What's on tap?

The next couple of weeks are going to be real busy, and mighty tasty. If you aren't following me on social (@merecdavison on Instagram and Snapchat) you probably should. 

What do I have going on?

Today I'm going to the brand new OP Wurst on Division. I'm really eyeing the Portland Dog - kale, pork belly, and hazelnuts!!

Photo Credit: TryCaviar

Thursday I'll be heading to Little Bird with Mary and her boo-thang for Portland Dining Month. Gimme all the cod!

Friday I'm having lunch at Luce - it has been on my list for quite awhile. Have you been? What would you recommend getting?

Saturday I'll be heading to The Armory for Lauren Weedman Doesn't Live Here Anymore -- Obviously I'll need to make my hair Dolly-big.

Next Wednesday I get to check out Urdaneta's new Pinxto Hour. The photos are warming my glutenista heart. Don't forget they have an amazing Portland Dining Month menu.

Photo Credit: Urdaneta

THEN on Thursday I'm checking out Taylor Railworks for Portland Dining Month. I'll be going with Meg, Mary, and Erin so make sure you're following them as well. Shenanigans are always bountiful with this crew.

Last, but certainly not least, I'm co-hosting a roll-your-own sushi party. We've asked guests to bring surprise fillings like "Trader Joe's" and "Crunchy" - what fillings would you bring??

Don't worry. I will be drinking lots of water and getting my spin on. Maybe even a few hikes if the rain goes away.

What do you have on tap??

Current Favorites {Rainy Season Essentials}

It's raining! It's pouring! Portland, I'm finding this tantrum quite boring.

If you live in PDX ( or follow pretty much anyone on social) you know the weather has been grueling. It was the rainiest February on record and March is soaking wet. Last Friday we had a day of sunshine and the entire city behaved as if Prozac had been added to the water.

Personally, I'll take flouride AND prozac. 

I'm starting to get a bit worried about "April showers bring May flowers" and what the coming weeks and months hold. This is 30, people! I'm blogging about the weather.

Well, to survive all of this rain one needs a good balance of health, wine, and hope.

How've you been surviving?

1. Trader Joe's Parsnips

I miss bountiful produce. We're root vegetable deep into this winter, and things are getting boring. I've been relying on sassy parsnip to elevate the party. I've enjoyed cutting them into fries and tossing with olive oil, honey, aleppo pepper, and salt, then roasting at 400.

2. Nalgene On the Fly Water Bottle

Getting the most out of gym-time has been crucial since long walks are just a damp dream. I really enjoy the lock on this container (no spills!), that it can be easily gripped by small hands, the hook makes for easy carrying, and how quickly it opens and closes mid-workout.

3. La Croix Blackberry Cucumber

You probably know how much I love infused water, but it only works with fresh produce. The blackberry and cucumber La Croix has been transporting me to summer days. It also tastes mighty fine with a splash of vodka. Just sayin'

4. Ice Cream Scoop

Risotto balls! Turkey meatballs! Cookies! Using this scoop cuts prep time in half and feels very professional.

P.S. It also works with ice cream!

5. Glicine Sconsolata Barbera 2013 

Friends, it just isn't rose season yet. It hurts. Really hurts. I've been picking up this bottle of barbera since December and absolutely love it. I buy it at Vinopolis for $18 a bottle. Completely reasonable. I enjoy how big this is without being inky. It has an almost effervescent and tingly finish that pairs well with chicken, beef, or ice cream.

6. Thai and True Panang Curry Paste

This Oregon-made curry paste is the ABSOLUTE BEST!!! Available at New Seasons and Whole Foods I insist you get a jar this weekend. I've used it in curries, stir fries and even as a marinade for both veggies and meats. The spice level is perfect and the flavor feels anything but jarred. 

LA Weekend {Harry Potter, Santa Monica Pier, Temescul Canyon, Margo's and Eggslut}

If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat {Merecdavison} you know I headed down to LA last weekend. My sister Stephanie was attending a wedding on Sunday so we decided to make a weekend of it! Why? HARRY POTTER!! Yup - it was a really magical experience. We also went hiking, had amazing sushi, went to a great brunch, and devoured Eggslut.

It was a weekend worthy of many thumbs up!!

Want the play-by-play?? What kind of question is that? Of course you do!!

Life + Links

From Night Market 2015

Well now I'm suuuuuper intrigued by the Fortessa wine glass featured on Coco Kelley.
Going to start riding more elevators.
Eggplant Parm Sandwich - Let's talk after Feast, Deb!
Speaking of Feast, I really like this workout schedule.
Xurros are life.
I'm on vacation and NEEDED to read this. So much guilt.
Looking forward to Maker Mixer on September 21

Life + Links

Currently living off iced coffee. Nossa Familia is my pick. They are a BCorp, treat the planet and team exceptionally, and roast the best beans IMO.
Romesco sauce is the best sauce.
I just got this cookbook and have flagged more than 20 recipes to try.
Finally found white pants that respect my thighs.
Pech is a queen and my food-nancial advisor. Portland dining events can be spendy. Her guidance is key.
I dare you to a two week long bar crawl challenge.
Student or not, I love the back-to-school mentality for wellness. Sleep habits are a must.

Life, lately

Hello, love bugs!! Things have been slow around here, but I trust none of you are losing sleep or going hungry with the silence. If you are, might I suggest some sleepy tea and several fantastic restaurants!

The lull has mostly been due to some life changes. All positive and exciting (a new roommate, redecorating and some remodeling) changes that have been taking up my time and creative energy. Though I have a feeling some really interesting home posts are in your future.

That doesn't mean I haven't been keeping up my regular consumption of tasty food.

LeChon is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland and they have developed a really tasty happy hour menu to help celebrate the Olympics. Trust me, nothing is controversial about the Ice Breaker Cocktail!! The space is gorgeous, the location is convenient and the staff is so talented.

Poke Mon is also filling my heart and belly. While I have zero interest in chasing digital creatures around, I have every interest in consuming bowl after bowl of super fresh ahi tossed with sauces, avocado and crunchy balls of magic.

Jenn Louis and the entire Lincoln team are going for gold with some phenomenal new dishes and a medal-worthy happy hour. I'm particularly smitten with the asparagus hummus, fried chicken with white BBQ sauce (hello, Master of None!), and the caramel fudge cake. Do yourself a solid and get there now. Hell, do me a solid and let's go together!!

I'm using Munchery ($20 code: EGHXHJJ3) at least once a week for dinner. The chicken chimchurri (usually on Mondays) is a favorite, and I'm excited for the new sushi offerings!

Rebekah has also been an amazing friend and has graciously fed me gourmet toast and Aperol cocktails. Might I suggest you all host your own toast bar brunch?!

All of this great food has given me the fuel to make sure people are getting registered to vote! I've been amazed to hear how many people went to update or check their registration and learned it was inaccurate. Take a few minutes now and make sure you're good-to-go come November!

Let's get registered, registered

Source unknown

One of my favorite and most important life memories is the very first time I voted. It was June of 2005, just a week after graduating from high school, I excitedly marched into the elementary school gym and found my polling place. Wearing a glittery shirt that said, "Rock the Boat!! Get out the Vote!" I cast my ballot. It wasn't a Presidential year, but just as important. I still remember who I voted for to be on the school board. And I still have my very first "I Voted" sticker.

I sent this picture to my dear friend, Adam, on 2012 after I had voted for him!

Are you at least 18 years of age and a U.S. Citizen? Then let's get you registered!! 

Will you be turning 18 before November 8th? Let's figure out your state's laws on registration timelines. Some states allow for same-day registration!! 

Are you registered? Let's get you re-registered! Making sure your address and information is up-to-date is just as important as the first registration. If your address is inaccurate your ballot may not come to you, or you may be turned away at the polls.

In the U.S. voting is a right, and it is a right we must exercise. The research and conversation may certainly involve the blood, sweat and tears of a rigorous workout. It should. Voting is a right that millions have died for. And when you debate, debate with kindness, information and compassion. 

Instagram GIVEAWAY

Hi friends! In case you aren't following me on Instagram (merecdavison) or missed yesterday's post, I have a pretty sweet giveaway going on! All the details below.

And spoiler, another great giveaway will be announced later today!!

Hey friends! If you know me in real life, you know I'm constantly singing the praises of Marissa. Well she just opened the SUPER dreamy salon Luminary on SE Division. (Right between Roman Candle + Salt & Straw - live your best life)

She's giving away the three pictured Aveda products PLUS a cut and blowout with her. All you have to do is follow me, luminary & comment below with your biggest hair concern. 

Even better: this Saturday the ladies at luminary are participating in the Division street fair. Stop in for bubbles + beach waves, and 20% off product. 

Giveaway closes Thursday at 9am PST. 

SnapStory {Bei Bei, Buttercream Bakery and Rose's Luxury}

Last month I had the pleasure of heading to DC to visit my sister Stephanie. In typical fashion our trip involved plenty of eating, walking after meals and quirky sister dynamics. I was also able to catch up with a lot of friends, including Mary Ellen. In one day we went to the National Zoo to hang with Bei Bei, enjoy some wine outside, check out Buttercream Bakery, and experience Rose's Luxury!! My step count for the day was about 27,000 - I imagine the calorie count was the same.

Delicious cheesecake from Buttercream Bakery

The famous strawberry sauce at Rose's Luxury

For Rose's Luxury we lined up more than an hour before opening in order to get a spot. Honestly, it wasn't that bad, but I also had great company and ideal weather. My friend Quinn happened to be in town and it allowed for some quality catch-up. We hadn't seen each other in about three years, but it was as if nothing had changed. Thanks, GChat!

As for Rose's Luxury?? Well it exceeded the hype! I was beyond impressed with the creative use of ingredients and how the menu brought in flavors from around the world. I was certainly expecting something much more Italian. The interior design is truly thoughtful and sweet. From the handmade tables (crafted by Rose's grandson) to the ombre bathroom that overlooks the bathroom, everything is perfection.