The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

Portland, Oregon Edition.

Tasty n Alder

A follow-up to John Gorham’s uber popular Tasty n Sons, this downtown Portland hot spot will be my first food related stop next time I’m in town. Period. With brunch items like Korean fried chicken, Bim Bop bacon & eggs and a sinful sounding chocolate potato doughnut with creme anglaise? I mean. Come on. And that’s just brunch! Dinner looks equally off the hook. I can’t wait to try it all!
Sidenote: Gorham’s new book Toro Bravo is being released on October 15th and is tops on my holiday wish list.

Frances May

This boutique has my name written all over it. From their simple website + branding to carefully curated selection of designers {think A.P.C., Mara Hoffman, Steven Alan, Dieppa Restrepo} to the fact that it’s run by a grandmother + granddaughter duo {how sweet is that?!} – it all adds up to a true dream shop. Even Lucky Magazine gave it their stamp of PDX approval. And on top of all that, there’s zero sales tax! Ummm, for real? Done and done.

PDX Pop Now!

A free, all-ages celebration dedicated to expanding participation in Portland’s music scene. How awesome is that? PDX Pop Now! has been around since 1998. It started out as an online listserv that organically morphed into a festival. It is put on by an all volunteer crew, who are committed to celebrating and promoting Portland’s music community. Shouldn’t all cities have something like this? I think so. This year’s summer festival is July 19th thru 21st, so if you’re in the area, stop on by for some auditory inspiration!

Remedy Wine Bar

Remedy, a neighborhood wine bar is set to open this Friday June 21st in the North Park Blocks area of Portland. Their focus is international small brand wines and family-run wineries. With a super laid back vibe and expert wine selections {combined with a simple menu of local + seasonal dishes}, this is a wine lovers dream spot. I love that they are focusing on small labels that aren’t on your radar necessarily. It means you will likely discover something affordably amazing every time you go. Remedy, here I come!

Powell’s City of Books

To say this is a book lovers paradise is a bit of an understatement. I’ve walked by Powell’s flagship, which spans a city block, more than once. It’s sheer mammoth-ness left me feeling a smidge intimidated to even go inside. I mean, there’s even a map to help you navigate! But next time, I will brave the aisles and probably end up spending the better part of a day inside their four walls. This literary wonderland has been a PDX staple since 1971 and has grown to include four full-service bookstores, two specialty stores and their famous online store. If Reading Rainbow was still around today, I’d want LeVar Burton to shoot an episode here. Just sayin’.

What are you wanting to hit up in Portland right now? Leave a note below and let me know what’s on your radar!

xo