inPDX {TitleNine + A Giveaway}

If you have been following along for awhile, you know that I have the great privelege of eating a lot of amazing food. Clams, Kiwi Guacamole and chocolate chip cookies have all been on the menu as of late. That requires a good amount of cardio and a few pilates classes every week to counter the deliciousness. I also have a better attitude, more energy and my sleep quality improves exponentially - so many benefits from including fitness into my life!!


One challenge I have with working out is my figure. You see, I am more of a Joan than a Peggy. While I can rock many-a cocktail dress, finding supportive sports bras can be very challenging. A lack of support, thin straps and flimsy fabric can result in a sore back, tender shoulders and revealing situations. I once had quite the slip at pilates - thank goodness the man next to me was a complete gentleman!!

Ziplining deserves support

This brings us to Title Nine - the fitness brand and chain committed to empowering women and providing them with the gear and community to take on just about any physical challenge! They are especially passionate about sports bras that work for you!! You being a 5'10 A Cup yoga gal, or the 5'2 DD hiking junkie! They proudly call themselves 'Bravangelists' bringing the good word of back support and comfort to women around the country - at 29 stores precisely with one in Portland and another in Eugune. Not in one of those cities?? Don't worry, they can fit you over the phone! How cool is that?!

Hiking should also come with a supportive brassiere! 

In the coming weeks the Oregon stores will be hosting Bra Fit Tests. With an expanded assortment of bras and even more Bravangelists on-hand you will have the opportunity to find Sports Bras and beyond that are perfect for you! Maybe you is an avid rock climber who needs an over the shoulder boulder holder (Beaches reference) or a busy mom who needs support while chasing after the kids while still looking cute!

Title Nine Portland
June 3-4 10am-8pm
1335 NW Kearney Street

Title Nine Eugene
June 10-11 10am-8pm
5th Street Market
296 East 5th Avene #229

Meredith, didn't you mention a giveaway in the title?!?! Why yes, yes I did!!  Title Nine is generously giving away one sports bra to a lucky MarthaChartreuse reader!! This giveaway is limited to those that live in the United States. For those that don't live in a city with a Title Nine a Bravangelist will happily fit you over the phone!

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 2nd!






Recipe {Spring Pea Risotto}

I had very grand plans for this blog post - beautiful photos with peas scattered about and close-up shots of the grains of rice transforming into creamy magic. Then came the time to make the meal and I remembered that risotto is a very active dish that doesn't leave much time for taking photos. At least when the chef is the one taking them. And then I started to get sad - yes, it is real-talk time - about my single status and that I was making a giant pot of risotto for me. I'm nice, smart and have pretty fantastic hair. Dammit, I make risotto on week nights!! I even used homemade chicken stock. I'm a freakin' catch.



But then I took a breath and started to make the meal. I poured myself a glass of wine and turned on some kind of emo-hipster Pandora station. I became immersed in the process of making risotto. The chopping and toasting. The stirring and laddling, watching the broth soak into the rice. And as I stirred the dish and sipped on my wine my attitude changed; I am a catch! I do make risotto on weeknights! Dang my booty is looking good from pilates!

I am so lucky that every day I get to date myself. And be best friends with myself. And that I genuinely like myself. While I am single (and ready to mingle) I am also very content with a Tuesday night making myself a beautiful meal and having plenty of leftovers. And it is okay that there are just a few shots of the finished product. This blog is about keeping it real, and the reality of my life is that I am single and am physically incapable of photographing myself making risotto. This is a truth I am willing and happy to accept.


1 Cup English Peas
2 Cups White Rice {Preferably Arborio}
1/2 Cup Dry White Wine
6 Cups High Quality Chicken Stock
1 Yellow Onion {Chopped}
3 Cloves Garlic {Minced}
2 TBS Olive Oil
2 TBS Butter
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese {Grated}
Juice + Zest of 1 Lemon
10 Fresh Mint Leaves {Chiffonade}
Salt+Pepper

1-2 Glasses of Wine {Optional, but recommended for the chef}
Swoon-Worthy Playlist {Mumford + Sons or Civil Wars Pandora Stations}

Tip: To reduce oversalting at the end, lightly salt + pepper the dish every other time you add liquid.

1. In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the peas and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent the peas from overcooking or mushing. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan heat the stock over medium heat. 
3. In a large, heavy bottomed pan over medium heat add the butter and olive oil. When the butter is melted add the onions and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 3-4 more minutes, or until the onions are transluscent and soft.
4. Add the rice to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir consistently for 4-5 minutes. Lightly salt+pepper the mixture. Add white wine and stir until absorbed.
5. Add 2 laddles of the chicken stock to the rice mixture and stir until the liquid is completely absorbed. About 3-4 minutes. repeat this process until all of the liquid is gone and the rice is cookied.
6. Add the cheese, lemon, peas and mint. Salt+Pepper to taste.
7. Enjoy the meal and the company {Especially if it is just you!}



#ThursdayToursPDX {Date Night}

Whether you are celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary or navigating the wild, wild world of online dating, having an arsenal of go-to date spots in your back pocket is an absolute must. Be it is drinks, a nice dinner, or romantic third date spot Portland has a lot of options to offer. To help us identify some of the best spots Erin and I asked Annie of Serious Crust and Brooke of Chocolate and Marrow for #thursdaytourspdx Date Night!



In case you don't know her, Annie is super cool. Over at Serious Crust she shares elegant yet accessible recipes, detailed and honest restaurant reviews, and always uses ooooh-factor ingredients. Not to mention, she has amazing personal style, is super funny, and is in a band. Yup - she is in a band!! So whether your date loves going to shows or shops at Zupans I know you will love her date spots.

And for Brooke's recommendations head over to Bakery Bingo!

Round the WWW {Take Three}

Happy Monday! This past weekend was really busy, but in the best possible way. I was able to see a lot of friends, eat some tasty meals and was in a REALLY fun photo shoot with Portland photographer Heidi Heaphy. What did you do this weekend? What are you loving?


So excited that The Mindy Project will continue on Hulu!
3 Salad-Inspired alternatives to burgers - yum!!
This arm workout is really hard but I'm already seeing results!
SO high on my must-try list!
Planning on checking out Levant's brunch in June.
This is an oldy but a goody

New+Noteworthy {Cup+Bar, Hamlet, and Okamura}

Cookies. Prosciutto. Beauty products.
Yes, these are things that interest me!
No, I do not have a boyfriend.
Life is a mysterious thing.

Cup+Bar
118 NE MLK
Monday-Friday 6am-6pm
Weekends 7am-6pm


Cup+Bar is the latest Instagram darling in Portland. So when I had a chance to co-work with a few lovely ladies I was excited to check it out. The brain child of Trailhead Coffee Roasters and Ranger Chocolate Company, this space is super hip!. They have dubbed it "Portland's first coffee and chocolate tasting room."  With a rustic design, plenty of exposed wood, and bike racks on the wall - this place is PURE Pacific North West.



What to get: The Ranger cookie! Loaded with toasted coconut, rice krispies, ranger chocolate, nuts, and full of buttery goodness.  So good, I had a hard time sharing.

Things to know: The space is on the small side and doesn't have many outlets. Either come with a fully charged laptop or bring a good book. Also, they take their coffee making seriously - prepare to be mesmerized by the process.

Hamlet
232 NW 12th Ave
Sunday-Thursday 4pm-Midnight
Friday + Saturday 4pm-1am

This spot is only 2-weeks old, but already garnering a lot of buzz. I went last week before 'The Lion' and already seeing it becoming the go-to late night date spot in The Pearl. The thoughtfully designed spot serves up craft cocktails, bubbles, and a small menu centered around ham.


What to get: The ham plate!! They make the prosciutto in-house, which is perfectly seasoned and
Things to know: This spot isn't cheap. I ordered a non-alcoholic ginger ale and it was $7. Correct, a non-alcoholic soda cost seven-dollars in American paper currency.




Okamura Facial Tonic Oil
Online or at Urbaca

Since January I have been using the Okamura Facial Tonic Oil, and it has done wonders for my skin and beauty routine. This oil isn't greasy nor is it hard to wash off. It has become my favorite eye makeup remover - without irritating my eyes or taking multiple wipes to get everything off, this quickly takes care of everything! I also like to put it on like a face mask for 10 minutes before my shower. It leaves my skin so soft and radiant.


What to get: Obviously, the Okamura Facial Tonic Oil! If you have a chance to head into Urbaca, get a facial by Sherry!
Things to know: This bottle will last you a long time. Just 2-3 pumps a day takes care of my makeup removal, cleaning my face, and leaving me moisturized.

InPDX {PCS presents The Lion}

The Lion, written and performed by Benjamin Scheuer, is a critic's darling and an awards show favorite. This kind of acclaim and notoriety does not always translate - especially when a show takes it on the road. But, like any Portland Center Stage production, the magic is in tact. 




This one man, eight guitar autobiographical story is a love letter. A a multi-page communication to Mr Scheuer's mother ('A Surprising Phone Call'), loving postcards to his brothers, and a pen-pal-esque exchange with his father. More than anything, it is a reflective and intimate penning to himself. Honestly acknowledging his angsty and dramatic teen years, the bliss of first love, and the highs and lows that come from a non-traditional (or any) career path. An emotional, yet fair, telling of loss, heartache and when a young person finds out no one is invincible. 




With a brogu-ish voice, flirtatious smile and twinkle in his eye, and GQ-worthy locks Ben is engaging and draws you into the truth of his life. A performance that feels organic, and unaffected by success and proximity to power. His songs had me bopping along, laughing, and wiping empathetic tears from my cheeks - so good that I actually purchased my favorites when I got home. The performance is phenomenal, and has you wishing you were a member of his pride.




The Lion kicked off its national tour in Portland at the Ellen Bye theater on May 2nd and will run through June 14th. Click here for dates and tickets



Photos Courtesy: Portland Center Stage

#ThursdayToursPDX {Happy Hours}

If you have been reading Martha Chartreuse for awhile, you know that Erin, of Bakery Bingo, and I are good friends. Whether we are taking long walks, shopping, or co-working at a coffee shop we never run out of things to talk about. One of our regular GChat, Text, and coffee conversations centers around all of the wonderful food experiences we have in Portland.


Through these conversations, the idea for #ThursdayToursPDX was born! We are both always so curious and interested to hear where others go, we decided it was high-time to start a series! We will be connecting with bloggers and taste makers in Portland and find out their favorite spots. For each topic, we will be featuring a different person on our respective blogs!



To kick-off #ThursdayToursPDX we have asked Karen and Sara to share their favorite Happy Hours in Portland! 

inPDX {#SaltFireWater Calcotada}


You may know that I grew up in a small Montana town rich in Irish traditions and Croation heritage. Filled with hard-working people that prioritize family, friends, and God's Country, I have always had a healthy understanding of community. That environment, as well as a family of curious people, has always led me to be interested in the way other people experience and define home.

Somewhere around the end of high school and the beginning of college I began binge watching episodes of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation. An investigation of food and culture as a true local around the world. Though I watched dozens of episodes, nearly ten years later one episode has always stayed with me. When the outspoken chef explored Spain I was enchanted by the artisan chocolate making, wine, and the messy Calcotada. (This episode will be rebroadcast on the Travel Channel May 29th)