GUYS – check out my interactive Google Map of all my explorations in Bridge City! I’m super stoked to be able to share this with you, and I hope y’all can use it as a resource in the future when you make your way to Portland – which you will. Because you need to. And now, my Day 3 recap of PDX (Check out Day 1 and Day 2 of the weekend trip as well):
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While my mind, body, and soul are set on living in Portland at some point in my life, there is one tiny detail that I forget doesn’t exist in San Francisco – rain. That was what Sunday brought.
Hers & Hers
While rain means borderline panic for out-of-towners, Portlandians don’t seem to notice it, and as honorary Portlandians, we did our best not to either. People definitely have a thing for doughnuts here, but since we had skipped Voodoo, we breakfasted at another spot, Blue Star Donuts. Their pastries are made from brioche dough, making for a more dense and chewy doughnut that I personally like better, especially when it comes in a passionfruit and cocoa nib flavor.
Also, it is donuts or doughnuts? I’m having a lot of anxiety trying to figure this out!
After a stop at the Portland Pride Parade, it was brewery time at Deschute’s, where once again, I indulged in sour beer and now need to find some in SF. Deschute’s reminded me a lot of Southern Pacific Brewery, except more Northwest-looking with wood carvings and log cabin vibes. Eating pretzels in brewhouses are kind of our M.O. and this place did not disappoint – the mustard cheese bowl was ridiculous!
Lurkin’ at Le Pidge
When I travel, I like to allot myself one fancy meal. In Portland, this meant dinner at Le Pigeon on the East side. A tiny restaurant that probably seats 30 at best, the food is French-inspired, adventurous, and well executed. I had been hearing about Le Pidge – as I am now calling it – from many cook friends in the industry and was happy to have the opportunity to check it out.
This meal was simply awesome. Continuing the tradition of being 75 years old, our reservation (which you will have to make to eat here) was at 5:15pm and we hit the ground running with some local beer and foie gras oysters. Yes, I ate foie gras FOR THE FIRST TIME, and yes, I suddenly understand.
While we didn’t go with the foie gras profiteroles for dessert (I wasn’t feeling that adventurous), the desserts were fantastic and range from the classic pie of the day to the modern build-your-own ice cream sandwich with a pretzel bun – an amazing, satisfying meal to end a fantastic weekend with my best friend.
Portland is one of those cities in which I can see myself living in an instant. Some say it’s where the young to go retire – I say it’s where we go to ball on a budget and be creative. I can’t wait to return here soon, and with food like this, y’all know I ain’t staying away for too long.
Yep, this happened at Portland Pride
Moar sour beer please
Foie gras oysters at Le Pigeon – so so good
Stuffed portabella with green beans, leeks, nectarine, and black garlic walnut pesto
Build your own ice cream sandwich with house made pretzel buns, honey ice cream, and apricot jam
Marionberry pie of the day with vanilla bean ice cream – seriously amazing
OMG that build your own ice cream sandwich sounds amazing!!!! Side note: sour beer: I want some. So bad. Have you given up being pescetarian?! Inquiring minds want to know. Your entire trip sounds like it was such a blast!!!!!
Also, I believe the technically correct spelling is “doughnuts” but many companies shorten it to donut 😉
Haha you and can drink all the sour beer and be happy. I’m still pescatarian, but trying a new thing where I eat whatever I want when I travel (excluding beef). The foie gras was the only non-seafood thing I ate, so it’s not a huge deviation, but a fun experience when traveling!