I celebrated my 32 (or 2 to the 5th) birthday by taking part in the annual Portland Night Ride, a very goofy night time bike ride with 1,500 of my newest friends. I’m not particularly keen about riding my bike after dark, but we started around 9am with plenty of light and then gradually drifted into darkness. I thought my costume was pretty silly, but my favorite costumes were a crew of pirates who decorated their bicycles to look like ships, a banana, and the Three Musketeers.
The ride started at the train station, and then took us across the Broadway bridge into North Portland. I somehow managed to be in the first handful of riders out of the gate, which meant the first stretch was remarkably solitary. I had been counting on following the pirates, but it was not to be. We went up Interstate and onto Mississippi, and then smack into the Mississippi street fair. While waiting for my brother, we got to watch a fairly hilarious collision between the two events. But everyone was mostly pretty chill, and the bottleneck meant that we got to inspect the other riders and locate other favorites (low rider bicycle and bicycle with lanterns were great).
Once the brother was located, we plunged onwards, ringing our bells, hollering, and being offered beer. Out to Willamette Boulevard, we enjoyed some bagpipers and reckless bicycles as we entered darkness.
The bicycle short movies at a park near N. Carey were excellent, particularly this PSA:
And we were then off to the Columbia Slough (gorgeous ribbon of bike lights through the dark), past the racetrack and then the disco party (pumpin’ tunes, but too crowded). We shot back towards the train station trailing the Three Musketeers (who didn’t seem to find my witticisms as funny as I did — “where was D’Artagnan? One for All and All for One! Oh, no, you’re split by the traffic light!” Good thing I wasn’t drinking…). The final donuts at the train station were bypassed for a goodnight birthday drink at the Rose and Thistle, and then to a well-earned sleep.
All in all, a great time! Similar to wandering through the streets in large crowds of happy people, there is something delightful about cheery bike riders taking over the streets (at least for those of us on bikes). I can’t wait for the next Sunday Parkway.
I’m a huge fan of riding Trimet trains and buses. Prior to the airport Max (aka the Red Line), I used to ride a Trimet bus to the airport. The line number escapes me, and the bus actually worked fairly well. However, buses are more challenging to navigate, particularly if you’re coming to a new city. They are also typically viewed as dirtier and scarier than trains. The airport bus, however, had the advantage of taking a fascinating trip through Eastside Portland while the airport Max pretty much moves you along freeways.
Nonetheless, I appreciate the airport Max line and was very excited when the train line opened in 2002(?). Nothing is more satisfying than taking a train that is moving faster than gridlocked freeway. And the convenience of the Max airport station nicely complements traveling with carry-on luggage. Walk off the plane and walk on the train.
It’s an All Zone ticket, and there is some value in having a ticket ahead of time so that you don’t have to fuss with the ever problematic ticket machines.
While some Portland area Farmer’s Markets keep going year round (see Hillsdale Farmers’ Market), my two favorite “neighborhood” markets are coming back to life soon!
My absolute favorite is the Sunday Montavilla Market at 7600 SE Stark. However, I have to wait until June 21 for my first low-key, small market dose. This is my favorite market partly because it is on Sundays, but mostly because it feels like a neighborhood occasion with enough choice to be tantalizing. Neither the options nor the crowds are overwhelming, and there is much to delight in!
In the meantime, we have the closer Hollywood Farmers’ Market opening on Saturday, May 2 at NE Hancock between 44th and 45th Avenues. This market has many more options, but also has some serious crowds (and almost always an unexpected friend encounter). Great fun but also some what anxiety inducing for wimps like me!
There are many wonderful farmers and vendors at both markets, but I got to give special mention of the Village Crepery — they are the best! Definitely visit their website for the wonderful animated gifs — and the crepes are even better!
The Blue Nile is an Ethiopian restaurant located between NE 22nd and 23rd on NE Broadway. I have had many a delicious meal, with particularly lovely lamb dishes as well as the ever popular kik. Recently, we have just been ordering the platter for two, sometimes veggie, sometimes meat.
The restaurant itself is pretty low key, with an ever present television near the cash register. If it’s nice out, sit outside, and otherwise site further back from the door and you’ll have a lovely time. Also, the wait staff is very nice. If you are desperate for a beer or need the check rapidly, just go up and ask them for it. You will not be rushed, but they also aren’t going to come hover over you.
I definitely encourage you to come by on a warm day and enjoy the evening, a beer, good company, and yummy food!
When I ride my bicycle or walk to work, I have the pleasure walking along the lower level of the Steel Bridge in Portland. When I ride the MAX, we roll along the upper deck with the cars, and a few intrepid bicyclists and pedestrians. All of this traveling back and forth has left me very fond of the Steel Bridge, even when traffic jams start to occur on the lower level.
One of my favorite things include crossing the lower level of bridge with a train. It’s loud, no doubt, and sometimes there are horrible high pitched squealing noises, but it’s also exciting. The Amtrak trains have entertaining passengers to stare at, the freight trains have lots of interesting different cars, and the occasional steam engine makes my week! The Southern Pacific #4449 pictured here is one of the absolute delights of living in the Portland area. Sometimes I hear its whistle from our office a few blocks from the waterfront, and have to run down to see if I can spot the steamy excitement of this train!
If you’re a fan of the classic greasy hamburger, consider visiting Stanichs, located in both NE and SW Portland. I am most familiar with the NE Stanich’s at NE Fremont and 49th, in the Beaumont neighborhood. This Stanich’s is full of pennants, making for mesmerizing viewing if conversation grows dull. While clearly once a smoking spot from the fine patina on the walls, the air is now clear.
There is a special Stanich burger involving an egg, which I have never personally consumed, but is met with much happy sighing by friends. The normal burger is a delight, as is the classic grilled cheese. Don’t forget the fries.
We have repeatedly discovered that the NE Stanich’s is closed on Sundays. I think they might accept cards now as well. They are located at 4915 NE Fremont St, Portland – (503) 281-2322. The SW Stanich’s is at 5627 SW Kelly Ave, Portland – (503) 246-5040. They can be found online via Citysearch, but do not appear to have their own website, and I’m not sure of the accuracy of the information there…
Oh, I love Huber’s! If there were one bar in Portland that I wish was non-smoking, it would be Huber’s! And lo and behold, my wish has been granted. No more will I have stinky hair and clothing after a delightful evening at the Huber’s bar.
When I want to feel swanky and cool, Huber’s is the place to be. Behind the Huber’s restaurant located in downtown Portland off of SW 3rd between SW Stark and Washington, the Huber’s bar has a beautiful bar and awesome vaulted ceilings. The happy hour includes a good caesar salad, a great turkey sandwich, and a lovely spinach dip. Drinks are good and strong.
Most importantly, perhaps, is the Spanish coffee and the wonderful presentation. Shooting liquor and flames. What could be better? Don’t forget to have a dollar or two handy to tip the excellent server (walking bar tender?) who makes them to order at your table. A constant dilemma — should all Spanish coffees be ordered at once for multi-creation excitement? Or should they be spaced out for multiple visits by the server?
The other highlight of Huber’s is the clientele. From the post-work crowd to the post-party crowd, all make great people watching. Settle in and enjoy!
Huber’s is located at 411 SW 3rd Avenue. To get to the bar, enter the hallway next to the restaurant and follow the hallway until you see the bar entrance on your left. You can also find the bar by walking through the restaurant itself.
Well, it’s been over a month since I went to work as a pirate to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate day. On that fine day back in September, I walked through downtown to get lunch and no one batted an eye. In fact, I even spotted a few other pirates. Arrr! Portland be ever friendly to those pirate-y folks.
Now I’m feeling pressure to dress as something besides a pirate for Hallowee. Perhaps a viking will do…
Blue Olive is a Mediterranean restaurant located on NE 46th and Fremont in the Beaumont neighborhood. Besides being a cool neighborhood, this is a wonderful restaurant. Run by two delightful brothers, the food is a wonderful blend of Mediterranean/Persian flavors.
If it’s nice, sit in the back patio. And we always end up ordering one of the platters for two. The variety is fun, you won’t go hungry, and the lamb is amazing.
One of my favorite things include crossing the lower level of bridge with a train. It’s loud, no doubt, and sometimes there are horrible high pitched squealing noises, but it’s also exciting. The Amtrak trains have entertaining passengers to stare at, the freight trains have lots of interesting different cars, and the 
I think they might accept cards now as well. They are located at 4915 NE Fremont St, Portland – (503) 281-2322. The SW Stanich’s is at 5627 SW Kelly Ave, Portland – (503) 246-5040. They can be found online via