365 Things To Do In Portland, Oregon

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

I warned you.  You're going to be able to eat your way through Portland, Oregon like a pro after reading these posts.  I tried to refrain from a restaurant post today, but I've had the pleasure of visiting Irving Street Kitchen in Portland, Oregon's Pearl District a couple times this week, and I am a very happy camper.

Irving Street Kitchen is the new occupant of the space formerly known as Bay 13, which didn't fare so well, and closed last year. I was a little worried that the Bay 13 vibes might continue on for this new place, but my worries were appeased QUICKLY.  Very nice staff and a menu full of really good, not too expensive food.  The space is cool.  It's a large space for a restaurant in the neighborhood, but the new owners managed to warm the place up a bit.  The far side of the dining room has cozy little booths with curtains, and the main dining room is lit with some really nice chandeliers with Edison-style bulbs.

And the food, you ask?

Bacon wrapped fried oysters? Yes please.  Duck confit with duck sausage and wild rice? I'll have two!  The food is really well put together.  It's classy comfort food, and both servers that helped me definitely seemed to be foodies, as well.  They were able to navigate me through the menu and had well formed opinions to share.  

The chocolate cake with pistachio brittle and the spicy doughnuts with coffee semifreddo were SO GOOD.  

Definitely try out this new Pearl District eatery.  I hope they'll be there for a long time.  Oh, oh!  And during the day, they set up shop right on the corner of NW 13th and Irving, and you can buy all kinds of awesome BBQ food for really good deals at lunch time.  

Irving Street Kitchen
701 NW 13th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503-343-9440

www.irvingstreetkitchen.com

From time to time, everyone needs a little break from life to enjoy some peace and experience tranquility.  People living in the Portland, Oregon area are lucky to have one of the most authentic traditional Chinese gardens outside of China right here in our backyard.

Once you step past the entry gates, you're transported into another world and another time.  Traditionally styled and crafted buildings encircle a beautiful lake, and are connected by paths and bridges.  You can wander from building to building, rest overlooking the water, or enjoy some authentic Chinese tea and teacakes tea in the two story tea house that is within the garden.

Even if you can only spare an hour or two, you will leave Lan Su Chinese Garden feeling calm and refreshed.  (And wanting to go back again!)  

The Lan Su Chinese Garden is open to visitors seven days a week year-round, closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Summer Hours 
April 1 - October 31 
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Winter Hours 
November 1 - March 31 
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Admission

Your admission gains access to the Garden, Teahouse, and when offered, public tours and exhibits. Some special events are not included with admission or may require a purchase of tea. With a membership admission is free for one year.

• $8.50 Adults
• $7.50 Seniors (age 62 & over)
• $6.50 Students (age 6-18 and college students with I.D.)
• Children five and under are free

Individual adult admission tickets and discounted admission bundles are available for purchase in advance at 503.228.8131

www.lansugarden.org