Tasty n Alder - in Westend of Downtown Portland

Tasty n Alder is one the those great new restaurants in the west end of downtown Portland that is getting a lot of buzz. Even on a weeknight, the place is just hopping with happy diners.

We've gone twice now and I can't wait to go again and try their brunch on Saturday and Sundays. They don't take reservations, so you need to go early when they open at 5 or be willing to wait it out for a table in their small bar. (Their cocktails are good too!)

Their new American menu has a creative twist to most dishes and their serving method is interesting. They bring out the dishes you order "as they are ready", so you are served in courses of small plates. Most of the items are made to share, like this radicchio salad which came in a large bowl and we dished up to serve. Very "Tasty"!

This is the little sister restaurant on the westside to Tasty n Sons in North Portland. So good! It's also fun to sit at the "chef's table" which is just a counter space in front of the kitchen. A good place to eat for a single who enjoys watching the cooks in action...but it gets a little heated there.

In warm weather months, Tasty n Alder has retracting windows that open up both sides of the dining area to the outside sidewalk. (SW 12th & Alder). You can see the historic church across the street here.

And from the outside, looking back in. Very tasty food! We share housemade chips & dip (yum!), radicchio salad, and Kev had the steak while I very much enjoyed the chicken under a brick! We'll be back!

Craft Iced Tea - Steven Smith Teamaker

All Portlanders tea-lovers are familiar with Steven Smith Teamaker teas. The little brick shop is in Northwest Portland but their artisan teas, both loose and bags, are packaged and sold in grocery stores all over Portland area. I was surprised to recently see that now they're making iced tea blends as well. I tried out this flavor - Black Cap berries blended with brewed black tea. Delicious!

You can find Steven Smith Teamaker fine teas in Portland's groceries stores or at the original shop on NW Thurman & NW 17th, next door to Olympic Provisions's northwest outpost. Here is the website: http://www.smithtea.com/

Mid Century Modern Homes in Portland West Hills

In May, my niece and I went on a special tour of midcentury modern homes in Portland's West Hills all designed by architect, Saul Zaik, in the 50's and 60's.

Such a delight to be able to walk though these special architectural beauties and enjoy the views of Portland from the West Hills. The architect also designed Timberline Lodge and the Vista House at Crown Point!

I love the clean, minimal lines of midcentury modern homes and these six were all gems.

Love the connection of the outside landscape and the interiors. There were views of trees and sky from nearly every window!

We even got to tour Saul Zaik's home and he was there chatting with visitors! (Gray hair and black specs.)

I love the open vaulted wood ceilings and minimal use of interior walls and doors!

When you have views like this, why would you even need any artwork? But in fact, we also admired the abstract contemporary paintings in several homes as well.

Notice how the window view of tree tops looks just like a painting in this room!

My niece and I also noticed the built-in bookshelves and desks, and "floating" cabinets and buffets! Many built-in cabinets were attached to the walls but not the floors. He made use of every nook and cranny! So smart! Why aren't we still designing these into more homes?

Again, I was taken by the integration of natural landscape and the interior living spaces. Views of trees everywhere!

Lots of interesting lights and skylights too...

Beautiful landscape in this turnaround driveway. These homes didn't look too impressive from the outside, but the interiors were so cool! Understated.

One home had a small architectural model of the original design on display. And the following photo is from the actual left side of the house.

And I'll end with my favorite photo from one of the decks. The view goes on forever!

The tour was sponsored by the Historic Preservation League of Oregon.

If you would like to read more about the architect, Saul Zaik, and some of the articles about the house tour, here are some links:

Saul Zaik bio from Portland Modern: http://www.portlandmodern.com/features/zaik/zaik.html

Article about tour from Portland Monthly: http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/home-and-garden/at-home/articles/saul-zaiks-homes-past-and-present-april-2013

Oregonian article about the tour: http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2013/05/six_houses_designed_by_saul_za.html

Growing Beauty

When I was in Portland this spring, I was amazed by the proliferation of early blooms. Everywhere I walked I saw the most amazing flowers and plants. This rhododendron bush was huge!

All that Oregon rain and mild temps produce an early spring with blooming shrubs, perennial flowers, and lots of green. Love it!

Salt & Straw Ice Cream Frenzy

Up the street from us is the locally famous gourmet ice cream shop, Salt & Straw. Since it opened earlier this year, I have watched the never-ending line out the door and around the block as I walk past. Portland people are going crazy for Salt & Straw! Even though it's local, this is a "destination" ice cream shop - people from all over the Portland area come to brave the line to get a taste.

I've only braved the long line one time with visiting friends. This is the list of flavors which changes seasonally. The staff cheerfully passes out samples for you to try before ordering. The ice cream IS good - full-fat, flavorful, creamy, and rich. Between the calories I don't need and the wait in line (it took us 45 minutes!) I won't be visiting often.

The good news is that a new location for Salt & Straw just opened up in Southeast Portland. That will help shorten our Northwest lines.

Artistic Vegetables

Love grocery stores that spend time making sure the produce is fresh and displayed well.

Portland has the greatest grocery stores. Amazingly fresh produce, great meat and fish counters, tempting gourmet cheese sections and fabulous bakeries.

This "artwork" is provided courtesy of New Seasons Market, Portland, Oregon.

City Parks Done Right!

The Pearl District waited a long time for this one...but in the end, I think it's worth it!

A little oasis of cool green on the north end of the Pearl District!

The Fields Park in Portland has an unusual layout and landscaping. But I find it refreshing. It will be interesting to see these trees and shrubs in a couple years.

You may have a dog on leash anywhere in the park, but they also planned an off-leash area in the northeast corner of the park. So smart! Dogs need places to run off-leash in the city!

My favorite part of the Fields Park is the Small Dog off-lease area, separated from the rest of the off-leash area by a gate! Both areas also include water fountains and dog dishes for public use. Thank you, Portland, for thinking of our furry friends!

We will be visiting The Fields Park daily when we bring our little Italian Greyhound, Rocco, to Portland with us!