Portland Social Life

Broadway McMenamins

2009-05-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

The McMenamins on Broadway is, like most other McMenamins pubs, a historic location. Located near Lloyd Center Mall on NE 15th and Broadway, this location is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike.

The building is not solely a restaurant, so you enter through a lobby. Once inside, you travel up a staircase and find your way to the pub. The seating is similar to any other McMenamins, and the tables and booths have the same wood finish. The menu is, again, like the other pubs. There are burgers, salads, sandwiches, and some other dishes. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available. Like a lot of restaurants recently, McMenamins has added some absinthe cocktails to their list.

If you're lucky, you can get a booth by the windows. In one of these booths, you can look down on Broadway as you eat your meal. If you enjoy people watching, this will make your visit much more enjoyable.

I wasn't famished, so I ordered the brewer's salad. It was surprisingly delicious. While my co-patrons had burgers, they all envied my light choice. It was filling and really good, so I would definitely recommend it.

The only downside to our meal at McMenamins on Broadway was the four block trek we had to make after finally hunting down a parking spot. If you bike or take the bus, you avoid this pitfall.

Pros: good service, cool window booths, regular McMenamins food
Cons: parking can be a nightmare, even worse than downtown (but it's free)
Bottom line? If you like other McMenamins brewpubs, you'll like this one.

Making My Way Down Hawthorne: Sapphire Hotel

2009-05-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm starting at the "top" of Hawthorne (around SE 50th) and am making my way toward the "bottom" (closer to the river). Along the way, I'll be eating at every restaurant that looks tolerable. This is the first stop along the journey.

The Sapphire Hotel is located on SE 50th & Hawthorne. Not a hotel at all, the Sapphire Hotel gets its name from it's past. Once a hotel, it is now a cozy, slightly romantic restaurant and bar.

As you enter the restaurant, you walk through a curtain that blocks the entrance. There are tables in the center of the space, and tables lining the walls with bench seating along the walls and chairs on the other side. There are also comfortable chairs for more intimate seating near the bar area. There are a few bar stools for bar seating if you prefer.

The space is easily romantic and intimate, but it wouldn't be uncomfortable for friends either. The drink menu is inventive and most options are good. The happy hour menu is limited but the items are scrumptious. Happy hour is 4 to 6 and 10 to close (2 a.m. all days but Sunday, when it's 12 a.m.).

On Sundays, Sapphire boasts live jazz music, which is the perfect complement to the romantic atmosphere.

Pros: great food, great drinks, romantic and comfortable atmosphere
Cons: parking can be a headache on Hawthorne
Bottom line: Definitely try the Sapphire

Archery Summit Wine

2009-05-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Archery Summit is a winery located in Dayton, Oregon. About 45 minutes from Portland, they offer tours and tastings twice a day. Focused mostly on Pinot Noir, the tasting offers samples of about six wines: five Pinots and one general red.

If you remember, I purchased the Archery Summit Wine Tasting & Tour at the OFOSA (Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals) benefit auction about a month ago (read the post here). Using our certificate, we drank a lot of wine while we toured the grounds.

We began in the tasting room and then ventured out into the rain to have a look at the vines. Then, we went into a room where they sort the grapes during the right season. We took a flight of stairs down and found ourselves surrounded by giant metal vats. Finally, we walked down a ramp into the "caves"--creepy, I know. The caves are underground, and are actually man made. There were a ton of oak barrels containing aging Pinot Noir. After we checked out the super cool cave bathroom that boasts three deep red walls, one cement-ish cave wall, and a cool vessel sink, we moved one. We went back to the tasting room, and had even more wine.

Four of us went on the tour and tasting, and our favorite was by far the Renegade Ridge. At $85 for the 2006 bottle, it is definitely a special occasion wine for most people, but it is delicious. None of us had been on a winery tour before, and it was a really fun way to spend a couple hours.

There are four steps to wine tasting (this is a very simplified set of instructions, and I am not an expert!). First, you swirl the wine. This allows you to examine the color and consistency. While swirling (or after, if you're highly uncoordinated), you smell the wine. The bouquet or nose (I've heard it called both) give you an idea of what you're about to taste. A lot of wines are very complex, and the more you do it, the more variety you will smell. Then, you sip the wine. This allows you to experience the full essence of the wine. Finally, you spit or swallow. If you're tasting a lot of wines, it may be best to spit. If you aren't driving, it can be more fun to swallow. After all, who wants to chew their food and spit it out? Archery Summit didn't have a place for spitting, or dumping out a spit-in glass. However, many wineries will provide this for you. This process is easy to remember as the four S method: swirl, smell, sip, and spit/swallow. There were people who just took gulps of the wine, and they didn't get kicked out or anything. You can certainly taste the wine that way if you prefer.

Pros: great wine, interesting information, pretty drive from Portland
Cons: expensive wine, caves can feel creepy (especially if you're claustrophobic)
Bottom line? If you've never been on a wine tasting, you really have to! The folks at Archery Summit are friendly, knowledgeable, and offer good wine, so it's a fantastic place to visit.

Wild World of Batwoman

2009-05-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Wild World of Batwoman is playing at Theatre! Theatre! for a short time. The showtimes are later than what is usual (10:30 p.m.), but it is interesting enough there is little risk of falling asleep!

A show put on by Last Rites Productions, The Wild World of Batwoman is based on a weird Jerry Warren film from the mid 60s.

The play is hilarious and truly plays on the horrible acting, plot, et cetera from the film. Presented without an intermission, it is really a must see. I've not seen any other Last Rites shows, but I will make a point to do so again at some point.

The acting was good, insofar as they were acting like they couldn't act well. The music and sound effects were done by a live band, which was fantastic. It really was a great and funny show.

Pros: funny, silly, put on by a small production company
Cons: parking can be annoying on Belmont, it doesn't start until 10:30
Bottom line? You have to see this play...it's so bad, it's good!

Thomas Ngo Photography

2009-04-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Guerrilla Girls

2009-04-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

Living Out

2009-04-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

Grease

2009-04-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

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!

White Bird Dance

2009-04-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

McMenamins Lighthouse Pub

2009-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

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!

Imbibe

2009-04-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Lisa Jackson Book Signing

2009-04-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Wicked

2009-04-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

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!

OFOSA Benefit Auction

2009-03-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals (OFOSA) first annual benefit auction was an excellent event. Calling the live and silent auction Paws for a Cause, the organization supporting shelter animals and assisting in adoptions definitely raised some money.

The auction was held at Estate Sales Unlimited in Hillsboro.

We walked in the building and registered for a bidder number. We then had about two hours to look at and bid on the silent auction items. There were a number of fantastic items donated, some by businesses and some by individuals. About two hours in, the live auction began. I believe everything in the live auction sold, and most, if not all, silent auction items sold.

The auction was fun, and there were free glasses of wine from a variety of wineries, and free pieces of cheesecake from Whole Foods. There was also an auction house snack bar with the token hot dogs and popcorn.

I bid on a number of silent and live auction items, but only won a few. As you may have noticed, it is much easier to loosen your purse strings when you know the money is going to a wonderful cause.

In the silent auction, I won a wine tasting and tour at Archery Summit Winery, a Dooney & Burke purse, tickets to Grey Gardens at Portland Center Stage, and a small cat condo for my cats.

In the live auction, I only won one item. I won a three night stay at a home in Lincoln City.

I do hope this great benefit becomes a recurring annual event, and I think it will.

Pros: auction supports a great organization, auctions are fun, items in all price ranges
Cons: auction house is in Hillsboro, you're likely to spend a lot for a good cause
Bottom line? Make sure you go next year!

Horse Brass Pub

2009-03-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Horse Brass Pub is a great hole in the wall on SE 45th & Belmont. With darts, rustic tables, and great food and drink, the Horse Brass is almost perfect.

Without fail, the food at Horse Brass is scrumptious, and the drinks (whether beer or a mixed drink)are delicious. This great British themed pub was once a smoke filled cave, but with the law in Oregon that prevents smoking inside, it's become a more pleasant locale.

The only issue you may face at Horse Brass is poor or slow service. I've been there many times, and I've never had to ask fewer than twice for a bill, and I've never waited less than ten minutes for a server to acknowledge my existence. If you're patient, it's a wonderful place to pass an hour.

Pros: good beer, good food, darts, fun atmosphere
Cons: parking can be tough, service can be lousy

Bottom line? When you aren't in a hurry, try it out.

The Importance of Being Earnest

2009-03-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Importance of Being Earnest at Portland Center Stage is a show you must treat yourself to.

The Importance of Being Earnest was written by the late Oscar Wilde, and first premiered in 1895.

The play is a comedic examination of high society in Victorian England, though the comedy is still relevant and hilarious today. The actors truly embody their characters, and the show is a lot of fun.

With two intermissions, you will have plenty of time to have a cocktail or glass of wine at the Armory Cafe. Portland Center Stage has a special Gwendolyn cocktail you can enjoy if you like to be adventurous with your libations.

Pros: hilarious show, great acting, classic play
Cons: parking can be tough, PCS seats can be a bit uncomfortable after 3 hours
Bottom line? See the show!

How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found

2009-02-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found is a show being put on by Portland Center Stage. The show is in the Ellyn Bye Studio, the smaller theatre on the lower level of the building. In the studio, you can select your own seating as it's not assigned like it is in the main theatre.

The play, directed by Rose Riordan is an intriguing experience. It is a piece that you won't entirely understand until after the fact, and perhaps not even then. There is some adult content and language related to drugs, so it's best not to take the whole family.

The drama of How to Disappear will take you on a roller coaster, and keep you on your toes. The set is perfectly designed for the play, as if it were meant specifically for the studio.

Pros: interesting, thought provoking, fun
Cons: it's gross when our main character licks the toilet seat for some coke, parking can be tough/expensive in the Pearl

Biloxi Blues

2009-02-06T12:00:00.001-08:00

Biloxi Blues, an irreverent Neil Simon play, was put on by the Profile Theatre. Currently in their twelfth season, the Profile Theatre is putting on productions of some of Neil's most loved work.

Biloxi Blues is at Theatre! Theatre! on SE 34th & Belmont. With great actors, this play full of comedy, tragedy, and all-around substance is a pleasure to watch.

The folks at Theatre! Theatre! are always pleasant, regardless of the show you see. The small theatre is comfortable and intimate, and is a wonderful place to see a show.

The actors did a phenomenal job, portraying a wide range of emotions and really highlighting the comedy. With just one intermission, the great show seems to fly by.

Pros: good writing, good acting, great atmosphere
Cons: parking can be tough in this neighborhood, the actors smoke during the play (so sit in the back if this bothers you)

Bottom line? You have to see this play.

The Blue Monk

2009-02-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Blue Monk offers delicious food and fun drinks. Located on SE 33rd & Belmont, you are sure to have an interesting experience at this great little place.

The Blue Monk is split into two floors, the basement and the main floor. The basement is set up in a cozy way, and there is often live music or a DJ. On most Wednesdays you can watch or participate in a poetry open mic.

The Blue Monk is one of a handful of places in Portland that serve Lindemen's Framboise Lambic, and a large variety of other beers, which you have to try if you haven't yet.

I am convinced that the folks in the kitchen at The Blue Monk are artists. The antipasti plate will set you back a small chunk of change, but it's worth it. It's almost too beautiful to eat, but when you taste it, you can't stop! It's as delicious as it is attractive.

There are a number of things to do on Belmont, like go to a show at Theatre Theatre, play games in the Avalon Arcade, or visit the other bars in the area.

If you just feel like staying in one place, The Blue Monk has a lot to offer.

Pros: great food, great drink, great atmosphere
Cons: parking can be challenging in this popular neighborhood (but it's accessible via TriMet), service can be a bit slow

Deschutes Brewery

2009-01-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

Deschutes Brewery & Public House is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer before a show at Portland Center Stage or during First Thursday in the Pearl District.

The best part of partaking in libations at Deschutes Brewery is the atmosphere. With a rustic cabin sort of design, it is fun to take in. The bar is comfortable and not too loud, and they also offer a restaurant for hungry patrons. Warm wood and great design perfectly complement the beer, wine, and food.

The brewery is located at NW 11th & Davis in the Pearl. It may not be worth a special trip if you don't live near the Pearl, but if you're around you should check it out.

Pros: great atmosphere, good food, decent drink
Cons: you have to pay to park

Jake's

2009-01-28T12:00:00.001-08:00

It's hard not to recommend Jake's happy hour. Downtown, near 12th and Burnside, sits the historic restaurant. Now owned by McCormick & Schmick's, it's a great place to head for late-night happy hour.

Inexpensive drinks aren't the reason to go to Jake's. You must get food! With a variety of happy hour food, ranging from appetizers to desserts, and even some items that can be considered entrees, you can't go wrong.

Pros: great food, cool atmosphere, cheap happy hour
Cons: crowded, mediocre service

Check it out.

Apollo

2009-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Apollo is an interesting play. It attempts to be epic, but succeeds primarily in being annoyingly lengthy. If you can get over that, it is a rather enjoyable experience.

Boasting three acts instead of the usual two, Apollo had two intermissions. After sitting in the main theater at Portland Center Stage for nearly four hours, we were ready to leave.

The play itself included quite a few rare elements. It has been said to use multimedia to tell the story, which is true. Basically, there are more lighting effects, a screen to catch real historic photos and videos, and oddly disturbing music to which the actors perform poor modern dance moves.

The story of Apollo is simple. World War II happens, Nazi scientists are brought to the United States to work mostly in Alabama (where else?), and work for decades at NASA. Eventually, a retired scientist is deported back to Germany or somewhere for being involved with a horrific work camp.

Bottom line? Good story, pretty good acting, too long, and annoying dancing. I don't regret seeing it, but wouldn't see it again.

Analytics

2008-12-01T17:04:00.000-08:00