#ThursdayToursPDX {Power Couples}

The month of love continues and we are turning to Portland's Power Couples to find out where they go for dates.

Have you been to Ataula or 180 yet? If you haven't been, I know you've at least heard about these restaurants. And come next week you will know all about Chesa. These three distinctly unique, yet cohesive restaurants are all the creations of Cristina Baez and Jose Chesa. 

The Baez-Chesa family!! 

Ataula is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland. Obviously, the food is amazing. The space is sexy - flattering lighting,cozy tables and a pretty bar. More than anything, the service is really special. After my first visit I couldn't stop talking about how personable and thoughtful Jose was. He was so excited about the food he was presenting, and made sure to stop by a few times. And every time I've encountered him, or Cristina, since they have been the sweetest, happiest people. A seasoning more precious and rare than saffron. 

It is no surprise that Jose is a James Beard Award Finalist for Best Chef: Northwest!!!

And 180: Xurros. Trust me. Get yourself there! Ms. Baez, you are my spirit animal!

Portland's 3rd Power Couple: #CharIngo

And head on over to Bakery Bingo to find out where the Sappingtons head for dates when they aren't at The Country Cat - or hanging out with Harry Connick Jr.

#ThursdayToursPDX {Galentine's Day}

Hello loves! I must say that I am so excited for the long weekend. In addition to being Valentine's Day, it is also President's Day weekend. And let's be honest, Thomas Jefferson is my forever Valentine. Even more so because I gave up ONLINE DATING FOR LENT! 

I'm heading to Bend with friends. We rented a house and have very few plans. Lots of eating, drinking and shenanigans. For Galentine's Day the single ladies are preparing a baked potato bar. So that is epic. Especially since I am one of them. ;)

And if you are in town for Galentine's Day we enlisted two great ladies to share their recommendations for great Galentine's Day spots!

The lovely Danguole from 10th Kitchen is here sharing her recommendations - and they are all awesome!! Danguole is the magician behind the super inspiring blog, 10th Kitchen. Her photos are stunning, the recipes send me to the grocery store, and her writing is lovely. And she has such a fun Snapchat account! If you aren't following her, you should.

And awesome Alexa is sharing her recommendations on Bakery Bingo today!

Restaurant to Real Life {Russian Pelmeni Dumplings}

What is the difference between a foodie and someone who just really loves to eat out? Meal memory. The ability to recall the buttery marbling of a steak or the subtle spice of a Moroccan-inspired custard at the pop-up of the season. A foodie can describe how the crunchy jicama relish brightened up a street taco they had at a food truck on vacation in Central America.

These meals haunt a foodie. Keep them up at night, inspire grocery lists, and dominate conversations.

A foodie never forgets.

It is for this very reason 'Restaurant to Real Life' was born!!

My hope is that Restaurant to Real Life will inspire you to take on cooking projects, travel, or even order something different off of a menu. Oh, and bring some very amazing dishes into my home, and yours.

Maybe you will be compelled to pick up a new kitchen gadget, experiment with an ingredient, or discover the cuisine of a country in a different corner of the world.

Make Martha Chartreuse Better + a $20 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Friends, I need your help! I've been writing Martha Chartreuse for over two years and want to make sure it is the best it can be. That is why I am asking you to take a few minutes and complete a little survey to ensure I'm bringing you the best possible content. The survey is anonymous and your honest feedback is greatly appreciated. And as a thank you I'm giving away a $20 gift card. Once you've completed the survey enter the giveaway below. I'll draw a winner on February 16th!

TAKE THE SURVEY

  Don't forget to enter the giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway