Submission number 279 for Keep Portland Weird: A bunch of crazy grown-ups, racing at crazy-high speeds down an active volcano’s crazy curves in homemade cars. Welcome to the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby. In addition to having medical staff on the premises, some of the Rules of Conduct give a pretty good sense of how things “go down”:

Audience members will not be allowed to throw water balloons, or otherwise interfere with racers.

Audience members will need to stay at least ten (10) feet away from the edge of the race course.

ONLY RACERS AND STAFF WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE TRACK! Spectators and bicyclists will not be allowed to travel up or down the track. Look for spectator crossings.

But don’t be scared away. This is one of Stumptown’s greatest events. Bring the kids, bring a picnic, and stay the hell out of the way.

Date: August 14th

Cheers,

Brandon

It may finally be summer in the Pacific Northwest. Shhh… Don’t tell the weather gods. Just hurry on over to the Hotel deLuxe on Thursday nights–while the getting’s still good–to catch a rooftop flick.

The series, put on by the Northwest Film Center, features some great oldies, and weirdies, but goodies. August brings Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains, featuring the amazing and very young Diane Lane; Trafic (the Frenchy, not druggy, one); Son of Frankenstein (the inspiration for one of my faves, Young Frankenstein); and Stunt Rock (a strangely appealing precursor to This is Spinal Tap). Our very own Gracie’s Restaurant and Driftwood Room provide meals, snacks, and cocktails, with more potables provided by Bridgeport Brewing and TAZO Tea. So, grab a blanket or chair and head on down. I mean, up.

Thursday Nights through August

Ciao,

Emily

I’m always happy to be able to recommend a new restaurant within walking distance of the deLuxe. And for those of you locals who are still mourning the closing of the long-time gem, Taste of Bali, on SW Broadway, you may find some consolation with Taste of Jakarta.

It’s just a little hole-in-the-wall, on SW Jefferson and 12th. Still working things out (if you’re turned off by being served on paper plates, this joint is not for you), but reliably turning out very tasty authentic Indonesian fare. I had Mie Ayam Jamure, a sort of marinated chicken and mushroom concoction over noodles, and my mouth is watering in memory of it. They’ve got some great vegetarian and vegan choices, including Gulai—jackfruit—that was not sweet, but savory, and delicious. No alcohol on the menu, so start with a mojito at Cha Cha Cha next door. You can thank me later.

Ciao,

Emily

Portland Events: Waterfront Blues Festival

Even lacking a sweet water craft, you can head down to the Waterfront on 4th of July weekend to soak in the likes of Taj Mahal , Little Feat John Mayall,  Booker T., Portland’s own Curtis Salgado, and tons more. If you’re a Zydeco fan, there’ll be plenty of that, too.  If you’re staying at the deLuxe, stroll on down and skip the parking madness. A very blue way to spend a sunny day.

Begins: Friday, July 2nd at 2pm, ends Monday July 5th at 9pm

Cheers,

Brandon

I’m not sure how many people know that we have the most awesome bartending team in Stumptown. Don’t take my word for it—ask around. Mike Robertson and Kat Hand are making a name for themselves and the Driftwood Room is reaching far beyond our little berg. I recently sat down and chatted with them to get the lowdown. I got enough recon from them to fill a hundred blog posts, so check back for more in this series.

First of all, Mike had just returned from a think tank trip to Seattle for top bartenders around the country. Apparently, the concensus among these in-the-know mixologists was that there are currently three spots in the U.S. known for their innovation when it comes to all things liquor: New York (natch), San Francisco (historically rebellious) and, wait for it, Portland, Oregon. Yep. Spend a couple of hours at the Driftwood, and make sure to ask Mike and Kat for their newest find. It’s a revelation.

Cheers,

Brandon

Well, there’s so much going on in Portland in June, so many reasons to come visit the Rose City: The wild and fabulous Portland Pride Festival and Parade, the season opening of the Farmers Markets in all their fruit and floral glory, the foamy fun of the North American Organic Brewers Festival. But, anyone and everyone knows that June in Portland means one really big thing: Rose Festival.

Even if you’re not the type to brave the Waterfront Village—chock full o’ food booths, rides, live music, strollers and mullets—there is something for every walk of life during the two-week festivities. Check out the Dragon Boat Races, the ships during Fleet Week, the Starlight Run and, of course, the Starlight and Grand Floral Parades. And, I have a bit of soft spot for the Queen’s Coronation, don’t ask me why. Oh, there’s a lot more. That’s because it’s Portland’s Rose Festival.

Ciao,

Emily

I’ve been working at the hotel for a while now, long enough to really know what’s what. It’s a great place to work, great coworkers, love the burger on Driftwood’s happy hour menu. But, I think it’s going to mean a lot more coming from, let’s say, more unbiased sources. I went to tripadvisor.com to check out what guests had to say.

First of all, they gave it an overall rating of four out of five stars. Not bad. Here are a few (unbiased) comments:

“I cannot say enough positive things about this hotel and their staff…This property combines classic Hollywood with modern amenities.”

“A super friendly staff greeted us when we arrived and offered plenty of suggestions on what to do and what to see in Portland. We took their recommendations and had a great time.”

“Everything in the room was wonderful; most importantly THE BED! Sooooo comfortable!”

So now it’s your turn to write your own review. But we’re pretty sure how that’s going to turn out.

Later,

Brandon

What? You’ve visited Portland how many times and have never been to the ballet? Shame on you (and me). OK, I’ve actually never attended the Oregon Ballet Theater, but it’s about time to change all that.

The renowned company’s new show, Duets, began in April and will run just until May 2. The plot is familiar – two young people from opposite sides of the track, destined to fall in love – but the telling of the story is fresh and exciting. Guided by the legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp, I think we’re all in for something pretty special. Throw in a few Russian-inspired and samba-accompanied duets and it’s a not-to-be-missed show.

And, I don’t know about you, but all that exercise makes me hungry. Luckily, Baskin Robbins is just four blocks away, up SW Broadway, and I’m getting a double scoop.

Ciao,

Emily

Here’s the deal… Even if my best friend and I plan a whole night, at my place or hers, it’s never completely relaxing. The phone still rings, we’re reminded of little chores we haven’t gotten to, and we’re kind of stuck in for the night. So, for her birthday, we finally did it right.

We met at the deLuxe (she drove downtown and got valet parking), we checked into our room, and each had a fabulous complementary cocktail (an appletini for her, a classic dry gin martini for me). We headed out on the town (no one worrying about who had to drive) then back to the hotel to sample our lovely little box of treats waiting in our room from St. Cupcake. The next morning started with breakfast for two and then a visit to the Footbar in the Pearl; all part of the Babes on Broadway hotel package. We are now officially expert relaxers.

Ciao,

Emily

This is tough. There are at least two big things happening in April in Portland that I really want to tell you about. But, I guess I write a lot about beer (at least that’s what my friends say), so you’ll have to check out the awesome Spring Beer Fest on your own. The other event falls into one of my favorite categories: Keep Portland weird.

There are all kinds of great film festivals in this town, including cool ads from around the world, international film fests, the African Film Festival, you name it. It’s a smorgasbord for your viewing pleasure. But now we’ve also got the Faux Film Fest. It’s pretty much all of the above, but it’s all fake. Fake travelogues, fake training videos, and the ever popular mockumentary. Not sure exactly what I’m getting myself in for, but it sounds weird, so I’m there.

See ya,

Brandon