#ThursdayToursPDX {Specialty Dining Experiences}


Though I have enjoyed many delicious and memorable meals in Portland I have not done a great job at exploring the specialty dining experiences. When I do treat myself to a multi-course meal it is usually because Olivia is involved. 

Coming from the Bay, and having worked in food PR, Olivia has phenomenal taste. She appreciates unique ingredients, is pro-carbs and always supports ordering more. Olivia and her fiance, Nick, have been to so many amazing dinners they have a framed collage of the menus from the most memorable experiences. I truly admire that this is such a fun and noteworthy element of their partnership.

We've never met a special event we didn't like.

And head over to Bakery Bingo to find out Pech's recommendations.

Recipe {Roasted Rhubarb+Asparagus with Burrata}


This just might be my favorite recipe ever featured on the blog. It is simple, flavorful and diverse. I could see this making a great addition to brunch, being a quick appetizer for rosé on the deck or as side to fish right off the grill.  I'm also planning on tweaking this into the most Portland pizza.

Recipes {Spring + Summer Favorites}



Spring has sprung and summer is in previews with temps in the near-90s. It is time to put away the crock pots, head to the farmer's market and start cooking up seasonal dishes.

Here are some of my favorites!

Red Wine Gin Sour - Michelle
Huckleberry Pie - Mary Ellen
Two Minute Pesto - Rebekah



Muselet {Portland's Best New Restaurant}

Portland has a lot of really amazing places: stunning urban hikes, all the photo booths, and a true sea of alcoholic beverages. And the restaurants. My goodness we have so many amazing restaurants. From divey artisan hot dog joints to some seriously crave-worthy pasta. It is quite common for any foodie to have an expansive Google doc with a list of restaurants - favorites or aspirations - that can never be fully vetted. We just don't have enough days in the years, disposable dollars or chambers in the stomach.

So when a new restaurant comes onto the scene and truly blows away all of your favorites, well it is time to shout it from the rooftop. Muselet is the best new restaurant in Portland. The space is dreamy, but attainable and welcoming. Chef Greg is a connector of ingredients - I really think he gives each and every dish a pep talk on being its very best self. The wine list, well you will get a PhD in white burgandy. And the service. MY GOD. Every fine dining, James Beard-nominated and aspiring restaurateur needs to take note. Muselet is the pace car for excellence.


I've been to Muselet a multitude of times. As a guest of Greg and Ron, for friend dinners, impromptu drinks and a few very needed post-work glasses of wine. Every time is a 5 star experience. And every person I've referred to Muselet or chatted to about the restaurant has the same mind blowing experience. In fact, a dear friend (and the harshest critic I know) text me within 10-minutes of setting down expressing how blown-away he was.

The menu is ever changing - I recommend following Chef Greg on Instagram for some serious food porn - but there are a few stars we've got to talk about.


The PORRIDGE!!! We went to dinner there a few weeks ago and before finishing our first two bowls of porridge our group of 8 ordered a second round. The porridge is a congee-style rice dish that is a creamier version of risotto. Topped with crispy chicken skin, a duck fat poached quail egg and roe this will cure anything you have : obnoxious colleagues, heartache, a huge promotion, or just good ole' day seizing.

Hamachi. The sushi grade fish is topped with an avocado mousse and a crispy, fried soy skin that has been coated in pea powder. The table-side finishing touch is a luscious hibiscus sauce. It will be the most satisfying spring and summer dish.


The bubble-up dessert is a true showstopper. With a creamy, goat's milk custard, a salty crumble, and a seasonal berry bubbles on top everyone will be thrilled!


The South Waterfront restaurant is also introducing me to such a fun pocket of Portland. Right off the tram, Muselet is anchoring this up-and-coming neighborhood. I especially love that it is a quick Streetcar or Uber ride from my place. Trust me, you'll be checking out the wine list, leave the car at home. Right off Tilikum crossing there are so many easy and affordable routes there. As the weather continues to warm-up I know there will be plenty of waterfront walks that end with wine in my future. And when you get there, well the space will make just about anyone happy!


If you arrive on a Saturday between 5-6:30 you'll be greeted with a complimentary flight of wine from a local wine maker. The bar area has a projector and the biggest sporting event is often being shown on the main wall. The dining room allows for more intimate and celebratory dinners. In fact, be sure to ask about the 9-course tasting menu that is $110 for 2 people - a SCREAMING deal! While the patio isn't officially open I've had a sneak peak. The Muselet Patio will be the coolest spot this summer. Trust me. You'll see me there!

Now that you are salivating and craving some outdoor drinks, let's talk about the shining star: the team! Every team member at Muselet is kind, gracious and extremely knowledgeable. They proudly share dishes, each glass of wine comes with valuable insight and the hospitality is truly familial. Not only has the bar been set for the service industry, it has changed how I want to host people in my home. I want every person who comes over to feel the way Ron and his team make each guest feel: pure warmth.

Muselet is located at 3730 SW Bond Ave. and open from 5pm to closing Tuesday-Saturday.

#ThursdayToursPDX {Convenient Eats}

Have things seemed a bit slower around here? That is probably because they have been. Erin and I have both been working (truth time: we do more than just eat!) a lot lately. Erin is a super smart, fierce person and got an awesome promotion! I am pushing through a few client launches.

Hopefully things will pick up real soon!

But until then we will be relying on a few of our favorite restaurants for weeknight dinners. And make sure you head over to Bakery Bingo to find out where I've been eating.


Hello Martha Chartreuse fans! Erin of Bakery Bingo here. Eesh, these last few weeks have been crazy busy. I generally love cooking and making myself dinner. But with long work days and sitting in traffic, lately that hasn’t been happening so much. Luckily for me, there are some great take-out and delivery options in this city. Here are a few of my faves:


Devil’s Dill Sandwiches: My friend Mary had told us about this place recently so Brice and I decided to try it out one night when we were having a sandwich craving. Served on fluffy and chewy Fleur de Lis ciabatta bread, they’ve got everything from house smoked or braised meats to charred broccolini and tomato jam for toppings. While located in SE Hawthorne, they deliver to most parts of town – or just get Caviar to order and deliver for you! They also are open until 3am with delivery until 2:30am. I have no idea why you’d need to be up that late, but just in case, you’ve now got it as an option ;)

Stella’s Kitchen: When I know that I’ve got a really crazy week ahead, having some premade meals is really helpful. I know there are some folks out there who can spend all Sunday, “meal prepping.” That always impresses and inspires me but even with how much I love cooking, that is just not my jam. Stella’s makes life that much easier. The meals are extremely healthy – mostly in the “paleo” variety but she’s got some great options for vegetarians like me – and all you have to do is reheat. Weeknight perfection. (Read more and get a discount code for your first order on my previous blog post about Stella’s Kitchen!)

Whole Foods Market: When I really can’t come up with any other ideas, Whole Foods it is for me. Sometimes I just browse around the salad bar, but if it is nice out, I love heading to their fish counter. Their fish is definitely some of the best I’ve found, both from a sustainability standpoint and taste. Throwing something on the grill and dining al fresco can make even the busiest of days seem peaceful. Plus, WFM will even season the fish for you so it makes weeknight meals even easier.


The Cookie Couple: For those cookie cravings (c’mon, we all have ‘em from time to time!), there is a new cookie delivery service. Woah. The Cookie Couple delivers fresh-baked cookies straight to your door (assuming you live in Portland), from Thursdays through Saturdays (they will soon be opening a food cart as well). They bring you huge 4-ounce cookies, somewhat reminiscent of the ones from New York’s Levain Bakery. My recommendation is to go for their rich, creamy Peanut Butter cookies or the ultra-chocolately Chocolate Chip version. Some of our difficult-to-please friend group who tested these out with me thought perhaps they needed some actual peanuts or added sea salt, but to me, these were great. I mean, if someone wants to bake me cookies and bring them to me so I don’t even have to move, particularly after a few weekend drinks, count me in.

Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

Happy FRIDAY!!! Life has been a bit bonkers-crazy-bananas as of late, and I am looking forward to the weekend. I have a pub crawl on tap for tonight, am hoping to swing by the farmer's market, will be planting flowers for the deck and am getting a hair cut. Lots to do before next week - which is going to be super busy! I am participating in a Harry Potter trivia tournament and will be prepping for Mother's Day with Whole Foods! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Snapchat (MereCDavison for both) to keep up with everything.

What do you have on tap this weekend?

Happy Hour on the Patio at Renata


A Foodie's Guide to Portland: I only agree with 25% of this list!

Michelle is the BEST: A chocolate chip pancake birthday cake!!!!

How to polish your hair: 2, 6 and 14 are my favorites.

Support + Love: Renata's somm, Chris Wright, has been diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. If you feel so inclined, chip in so his days can be as peaceful and love-filled as possible. I'd also recommend swinging by Renata for happy hour on the patio - feel the love and experience Chris' legacy.

Patio Weather: A great outdoor rug makes all the difference! Mine is from World Market.

Kiwi Guacamole: This is from the archives and an absolute favorite.