Last week, some friends and I stopped in for the happy hour at Bamboo Sushi, a cool locale that serves up really killer sushi, among other dishes. My buddy had a Kobe beef flank, along with with some mushrooms and a tasty herb sauce up top (I sampled his and other friends’ meals; I couldn’t help it). Happy hour has some crazy-good deals (the Kobe was only $5.50). We shared some super-fresh sashimi, and also tried Bamboo’s signature cocktails.

I’m not only stoked on Bamboo because of the stellar food they serve up and it’s chill atmosphere, but I’m also really into the fact that this accessibly hip spot boasts the title of the only certified sustainable sushi restaurant in the world. Bamboo is a popular joint, so there can be a wait for a table, but it’s completely worth it.

Be sure to visit their Facebook Page as well.

Cheers,

Brandon

Lately, money has been tight for a lot of people. Maybe you’ve cut back on your daily lattes, or started cooking more meals at home. In some way or another, we’ve all been feeling the economic strain. But don’t we all deserve a little break? I know of a Portland hotel who is making it a lot easier to do just that by offering our modern luxury at a really great price.

This month, get 10% off your room when you reserve a pre-paid room at our best available offer. Want to relax for longer? The deal gets even better. If you choose to stay with us for two or more nights, we bump up the discount to 15% off our best available offer rooms. And hey, while you’re here, indulge in your much-missed latte and even enjoy a meal out at Gracie’s, our renowned restaurant that is situated right here in the hotel. You’ve earned it.

Ciao,

Emily

I just found out that coming up this Valentine’s weekend in Portland, Jake Oken-Berg and Echo Helstrom  will be giving a concert at the Aladdin Theater and I intend to be there.  It’s just the kind of musical night I love, when some of Portland’s best classical, jazz, and pop musicians will come together for a program that will run the gamut from chamber music to punk rock and some interesting in-between pieces with enough to please just about everyone.

You can’t beat the price ($10, in advance) and it’s an all-ages show. Justin Jude, the high plains preacher of dustbowl pop, will open the program, which starts at 8 p.m. If you’re looking for an evening of home-grown talent, with knock-your-socks-off live music, this is the place to be!

Happy listening,

Brandon

Wondering what to do for Valentine’s Day this year? Well, we have been busy taking reservations like crazy for our “My Chocolate Valentine” special hotel package, so get it while you still can. Along with your overnight accommodation, you’ll receive gourmet chocolates from the Two Tart Bakery and a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir upon your arrival.

Intrigued? We’re including, in this fabulous evening, a gift certificate to Cacao for a before-dinner treat. That goes along with a food and drink voucher for our romantic restaurant, Gracie’s. If you want to cuddle up in one of our fantastic comfy beds (with our extra special pillow menu) and get in the mood with a romance, you can check out a movie at the front desk. We’ve got some great old classics to choose from, as well as some modern flicks. In the morning, head back to Gracie’s for complimentary mochas. Yum.

Ciao,

Emily

I would be bucking the stereotype if I didn’t tell you about this delectable event, and that sounds like too much effort so early in the new year. So, I’ll admit I’m one of those: Hi, I’m Emily and I’m a chocoholic. You can just bet you’ll see me at the World Forestry Center’s 5^th Annual Chocolate Fest.

It’s only two slim days, so to speak, but they are days filled with dark, milk, and white deliciousness. Of course there will be vendors, presentations and demonstrations. That’s all fine and good, but my time there will be spent doing what every chocolate lover should and will be doing: tasting. And if there is anyone out there who believes that it’s all about the same, it is time to learn a lesson. A sweet, sweet lesson.

Ciao,

Emily

I always think that, after the excitement and chaos of the holidays, January can seem pretty dull. It’s a great time to travel, everyone’s gotten their ya-yas out flying in November in December, and it’s a perfect time to see Oregon.

If you have a business trip to Portland coming up, or even if you don’t, you should take advantage of the “three nights for the price of two” hotel special. You can spend a day tooling around the city one day— the world-famous Powell’s Books is just a quick stroll from the deLuxe, and there are great restaurants and boutiques in the same ‘hood—and then maybe head out for a cool hike in Forest Park the next day (it’s the country’s largest inner-city park, BTW). Spending a few days, and getting a third night free, is a great way to see a great city, if you ask me.

Have fun,

Brandon

OK, this is a great idea: I love hanging out in Portland on New Year’s Eve. But, I’m really not into driving home with all the yahoos who have lived it up a little too much.

So, this year my friends and I will be at the Hotel deLuxe. OK, I work there, so it seems like home away from home, but I think anyone would have a blast. There’s going to be a great party, a cool New Orleans-style jazz band, The Stolen Sweets, dancing, and general carrying on. If you stay the night, you get free parking, two drink tickets, midnight champagne, and of course, entrance to the big bash. And if you’ve ever been to the deLuxe, with all the old-timey glitz, you know it’s a perfect spot for it.

Have fun,
Brandon

Every year the Portland zoo goes all out and turns into a really cool light show. We Portlanders like to call it Zoolights (and so, um, does the zoo). And if you think it’s just for kids, it’s not. Even the biggest Scrooge would really be into it.

The zoo grounds are totally transformed by more than 200 lighted, moving animals (not the real ones, of course). They’re swinging around and jumping, like a great big game. Everywhere you look there’s something you didn’t expect to see. There’s music, by local choirs and high school bands, every night. The zoo stays open an hour later during the season, so plenty of time to check it out, even on a weeknight. Oh, and there are the real animals too, so get out there.

Have fun,
Brandon

I don’t know about you, but I’ve about had it with holiday shopping. Every time I think of the perfect gift for someone, and finally find it, I realize that I already gave it to them three years ago. That’s why the Rose City Collector’s Market is different (and better, if you ask me).

This year, everyone’s getting something unique from me, an actual one-of-a-kind gift. You don’t have to love antiques (even though I do) to appreciate the Collector’s Market. There is so, so much to choose from. I know my nephew will go crazy for the cool vintage Hot Wheels, my mom will love the depression era glassware, and my girlfriends will go gaga for the antique jewelry. I will love knowing that there’s no way anyone got them the same thing I did.

Happy holidays!
Emily

The Portland Art Museum has a fantastic exhibit going on: China Design Now. China is growing fast, everyone’s talking about it, and the exhibit explores the fascinating art that is being created during its rapid growth. The amazing design, architecture, paintings, and multi-media pieces give you some sense of how the Chinese themselves feel about and are reacting to the major changes going on around them.

Here’s what I’d do: Head over to Chinatown early in the day, tuck into the fabulous dim sum at Fong Chong’s (the chicken hum bao’s my favorite), walk off your lunch at the Chinese Gardens, then head over to the museum. If you go on December 1, there will be a docent to guide you through the exhibit. I might end the day with a cocktail and potstickers at Dragonfish’s fantastic happy hour, but that’s just me.

Chow,
Emily