Discover Vegetarian Fare in Portland: Wilfs Resturant at Union Station

September 30, 2010

On this beautiful sunny day in Portland, the Union Station clock tower on SW 6th stands out against a bright blue sky. Below it resides Wilfs Restaurant, a sustainability-minded, jazz-spotlighting establishment.

Wilfs is definitely a fine dining dinner destination, with upscale decorations, chandeliers and jazz music featured Wednesdays through Saturdays. Even the exposed brick walls look undeniably classy in this restaurant. I went for lunch, and the place was uncrowded but not empty. The restaurant focuses on sustainable foods and provides organic, seasonal and local menu items. Not only does this emphasis make it easy to want to support such a forward-thinking restaurant, it also makes for high-quality, delicious food.

While it’s not a vegetarian restaurant, they had enough meatless options for lunch that it took me a minute to decide. You won’t have to settle for salad if you choose to forgo meat here. The Portabello sandwich with spinach, pesto, mozzarella and sweet peppers looked great. They also offer a veggie burger, and as soon as I saw it was house-made I was sold. It’s one thing for a restaurant to throw a Morningstar Farms frozen veggie burger on their menu to appease vegetarian guests, but a house-made burger shows a real awareness and appreciation for all their customers.

My burger came with some beautiful tomatoes and avocados. The patty was flavorful and perfectly textured — and it didn’t fall apart, skillfully avoiding the downfall of many a house-made veggie patty.  The service was very attentive and friendly, and I don’t know how they make their iced tea so delicious, but it was perfect, no sugar needed.

As great as my lunch was, I expect Wilfs really shines at dinnertime. Take a look at their website and jazz lineup here, and check Forkfly for great deals at Wilfs Resturant.

Written by Forkfly intern Eleanor Brown

You Gotta Try This! Fun Slides from Kazoodles

September 29, 2010

There is something so entertaining about sliding around in your socks on a newly waxed floor.  I don’t care if you are five or fifty-five, this never gets old.  But what if your house is entirely carpet, or has little space for sliding?  Don’t fret, the good elves at Santa’s workshop have came up with a solution just for you, and they are called Fun Slides.

The photo is pretty ridiculous looking, but Fun Slides are carpet skates that let you “cruise” on carpets the same way you would in your socks on a hardwood or linoleum floor.  It looks like loads of fun, but as a parent I would be weary of constant accidents occurring.

I am an adult and if my  friends and I had a pair we would use them to race around my house, so just imagine what kids would do :)  I still say this is a product “You Gotta Try!”  You can find the Fun Slides locally at the Vancouver toy store Kazoodles.

Trendy Tuesday: Barre3 Sparks a New Fitness Trend

September 28, 2010

After shunning exercise for most of my life, in the last year or two I have come to see myself as an athletic person. My routine is pretty limited to circuit training DVDs at home, but after reading recently that a person is more likely to find success with a exercise schedule if they work out outside of the house and with other people, I’m rethinking my technique and considering attending some classes. The most innovative and talked-about workout these days comes from Barre3, a ballet, yoga and pilates hybrid class with a high level of intensity and a focus on balance and flexibility.

You may have read that Madonna swears by Barre3. Celebrity endorsements are great, but after browsing the website I don’t need anyone else’s opinion to get excited about this Portland-based phenomenon. Sadie Lincoln, of Eugene, Oregon, worked for 24 Hour Fitness for ten years before founding her unique exercise studio. Sadie focuses on balance in her workouts and in her business, and she successfully maintains a balance between staying true to her local roots and seizing the opportunity to expand and share her methods internationally. She leads classes at her original Portland studio and personally trains franchise owners and class instructors, and the company has studios in Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma and the Philippines.

Barre3 classes are set to upbeat music and incorporate “the grace of the ballet barre with the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates” to tone and lengthen lean muscles. Classes have a cap on the number of participants to ensure each person receives the attention they need to perfect their form and receive the most from their workout. Childcare is available, which I love to see, because busy moms deserve a chance to give stuff like this a try, too.

Much to my excitement, Barre3 just came out with a workout DVD, but I don’t think I should allow myself to buy it until I’ve worked up the courage to attend a class and receive Sadie’s expert instruction and attention. Take a look at the Barre3 website for locations and class schedules, and look for Forkfly deals for Barre3 to give yourself a good reason to check out this hot fitness trend!

Written by Forkfly intern Eleanor Brown

Transform into a Modern Day Rapunzel with Your Very Own Hair Extensions

September 27, 2010

Being patient while growing out your short hair is a difficult task.  I have been growing out an A-line bob for several months, and I hate this awkward middle stage where my hair isn’t short but isn’t long and I can’t do anything with it.  I threatened that I would cut it short again many times, but then I discovered the key to getting the look I want and growing out my hair at the same time—hair extensions!

Hair extensions are no longer something that only celebrities wear.  They vary in prices from as little as $40 to as high as $300 depending on what you want, but it isn’t hard to find a mid-range priced brand that is high in quality and reasonably priced.  You can also either choose to get clip ons and put them in yourself, or go to a salon for a more permanent fix and have them weave in the extensions to your natural hair.  I chose to just get clip ons so that I can easily take them on and off at my leisure, but for a more professional, natural look I am sure going to a salon to have extensions put in is a better option.

I love the Great Length extensions from Amore Salon and Spa!  They are made with 100% human hair, and are silky, shiny and come in hundreds of colors.  They also go through a process of “bonding” the hair extensions to your natural hair, instead of gluing, knotting or weaving, which can be painful and may damage your real hair.  You can do anything with the extensions that you could do with your own hair, so feel free to cut it, curl it, straight iron it, wash it, etc.

Amore Salon and Spa is located at 945 NW Lovejoy St in The Pearl District.  You can also get a great deal on Amore cuts and colors on the new Forkfly app: http://m.forkfly.com/

PDX Weekend Happenings: September 24-26

September 24, 2010

So in an attempt to do my part to “Keep Portland Weird,” I am focusing on those events this weekend that are strange, bizarre, and down right WEIRD. Keep it up Portland because it is events like these that make this the most interesting city to live in in the entire country!

Portland’s 2010 Thrill the World Dance: Michael Jackson’s Thriller Practice

What: The first of seven practices to prepare you for the world-wide “Thrill the World” dance party on October 23.  Last year Portland had 175 dancers in Pioneer Courthouse Square, and this year they want even more, but you have to practice the dance first in order to participate.

When: Friday, September 24, 6-8pm

Where: Fremont United Methodist Church, 2620 NE Fremont

Upright Brewery’s Punk Rock Bottle Release Party

What: A release party to celebrate their newest beer created in the style of 70′s and 80′s British Punk Rockers who fought the law to death and glory in the clash of the lower class leftists with limited career opportunities (their words not mine).

Event Details: Special beers on tap, bottles & t-shirts available for purchase, and a DJ spinning classic punk records.

When: Friday, September 24; 4:30-9pm

Where: 240 N. Broadway @ Leftbank Project Suite 2

The Juggling and Vaudeville Extravaganza

What: The best jugglers and variety acts from around the world come together in a single evening of live entertainment.

Event Details: Tickets cost $8-$16

When: Saturday, September 25; 7pm

Where: Benson High School Auditorium, 546 NE 12th Ave

Portland’s Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day

What: Perhaps one of the most interesting events I have ever heard of in Portland.  You have the unique opportunity to meet pretend time-travelers or pretend to be a time-traveler yourself.  The travelers will dress up as people from any age throughout history (or the future) and wander around Portland finding clues, talking to pedestrians and perhaps drinking beer (?).

When: Saturday, September 25

Where: No clue on the time because the details of the event were apparently written by a time traveler who doesn’t speak English very well.  Good Luck!

Trendy Tuesday: The New Girdle for the 20th Century

September 21, 2010

The days of uncomfortable and often unsafe girdles may have passed, but society’s desire to tuck, hide, and smooth out our imperfections are still just as strong as they have been for centuries.  The modern girdle comes in many different styles, shapes and is designed to combat several different problem areas.  Ardyss International specializes in body contouring.  They carry what they call body shapers for your abdomen, bust, posterior, hips, and thighs.  Ardyss claims that their product will give you the look of having just had liposuction done.  They also say that instead of crushing your innards and giving you a lack of breath, the body shapers actually support your upper and lower back and wearing the garment will help burn fat.

They also have garments for men, which I would be curious to find out if a man would really wear one of these products, or if they would be too embarrassed.

Not sure if the products work the way they say they do, but they definitely have peeked my interest and are more than worth a try.  You can get some great deals on these products and more on Forkfly!

PDX Weekend Happenings: September 17-19

September 17, 2010

Portland has a lot to celebrate this weekend: pirates, the theater, SE Portland, tattoos, and of course beer.  I am thinking to cover all my bases I am going to get a pirate tattoo, act out a scene from Treasure Island, and then have a beer in South East Portland.  Sounds like a nice little Saturday!

Whole Foods Market Hollywood Hootenanny

What: A family friendly street fair featuring Handmade NW Artisans, fantastic food from some of our favorite vendors, hula dancing, live music, and kid’s activities. All proceeds from their grill will benefit Film Action Oregon.

Details of Event: Admission is FREE.

When: Saturday, September 18; Noon to 4pm

Where: Whole Foods Market Hollywood, on 43rd avenue between Sandy and Tillamook.

Block Party at Ninth Row

What: A not-for-profit art party to celebrate the emergence of the Central Eastside Industrial District as one of Portland’s new cultural hubs. With over 40 art, design, sustainability, and craft displays; food vendors; musical entertainment; and interactive street performers.  The event will conclude with an after party at the ART DEPARTMENT warehouse at 1315 SE 9th Avenue with surprise musical guests and a film screening.

Details of Event: A FREE all ages event

When: Saturday, September 18; 11am to midnight

Where: SE 9th Avenue between Belmont and Madison streets

Portland Pirate Festival Fifth Anniversary

What: Two exciting days of piratical fun and family adventure (their words).  There are tons of performers, attractions and events to take part in, including a Privateer Scavenger Hunt for all ages.  On Saturday, September 18th there will be the 1st Stumptown Beard & Mustache Competition.  On Sunday, September 19th you can help Portland reclaim our GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for “THE LARGEST GATHERING of PIRATES”.  For the kids, there will be puppets, children’s theater, pirate games, swordplay, scavenger hunts and giant inflatable rides.  For adults, the Oberon’s Three Penny Tavern will be open, with pirate wenches serving mead, cider and Ninkasi brew.  There will also be live music, sword play and pirate history.

Details of Event: Visit www.portlandpiratefestival.com for ticket prices

When: Saturday, September 18th, 10AM to 10PM; Sunday, September 19th, 10 AM to 6 PM

Where: Cathedral Park, under the St John’s Bridge, Portland, OR

Portland Oktoberfest by Maletis Beverage

What: A traditional Oktoberfest featuring German and local beer, bratwurst, apple fritters, and a full café menu. Music will fill the park at all times, and guests will gather, eat, drink, and dance under the covered glass canopy and in tented areas throughout the park.

Details of Event: $5; 21 & over.

When: Fri, Sept 17 & Sat, Sept 18, noon-9:00 PM; Sun, Sept 19, noon-7:00 PM

Where: Director Park in Downtown Portland

Adorn Tattoo 10th Anniversary Costume Party

What: A celebration for Adorn Tattoo, featuring their favorite local bands live, an inflatable boxing ring, Mediterranean vegetarian food and beverages, and a host of prizes for people coming dressed in theme. The theme is religion, so come dressed as any religious figure in history: “real” or imagined for a chance to win anything from original artwork, to tattoo time, to bikini waxing, to chiropractic care.

Details of Event: FREE

When: Sunday, September 19; 2pm-8pm

Where: Taking place in the shop’s Westside Parking Lot

What Makes Vancouver’s Cinetopia the Best Movie Watching Experience in Oregon?

September 16, 2010

I am a huge fan of beer theaters, and I have become so accustomed to being able to drink good beer and eat pizza when I go to the movies that I actually haven’t stepped foot into a normal theater in about a year.  I decided I needed to go check out the Cinetopia in Vancouver, WA, which I have heard great things about, and find out for myself what all the fuss is about.  I have been waiting to go see Machete and now was the perfect opportunity.

I quickly discovered that The Cinetopia experience is much more than a trip to the movies.  Cinetopia is fine dining, luxury seating, a wine extravaganza, and movie watching at its best!  The theater is broken up into several sections: a wine, beer and dining area called the Vinotopia; Grand Auditorium Theaters, which are open to all ages; and Living Room Theaters, which are 21 and over only.  Unfortunately my movie wasn’t playing in one of The Living Room Theaters, so I was unable to bring any alcoholic beverages into the theater, but I did have a nice meal and some good local beer in the Vinotopia before the start of the show.

The Vinotopia is the perfect combination of luxury, comfort and convenience.  You can choose to sit at the wine bar, in the dining area, around the fireplace in comfy couches, or outside in a beautifully laid out garden setting.  The staff is constantly aware of your time constraints and the food is prepared in a timely manner, and if you are cutting it close to show time, the waitress will have your food wrapped up to go so that you can enjoy it in the theater.

The Grand Auditorium where I sat looked just the same as most theater seating, but once you sit in the chairs you immediately feel the difference.  The seats are cushioned, wide and lean back far.  They also all include a pull out tray table on the side for eating convenience.  The sound and picture quality were very impressive, and the whole experience was well worth the higher price tag.  A normal evening adult ticket costs $10.75 in the auditorium and $14.25 to $15.50 for the Living Room Theaters.

The Living Room Theaters are more expensive because they are even more cosy and pampering than the Grand Auditoriums.  The Living Room Theaters have five Living Room seating areas.  Each area has excellent viewing and a secluded “skybox” feeling. The seating areas have thirteen extra wide customized Seating Concepts VIP Ultra Leather seats, each with its own footrest and unlimited leg room.  These theaters also have pre-show restaurant and wine bar table service. In addition, prior to the films showing Friday and Saturday, customers will be provided with live pre-show dinner music from a small overhead performance balcony.  There is also something called The Pillow Pit, which is a large space at the front of the theater full of pillows for you to rest on while enjoying the show.  I would pay the higher price for this kind of entertainment.

It is well worth the drive from Portland to Cinetopia located at 11700 SE 7th St in Vancouver, and for more info check out their website.  I can’t wait to go back and check out the Living Room Theaters!

Discover Vegetarian Fare in Portland, Starting with Daily Cafe

September 15, 2010

NW 13th Avenue, with its raised sidewalks, light concrete pavement and alleyway feel, is lined with clean, modern buildings housing restaurants, coffee shops, fitness centers, clothing stores and the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Across the street from PNCA is the Daily Cafe, a perfect spot to stop for lunch during a day in the Pearl.

The Daily Cafe is an order-at-the-counter restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and brunch on Sundays. The colorful chairs and exposed concrete ceiling reflect an aesthetic sensibility appropriate for the cafe’s proximity to one of Portland’s excellent art schools and its placement on NW 13th Avenue. I love the big windows in the airy dining room but I love sitting outside even more, so after I got my food I headed for the sidewalk seating.

Smoked salmon is a favorite of mine and I was tempted by the salmon plate with a Kettleman bagel, cream cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, capers and red onion. But I’m also sandwich-obsessed, which can be a tough trait for a vegetarian in a world of lunch meat. So I went with the caprese panini, a crusty, melty pleasure with roasted plumb tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach and herb pesto on ciabatta bread.

My sandwich came with vegan potato salad, but green salad or soup are also available with most lunch items. The service was timely and friendly, and I got my iced latte promptly to sip on while my sandwich was grilled to perfection.

Take a look at the Daily Cafe website to see their hours and check on their ever-changing breakfast menu. And look for Daily Cafe deals on Forkfly the next time you’re headed to lunch on NW 13th Ave.

Trendy Tuesday: Little Urbanites

September 14, 2010

Portland has a unique, hip sense of fashion that extends to the kids. Parents here like to let creativity run free, both in their selections for their children and by letting kids dress themselves. Little Urbanites, a children’s store with a wide variety of clothing, furniture and accessories for kids, has its finger on the pulse of kid’s fashion. Little Urbanites has embraced the proper-looking British-inspired trend seen around Portland in their clothing selection, offering styles like double-breasted pea coats and Peter Pan collars in organic fabric.

This Kate Quinn Organics top has been paired with a jumper, tights and a big bow, creating a really cute, put-together look.

Here the model rocks another monochromatic outfit with matching orange hat and shirt. The clean-cut and aesthetically conscious trend reflected in these photos leads to some good looking Portland children. Little Urbanites also peddles kid-sized versions of Portland fashion staples, like this organic cotton bomber jacket.

Little Urbanites offers more than clothes for kids. They have apparel for babies, and furniture and art to make your child’s room as colorful and pretty as her wardrobe. Toys, books, strollers and other gear round out Little Urbanites’ selection.

Check out their blog here for posts about kid’s activities, community news, product info and more. Check out the store at 916 NW 10th Avenue, shop at their website, and look out for deals on Forkfly for Little Urbanites merchandise!

**Blog written by Forkfly intern Eleanor Brown

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