6,141 Miles: Portland, OR
Read more about the trip at the first post Hitting the road #IntoTheNeighborwoods.
Neighborhood
From what I’ve heard about the Northwest weather, I’m so glad I was visiting during one of the sunny, warm months. It’s was beautiful! There really is an eccentric charm about Portland. With so many artists and creative people, it’s a great city to explore and enjoy the funkiness. From music to art to delicious food. I found it all!
Did you know that the Steel Bridge (pictured above) in Portland is the only bridge in the world that could have a boat underneath it, bicycles, pedestrians, and trains on the lower deck, light rail and cars on the upper deck, and a place of helicopter flying above it, all at the same time?
Being a Tourist
At every new city, I really try to find local events and unique places to check out. Luckily, I was in town during the Oregon Brewers Festival and as a huge beer lover, this was the best! Another night, I went to support the Portland Thorns women’s soccer team. Those are some tough ladies! And, of course, I made time to see the beautiful rose garden. Perfect timing in the year since all the plants were in bloom.
The International Rose Test Garden has over 7,000+ rose plants of approximately 550 varieties.
Food Favorites
- Laughing Planet (left) With a tagline of “Global flavors with local ingredients,” it’s the best spot for a quick bit of healthy salads, rice bowls, and more. My favorite was the Bollywood Bowl, which included grilled chicken breast, roasted cauliflower, curry-roasted chickpeas, garlic green beans, spinach and yams on a bed of brown or jasmine rice. Served with Southern Indian spicy coconut sauce.
- Bollywood Theater (middle) This place is a must visit while in Portland! Great, casual atmosphere and delicious food. The platter includes: Chicken Curry with Saffron Rice, Sambar (vegetable, tamarind, and pea stew), Dal (lentils simmered with spices), Raita (yogurt with cucumber and cilantro), Paratha (layered Indian flatbread with ghee), and Green Chutney.
“The best centrally located Indian restaurant in Portland, serving lesser-known dishes and street foods by accomplished chef Troy MacLarty, who spares no effort to prepare extremely flavor plates.” — Eater
- Shalom Y’all (right) I mean, how can you not want to check out a restaurant with that amazing name? Serving up Israeli street food, it’s worth a wait for the service and delicious flavors. Highly recommend the hummus paired with fresh pita that actually melts in your mouth, it’s so good!
