365 Things To Do In Portland, Oregon

Have you ever gone to a big box movie theater and wanted to bring a beer in?  Have you wanted to replace the fake cheese nachos with some actual food? Here's the solution for you.  Living Room Theaters in SW Portland's West End neighborhood.  

Living Room Theaters was created by long time filmmakers who wanted to reinvent how films are viewed and enjoyed.  At this innovative theater, you can order REAL food and REAL drinks.  I had a Philadelphia style panini sandwich and a glass of Erath Pinot Gris, which I took into the theater and enjoyed as I watched the film.  Such a nice way to enjoy a move night.  It felt like I was sitting at home watching a movie on the couch, but I was sitting in Living Room Theater's big cushy seats... 

With a nice mix of independent and documentary films as well as features you'd find in the more traditional theaters, you're bound to find something playing at Living Room Theaters that will suit you.  They're open as a restaurant from 11:30am every day of the week.. Definitely a cool place to stop for a quick bite!

If you live in Portland, Oregon and you haven't paid a visit to Voodoo Doughnut, then shame on you!!! It's perhaps the craziest doughnut shop you'll ever find.  With random concoctions - from peach fritters to bacon topped maple bars, and doughnuts with names I am so tempted to repeat but will not.. Heheh... 

Located in downtown Portland on SW 3rd, Voodoo Doughnut CONSTANTLY has lines out the door of people waiting to taste their goods.  I've been too many times to count, and I'm happy every time.  The bacon maple bar is my total favorite.  It's a traditional maple bar with a crispy strip of bacon on top. Don't knock it till you try it!! 

And if the list of crazy doughnuts available here isn't good enough, you can actually get MARRIED here.. Yes.. You can have a doughnut and some coffee and leave the store with a new spouse, too.. :)

This shop is quirky and cool, and its quintessentially Portland.  You gotta go.

Voodoo Doughnut
22 SW 3rd Ave 
Portland, Oregon 97204

www.voodoodoughnut.com

I'll never forget my introduction to Piazza Italia, a cool casual Italian restaurant in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon.  I had just moved back from 5 years of living in LA and NYC and was strolling the neighborhood in search of a good meal.  I stopped into Piazza Italia and asked the person at the door for a menu.  Immediately, she yelled over at another employee in Italian.. I thought "Okay, this has got to be authentic.. EVERYONE here speaks Italian!!"  I quickly interrupted and asked for a table for two.. 

Over the past 5 years, I've enjoyed many meals at Piazza Italia.  It's a very consistent restaurant with a memorable staff that knows how to treat you right.  After a few trips, they really remember their customers.  It feels like a little family place, which really contributes to the cozy atmosphere here.  The food is simple and well done.  The carafes of house wine are awesome, too.

Take a trip.  You can sit outside, enjoy some nice wine, and a great neighborhood too!!!

When I was in college in Southern California, frozen yogurt was the thing to eat.  There were all kinds of flavors and every topping you could imagine to add to the mix.  When I moved back to Portland, the craze didn't seem to have hit here yet.  Thankfully Skinnidip Authentic Yogurt has opened its doors in Portland.  I've visited their Pearl District location a few times - it's located on NW 10th Avenue between Flanders and Glisan Streets.

I really like Skinnidip yogurt.  They typically have a few flavors, and lots of good toppings to choose from.  My latest favorite is the plain frozen yogurt with fresh rasberries and mochi balls.. SO GOOD!  Lots of good textures and flavors going on in that little cup.  :)  Try out Skinnidip on your own, and find out what your favorite pairings are :)  

Skinnidip
433 NW 10th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

503-224-0704

A few weeks ago, I returned from a trip to Europe that included a quick stop to eat some amazing food in Italy.  Since being back home, I've been hoping to find a place in town that will approach the quality of a true Italian restaurant without the long flight.  Last night, I finally tried a restaurant in Portland, Oregon's Pearl District that I've walked by countless times and have never tried.  No more.  Giorgio's Restaurant, located on the corner of NW 12th and Hoyt Street, is a fantastic and cozy Italian eatery that will have you closing your eyes with enjoyment after every bite.  The space is quietly sophisticated and the staff is friendly and knowledgable.

I enjoyed a mozzarella and artichoke salad to start (which was really nice.  super refreshing) and had parpadelle with boar ragu for my main dish.  Wow.  It was surprisingly light, extremely tender and flavorful and was exactly what I needed after a long day at work.  Paired with a nice bottle of Italian red wine, I was transported back to Florence!  

I can't wait to work my way through the rest of the menu at Giorgio's.  They also have a bar with a happy hour that I'll have to try and let you all know about, too!  

Giorgio's Restaurant
1131 NW Hoyt Street
Portland, Oregon 97209

503-221-1888
http://www.giorgiospdx.com