On the gray and rainy days in P-town, when I’m wondering if the sun will ever shine again, I try to remember one of the best things Portland summers offer: beer. I’ve been a loyal fan of the Brewer’s Fest since I moved out here, but that’s not until July. What to do until then? Well…

On the last weekend in June, head over to the North American Organic Brewers Festival at NoPo’s Overlook Park. Breweries from North America, England, Scotland, Germany, and Belgium will be represented, showing off everything from pils to porter.

In addition to promoting organic beer-making, the festival will have sustainability-oriented vendors and non-profit organizations showing off their wares. And, it just wouldn’t be Portland without a squad of local food carts, including fare for you veggies. Whoever said beer wasn’t good for you?

Later,
Keith

(Photo courtesy of latimes.com)

Speaking of deals (who isn’t speaking of deals these days?), here’s a little something you should be getting out to, while the getting is good.

Wednesday nights at Jimmie Mak’s jazz joint on NW 10th, you can see the legendary Mel Brown Quartet for a mere $5. For over 20 years, the guy’s been wowing jazz fans with both original and classic arrangements.

It’s worth it just for Mel. The guy exudes happiness when he’s playing. Plus, he’s one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen. His band is great too with pianist and musical director, Tony Pacini; bassist Ed Bennett; and guitarist and arranger Dan Balmer. This is the kind of old-school stuff I dig.

Go before 7 p.m. and get in on the $5 happy hour menu, including some very tasty Greek dishes, and then stick around for the music. Think of it as your own private stimulus package.

Later,

Keith

(thanks to Marilyn M on Flickr for the photo)

We were talking the other day about the state of the economy (over beers at Bailey’s Taproom, so not as painful as it sounds) and were saying that times are tough but that it’s a really good time to take advantage of all the special deals out there right now.

There are some pretty deep discounts on airfare, at restaurants and all kinds these days it seems if you’re shopping minded. Hotel deLuxe too. And every time we offer a deal, I try to use it to get my friends and family to head out to Portland for a visit.

So here’s the pitch, friends and family: Right now at the deLuxe, there’s 15 percent off our best available rate. In order to get the discount you must pre-pay for your room. Totally worth it and can save you roughly $20 bucks.

Pretty sad that I need a deal to entice you guys to come see me, but whatever it takes.

Later,
Keith

My Mom and I had breakfast at Gracie’s last weekend, which I don’t know if we’ve ever done, and it inspired me to cheer them again.

Yes, I’m well aware they’re our restaurant here at Hotel deLuxe. So would you have me not recommend their great food due to the simple, unavoidable case of proximity? That wouldn’t be fair to you.

So I’ve extolled the virtues of their dinner menu (get the scallops, they’re my absolute fave) and now I can recommend, unabashedly, the Gracie’s breakfast. So if you’re tired of bagels at home or your Tasty Puffs, how about some German pancakes? Or maybe the best Benedict you’ve ever had?

Kiss, kiss,
Emily

It’s coming up on green beer time. And in Portland, the biggest green beer game in town is Kell’s. A nice old-school Irish bar every other day of the year, with music and darts and whatnot, it becomes the St. Patrick’s Day mecca from March 13-17. They need an entire week to do it.

There’s food, dancing, music, drinks of course and all kinds of Irish-inspired frivolity to be had. As for music, they’ve got people performing all day in the pub or the tent behind, as well as dancers. Not sure how Everclear fits but they’re even playing on Sun. night.

And then on St. Paddy’s Day itself the bar opens at 7 a.m. That’s a commitment. So my advice is to pace yourself. Take your time. Have some bangers and mash. Listen to some music. You’ve got a long day ahead of you.

Erin go bragh,
Keith

(photo courtesy of Grundlepuck on Flickr)

Shopping and stores are usually Emily’s domain, but I just learned of this new spot that deserves mention.

It’s on the other side of the Hawthorne Bridge on Madison and is called the Retro Image Apparel Company. The place has some of the coolest, most unusual cycling jerseys. Stuff I’ve never seen before. A lot of the images are taken from what look like old posters. But there are others with the Grinch on them or Popeye.

They share the huge space with BicyclingHub.com, which itself has a huge selection of clothing, gear and whatnot for the bike-minded person. But Retro Image is worth checking out. So ride on in. And there’s stuff for men and women by the way. Forgot to mention that.

And thanks to bikeportland.org for pointing me there.

Later,
Keith

Oh, I do remember one thing from new years and that is celebrating that it was the last night for smoking in bars and taverns in Oregon. Hallelujah. I’ve been avoiding certain places forever because of the smoke.

It was actually a pretty big topic of conversation during the night. And a couple of people said they thought certain places would just take the fine. But I really think they’re only going to get more business. They’ve not seen me in there for months. The bartenders can’t dig it either.

Once it’s had a chance to air out a bit the first place I’m looking forward to going would have to be Horse Brass. That means there’s an espresso stout in my future. Happy new year.

Later,
Keith

I wish I would’ve known about this place before all my Christmas shopping. Though actually maybe it’s better to do it now. I’m talking about Talula’s, which thankfully is just a stone’s throw from us.

They have joined the ranks of those who married peanut butter with jelly and gin with tonic. Talula’s combines a shoe store, with labels from designers like Miss Sixty, Bronx, Vince Camuto and DKNY, and a foot spa. I know.

You’ve shopped. You’ve toiled at a hot stove. You’ve endured in-laws, or are still and need an escape. You deserve a reward. Thank your feet with a new pair of shoes and a bit of ped pampering. I don’t even have any in-laws and I deserve it.

See ya,
Emily

Where do we live anyway, Minnesota? What is it with this weather? Blizzards? I thought the globe was supposed to be warming. Anyway, if you’re like me and you’ve still got shopping to do, may I remind you about NW 23rd.

If you’ve stayed at Hotel deLuxe before you’ve no doubt wandered around NW 23rd, but I’d say it’s probably the best shopping in the city if you’re looking for a special, one-of-a-kind something.

It’s outside, but you can warm up in all the boutiques while you search for everything from shoes to accessories to lingerie to beauty items. OK, there are a few chain stores, too (Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Urban Outfitters).

I recommend some spicy Thai for lunch.

Stay warm,
Emily

Just ran across this post on OurPDX about our own Driftwood. Glad to hear you found it, Capricious. Welcome.

I don’t want to talk any smack about other hotel bars, but the rest are not places you’d go if they weren’t just an elevator ride from your bedroom. The Driftwood is a great bar, plain and simple.

We always have a few interesting beer selections but their real deal, like you said, is the cocktail. So if you like your booze stirred or shaken, you’ve got to drop in. I’ll have to try the Vesper. I love the Coburn, which is first rate.

And thanks for telling people about the “Bartender’s Call.” I don’t think we’ve even mentioned it here. It’s a great way to find new things to try. I’m going to do it next time myself.

Cheers,
Keith