Depending on where you live, there are the things that tell everyone that your city is in the holiday spirit. For me, I look forward every year to heading downtown at the end of November (still just a little bit full from Thanksgiving), and watching the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Square. This is the 25th anniversary, so I’m thinking it’ll be extra special this year.

There’s such a feeling of community; everyone is all comfied up in their knit hats and scarves, kids bundled in down coats and boots. People are sipping hot cocoa and hot apple cider (thanks, Starbucks), finding a spot on the bricks, with their fuzzy blankets in tow, to settle in for a while. And, when the lights go on, wow. It’s like it’s suddenly Christmas time. It’s definitely one of those nights when the Square really does feel like Portland’s living room.

Ciao,
Emily

Last month I mentioned how great the Driftwood Room Bar at the Hotel deLuxe is, so I figured I should tell you why. First, a little history: Our hotel was originally the Mallory Hotel, built in 1912, now listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. It was the kind of place that people in the know knew about. A little off the beaten track, but special.

The deLuxe wanted to keep that vibe, and the Driftwood Room is a perfect example. Tucked away in a quiet corner, you feel like you’ve discovered something a little bit secret. It’s cozy, comfortable, and sophisticated, all at the same time. The bartenders are true mixologists, always coming up with amazing new concoctions. And the Driftwood’s bar menu is one of the best around.

Here’s what I’d have… I’d start with a Caesar, followed by Smoked Roasted Chicken Chowder, with a Tiramisu Coffee for dessert. Now, that’s the way to spend a rainy Portland evening.

Ciao,
Emily

For the record, Billy Joel and Elton John are a bit before my time. Or, should I say, they started out before my time. The thing is, they’re still going. Their best stuff, in my opinion, was in the 70s, but they’ve lasted, because they’re genuises. That’s right, genuises. I’m going out on a limb here (there’s a secret shame quotient here), so go with me.

It’s just amazing that they’re performing, together, at the Rose Quarter. The show, November 10, sounds like it’ll be one of those once-in-a-lifetime events. They both have reputations as great showmen—everyone I know who’s seen either of them says they’re sort of super-human, so stage savvy and talented that you’re sort of transported. Hey, I’m going; I know all the words to most of the songs anyway. And you know you do, too.

Ciao,
Emily

Man, there are so many great things about Portland, but the coffee, coffee everywhere is definitely one of the best. Hell, you can’t throw a mug without hitting a java joint. So, no surprise that our town hosts a Coffee Fair.

This fantastic Portland event is Nov. 7 & 8, at kind of an unusual venue—the World Forestry Center up on SW Canyon—but I’m not complaining. There’ll be more than 40 roasters representing, and samples from coffee bars from all over the city. I’m looking forward to the demonstrations, too, because my coffee never tastes as good when I make it at home (or maybe coffee to-go is just one of my bad habits).

If you’re into the history of the bean, there are presentations all about that, too. I’m planning on leaving the fair with lots of new info and a bad case of the jitters.

Later,
Brandon