Portland’s Outdoor Eating Guide: On Deck Sports Bar

August 25, 2010

Inside On Deck Sports Bar & Grill you’ll find over 25 TVs showing all of the current sports action, but if you aren’t a sports enthusiast there are still many reasons to stop by On Deck.  On Deck’s outdoor seating is just as alluring as their inside action, and you’ll find a spacious patio with covered seating and a very pretty view.  Their outdoor seating is actually the largest outdoor deck in Portland’s The Pearl District!

With all this room outside, On Deck is a fantastic spot to host a party or event.   They have a covered tent with an outside grill and complete beverage station, and the entire deck is surrounded by lavender and flowers.  It would actually make a great spot for a bachelorette party or wedding reception or rehearsal!

I personally enjoyed the fact that the building is located upstairs, so instead of the standard street view and loud car sounds that you would normally get sitting outside, you get a great view of the city and a nice peaceful dining experience.  I also really like the fact that dogs are welcome, and so it is fine to stop by and get a bite to eat or a beer while walking the pooch.  On Deck Sports Bar & Grill is located at 910 NW 14th Ave.  Find their fantastic deals on Forkfly, like $3 off any menu item!

Trendy Tuesday: Design one of a kind jewelry with Gem Kitty!

August 24, 2010

When a person is doing what they love in their life it shows in their product, and thus is the case with the Portland based jewelry shop Gem Kitty.  Jewelry designer Arwa Jumkawala has been designing jewelry all her life.  She even wore her first creation, a rose quartz and garnish necklace, to kindergarten. Born and raised in Hong Kong by two parents in the gemstone and jewelry trade, Arwa Jumkawala grew up surrounded by bright and colorful baubles, and the even more colorful collection of individuals who scout, mine, cut, polish, broker, and barter these treasures around the globe.  Her passion for beautiful, shiny things is represented well in her personal line of jewelry sold on Gem Kitty.com.  Two of my favorite creations by Arwa are these two necklaces shown below.

These two pieces have an elegance and yet a fun modern edge to them that I am really drawn to.

But Arwa doesn’t want to keep all the jewelry making fun to herself, on Gem Kitty you too can design your own one of a kind earrings or necklace!  So shop, buy, design, and as always, KEEP IT LOCAL!  Check out Gem Kitty’s website here, and look for her deals coming soon on Forkfly!

Forkfly’s Gluten-Free Friendly Merchants

August 23, 2010

Want to take advantage of Forkfly’s great offers but aren’t sure which restaurants or bars offer gluten free options?  Well here you go!  I have listed all of the Forkfly g-f friendly merchants for you to take advantage of.  Check them all out on Forkfly!  And if you are a Forkfly merchant who has g-f options but you don’t see your name listed, don’t fret just send me a quick note at duutela@forkfly.com and I will make sure to add you.

Brunch Box

Located at  SW 5th Ave & Stark, has gluten free bread!

Echo

Located at 2225 NE MLK Blvd, has gluten free options just ask your server about them.

Henry’s 12th St Tavern:

Located at 10 NW 12th Ave, has a number of gluten free beer options.

Koi Fusion

Located at a multitude of spots around Portland (check their Twitter page for updates),  is in the process of creating gluten free marinades.

P.F. Changs

Located in The Pearl District at 1139 NW Couch St, has a very impressive gluten free menu.

Seres Restaurant

Located in The Pearl District at 1105 NW Lovejoy St, also has a very extensive list of gluten free and organic options.

Theo’s

Located at 121 NW 5th Ave, has a tasty gluten free bun and gluten free chips.

PDX Weekend Happenings: August 20-22

August 20, 2010

Summer had a very slow start in Portland, and there is definitely a sense of urgency to hold as many events as possible outside while the weather is still nice.  Unlike last weekend, when the weather was a little too warm for hanging out long periods in the sun, this weekend is promising to be clear blue skies and a pleasant 70 degrees.  Perfect weather to hit up several events.  Wine, crawdads, rivers and flying high, this weekend has more unique options than Lady Gaga’s wardrobe.

Alberta Street Fair

What: Three stages of entertainment, over 150 local vendors, a parade, kids corner, and of course to get through it all they’ve got a beer garden.  What more could you possibly need?

When: Saturday, August 21 from 11am-9pm

Where: Alberta St. of course :)

Website: http://www.albertastreetfair.com/alberta-street-fair/

High Art: A Surreal Portrait of the Soul

What: This is what Pendulum has to say about this show, “Told through Pendulum’s signature aerial work, High Art takes the audience through the cycle of life using canvas and paint as metaphors for how our personalities and interactions are shaped. Each of the show’s eight acts are inspired by a work of fine art from a 20th century master. Echoing the human and artistic need to add layers without sacrificing clarity and authenticity, High Art offers a revealing look into the nuanced depths of the soul.”  Which translates into, it is a visually pleasing performance!

When: August 19-20; see their website for times & ticket prices.

Where: The Kridell Grand Ballroom, Portland Art Museum

Website: http://www.pendulumaerialarts.org/index2.htm

Forest Grove: Uncorked

What: This is an annual downtown event to promote and celebrate the food, wine and micro-brew providers of our local communities. The event includes live music, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Forest Grove Fire Department.  Tickets are $10 each.

When: Saturday, August 21 from 4pm-9pm

Where: Main St. Forest Grove

Website: http://fgcityclub.com/uncorked/uc.htm

Mt. Hood Crawdad Festival

What: Crawdad’s aren’t really a popular meal in the NW, but when cooked right boy are these things tasty!  The Crawdad Festival promises to show us how they do it in the South with a crawdad barbecue, live music, face painting, and apparently a dunk tank (curious to find out what they use that for).  $5 entry fee.

When: Saturday-Sunday, August 21-22 from 3pm-10pm

Where: Skyway Bar and Grill, 71545 E Highway 26, Zigzag, Oregon

Website:  http://www.skywaybarandgrill.com/

RiverFest

What: A family-friendly event focused on the Willamette River. The festival includes art events, Sam Adams, live music, a Portland Trail Blazers Basketball Clinic, The Freshwater Trust Portland Triathlon, Portland Audubon events, the Festival at South Waterfront, Kayak Tours, and the SOLV Cleanup.  Most events are free.

When: Friday through Sunday, August 20-22; see website for times

Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Northwest Glisan Street and Naito Parkway

Website: http://www.portlandriverfest.org/

The Nomayo cocktail: The Drink with a Fantastic Twist, But a Weird Name!

August 19, 2010

If you are a fan of gin, you must try the Nomayo cocktail at Davis Street Tavern.  The Nomayo is Davis’ signature drink and is very popular among the Davis crowd.  It is made with Beefeater’s gin, Aperol St. Germain and lemon.  For those of you who like myself have no clue what Aperol is, it is an Italian aperitif that was created in 1919.  Its ingredients include bitter orange, genitian, rhubarb and cinchona.  The Aperol really gives this drink a slight grapefruit taste.  It is quite refreshing and not like anything I’ve ever had.  One of those drinks that you can’t really pinpoint why you love it, but you just know that you must have it again!

I would also recommend trying Davis’ Black & Blue, which is made with blueberry absinthe, and their Finca Canton made with ginger liqueur.

The perfect meal to compliment the Nomayo is Davis’ Anderson Ranch Lamb Burger.  This burger is in my top five best burgers I have ever had in my entire life.  Feta, dried apricots and pine nuts are cooked into the burger, with roasted red onions and a spicy mint yogurt on the side.  This is a robust burger, and I was not able to finish it all myself, but boy did I want to.

Also check out Davis’ dungeness crab bisque and velvety mac ‘n’ cheese, and find their great deals on Forkfly, like 25% off Sunday brunch.  I gotta go back to Davis’ just to at least ask them, what is with the name Nomayo?

You Gotta Try This!: A weekly guide of things you must try in PDX

August 18, 2010

Burrito Bowl


A Burrito Bowl is basically a burrito minus the tortilla.  It is perfect for vegans and people that need gluten-free options, like myself. The one pictured above is from Burrito Bar Caribbean Grill, located in the Pearl District.  Burrito Bar has you first choose what kinds of rice, beans, meat, salsa, veggies and condiments you want in your burrito bowl.  These ingredients are piled on top of each other in a surprisingly  pleasant looking display and you have the option of having it  served with a side of chips.

I had the whole grain brown rice, black beans, sweet & spicy chicken, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and their signature mango salsa.  The chicken was moist and seasoned to taste, and all of the spices and fresh ingredients melded together in perfect harmony.  I must have liked it a lot because I almost finished my entire plate!

The Burrito Bar is a local, family owned restaurant, and serves only fresh ingredients with no preservatives, no additives, and no lard or msg.  Besides the Burrito Bowl, they also have Island Burritos, Caribbean Tacos & Salads, quesadillas and nachos, and all at a very reasonable price.  Here at Forkfly We are lucky enough to have Burrito Bar’s deals available on our mobile application, so you can get an even better discount from them every day!

Trendy Tuesday: Soft Knit Nightie

August 17, 2010

With the weather being in the 90′s in Portland, finding something to wear at night that is light weight, comfortable and won’t leave you all sweaty is a necessity.  The days haven’t been that bad for me, but at night my house is stuffy, hot and even having two fans on doesn’t fully alleviate my uncomfortableness.  It is very important to have something comfy and yet still cute to sleep in during this hot weather, and the perfect remedy at a reasonable price is the Soft Knit Nightie from Lucia Apparel.

This sleepwear is a great mix of sexy and sensible, and it is exactly what I am looking for to have a comfortable night sleep.  I love the neon green striped piece in particular!  If you are worried about having something for the cold too, check out these Lounge Pants Pajamas also from Lucia!

Lucia has some adorable dresses that are also worth checking out here.  Lucia Apparel is located at 424 NW 11th St in Portland.

Portland’s Outdoor Eating Guide: Southpark Seafood Grill and Wine Bar

August 16, 2010

Southpark Seafood and Wine Bar is located in the heart of downtown Portland. Nestled comfortably on the corner of Salmon and Park, Southpark has made a name for itself over the past 10 years by serving authentic Mediterranean inspired cuisine in a lively urban setting. In addition to their terrific menu, Southpark also offers their patrons an award winning wine list that is matched by few in the Portland-Metropolitan area.

One of the more unique aspects of Southpark is the fabulous atmosphere of their outdoor seating and patio, as they offer all their patrons with the option of  street side tables and seating. Given its close proximity to the Portland Art Museum and the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall,  Southpark has an ambiance that flows terrifically with the natural beauty of Portland’s Park blocks. Tables are relatively small, so do not expect to seat large groups of people, but this creates a unique sense of intimacy not found in many other local restaurant’s outdoor areas.

On warm summer nights it is not uncommon to see several waiters tending to many full tables of people. The restaurant’s beautiful surroundings definitely compliment the unique flavor of their dishes and wines.  Southpark’s intimate outdoor dining make it the perfect beginning or end to a night of local arts and culture.  Right now you can get $10 off any two entrees at Southpark when you flash the fly!

PDX Weekend Happenings: Happy Friday the 13th!

August 13, 2010

It is Friday the 13th once again, and in honor of this highly superstitious day (approximately 17-21 million Americans believe it to be an unlucky day) I am dedicating the entire blog to only Friday the 13th events–scary or not.

Something Scary: Screening of Friday the 13th

What: August 13 marks the 30th anniversary of the classic ’80′s slasher flick Friday the 13th.  What better way to celebrate 30 years of Jason leaping out of the water and scaring the bejesus out of us than with a special screening of the show and a meet ‘n’ greet with none other than Adrienne King?  King starred in both Friday the 13th movies part one and two.  She will be hanging out at the Valley View Winery to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary and promote her own private wine label appropriately called “Crystal Lake.”

When: Friday, August 13 starting at 7pm.

Where: Valley View Winery in Jacksonville, Oregon

Cost: $10; this price includes the film screening, popcorn, and a meet ‘n’ greet with King. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.  It is encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on, and outside food is allowed so feel free to bring a picnic.

Something for the Kids: The Muppets Take Manhattan

What: Flicks on the Bricks is showing The Muppets Take Manhattan.  This movie is a childhood favorite of mine.  I actually developed an interest in the drums at an early age from watching Animal play.  I still don’t understand the frog and pig thing though, can someone tell me what is up with that relationship?

When: Friday, August 13 at 7pm.

Where: Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon.

Cost: Free and includes popcorn!

Something for Everyone: B-52′s at the Oregon Zoo

What: The zoo’s Summer Concert Series continues with the legendary B-52′s.  I used to put “Love Shack” on repeat and annoy the heck out of my brother!

When: Friday, August 13 at 8pm.

Where: The Oregon Zoo

Cost: Check website for details.

Try A Collins/Cooler/or Drop at Paragon & Learn How to Make Your Own!

While dining outside at Paragon, located in The Pearl District, I perused over their Happy Hour menu to find myself a new cocktail to try.  My options were a house infused blackberry, blueberry, raspberry or strawberry Collins/Cooler/or Drop.  Now I have drank quite a few cocktails in my life, but by no means am I an expert in mixology, so seeing my options I was immediately curious what the difference is between a Collins, a Cooler and a Drop.  I tried the Blackberry Cooler for fun, and Paragon’s version did not disappoint, but I still went home wondering what the difference was between these cocktails, and so I decided to check it out for myself.

Apparently a Collins is basically “sours” with club soda added. You start off with 2 oz of your base liquor, whatever that may be, add 2 oz or so of sour mix, and top it off with some Club Soda.  The most well known of Collins of course being the Tom Collins, which uses these ingredients:

Tom Collins

2 oz Gin
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
½ oz simple syrup
3 oz chilled Club Soda
Lemon Slice
Maraschino Cherry

Add the first three ingredients to a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with the lemon slice and the cherry.

A Cooler is defined as any wine or made-wine made of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 5.5%. These drinks may be based on spirits, cider or perry.  The most well known of coolers of course being the Wine Cooler, which I’ve included a recipe for below.

Strawberry White Wine Cooler

2 cups strawberries (about 1 pint), trimmed
1/3 cup sugar
a 750-ml. bottle Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine, chilled

In a bowl gently toss together strawberries and sugar and let stand 10 minutes. In a blender purée strawberry mixture with wine until smooth and pour through a fine sieve into a pitcher. Wine cooler may be made 4 hours ahead and chilled.

A Drop traditionally uses vodka as the base and then often sweet and sour mix is added and usually a splash of sugar, and it is served chilled in a martini glass.  If you think of a Drop, you of course imagine the Lemon Drop.

The Lemon Drop


1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 sugar cube

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