Last week, a group of friends and I headed to the heart of the Pearl District to eat at this place we’d been meaning to try. Called Fenouil, you’ll know it by its huge picture windows that look out onto beautiful Jamison Square, the white stone fireplaces, and the twinkle lights that are laced through the trees outside. But you’ll remember it for the French-influenced Northwest cuisine inside.

We started with the Dungeness crab salad: lump crab with basil yogurt, greens, and blood orange segments. Sublime. Main courses got passed around like a bumping game of Catchphrase: the slow-roasted pork shoulder with smoked apple jus and the crispy duck leg confit were the winners. The sorbet trio with seasonal garnishes is the must-have dessert. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.

Ciao,

Emily

I like being able to tell people about quirky stuff happening in Portland. All you have to do is ask, and someone’s got a new, cool thing to check out. Free movies aren’t that unusual (or ones in unusual places like our rooftop flicks at the deLuxe during the summer), but watching a show while indulging in some of the best pastries Portland has to offer? That’s a sweet deal.

On Mondays at the North Williams Pix Patisserie location they will show some choice cinematic favorites. November offerings include Pleasantville (William H. Macy and Jeff Daniels—come on!), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (offbeat, dark, and funny), The Bicycle Thief (the 1948 Italian classic, an Academy Award nominee), and one I haven’t seen, Rankin & Bass’s (the guys behind all those classic animated Christmas specials) The Last Unicorn. Check back and tell me what you thought of ‘em.

See you around,

Brandon

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

Last week, some friends and I stopped in for the happy hour at Bamboo Sushi, a cool locale that serves up really killer sushi, among other dishes. My buddy had a Kobe beef flank, along with with some mushrooms and a tasty herb sauce up top (I sampled his and other friends’ meals; I couldn’t help it). Happy hour has some crazy-good deals (the Kobe was only $5.50). We shared some super-fresh sashimi, and also tried Bamboo’s signature cocktails.

I’m not only stoked on Bamboo because of the stellar food they serve up and it’s chill atmosphere, but I’m also really into the fact that this accessibly hip spot boasts the title of the only certified sustainable sushi restaurant in the world. Bamboo is a popular joint, so there can be a wait for a table, but it’s completely worth it.

Be sure to visit their Facebook Page as well.

Cheers,

Brandon

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

I recently saw the film Julie and Julia, about that woman living on the outskirts of New York City, who spent a year in her tiny, crappy kitchen making all of the recipes from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It’s pretty great, sitting in an audience full of foodies, everybody moaning every time a dish is served.

If that sounds like a fun night out to you, you’re going to love the unique hotel package we’ve got at the deLuxe right now. Book a room for the night, head down to the Driftwood Room (honestly, one of the best Portland bars) for “Bartender’s Mood” cocktails (whatever strikes the barkeep’s fancy that night), and then tuck into a fantastic meal at Paley’s Place, Le Pigeon, or our own Gracie’s Restaurant, with a $100 gift certificate.

The deal includes a copy of the book (Julie and Julia), and a room service breakfast the next morning. Sounds delicious, right?

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

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

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)

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