inPDX: Pinxto Hour at Urdaneta

Portland's 2017 rainy season has been relentless. It has set records -- for consecutive days of rain, accumulation, and Netflix binges (I'm sure!!). It has been daunting, and a glimmer of sunshine seems to transform the entire city. The sidewalks are bustling, people are laughing, and restaurants are packed. With the sunshine comes a thirst for cocktails, socialization, and tasty bites. 

How should you quench this?

At Urdaneta for Pinxto Hour (or any hour) of course!!

Based on my Google Doc, stomach, and residual cravings, this is the best new PDX restaurant I've been to in at least 6 months. 

The NE Spanish Tapas spot will transport you to a dreamy date in Barcelona, no matter how rainy it is in Portland.

It is a star and I am anxious for my next meal there.

 The Stars

If you've seen any of my online dating profiles, or have spent more than 33 minutes with me, then there are two things you know: I consider myself an extremely talented orderer, and Jeffrey Garten is my dream man.

And if Jeffrey and I were heading to Urdanetta for a date I would insist we order the Gilda, Crispy Chickpeas, and Huevo Diablo.

When presented with the Gilda dish I was hesitant to dive in. Usually boquerones are too fishy for my liking, but these were very bright and had a perfect texture. The briny olive balanced everything out and they were refreshing.

They aren't on the menu, but I'm going to recommend asking for one crispy chickpea per person. I think they were fried or finished in some kind of jamon fat, and I loved it. 

The real star, and must have, was the Huevo Diablo. Served on a crusty piece of bread, smeared with romesco, the deviled egg has a tuna filling. The mustard caviar on top adds a nice texture and compliments the romesco beautifully.

Comfort Food with a Twist

Several dishes really felt like comfort foods, and reminded me of American classics. The Morcilla, Alcochofa, and Tixtorro Burger are all great picks for the less-adventurous or parents.

Morcilla is a blood sausage with buttery peppers. Sausage, onion, peppers = game day food.

Similar to an artichoke dip on crostini, the Alcochofa was brought up a few notches with pickled radishes.

Is anything more consumer-friendly than a slider? Except the Tixtorro has a super cool name and is made with chorizo. Everybody knows chorizo is the coolest ground meat on the block. And it is topped with a quail egg. Again, the coolest egg in all the land. 

Let's order one more thing!

Enough said.

Hamachi over compressed pineapple. So the springiest, freshest, happiest, healthiest dish around. It isn't on the menu yet, but will be soon. Make sure to follow UrdanettaPDX on instagram for the latest additions to the menu.

Get the Goxua!!! The base is a layer of rum-soaked madeleines, topped with whipped cream, then creme brulee, and topped with blood oranges. It is the perfect blend of textures and decadence. 

Urdaneta 

3303 NE Alberta

Tuesday-Thursday + Sunday

5-10pm

Friday + Saturday

5-11pm

Pinxto Hour

Tuesday-Friday

5-6pm

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. 

Portland Dining Month 2017 Picks

It's baaaaack!! Portland Dining Month commences tonight and the options are fantastic! I've been participating in Portland Dining Month for a few years (2014, 2015, 2016) and have learned a few tricks of the trade to maximize the restaurants while getting the best deal possible. 

Depending on the restaurant $29 for a 3 course meal is either a free world-class meal or just dinner. I recommend looking at regular price items, determining if PDM month items or on the menu or special for the event, and making sure the spot is on your Google Doc.

My 2017 picks are Le Chon, Little Bird, La Moule, Taylor Railworks and Urdaneta. I really think two people can get away with ordering one dinner for $29 and one or two regular menu items. It makes for a fun, filling and affordable night out.

What's on your list? Where will you be going?

French Toast Croissant Bake +KATU

Hello friends and HAPPY FRIDAY!! What do you have planned for the weekend? Any pre-Valentine's or Galentine's activities? To kick off my weekend I'll be over on KATU Afternoon Live  (3-4pm) sharing my recipe for French Toast Croissant Bake. It is easy, delicious and perfect for brunch with your gals or breakfast in bed with your boo!

Can't tune in? Don't worry, the recipe will be on the KATU website!

PDX Weekend + Charitable Giving

Hello friends! This is a quick and dirty blog post, but I wanted to be sure to share several great events happening in PDX this weekend. Where you spend your dollars, use your voice, and resist ALL make a difference.

Have a great weekend!

Either/Or Epic Pizza Party to Benefit the ACLU
Sunday, February 5th 4-8pm
8235 SE 13th Ave., Ste. 2

Nossa Familia - ACLU
This weekend 20% of all Espresso Bar purchases will go to the ACLU.

Groundworks Coffee
February 3-5th 5% of all sales will go towards supporting the ACLU. (This includes all 12 locations in LA and PDX)

Portland Gear + OHSU Doernbecher
Portland Gear worked with OHSU to design this slick blue hat. For every hat purchased, three will be donated to patients at Doernbecher. 

Also, this piece on sexism in the food industry is a must read.

NW Portland Favorites

Hello friends! If you're Portland-based you're VERY over weather we're having. The snow storm was cute for a day, but it is time for the city to get their blow on and salt them streets. Don't believe me? Bakery Bingo agrees!

A lot of people are hurting - and I'm certainly feeling compelled to chop things up ala Shining - and feeling the effects of cabin fever. Small businesses are hurting the most. While I don't want to promote anyone getting out there and driving on unsafe roads, I strongly encourage getting out in your neighborhood and supporting these shops.

I live in Northwest Portland and these are some of my favorite spots. What hood are you in? How are you surviving? I'd love to know what restaurants and shops you recommend.

Urban Waxx

1036 NW 18th 

These ladies all rock!! Don't need any hair removed? They sell candles, jewelry, and a selection of fancy lotions. You know your skin is dry like a snake.

Photo credit: Ovation

Ovation

941 NW Overton

This is hands down the very best coffee shop in Portland. The customer service is exceptional and the Moroccan tea is crave-worthy.

M Bar

417 NW 21st

Coffee shop in the morning. Epic wine bar at night. THe drinks are cheap, the pours heavy, and the people watching phenomenal.

Photo credit: Nuvrei

Nuvrei

404 NW 10th

Three words: fresh. croissants. hourly.

MEC

333 NW 18th

Hummus, sexy lighting, and delightful cocktails. What better way to make googly eyes at your neighborhood tinder match??

Piazza Italia

1129 NW Johnson

Trust me, get the bucatini. 

City Market

735 NW 21st

Have a fireplace? Or a Netflix app? Head to City Market for fromage or some really fancy seafood. Your sweetie will thank you.

photo credit: try caviar

Kung Pow

500 NW 21st

Judy's Noodles, soy curls, and an abundance of fortune cookies! Don't you want to know if Spring is coming?

Triple Lindy

1000 NW 17th

Best burger and nicest staff!

What I Get at Trader Joe's

I have a confession, recently I have made grocery shopping a social activity and used it as an opportunity to hang oout with friends. Yes, I am wild. I've pretty much turned in tequila shots for tasty samples from the deli. It was during one of these hangouts with my friend Jane that she suggested I write a post sharing all of my faorite Trader Joe's finds.

For those of you who aren't familiar withTJ's, it is an affordable grocery store chain that sells packaged goods and specialty items. What do I mean by packaged goods? This isn't a place where you can go to a butcher or produce is purchased by weight. Everything has a set price. The shelves are often stocked with fun or unique items. Hence a post sharing my favorite Trader Joe's finds.

1. 10-Minute Farro: I love this grain due to the set portion, nutty flavor and quick cook time. I go rogue and don't follow the directions, instead toasting the farro in butter then adding broth. Try it in Farro + Tuna Salad.

2. Burrata: Until recent years burrata was an extremely hard to find specialty cheese item only found at high-end Italian restaurants and gourmet markets. Now, the cream filled mozzarella cheese can be picked up at the grocery store for salads, pizza or an epic cheese plate. Burrata over Kale, Shitake, Corn and Tomato.

3. Cruciferous Crunch Salad: A blend of sprouts, cabbage and kale is the perfect base for a salad, slaw or tossed with freshly roasted chicken. I love to add fresh berries, nuts and poppyseed dressing for a salad that holds up throughout the week.

4. Chocolate Chunks: Forget expensive, artisan chocolate chips. Thse chocolate chunks carry a lot of weight, flavor and substance for just $1.99. I always have at least two bags on hand and use them in my favorite Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Brownies.

5. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels: This is pretty self-explanatory. I keep these in a glass jar in the kitchen and they are always a crowd favorite. Especially when it comes to #AthenaGram!

6. Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt and Turbinado Sugar: I actually call these crack almonds. Why? Because they are SO addictive. Approximately 55% Almond, 48% Dark Chocolate and 7% Sugar + Salt. Yes, the formula for salty-sweet crack! Perfect for heartache, entertaining or mixed in popcorn, always have this on-hand!

7. Vegetable Masala Burgers: These are a relatively new addition to the Trader Joe's family, but have quickly become one of my favorites! The potato base patty is mixed with corn, carrots peas and plenty of masala spice. I love to bake these and eat them with a dollap of Greek yogurt.

8. Tandoori Naan: Crispy naan bread filled with buttery cheese and garlic. This is perfect alongside the masala burger, with veggies or alone. Be sure to follow the instructions for best results.

9. Shishito Peppers: Slightly spicy. Crunchy. Filling. A perfect side, appetizer or meal, I love these tiny peppers for an easy dinner or as a snack when having people over for appetizers. I like them blistered with miso butter or cooked with bacon, tomato, peaches and mozzarella in a juicy broth.

10. Pastrami-Style Salmon: A smoke salmon crusted in peppercorns and pastrami seasonings makes for a hearty addition to any bagel sandwich, pasta dish or snack-platter.