Since I am fortunate to have friends in the Portland area, I will not need to stay at a hotel. But I want to provide what is available to all of you good people who read my blog. I have an aversion to small boutique hotels with unique decor. In looking around the web, the first one I found in Portland was the The Benson. Located in the heart of Portland, The Benson provides a unique experience among even the most distinctive hotels. Close to shopping, sightseeing and the Pearl District, the hotel was recently awarded the 4-Diamond award by AAA. Some of the amenities are 24 hour room service, complimentary evening Wine tasting(over 6000 bottles), and boutique shopping. This hotel was built in 1912 and has unmatched beauty, elegance and service. Rates are around $250 a night.So let's see if we can find something within my price range, although I will splurge for a historic unique hotel like The Benson on occasion.
The Jupiter Hotel, located in the city and close to dining and entertainment
, is designed for the creative class of people. It's affordable, $59 - $94, it's fun, roast marshmallows on the outdoor fire pit, and they have live bands in the courtyard. The Doug Fir Lounge is located on property and offers a variety of food, drinks and entertainment. Check out the menu, http://www.dougfirlounge.com/menus.html#bar, open 7 days a week.
, is designed for the creative class of people. It's affordable, $59 - $94, it's fun, roast marshmallows on the outdoor fire pit, and they have live bands in the courtyard. The Doug Fir Lounge is located on property and offers a variety of food, drinks and entertainment. Check out the menu, http://www.dougfirlounge.com/menus.html#bar, open 7 days a week.The Silver Cloud Inn has rates around $150 a night. Located adjacent to the Nob Hill shopping district which offers a variety of boutiques, night clubs, shops and restaurants. Daily complimentary Continental breakfast is served, 100% Smoke Free and they have a hosted wine and cheese reception on Tuesday evenings. Website: http://www.silvercloud.com/index.htm
Another hotel in the downtown area is The Mark Spencer. This hotel was opened as The Nort
onia Hotel in the theatre district of Portland and was considered "home away from home" for the stars who performed locally. In 1966, The Nortonia was remodeled and became The Mark Spencer. Still a favorite with performers, it also is a favorite among travelers for its affordable lodging and Old World charm. Rates run from $89 for a studio to $169 for a Jr. Suite. Guests enjoy a continental breakfast and afternoon tea and cookies. One block from the hotel is Powell's Books, the world's largest new and used bookstore.
onia Hotel in the theatre district of Portland and was considered "home away from home" for the stars who performed locally. In 1966, The Nortonia was remodeled and became The Mark Spencer. Still a favorite with performers, it also is a favorite among travelers for its affordable lodging and Old World charm. Rates run from $89 for a studio to $169 for a Jr. Suite. Guests enjoy a continental breakfast and afternoon tea and cookies. One block from the hotel is Powell's Books, the world's largest new and used bookstore. On to the Good Food part. I have found a few, ok, several restaurants to talk about. Let's start with Genoa. As the name suggests, this is an Italian Restaurant with a menu that changes with the availability of resources. Some items are on the menu for just a few days, others for weeks or months. The options available are The a la Carte Menu, 4 course, The Chef's Tasting Menu, 7 courses, and The Grand Tasting Menu, which features small portions of everything on that evening's menu. Excellent wine cellar. Website: http://www.genoarestaurant.com/
Next we have Salty's, one of the best Northwest seafood cuisine's in the area. The restaurant is located on the Columbia River , anchored on the river with views of the river and Mt. Hood. Their Sunday Brunch was voted the Nation's Best Brunch by MSN-Citysearch.com. The menu includes Peel & Eat Prawn, Dungeness Crab, Salmon Lox, Seafood Ceviche, Clams, Mussels, Fresh Oysters shucked to order, Omelets, Crepes, Belgian Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Cheese Trays, Salads, Bacon and Sausage, Country Potatoes, Biscuit & Gravy, Blackened Salmon, Prime Rib, Baked Ham and Seafood Chowder. Wow, that sure made me hungry. Sounds great. In the Bar-Cafe, you can enjoy cocktails, live music on select evenings, and an Happy Hour Menu. They also serve steaks, seafood, pasta chicken and sandwiches.
Prices are average, $12 - $20 for Lunch, $20 - $30 for Dinner. Website: http://www.saltys.com/portland/
The Carlyle is a little more expensive, offering French and American Cuisine. They use locally grown produce, specialty meats and seafood to enhance their ever changing menu. Located in the Pearl District, website: http://www.carlylerestaurant.com/
Oba!, Restaurante Y Refresqueria de Lujo, serves the cuisine of the Caribbean and Cuba, goes through South and Central America, up through Mexico to the Southwest United States. The Chef creates his dishes so that they may be enjoyed by the Northwest clientele. Entrees are between $20 - $35. Open 7 days a week, sidewalk dining available when weather permits. Website: http://www.obarestaurant.com/new/home.html
For some Cajun or New Orleans fare, try ROUX. Located in the Overlook neighborhood, the chef uses the best seasonal ingredients from Louisiana and the Northwest to create New Orleans inspired dishes. Median prices in the $15 - $20 range. Full bar featuring jazz and blues music. http://www.rouxrestaurant.us/
El Gaucho is sophisticated and swank steakhouse with a Latin flavor. Pricing is at the top of the dining scale, but the personal service and excellent food would make it a night to remember. Live Latin guitar music is presented every night from 7:30 to 11:30. http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/_portland/index.htm
These are just a few of the top class restaurants in Portland. But I am sure there are many moderate priced, moderate sized restaurants that deserve a little headline here. And since I will be visiting Portland in September, I will be sure and add those to the blog.
Oregon Wine Tour..............coming up.
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