Since its Friday and I’m feeling extra hungry (and lazy), here’s a quick snapshot of some of our recent Portland eating and drinking adventures.
- Ned Ludd (Northeast Portland): Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance is what makes this restaurant so extra special; when you walk inside you feel cozy, cool, romantic and rustic all at the same time. First things first, they have a great drink list and wine menu (I went with the rose and Casey had a gin cocktail) – so drinks are an absolute must.
Second, they had plenty of options for a vegetarian – even doing a Dine About Portland menu – which of course made me extra happy. The food was really good and fresh – everything was prepared well and made with beautiful ingredients.
- Poa Cafe (N. Williams): Poa Cafe felt like home to me the minute I walked in. They have all the things that I love and more: smoothies, healthy baked goods, and delicious looking bowls and sandwiches. We swung by in the morning on our way to go wine tasting so naturally I ordered myself a smoothie – the Cocoa Banana – I was also really craving a little caffeine and asked if they wouldn’t mind preparing my smoothie with a bit of cold brew (which they did). I also got a piece of their gluten-free banana bread. Basically everything we ordered was spot on. And not only was the food good but they have a massive back patio which Abbie really appreciated.
- Tasty N’ Sons: Tasty N’ Sons has become another favorite North Portland restaurant of ours. The ambiance, service, food and drinks are all amazing. They don’t have a ton in terms of “entrees” for vegetarians but what they have in sides and small plates, all but makes up for it. Plus, they have a great wine list. So I’m always set. The mac n’ cheese is one of the creamiest I’ve ever eaten and the charred cauliflower (well, I ordered more than one, so it’s that good).
- Brooklyn House: I went to Brooklyn House to catch up with a girlfriend of mine. The funny thing is she is paleo and I’m vegetarian – pretty much the two opposite ends when it comes to our respective dietary requirements. What I loved most about Brooklyn House was how attentive, amenable and wonderful the servers are. Our server asked right away if we needed help with the menu and then explained they could basically make any adjustments needed to fit any dietary requirement. Seriously, so amazing. EVERYTHING on the menu looked good to me and so much of the menu was veggie friendly. I ended up going with a lentils dish with a side of sweet potatoes and it was nothing short of amazing. What surprised me the most was that the carrots (part of the lentils dish) were the true star of my meal; they were fresh, perfectly cooked, crisp and so sweet and delicious…they may have even been better than my wine (did I just say that?!!? Sacrilege!)
- Native Bowl: The Native Bowl is one of my favorite food trucks nearest our apartment (one of the many food trucks on Mississippi & Skidmore). I like it so much that I’ve been back a few times for post run lunches on the weekends since it never seems to be open for dinner on the week days! They serve 100% vegan fare – and mostly in bowl form (be still my heart). I love that they use fresh, natural ingredients and delicious fake meats (mostly from beyond meats). I had the Chick’n Salad (a special) and it was so freaking good and full of veggies and flavor and also the Hollywood bowl (garbanzos, peperoncinis, red cabbage, and the tahini sauce..omg the tahini sauce).
- Moberi: Moberi is another one of my new food truck favorites on Mississippi and Fremont. And it’s probably pretty obvious why I love them so much: smoothies and acai bowls, yes please. I’ve gone here several times while on a pre run puppy walk with Abbie. Their smoothies are super delicious and perfect right before or right after a run.
- Pfriem Brewing: Thanks to my friends Tasha and Ben, we took Alyse and Nathan to this brewery after a fun day of hiking in the Gorge. Love everything about this place – the outdoor seating, the upstairs dining area with nice views – and the beer and the food. We pretty much ordered everything on the menu – the cheese plate, mac n’ cheese, french fries, deviled eggs, and pretty much everything else we could eat. And the beer. OMG. The beer. I had the Little Saison and the Flanders Blonde – both AMAZING – light, bubbly, and a tad sour – just the way I like it!
- Lucky Lab Brew Pub:We met up with our friends John, Janelle and Duke (their vizsla) for beers, pizza, and a doggie meet up. I love this place for their uber friendly dog patio area and the delicious cider. Pizza wasn’t bad either.
Stay sweaty friends!
XOXO,
Jamie
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