Miraculously, summer decided to grace Portland with its presence before July this year. This is fabulous news until about 3pm each day, when we begin to melt into a sticky, AC-less puddle. As such, we’ve decided to trade our daily coffee habit in for a little ice cream until things cool off.
We must have a dairy godmother or something, because last month, a new Salt and Straw just opened on our block in Nob Hill. (After more visits to the original Alberta store than we care to add into our calorie counting app, we know that means that we’re neighbors with some of the West Coast’s best made-on-site gourmet scoopage.) We scream for the inventive yet surprisingly approachable flavors like Blue Cheese & Pear, though our all-time favorite remains Chocolate with Gooey Brownie.
Though the frozen portion of the menu is virtually identical to its eastside brethren, this shop offers something new: some of the best morning pastries we’ve had in forever, Stumptown coffee drinks and more. Okay, so maybe we’ll stop in for coffee and a baked donut on the way to work, and a scoop on our way home…make that on the way to the gym.
Salt and Straw
838 NW 23rd St
Portland, OR
971.271.8168
www.saltandstraw.com
Back in our college days, we frequented this bar called Rennies. We were there nearly every day, our fake Idaho ID in tow. (Not that we condone that now that we’re real grown ups!) We loved the special treatment that came with being regulars. That is until we were busted and banished for our remaining years. (Ever desperate, we once even wore a disguise and scaled the roof.)
Now we have a new neighborhood hang out, The Slide Inn; eclectic, warm, and unlike our college haunt, extremely inviting. At the corner of SE 24th and Ankeny, this funky low-lit mid-century modern space specializes in German-American comfort food ranging from sausage and kraut (from local sources), to hand-made Bavarian pretzels, schnitzel, grass-fed burgers (Slide Inn Sliders), fondue, and German inspired cocktails and bier. There is a collection of Margaret Keane art on one wall, starry mod mirrors along another, a cozy sofa and seating area by the funky fake fireplace, and if we don’t feel like talking we can always do some etch-a-sketching (yes they have a dozen Etch-a-Sketch on hand. Genius!)
Auf Wiedersehen Slide Inn. We’ll be seeing you again, like tomorrow.
The Slide Inn
2348 SE Ankeny
Portland, OR
503-236-4997
www.slideinnpdx.com
When we were 23 you could still meet a friend at the gate if you picked them up from the airport. JT had not yet brought sexy back and was just the curly blond guy in *NSYNC. And we had the worst fashion sense ever. We suspect it was a combination of no money and not really knowing ourselves very well. We’d gone to college and fallen in love but when it came to fashion we had a lot of growing up to do.
But why dwell on the past when we’re oh so much more fashion forward and can celebrate that at Beyond 23, a new boutique on, you guessed it, NW 23rd. Beyond 23 is a light and airy shop filled with all the unique pieces we crave. Their collection of clothing and accessories pop with color and have an eclectic world groove vibe. Our favorite was a white dress by Angie, which would be fun to pair with any one of the colorful belts sprinkled around the store. An impressive array of bags, shoes and jewelry would round out the look.
Ah…to be young again. Just kidding! We’d way rather be beyond 23 and bringing sexy back ourselves!
Beyond 23
725 NW 23rd Avenue
Portland, OR
503-841-6682
We never thought we were the kind of girls who could pull off the whole head scarf thing. That is, until we discovered L. Erickson’s 100% silk headwraps.
Featuring fun floral prints, bold colors and funky patterns, L. Erickson’s headwraps are the perfect beach and/or poolside accessory. And if you know a woman who’s experiencing a loss or thinning of hair as a result of illness or treatment, let the good peeps at L. Erickson know, and they’ll send her a free scarf.
www.franceluxe.com
We’ve always been intrigued by acupuncture, but too scared to try it. The idea of needles sticking out of skin sends blood rushing to our head. Whew… we need to lie down…. on one of these StyleWellnes organic acumats.
Acumats (acupressure mats/spike mats) have been used for thousands of years for relaxation exercises, meditation and yoga, or healing the body from emotional, physical and mental blockages. We’re into that. And no needles? Sold.
StyleWellness acumat
Remember “paint-by-numbers”? We’ll never forget the fun of coating each numbered space with precision, as our masterpiece (often a My Little Pony print) revealed itself.
British designer Jenny Wilkinson creates a whimsical take on traditional wallpaper designs with interactive wall coverings inspired by the craft we loved as kids. Time consuming, perhaps, but totally worth the effort!
www.jennywilkinson.com/wallpaper
Forget the “been there” barbecue. Instead we’ll take a dreamy picnic with spectacular views, listen to live music, and sip and savor world-class wine as we vineyard-hop during the 22nd Annual Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country. A portion of the proceeds will go to Ecotrust’s Farm to School programs.
Sigh. Are we there yet?
What: 22nd Annual Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country
When: May 26-28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (most wineries)
Where: Willamette Valley Wineries (Portland to Eugene)
Visit: www.willamettewines.com (includes list of all activities at participating wineries)
Our favorite accessory is the scarf. We feel oh so put together, just like celebs and French ladies, we are never caught without one these days. And lucky us, we can stock up on all the pretties at the Jane Smiley trunk show today and tomorrow. She has traveled to India and Sri Lanka and brought back the finest/funnest treasures. And if you mention Portland Picks you are automatically entered in a raffle to win a scarf or $40 credit.
What: Spring Trunk Show of Jane Smiley aka Jane Asia at Apa Ini Gallery in
the back garden.
When: Friday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday May 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Where: Apa Ini Gallery in the back garden, 1825 S.E. 7th Avenue, Portland
Visit: janeasia.com
It’s that time of year again. Asia America is having their annual spring outdoor pottery sale. 30% off! Not only do they have a great selection of quality pottery in many colors, shapes and sizes but it is a treat to browse through their museum-like 20,000 square foot warehouse showroom of amazing Asian antiques, treasures & accessories. We’ll see you there!
What: Spring Outdoor Pottery Sale – 30% off!
When: May 18 – June 3, Hours: Tues.- Sat. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Where: Asia America, 79 SE Taylor St. – Suite 200, Portland
Call: 503-230-9322
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