It’s tough these days, when Portland is growing so quickly and attracting more visitors than ever, for any one hotel to be distinctive. I can honestly say, though, that having done a bit of traveling myself, I think our hotel is one of the most interesting you’re likely to find — even our meeting rooms.

Most of your bigger hotels provide spaces for big parties, events, and meetings. But, if you’ve ever spent a day in one, eating stale muffins and drinking weak coffee, or sitting through a slew of wedding toasts, I’ll bet you can’t remember anything unique or distinctive about them. Not so at the deLuxe.

The beautiful historic architecture and unique décor practically guarantee that. If you end up at a wedding, bar mitzvah, or even a dental conference here, you won’t soon forget it. And here’s a recommendation if you’re the planner and are searching for the right place for your event: Try our Screening Room. And no stale muffins.

Ciao,
Emily

Get your motor running: It’s almost time for the 2009 Dew Tour’s stop in Portland. If you’re not familiar with what the Dew Tour is all about, here’s the scoop: It’s a big competition of all the really happening sports on wheels. There’s BMX, skateboarding, freestyle motocross, etc.

It attracts the best athletes competing in those sports so expect the tricks to be more radical and jaw dropping than you can believe. And the prizes are equally monumental (the largest in action sports apparently), with $2.5 million in booty handed out to the best.

The event also boasts live music, gaming, interactive courses for fans to try out, all kinds of cool new products to sample, etc., etc. so on and so on. Even if you don’t know Dew, your kids will. Just ask.

See you there,
Keith

Nothing tricky here: The Bite of Oregon is just what you would expect. Every summer at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, we flock to get a nibble here, a morsel there. I’ve been to plenty of great events at the waterfront, lined with vendors hawking corn dogs and cotton candy, but this one is a little different. And no carnies.

There are so many great restaurants around these days that I just can’t find the time (or money) to get there before the next one has sprouted up. If that’s true of you, too, or if you’re just in town for a few days, here’s a chance to sample dishes from over 20 kitchens, including sushi and teriyaki from Mio Sushi, Dungeness crab cakes from Bell Buoy of Seaside, and Pacific halibut ceviche from Portland’s H50 Bistro and Bar.

There are also tastings of chocolate, fruits and vegetables from local farms, ice cream, and so much more. Need something to complement the yummy bites? Plenty of wineries and breweries will also be represented on Aug. 7-8. Better find some long-term parking.

Bon appétit!
Emily