#ThursdayToursPDX {Entertaining Out-of-Towners}

Y'all how is this weekend Halloween?? After a weekend of shenanigans, candy and costumes the Holidays will officially be upon us. Which also means entertaining guests. Something that is really fun, but also a bit stressful. Trying to find spots or activities that all of your guests will love can be very hard. That is why Erin and I have enlisted Meg (Landing Standing) and Rachel (Love, Rachel) to share their recommendations for entertaining out-of-towners!

Meg and her husband Tony are East Coast transplants, and with that comes many visitors! Having traveled the world (and blogging all about it) they are skilled at finding the best spots in any city. Meg is also a really fun lady and always down for a good time. 

Be sure to stop by Bakery Bingo for Rachel's Recommendations!

Bollywood - If your guests like Indian food, Bollywood is a great place for out-of-towners. It’s hipster meets Indian street food. This uber casual order-at-the-counter spot has a funky decor, the dishes are fresh and unique, and the prices are great. I love their Pork Vindaloo and Lamb Samosas. Bollywood has two locations, but the Division location is my favorite, especially during the summer when their outdoor patio is open.

Photo courtesy of Meg Rulli

Kennedy School - Kennedy School is a Portland landmark. I really don’t think other cities have anything like Kennedy School - and there is something here for everyone. We love going in the evening on a weekend when the place is hoppin’. Grab a drink in The Honors Bar, walk around the school (with a drink in hand), and maybe check out one of their movies. We’re huge fans of the movie theatre, as you can order drinks there (even an entire bottle of vino!) and enjoy the show on one of their vintage lounge chairs or sofas.

PSU Farmer’s Market - This is hands down the best farmers market I have been to in the US. There’s SO much fresh produce here and you can get a great preview of Oregon’s finest artisans. While you are soaking up the goodness of the market, be sure to visit the Pine State Biscuits stand and order the Chatfield. Trust me, the line is WORTH IT.

Multnomah Whiskey Library - If you’re looking for a Portland experience, Multnomah Whiskey Library is hipster at it’s finest. We love the old-school decor of the library and the tableside cocktail service is a really fun experience. The whiskey menu here is incredible (it literally is the size of small novel) and the bartenders are extremely talented. Their Old Fashioned is the best in town - and they even make wonderful non-whiskey drinks. I love how the bartenders will also make custom drinks specific to your unique taste!

#ThursdayToursPDX is a collaborative series between Portland, OR bloggers {Erin} Bakery Bingo + {Meredith} Martha Chartreuse. In a city filled with amazing restaurants, artisan experiences, and fantastic tastemakers the inside scoop is a must. We will be asking our friends and fellow bloggers for their recommendations and tips for all the City of Roses has to offer.

New + Noteworthy {Seastar Bakery/Handsome Pizza, B&T Late Night Happy Hour, Beaujolais Nouveau at The Heathman}

Cooler temps and falling leaves aren't causing the Portland food and events scene to hibernate. In fact, it seems like the 4th quarter of the year is going to end on an extremely high note.

Seastar Bakery + Handsome Pizza
1603 NE Killingsworth
SB: M,T, Th. Fri. 7am-12pm Sat. + Sun. 8am-1pm
HP: M, T, Th, Fri. 12pm-9pm Sat. + Sun. 1pm - 9pm

My heart is absolutely bursting over the new Seastar Bakery and Handsome Pizza collaboration. In the morning the space fronts as a breakfast and pastry stop, come afternoon the copper-clad wood fired stove starts slinging out some seriously delicious pizza. I'm in love for all kinds of reasons, first being the people. The staff here is SO NICE. Yes, all-caps! They were welcoming and accommodating. They helped me find an outlet and were totally fine with us taking up a table from breakfast through lunch. When businesses rush me out I become extremely agitated and my nostrils start to flare. They were also so passionate and excited to talk our reactions and impressions of the food. To me, that is the sign of a great chef: one who truly listens. Yes, they are confident in the product they produce, but they wanted to know how we were experiencing the dishes. Were we picking up the coconut texture or sweetness in the bread?

At lunch the ovens shut down and the pizza happens. And boy does it happen! The crust is pretty darn perfect. Not too thin, but not thick. I nice fluff and bubble on the crust, but letting the toppings shine. I am also quite smitten with their salads and roasted veggies. Know what makes it taste even better? Throughout the morning the staff chops wood and wheels it in to load up the furnace. Talk about wood to table!!! It truly feels like an established, family-restaurant that has been the pillar of a small-town for decades. I can't wait to see how this develops.

What to get: The haloumi 'advanced toast' is on the best bread and the cheese is perfectly grilled. As for pizza, The Steve Lieber is creamy and bright - with rich mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese.
Things to know: The space is quirky and fun. Entertaining enough for families, but spread out enough to catch up on emails in peace.

B&T Late Night Happy Hour
3113 SE Division St.
Tuesday-Thursday 9pm-Close
Friday & Saturday 10pm-Close

My name is Meredith, and I am oyster-addict. I own two shucking knives and get new friends based on how many oysters they can put away in one sitting. Oh, and when I get invited to oyster events I lose my mind.

So when I found out B&T had a brand-new, super-affordable late night happy hour I was all-kinds of dancing girl emoji. First off, there were freshly shucked oysters. So many! From Kumamoto to Shigoku, they range in price from $1.38 to $1.75 a piece. And a Chef's Dozen is only $19.50. So that is a screaming deal! Then there are the small bites,  tempura rock shrimp in spicy sauces for $9, a surprisingly delightful squid salad for $8, and oyster shooters for $1.50!! Not to mention the discounted drink menu: $2 off drafts and high ball cocktails, and $2 Rainer Tall Boy.

And if you decide to grab something that isn't on the happy hour menu, get the MISO CREAMED KALE WITH MUSHROOMS!!!

What to get: The crab roll!!! This hand roll is filled with phenomenal king and red crab, glass noodles, tobiko, and nuoc cham mayonnaise. I've had dreams about that roll. I have no idea what nuoc cham is, but I am a big fan! Oh, and during the late night happy hour it is $6!! Yes, six dollars! American paper currency. Or Visa. That's your business.
Things to know: The late night hours include Friday and Saturday!!! The new menu also includes a collection of high balls that are potent and complex!

Beajolais Nouveau at The Heathman
November 20th

Image via Heather Jones Consulting

Ready for your French language and culture lesson? Beajolais is a region in France that produces Gamay grapes. Nouveau means "new." Beajoulais Nouveau is a young red wine that is released in France on the 3rd Thursday of November. It is a tradition. A big one! The wine is released at exactly 12:01am and the celebration begins. In 2012 I was in Paris just two days after this ended. Obviously, I was tremendously sad to have missed the festivities. Lucky for me (and you!) the Alliance Francaise of Portland coordinates one heck of a celebration. This is the 14th celebration, meaning you know all of the kinks have been worked out, and it is well worth the $70 (if you are a young professional there are a handful of $60 tickets as well) for a snazzy night of wine and tasty eats at The Heathman.

Image via Heather Jones Consulting

This fancy event usually draws 400-500 attendants, and always sells out. I imagine it will sell-out especially fast this year, as rumor has it that this will be one of the best wines ever? Well, remember that hot, hot summer we had? Some may call it global warming, others may call it the sweatiest 4-months of their life. Tomatoe, Tomato. Yup, didn't just happen in Portland, France was sweaty as well!

Image via Heather Jones Consulting

While this event hasn't happened yet I really hope I will see you there!

What to get: Your ticket!!! And a fancy outfit. This is a rare occassion for true cocktail attire. You know I have been planning my outfit for weeks!
Things to know: This isn't just about wine. I've taken a peak at the menu and it is pretty darn impressive! Not to mention there will be wines from WillaKenzie Estates, Eola, and Ruby Vineyard, to name a few. Oh, and there will be cognac and French spirits.

inPDX {Portland Center Stage: Sex with Strangers}

Mom. Dad. Please stop reading, now. Yes, now! DAD! Now!!

Okay, now I can tell you all about Sex with Strangers! The first production of the 2015-2016 season in the intimate Ellen Bye Studio is absolutely amazing. As the name indicates, this two-person production is about sex. Hot, hot, blush-worthy sex. And technology, social media, careers, ambition, history and rumors. You know, basic relationship stuff. Especially the hot, hot sex. And one of the characters is a bloggers, so I know you will be interested!!

Written by House of Card's Laura Eason, the screenplay is sharp, funny, fast and insightful. I have a sneaking suspicion Eason has googled several boyfriends in the past, and not liked what she discovered. But it is the actors that really bring her words to life.

Danielle Slavick plays Olivia, the somewhat uptight, insecure and brilliant writer and college professor. She clearly has traditional training when it comes to acting and theater. Her posture and projection makes that quite clear. That could be a very annoying approach when playing such a disciplined and responsible character. You know the friend runs 5-miles every day, goes to bed at 9:30pm sharp, folds her panties, and always turns down tequila shots?! That is Olivia. The character plays it safe, but Slavick brings a lovable, curious spirit to the stage.

Now for Ethan. The sexy, rich Tucker Max-type. A real bro in plaid and fancy shoes - similar to the guys you will meet in the Pearl or at Dig-a-Pony! The King of Tinder, who collects conquests with a right swipe and a few sazeracs. Artisan cocktails or Milwaukie's Best, braaaaa! Well Christopher M. Smith delivers a blush-worthy and commanding performance. Generous, yet selfish. Amazing abs, yet nervousness around an accomplished woman. Encouraging, but self-serving. Smith brings the frat-boy confidence and magna cum laude intelligence necessary to deliver such a human and real character.

Sex with Strangers runs Tuesday-Sunday through November 22nd 2015. While my tickets were provided all opinions are my own.

I highly recommend seeing this play!

All images were provided by Portland Center Stage

Lifestyle {How to host a soup swap}

If you follow me on Instagram you may know that last weekend I hosted a soup swap. What exactly is a soup swap? A soup swap is the exchange and sharing of freezable soups among foodie friends.

For my swap I sent out invitations 6-weeks early via Paperless Post and finalized the headcount 2-weeks prior. Our group didn't have any distinct food allergies, but had there been I would have asked guests to consider things like nut-allergies or celiacs. With 8 guests I decided that 12oz portions was reasonable and would easily fit in everyone's freezers. It is also the perfect size for lunch. I hosted the swap on a Saturday morning from 11am-12:30pm. I felt like this was late enough that people could sleep in, work out, or get in a trip to the farmers market, but not so late that it didn't take up their entire Saturday. As it was a morning activity I had Delicious Donuts delivered via Caviar, and served apple cider! Erin brought brandy for the apple cider, I would highly recommend it!

The soup swap was such a hit that before the party ended we decided it needs to happen again in January. It has been so fun pulling different soups out of my freezer for lunches or easy dinners. With selections like carrot-ginger bisque, broccoli cheddar, chicken noodle and beef stew it is already one of my favorite events I've ever hosted.

Have you ever hosted a soup swap? What kind of soup would you bring? I would love to know how you celebrate soup season!!

#ThursdayToursPDX {Breweries}

We are already half-way through October and fall seems to have arrived. The nights are cooler, the leaves are turning and the sweaters are out. For me that also means it is time to retire the fruity cocktails, cut back on the white wine, and start drinking beer. Football! Pumpkin carvings! Rainy Saturdays!! All valid reasons to stop by a brewery.

Today we have blogging besties Bee and Rebekah sharing their favorite brewery recommendations. These girls are so much fun and are always taking on projects and adventures together. From painting their houses to picking fruits, these ladies are always having a blast together.

The lovely Rebekah is a full-time creative mastermind AND she blogs over at PDXFoodLove! From beautiful recipes to thirst-quenching cocktails her blog and Instagram feed will always leave you wanting more. And be sure to head over to Bakery Bingo for The Spicy Bee's recommendations!

inPDX {Bridge City Limos}

Hello and happy Monday!! Remember when I went wine tasting in Dundee last weekend at Hyland, Dobbes and Argyle? With that many people, and that much wine, we decided the safest and most fun option would be to get a limo. After a lot of research, we decided to use Bridge City Limos! Why? Because they had the largest selection of vehicles, reasonable rates, and a beautiful website! Yes, website design and functionality really does factor into my decision making process.

Coordinating and planning the trip was easy and very quick. They offered plenty of insight and provide guides if needed. We all know the initial planning of any activity can make or break it. I felt confident and knew they would arrive on time and everything would go smoothly.

Our driver, Nick, arrived right on time. I must add that he looked quite dapper! A visual indicator of his attention to detail. He helped us load all of our bags, coolers and purses into the vehicle while we got situated. As an enthusiastic group of seven chatty ladies we can be a bit overwhelming - the combination of personalities can be quite electrifying - but he didn't seem to be phased by any of it.

Throughout the day he kept us on schedule and gave us friendly notice when it was time to wrap up our tasting and head to the next winery. On the way home we decided to have a show tunes and 90s pop sing-a-long. Les Mis. Britney. BSB. Mostly I just hum until the lyrics I know come on. Not once did he roll up his partition to save his eardrums or sanity.

I would highly recommend using Bridge City Limos for your next wine tasting, special event, bachelorette party or wedding festivities. The vehicles are beautiful, the service is exceptional and the process is seamless.

Bridge City Limos did provide this complimentary ride but all opinions are my own. 

All photos were provided by Bridge City Limo.

inPDX {Hyland, Dobbes and Argyle}

This past weekend I truly embraced Sunday-Funday and went wine tasting in Dundee, OR. The day started with mimosas in the limo, catching up, and a healthy dose of pop music. From there we visited Hyland Estates, Dobbes Estate, and the new Argyle tasting room. 

All of the elements made for a top-notch day! The weather? It was sunny, warm and with a slight breeze. The wines were lush and bright (or so they told me!). And the company?? The company was giddy, thoughtful, and full of tone death show tunes. We also packed quite the gourmet spread, loaded with delicious sandwiches, spreads, and goodies from Olympia Provisions.

Now for the wineries and a plethora of photos....

Hyland Estates

 At Brunch Village some dreamy South African man was walking around, pouring wine, and handing out 'Members for a Day' passes. The passes allowed for our entire group to forego the tasting fee and get 20% off any purchases. If you have this pass USE IT!!

We tasted a few whites, and quite a few pinot noirs. It was really interesting to try several vintages back-to-back in chronological order. It is amazing how different environmental variables can impact the wine. This is the part where I would give you a really scientific explanation of that statement, but then you would have to fact check me and would learn I just don't know enough to be making bold statements.  

Dobbes Family Estate

And this is where they rolled out the red carpet. Through a silent auction, Erin had won a fancy-schmancy tasting and tour at Dobbes. And fancy, it was!

Our guide, Paxton, welcomed the group with a big smile, and quickly synced up with our chatty and boisterous group. When visiting wine country - or any space that has an high-end product - the team is usually the key element that will get you hooked, or completely turn you off from the craft. Think art galleries, artisan creameries, anything with gastronomy! 

Have you seen the movie Somm? Things can get snobby. 

The Dobbes team was so friendly, and clearly so passionate about what they do. They really embraced the 'family' element of their name. 

At the beginning of our tour we quickly spotted Derek Shedd, the enologist for Wine by Joe, and shortly thereafter we (me) deemed us Dobby's Army. One of the ladies in our group is undertaking a really awesome cider project, and Derek gave her so much wonderful and passionate insight. He shared tremendous insight, talked about books and lit up with excitement. It was truly a pleasure to be part of this conversation.

After a lovely chat, and trying to invite him to my next dinner party, we were able to see just how wine gets made. Again, this could have been a really technical and alienating step, but every question was welcome! I really loved seeing the wine being pressed. Not quite 'I Love Lucy' style, but still pretty awesome.

Argyle

The last stop of the day was at Argyle's new tasting house. One of the most established Oregon labels, Argyle is currently going through some very savvy rebranding, and transitioning to a new label design. 

The new space is stunning, the wine was great and we had a lovely time snacking outside on picnic benches. But the experience felt incredibly corporate. We were in, and we were out. The story and details about the tasting flight felt very scripted, and the level of service we experienced earlier in the day wasn't there. It was good, but it wasn't great.

Would I go back to grab a trusted bottle to share with a friend in a lovely space? Yes! Would I return to learn about wines, or inside knowledge that isn't on the Argyle website? No, I would not. 

And be sure to return on Monday to learn all about our amazing limo ride!!!

Recipe {Spaghetti Stuffed Spaghetti Squash}

An attainable, healthy, comforting dinner that is beautiful enough for guests, channels a classic, and can be reheated for leftovers?! Is there anyone who wouldn't be on board with this recipe? This spaghetti stuffed spaghetti squash is a great way to cut out carbs, use a readily available gourd and make a meal that takes a minimal amount of active work.

For those of you who aren't familiar with spaghetti squash, it is a yellow, oval squash found with pumpkins, acorn and butternut squash. When cooked, the 'meat' of the squash can be shredded into spaghetti like ribbons.

The filling requires a high-quality and well-seasoned ground chicken. If you have access to a New Seasons I always get the spicy Italian ground chicken. This is the one ingredient you should be specific about. The red sauce is really up to you. For this, I grabbed romesco sauce from the deli at New Seasons, but any flavorful or unique red sauce will work. Go with what you like.

Spaghetti Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Makes 4 Servings

1 Medium Spaghetti Squash

1 lb Ground Chicken

1 Onion, diced

EVOO

1/3-1/2 Cup Romesco, Vodka or Marinara Sauce

3/4 Cup Shredded Mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Cut spaghetti squash in half and clean out seeds. Face down, cook the spaghetti squash for 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

While the squash is cooking: In a large pan over medium-high heat saute the onions in the EVOO until translucent. Add the ground chicken and cook completely. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 the cheese and the red sauce. 

Flip the squash over and gently use a fork to begin shredding the squash. This is not a 'full scraping' but a mild scraping for the baking process. Evenly distribute the meat filling between the two-halves. Top each half with the remaining cheese and return to the oven to bake for 20-30 minutes.