courtesy (not in general, there was a specific incident). The specific incident is as such:
I was happily tasting one of the red wines in the sampler when a waitress, carrying a huge tray of beverages, stumbles a bit while walking toward our table. She is unharmed and doesn't fall, but I can't say the same for the beverages. Suddenly, a number of glasses were flying toward me. I was relatively unscathed, apart from the ice that hit me before the floor. It gave me quite a fright. As a result, I instinctively jumped as I realized what I was in for, spilling red wine all over my white shirt. The waitstaff, who clearly saw me covered in red wine, completely ignored me (as well as the mess on the floor).
They had enough to deal with, so I said nothing. It really wasn't a big deal, except that my ruined shirt was entirely their fault. I worked in customer service for a very long time, and that is just unacceptable. Even if they can't offer to reimburse a cleaning bill, an apology was in order.
Pros: good food, decent wine, regular fun McMenamin's atmosphere
Cons: two hours from Portland, partially inept waitstaff
Bottom line? If you're in Lincoln City, try out the Lighthouse Brewpub, but beware of tripping waitresses!
In this pub, you just have to sit upstairs. The downstairs tables are just too boring. The decor of the Lighthouse pub is much like that in any McMenamins. The booths have that same color of wood, the setup is similar, et cetera. The menu is also like any other McMenamins, with a few special additions in honor of its coastal location.
The burgers are pretty darn good, and the clam chowder is surprisingly better than Mo's (which is beyond good...you know this if you've ever had it. The wine sampler is interesting and fun to try, but probably best when shared with a partner, unless you want to get smashed at lunch. There are six wines in the sampler, and you get a small amount of each. They offer three reds and three whites.
The pub was very busy, but the service didn't suffer much. Our waiter kept running past us and shouting, "I'll be right there!" though we didn't need anything at all. The only qualm I can offer is the disregard the servers have for common courtesy (not in general, there was a specific incident). The specific incident is as such:
I was happily tasting one of the red wines in the sampler when a waitress, carrying a huge tray of beverages, stumbles a bit while walking toward our table. She is unharmed and doesn't fall, but I can't say the same for the beverages. Suddenly, a number of glasses were flying toward me. I was relatively unscathed, apart from the ice that hit me before the floor. It gave me quite a fright. As a result, I instinctively jumped as I realized what I was in for, spilling red wine all over my white shirt. The waitstaff, who clearly saw me covered in red wine, completely ignored me (as well as the mess on the floor).
They had enough to deal with, so I said nothing. It really wasn't a big deal, except that my ruined shirt was entirely their fault. I worked in customer service for a very long time, and that is just unacceptable. Even if they can't offer to reimburse a cleaning bill, an apology was in order.
Pros: good food, decent wine, regular fun McMenamin's atmosphere
Cons: two hours from Portland, partially inept waitstaff
Bottom line? If you're in Lincoln City, try out the Lighthouse Brewpub, but beware of tripping waitresses!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Imbibe
Imbibe is a restaurant in SE Portland, in the Hawthorne district. Located at SE 22nd & Hawthorne, the restaurant is easy to access by car, bike, or bus. There are a couple of other useful reviews here and here.
Imbibe has a small menu, but that doesn't make it easier to decide. They offer a wide variety of items, and there are choices for everyone. With vegetarian options, seafood, and other meat, everyone can find something they like.
Imbibe also boasts a full bar, with unique cocktails, wine, and beer. It's a great place to order a cocktail you've never heard of before, and most are great.
When you walk into the restaurant, it looks very welcoming. If you haven't been there before, it can feel very confusing, because there is a hostess podium right by the door, but nobody is ever there. I've been there several times, and have always been told to seat myself, but I always wait until I see a server so they don't neglect to take my order.
The walls have a great paint treatment that gives the space a rich, warm look. There are tables with chairs, booths, and even couches with coffee tables. There is additional seating in the bar, and a variety of options as well.
Imbibe has a romantic vibe, so it's a great place for a date. It's not uncomfortable for a group of friends, so you can try it with anyone.
The menu is general American cuisine, but there are infusions like you have with any restaurant.
Pros: good food, good drinks, delicious menu, fun atmosphere
Cons: parking near Hawthorne can be a nightmare
Bottom line? Imbibe has good food and a great atmosphere, it's definitely worth a try.
Imbibe has a small menu, but that doesn't make it easier to decide. They offer a wide variety of items, and there are choices for everyone. With vegetarian options, seafood, and other meat, everyone can find something they like.
Imbibe also boasts a full bar, with unique cocktails, wine, and beer. It's a great place to order a cocktail you've never heard of before, and most are great.
When you walk into the restaurant, it looks very welcoming. If you haven't been there before, it can feel very confusing, because there is a hostess podium right by the door, but nobody is ever there. I've been there several times, and have always been told to seat myself, but I always wait until I see a server so they don't neglect to take my order.
The walls have a great paint treatment that gives the space a rich, warm look. There are tables with chairs, booths, and even couches with coffee tables. There is additional seating in the bar, and a variety of options as well.
Imbibe has a romantic vibe, so it's a great place for a date. It's not uncomfortable for a group of friends, so you can try it with anyone.
The menu is general American cuisine, but there are infusions like you have with any restaurant.
Pros: good food, good drinks, delicious menu, fun atmosphere
Cons: parking near Hawthorne can be a nightmare
Bottom line? Imbibe has good food and a great atmosphere, it's definitely worth a try.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Lisa Jackson Book Signing
The Lisa Jackson book signing at Borders was engaging and only marginally annoying. The Clackamas Town Center Borders had a small seating area set up on the upper level, and it looked like about 40 people attended.
Lisa Jackson arrived on time to talk about her new book, Malice. Lisa Jackson is a local, so it was an interesting experience even if you aren't a fan of romantic suspense.
Along with Lisa Jackson was her sister, local author Nancy Bush. Nancy Bush didn't talk as much as her sister, but did give the audience an overview of her new book, Unseen. Both women were personable and funny. Though I don't consider myself a fan of their work, it was a great experience. I bought both books and intend to read them. I don't limit myself to a particular genre, and try to experience as many authors as possible. Besides, these women are locals, which raises my interest level a great deal.
While they are local authors, I don't think their new books are set in Portland. I believe Malice takes place in New Orleans and Los Angeles, and Nancy Bush didn't say where her book is set.
I did say the signing was slightly annoying. First, Nancy Bush's book was nearly impossible to find, as Borders had a stack in the front of the seating area and had cleared the shelves. The books weren't labeled, and were not with the table full of Lisa Jackson's new book. Once I had both books in my hands, it was less annoying. The second annoying occurrence was the audience. Once the talk was opened up for questions and comments, there were a few annoying people who only wanted to talk about themselves (their manuscript, how to get published, et cetera). I have to assume that would be an annoyance for the authors as well, but I can't be certain.
It's always fascinating to hear from authors, and get a glimpse into their personalities, which don't always escape onto the pages of their books.
Pros: the authors were funny, the setting was intimate, the experience was interesting and entertaining
Cons: annoying people at book signings are unavoidable, Borders didn't make the books as accessible as they should have
Bottom line? Attend a book signing if you never have or if it's been a while. Expand your horizons, even if you're not into the author's work or genre.
Lisa Jackson arrived on time to talk about her new book, Malice. Lisa Jackson is a local, so it was an interesting experience even if you aren't a fan of romantic suspense.
Along with Lisa Jackson was her sister, local author Nancy Bush. Nancy Bush didn't talk as much as her sister, but did give the audience an overview of her new book, Unseen. Both women were personable and funny. Though I don't consider myself a fan of their work, it was a great experience. I bought both books and intend to read them. I don't limit myself to a particular genre, and try to experience as many authors as possible. Besides, these women are locals, which raises my interest level a great deal.
While they are local authors, I don't think their new books are set in Portland. I believe Malice takes place in New Orleans and Los Angeles, and Nancy Bush didn't say where her book is set.
I did say the signing was slightly annoying. First, Nancy Bush's book was nearly impossible to find, as Borders had a stack in the front of the seating area and had cleared the shelves. The books weren't labeled, and were not with the table full of Lisa Jackson's new book. Once I had both books in my hands, it was less annoying. The second annoying occurrence was the audience. Once the talk was opened up for questions and comments, there were a few annoying people who only wanted to talk about themselves (their manuscript, how to get published, et cetera). I have to assume that would be an annoyance for the authors as well, but I can't be certain.
It's always fascinating to hear from authors, and get a glimpse into their personalities, which don't always escape onto the pages of their books.
Pros: the authors were funny, the setting was intimate, the experience was interesting and entertaining
Cons: annoying people at book signings are unavoidable, Borders didn't make the books as accessible as they should have
Bottom line? Attend a book signing if you never have or if it's been a while. Expand your horizons, even if you're not into the author's work or genre.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wicked
Wicked is at the Keller Auditorium for a while longer. Part of the Broadway Across America series, the show is like a Broadway show in downtown Portland.
There are two acts, and they seem to fly by. As far as musicals go, Wicked is an interesting one. It's a Wizard of Oz inspired story, but told in a much more sympathetic way toward the wicked witch. It's a spin on a classic story, and it is funny and moving. The costume work is wonderful, and in fact has won awards.
Pros: great musical numbers, great story, great costumes
Cons: parking at the Keller can be a hassle
Bottom line? Go see Wicked!
There are two acts, and they seem to fly by. As far as musicals go, Wicked is an interesting one. It's a Wizard of Oz inspired story, but told in a much more sympathetic way toward the wicked witch. It's a spin on a classic story, and it is funny and moving. The costume work is wonderful, and in fact has won awards.
Pros: great musical numbers, great story, great costumes
Cons: parking at the Keller can be a hassle
Bottom line? Go see Wicked!
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