We had gone to the Hollywood thinking we were most interested in Arcade-o-Vision where folks were playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen with a live band playing the soundtrack.  Once I heard about Cheap Date, I was a bit more interested in the comedy.  And as it turns out, if you’re not planning to play TMNT, about 20 minutes suffices to watch the show…

And so, we adjourned upstairs for a packed crowd at Cheap Date.  Apparently there were also donuts, but I declined…  The show was lovely. Sean Jordan was a good emcee, and kept us moving along.

It was nice to see Ian Karmel again since I hadn’t been that blown away from when he emceed a show for Bridgetown Comedy Festival.  He did great.  And I finally saw Ron Funches — his delivery patter is lovely. I really like the slow delivery and build of humor, and he nails it.

Anthony Lopez’s riffs on his name and family were quite funny.  I’m looking forward to seeing all of these guys again!

The next Cheap Date is on Wednesday, August 31 at 9:30pm.

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!

[mappress address="7600 SE Stark, Portland, OR : Montavilla Farmers' Market, Sundays starting June 21"Â address2="NE Hancock & 44th Avenue, Portland, OR : Hollywood Farmers' Market, Saturdays starting May 2" address3="SW Sunset Blvd. & SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR : Hillsdale Farmers' Market, all year on Sundays"]

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![mappress address="2225 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR" ]

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!

And you can buy a 2009 calendar to support the Southern Pacific #4449.

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…

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.

For prepared foods, I am particularly fond of the Crepe Women and the Fleur de Lis bakery folks. We’ve found lots of great produce (particularly berries) this year, and since we didn’t get a vegetable garden going I am very grateful to have fresh basil! And I can’t wait for local tomatoes.

There is now a small Farmer’s Market right by the NE 7th Ave. MAX stop on Tuesdays in the late afternoon, which I am hoping to try out on my way home in the super-heat today. And then there is another Farmer’s Market at the Ecotrust building on Thursdays that I keep meaning to inspect from work as well. So much good food, so little time!

There are also some other cool things on the menu at the Rose and Thistle, including some more traditional Scottish fare. The specials also tend to be wonderful, particularly a pork chops they had recently. My love of their gardenburger means I usually have to sample the other dishes via friends and family, but I don’t think any of us have been disappointed. Even when we’ve eaten there a couple of nights in a row…

I’d love to know more about the history of the Rose and Thistle — there are some intriguing articles posted on the walls, and it sounds like I have missed the former beloved (and perhaps crusty) owner prior to his departure to the big haggis in the sky.

I continue to thoroughly enjoy Broadway Floral, who had a lovely selection of plants!