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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There used to be a place on Belmont. Sweetwater’s. It had this excellent Caribbean food. The food was interesting and delicious and the place was perfectly decorated. They existed for a few years and then just disappeared into restaurant oblivion. Which must be quite a busy place.

But there is a spot in Hillsdale, just a bit outside Portland, and it’s sort of the new Sweetwater’s for me. It’s a lot smaller and less urbany, but it reminds me of Sweetwater’s. Maybe it’s because I love to travel and the place is all about travel. It’s called Salvador Molly’s.

The point is it’s just a nice, comfortable place. Caribbean, Mexican, Cuban food. Cuba Libres and Mojitos. And when you order spicy, you get spicy. The have a “wall of flame” for those people willing to eat an entire order of their habanero poppers with habanero salsa. Don’t you want to be a member of the Great Ball of Fire family?

Ciao,
Emily