another portland
TWO SHORT DAYS in PDX
Prior to this year I had been to 0 Portlands in my life. Now within the span of 3 months, I have been to 2.
Portland, the one in Oregon, is the kind of place that you hear good things about. It’s known for, of course the classic PNW landscapes, a bit of an alt culture, great coffee shops, and plenty of breweries. There’s ice cream and donuts whose fame have extended far beyond the city limits. And there’s the brand new airport that looks more like an Apple Store than it does JFK (or LAX, or SFO, etc). It’s a small city, if you can even call it that. But has influence far beyond its size, much like its upstairs sibling Seattle.
This was a short trip, a first trip, a work trip. So little was seen or done, but plenty was eaten.
Oh the green. The blue. The clean air. The bridges, water, trees and mountains beyond.
Small town vibes but more cultured, more connected. Outdoorsy but in a cool way. It’s no wonder some of the most iconic athletic brands are anchored here.
But we’re here for the food. After all, throw a bunch of food editors in any city and you know the itinerary will always be built around meals, even if we weren’t here for work.
EAT
Nong’s Khao Man Gai: Beeline over for lunch. And it was everything promised and more. Simple Thai comfort food. Refreshing. Devoured on colorful printed tables outside.
Ranger’s: Beautiful artisanal chocolate, coffee and treats. Loudly local. Coffee run to wake up after an early flight on the first day. And picked up gifts to take home.
Soen: A little Japanese tea shop that made for the perfect afternoon pick me up while walking around the downtown area.
Tanaka: Picked up a katsu sando for dinner, would come back for coffee and snacks or a bite in a heartbeat.
VooDoo: Ah yes, the famed doughnuts. Kind of feels like 2010s nostalgia in a way. Branding that captures an era of Instagram food porn that doesn’t quite exist anymore.
Rosaline: Local coffee shop and roaster, spacious, especially to New York eyes, and with a patio that made for a quiet place to work in the morning.
Obon Shokudo: Snuck out for a quick lunch break before an evening of work. Because somehow it is always impossible to eat at an event, even if it is a food event. Light Japanese inspired food. Lots of cat themed art. A perfect little eatery.
Exquisite Creatures: A pint sized cafe with creative drinks and the artsy hipster branding you want in a cafe.
And of course, down the block, Kann. The crown jewel of Portland’s culinary scene. Casual atmosphere, elevated food, and an overwhelming sense of community
STAY
Kex Hotel made for a convenient home base on the Central Eastside. A cozy boutique hotel with spacious rooms. It feels artisanal, homey in a timeless way. Casual, young, unserious. The lobby bar is spacious and a nice place to hang or work throughout the day. They have private rooms and bunk rooms, making it a great place for group trips.
PLAY
There wasn’t much time for play this trip, but on a sunny Sunday afternoon, we did go on a long walk around town. I love the retro architecture in the streets, that feel untouched over the generations. Not historic, in the east coast way, but storied. Heavy on the bookstores. Lots of artisanal small shops. Curated boutiques for homeware. Plenty of outdoor shops. A very large MUJI.
Sadly no time for hikes or actually enjoying the turn of summer to fall in the beauty of Oregon.
Couldn’t let it go even on the way to the airport, asked the Lyft to make a pit stop so we could pick up some Vietnamese spring rolls and salads for the plane ride. Nothing like scanning your lunch through security, peanut sauce and all.
see also
THE EASTERN PORTLAND
A SPONTANEOUS TRIP TO SEATTLE