f*angela

Ling, if the Farmer's Market is open, I think you would really enjoy it. I didn't get to very many restaurants (Andina and Pix) when I was in PDX before Christmas, but the cheese/bread (Pearl Bakery and others are there)/produce is beautiful.

Thanks for all the great recommendations! We ended doing dinner at Andina (I don't know, something about seeing his friends being more important than trying new restaurants? ) but it was amazing. While I didn't necessarily Love everything we ordered (I admit the Yuca Rellenos is not my thing) we did enjoy trying out new and different things and we pretty much loved everything else. My partner had the very traditional lamb, fall off the bone tender and delicious. I tried the slightly more nouveau sea bass in broth - perfect after a long, cold drive. Later that Friday night we made it down to Pix for dessert (introduced a couple of locals to it who normally frequent Papa Haydn's). Saturday I was joined by a friend from Tacoma and we spent the day exploring the Farmer's Market and the, uhhh, yarn stores in the downtown area. The quality at the Farmer's Market was really high and I contemplated trying to get some produce back across the border but settled for shopping selectively and planned on eating everything before Sunday night. I did OK all things considered. Bread from the Pearl bakery & Pate from Viande for driving food on Sunday night Dulcet mustards and dressings and nuts (I think I was particularly hungry when we stopped at this booth) Tarts - frangipani & rustic apple (road food dessert) and a savoury butternut/bacon for my Saturday dinner Ginger Rhubarb Jam Wasabi Oil/Balsamic Vinegar dipping combo. Chocolate covered cherries for friends at home. Herb rub No cheese (this was the hardest part) except for a tiny, tiny bit of Cheddar to go with some beautiful apples. We're planning a return trip and hopefully we'll be able to stay for longer and enjoy the city a bit more (Eat More!) Thanks!

Cassis - nice, comfy, celebratory lunch with friends. Salade de Fruits - possibly the best mussels I have had in a year. I have a soft spot for profiteroles that have 'just' been filled with ice cream. The Flame and I waddled out of there (3 dessert platter!) Nuba - another workday lunch. Close, quick, yummy.

Hi, I'm heading south from Vancouver BC to Portland for a weekend. My sweetheart is meeting up with some of his friends and I'm planning on wandering around and eating as much as possible (with or without them) I've booked a table for 2 at Andina for Friday night. Saturday I'm planning on going to the Farmer's Market and wandering around the Pearl district - any good lunch spots? Dinner - no idea, the guys are going to Kell's and I admit I'm not that excited about it. Sunday breakfast - I was thinking Simpatica but... open to suggestions. Thank you!

Rare opened just in time for me to turn 30! My question of where to go for dinner has suddenly been solved. I look forward to reporting back - when is Ling next in the kitchen for dessert?

If you don't mind a quick (and easy) detour to SoDo, you can pick up a sandwich at Salumi... provided your flight is Tuesday through Friday. You're sure to inspire envious looks. I'll check and see what time we have to be at the airport for a 1:50pm flight, but if we can squeeze it in, that would be just about perfect.

I'm flying out of Sea-Tac in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping that someone has a good suggestion or 2 for something a little tastier than Southwest's 'Snack' Service Staying on the Eastside (Bothell) before heading down but can, and will, easily stop anywhere between there and the airport for good food. Angela