H, M and I traveled to M’s in Portland for a quick trip (less than 48 hours), arriving at 10p Friday.
On Saturday, we hit the city twice- first, an “urban safari” where we saw farmstands, a coyote, goats, horses, cattle en route to shopping (Columbia and Adidas employee stores) and lunch, and again for dinner.
Lunch was at Nong’s newer location (in the Pearl)- their chicken and rice did not disappoint! Sitting outside on a just-cloudy-enough-to-keep-it-perfect-almost-autumn day with lifelong friends was lovely as well.
We walked to shave ice (which I learned is a chain just now) – the triple coconut was good, but I didn’t finish it (they only sell one size). I don’t intend to return. It is situated in a plastic-y hipster corridor of sorts- everything looked like it would be cute/good and then something was off once you examined it. For instance, vertical planters of succulents – so cute until you noticed they were plastic. A print shop with terrible designs/or at least just not my style, and the most unfriendly cashier ever. Etc.
Dinner was at Kachka– I hadn’t been to their new location (well, I had stepped inside on a prior visit when they were super busy- this time, I had a reservation). Excellent service, modern yet homey decor, and delicious food. The four of us shared Herring Under A Fur Coat (much better than the knockoff I tried in Seattle), and M and I shared dumplings (pan fried meat/boiled cheese) and a couple of kebabs (cilantro-cumin pesto with the lamb was so fragrant and flavorful; the vegetables were all cooked to individual perfection, and the bread or tomato salat accompaniments were also lovely). We ordered too much food, so we had leftovers- and no room for dessert.
Sunday, September 22
We stopped at Cathedral Coffee on our way north- I think it must be the cutest place in Scappoose. H and I split quiche and the three of us shared a cinnamon roll. My maple turmeric latte (without espresso) was warming on the cozy raining morning.
It Should Be Delicious 