#ThursdayToursPDX {Feast Chefs}

Foodie Christmas is just one week away! I've been so excited my roommate kindly refers to life, times, and television plans as BF/AF. Before Feast. After Feast. Yup, foodie Christmas. 

This year I will be attending both days of Grand Bounty, Night Market, OMG Smoked, and Brunch Village. I'm also really excited to check out Drink Tank: Washington Wines on the Rise. 

Besides all of the food, what I'm really most excited for is the people. Some of my favorite friends will be at Feast and the shenanigans will be outrageous. Not to mention the chefs - though we lust after, discuss, and enjoy so many of their creations, it is rare to actually know them.

In particular, Brad Farmerie and Alvin Cailan happen to be two of my favorite celebrity chefs. 

At last year's Brunch Village Farmerie made the fan-favorite Turkish Eggs. A regular menu item at Public (Aa 2016 Michelin Star recipient), the creamy eggs in a spicy sauce have haunted my dreams. So much so, that I decided to recreate the recipe at home. He also has a reputation for being one of the nicest , most easy-going , and humble chefs in the business.  If you watch any food documentaries on Netflix, you know this is a rarity. 

Chef Cailan's 2015 Sandwich Invitation Delight

As for Alvin, well, the man has made egg sandwiches sexy. Previously the midnight snack food of dads around America, it is now the must-have meal of glossy celebrities and foodies alike. (Sorry dad, Alvin beats you in the egg sandwich department. But your chocolate chip pancakes are still tops!)

Since Farmerie and Cailan brought two of the most interesting and delicious dishes last year we thought it would be fun to check in with them and get to know these chefs a bit better. From last meals to cooking playlists we've got it all.

Farmerie will be at OMGSmoked and Cailan will be cooking at Night Market.

Now head on over to Bakery Bingo to find out what Alvin has to say.

#ThursdayToursPDX {Social Media Faves}

Did you know that Instagram is considered a Discovery App? A platform designed to suck you in for hours of exploration, getting to know people, cities, and restaurants. As a lover of Instagram I've seriously swooned over flowing fern plants, gone gaga for a lot of diamonds, and connected with some pretty cool people. One of those people is Meghan from Fox and Briar. She has great taste, makes delicious food (I've made several recipes from the blog) and is tremendously charming.

Often times Erin and I discuss what we're finding on social media and accounts we're loving. It has inspired more than one food crawl. Through her browsing Erin found @TheHappyLittleApron! We decided it would be a good idea to ask these stylish ladies who they follow on social media.

Be sure to head on over to Bakery Bingo for Amanda's recommendations.

Take it away, Meghan!

INSTAGRAM 

@paperapron: Kim is an amazing food stylist and photographer, I get so much inspiration from her work.  Plus she is a super sweet person that I want to be friends with in real life.

@hungrygirlporvida: Everything Cindy does is beautiful, bright and fun.  Her drinks and desserts always blow me away.  I also love following her on Snapchat.

@themodernproper: Natalie and Holly are food styling queens.  Their photos are elegant and stylish but they make it look effortless.  

@ashamorskitchen: Ashleigh has a photography style that is a little more unique than most of the food accounts I follow.  She has a dark and moody style that is harder to achieve but she does it so well.

@feedmedearly: Gorgeous photography and styling.  I also like that she mixes in little bits of her real life, I always find that interesting.

Snapchat

@thelemonbowl: Following Liz on snapchat will make you feel like you are friends.  She does so much fun stuff every day, plus her workout snaps always inspire me to be more active.

@thejudylab: Judy is a fantastic photographer and food stylist.  She also travels often so you get to live vicariously through her when she is in France or some other far away location.

@mattaphoto: Matt is a professional food photographer and he often does little tutorials on snapchat.  I love all the little tidbits I have learned just from following him.  Also his snaps are just super fun to watch.

#ThursdayToursPDX {Picnic Outings}

Do you have favorite social media accounts for food recommendations? Ones you know are authentic, give honest feedback and the person has supreme taste? Steve aka Cart Whisperer is in my Top 10 of PDX influencers. His account and recommendations are the perfect combination of realistic living, with out of the ordinary preferences. From lunch bites Downtown to exotic Chef's Counter meals whilst vacationing, his recommendations are real. More real than J. Lo. He is also a super sweet and interesting person. Plus, a super-dedicated dad. His daughter, Elle, is also quite the foodie. I've met Elle at several events and she is a well-spoken, sweet and thoughtful person. They clearly have a very close relationship, and I even, gasp, like each other! Not your average pre-teen! 

It is such a treat having this dynamic team sharing their picks for a Portland Picnic. And over on Bakery Bingo Supermom Jannie is sharing her favorites for a day on the grass.

Grab your basket, read-up and go get your picnic on!

My love of picnicking started years ago when my daughter discovered the cheese counter at Pastaworks on Hawthorne (now Providore Fine Foods on NE Sandy). Shortly thereafter,Cheese Bar moved right up the street from us on SE Belmont and we were definitely in trouble. Whenever we decide to picnic, these two markets are top of mind.

Olympia Provisions and Chop are our go to meat choices. Their salamis are the perfect size for a small group. Our favorites include Curry and Finocchiona (fennel) because of the subtle flavors they add to a traditional salami. Another favorite is the Farmhouse Country Pâté from Chop. My daughter is a fan because of its mild flavor and pistachio nuts.

Both stores offer a wide selection of cheeses from around the world. I'm always up for a Mahon or caved aged Gruyere. I like the nuttiness from the Mahon and the gritty texture from the Gruyere. My daughter's palette leans toward something from Portland Creamery or a buttery Brie-something creamy and rich. If you';re not sure what sounds good-ask. You will get great recommendations and maybe discover a style you've never considered.

Pok Pok sodas are a household favorite if you're looking for something non-alcoholic. Both stores have a nice selection of beers and wines. One of my more unusual beer choices is the Indra Kunindra from Ballast Point. It's got a lot going on-coconut, cumin, kaffir lime leaf, cayenne and more (pairs nicely with the curry salami). If wine is more your thing, check out Union Wine Pinot Noir in a super convenient aluminum can.

Now that Providore has moved to a larger spot, they have added vendors inside the store including Little T Bakery. I recommend one of their baguettes or a slab of their amazing Focaccia. Rubinette Produce Market, also inside Providore, offers some of the most appealing and full-flavored fruits I have found. There's almost always a fruit or two on the sample plate. On my last visit, I found gorgeous blood oranges and sweet, perfectly ripened berries.

You need to finish off with something a little decadent and sweet, right?! Anything from Alma and Quin is going to be a nice end to a delicious picnic. New to us is The Chocolate Maker's Workshop. I got to sample a bunch of their products at Providore's grand opening. Pick up their blood orange chocolate bar- it's as tasty as it is beautiful. Picnics are a great way to sample some of Portland's best artisanal food offerings and enjoy a beautiful park, hike or your backyard. And if the weather isn't fully cooperating, both stores are great spaces to use for an indoor picnic.

#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.

#ThursdayToursPDX {BBQ}

Summer has arrived and that means one thing: BBQ!! Honestly, I always love BBQ. Ribs are a guilty pleasure.

Today I have Jaime of 3000 Acre Kitchen with the ULTIMATE guide to Southern Q style BBQ, and Mary is over at Bakery Bingo.

Take it away, Jaime!

#thursdayToursPDX {Cheap Eats}

Image: Hoddick Photography

I'm a value person. I will happily spend money on an amazing meal, but also look for more affordable choices. A $20 prosciutto plate? No thanks! Which is why I always appreciate when people provide real, affordable Tuesday options for dining out. It shouldn't just be for special occasions or unhealthy fast food.

I met Rachel and Alex (and their dog Zippy!!!) through Erin and we quickly hit it off. My first encounter with Alex involved wine and him complimenting my tutu. I've liked him ever since! And Rachel is one of my favorite people to dine out with - she is an adventurous eater and would never suggest getting the most expensive bottle of wine. It doesn't hurt that she is hilarious!

This super cute couple is getting married this Fall but have already 'shipped in the form of an Instagram account devoted to the best cheap eats in Portland. Be sure to give @PDXBang4Buck a follow.

Head over to Bakery Bingo to find out Amy of Eating My Way Through Portland suggestions.

Hello, Martha Chartreuse readers, Alex and Rachel here!  We consider ourselves foodies on a budget with champagne dreams living in a table wine reality.  Check our our suggestions and tips by following our brand new Instagram @PDXBANG4BUCK.  Here are our suggestions for stretching your dollar and eating well in Portland, Oregon. 

Image: Rae's Lakeview Lounge

Rae's Lakeview Lounge- 1900 NW 27th Ave, Portland, OR 97210 raesportland.com

Rae's Lakeview Lounge didn't make our list because it shares Rachel's name or because it overlooks a lake (it doesn't).  It's on our list because the $1 mimosas, deluxe bloody Mary's, and huge filling brunch options are pretty hard to beat.  We recommend the savory dutch baby or baked eggs.  For the ultimate deal get yourself a mimosas and their biscuits and gravy for a grand total of $5. Brunch is only available on Saturday and Sunday.

Honkin' Huge Burrito- Pioneer Courthouse Square
Lunch for two $6?  Vegetarian, but not lacking in sustenance or flavor? Easy downtown lunch spot? Yes, Yes, and Yes.  Honkin' Huge Burrito is a go to quick lunch located in Pioneer Courthouse Square.  Burritos overflowing with Spanish rice, beans, guac, crisp fresh romaine, and sour cream.  They have numerous hot sauces, standard to exotic. Honkin' Huge is a pioneer of the Portland food cart scene, with over 17 years of service, Shelly knows how to make a burrito.

Image: Swagat

Swagat Indian Cuisine- Locations in NW Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro www.swagat.com

Swagat makes our list with their AWESOME lunch buffet.  For less than $10 ($9.95 to be exact) you get to sample a variety of curries, Indian side dishes, salad, rice, nan and other tasty options.  They have 3 locations, one in NW and two out in the burbs.  One of the best parts of this deal is that it is available daily! Oh, did we forget to mention it is an ALL YOU CAN EAT buffet?

Noodles Restaurant- Border of Portland and Beaverton, 6830 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy noodlesportland.com

Noodles Restaurant gives you the feeling of a home cooked Italian meal, in take out format (you can dine in, but it travels well).  An easy dinner for 2 with a pasta entree, salad, and their can't be beat garlic cheesy bread for under $20.  Alex's favorite is the Cajun Shrimp Penne with just enough spice, and Rachel's favorite is the Chicken Rotelli with Sundried Tomatoes. Insider tip; All of their desserts are house made, PDXBang4buck fav is the tiramisu.

Continue our search for affordable tasty options by following us on Instagram @PDXBANG4BUCK

#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.

#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.

#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.

#ThursdayToursPDX {When I Come to Portland}

I have a dream in life to create a city that is home to all of my favorite people and highlights the best parts of the best towns and cities. I shall call this Perfect City. Or MereLand. I know - I'm extremely original.

Sadly, I don't have the cash - or land rights for the moon, yet - to make that happen! 

My friend Michelle would definitely live in MereLand. In fact, she would live on the same idyllic lake as me, but we would only be a few blocks from the bustling city center. She would bring me baked goods, we would drink wine and gossip. We would always have put-together outfits, fun jewelry and always-fun jobs. MereLand is awesome!

Who is this Michelle chic, and why does she get prime-time real estate in MereLand? First, all real estate in MereLand in prime. Secondly, she is one of my favorite people! How'd we meet? Oh, how I meet most of my friends - blogging! She writes the amazing blog Hummingbird High. It is gorgeous, clever and tasty. While we initially connected over our love of eating, we quickly developed a a real friendship. From careers to love, we talk about it all. When she comes into town the best restaurants are necessary for the stupendous conversation we have.

In real-life Michelle lives in San Francisco, develops phenomenal recipes, and we gossip over GChat. It isn't ideal, but it works. She moved there from Portland last year for a very exciting job. 

Don't forget to stop by Bakery Bingo and find out where Portland's Favorite Friend, Greg of NomNerd, noshes while in town.

#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!

#ThursdayToursPDX {Healthy Living}

After a season bountiful in wine, puff pastry wrapped treats, and so many cheese dips it is time to reset. This means recalibrating sleeping habits, getting the heart pumping, and healthier eating. None of this means you have to give up going out to restaurants or entertainment. In fact, I would highly recommend eating out in Portland to get healthy eats and inspiration.

It is for these very reasons that the first #ThursdayToursPDX of 2016 is bringing you healthy living options. Judiaann Woo, the Director of Global Communications for Travel Oregon, and the entire Travel Oregon team are all about balance. Buttery pastries in the morning, scenic hikes in the afternoon. I think it is safe to say their motto might be, "Have your cake, and burn it off too!" - Something #ThursdayToursPDX is all about as well! 

#ThursdayToursPDX {End-of-Year Favorites}

And here we are; the end of the year! One of the highlights of 2015 has certainly been the series #ThursdayToursPDX. with Erin of Bakery Bingo! It has been so much fun asking some of Portland's best bloggers and taste makers their favorite spots. To close out the year we went through every post and picked our top recommendations. I read - and salivated - through all of the BB posts and picked my top fives, and Erin did the same over here. So head on over to Bakery Bingo to find out my Top 5 recommendations from 2015 - and where I need to go in 2016!

Can't wait for you to see what we have in store next year.

And be sure to read on and find out Erin's favorite picks that were featured on Martha Chartreuse.

Hello Martha Chartreuse fans and happy holidays!

We’ve had a lot of killer recommendations from our Thursday Tours series this year, so it’s pretty hard to narrow it down to my Top 5 favorites but I’ve done my best for you!

2015 #ThursdayToursPDX Top 5 Favorites:

The Box Social – featured by Annie of Serious Crust for the Date Night edition

Cozy, dark, romantic, welcoming. That’s the vibe at The Box Social on Williams. Perfect for a bar with unique, delicious cocktails. I’ve particularly enjoyed their happy hour with a great selection of $6 cocktails and nibbles like Herbed Croutons for $3 – yes, you read that right. You can get just a bowl of homemade croutons. Don’t lie, that’s your favorite part of salads also.

Tidbit Food Cart Pod – featured by Jane of In the Pink and Green for the Baby Friendly edition and by Pech of Pechluck’s Food Adventures for the Outdoor Lunch edition

Obviously it may not be food cart weather in terms of hanging out outside while it’s pouring rain, but this is still one of my favorite finds of 2015 for sure. I love the wide selection of carts, that you can also enjoy beer or cider, and that they’ve got tons of picnic benches surrounding a fire pit. My top picks are Hapa Ramen and Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food.

SE Wine Collective – featured by Andy of Saint Reginald Parish wine in the Wine Life edition

I am so in love with this little urban winery slash wine bar off of SE Division. Not only is it fun to watch the wine making happening right onsite, but you can also do a flight of all their member wines like Division Wine Making Company that Andy highlighted. The staff at SE Wine Collective are inviting and helpful, not pretentious like some wine bars can be. Even better, their food is outstanding.

Bollywood Theater – featured by Meg of Landing Standing in the Entertaining Out-of-Towners edition

This is definitely one of my top Portland places. With casual counter service funky décor and some of the best Indian street food anywhere around, it’s a constant go-to for me. Plus, it’s well priced – you can order about 3 entrees and 2 sides for only $25 and leave stuffed. My order almost always includes their kati rolls, like an Indian burrito filled with housemade paneer cheese, cabbage and green chutney rolled in a chewy Indian flatbread. Their original location is off Alberta, but I prefer their larger joint on Division.

Domaine Serene – featured by Kelsey of Kelsey Malie in the Wineries edition

Sure, this winery is not on the cheap side when it comes to wine tasting (it will run you $20 a person). But still, it is worth it for the experience of being transported to Italy once you pull up. The tasting room is on the bottom floor of their gorgeous villa that looks straight out of Tuscany. With views of the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley vineyards and incredible pinots, you won’t want to leave.

2016 Must Do’s – where I need to get to: I can’t believe I haven’t been to these places yet. New Year’s resolution 2016: get to these three places!!

• Navarre – featured by Annie of Serious Crust for the Date Night edition
• Genie’s – featured by Mary Ellen of Pate a Chew for the Brunch edition
• Hong Phat Asian Supermarket – featured by Brooke of Little Green Pickle for the Markets + Makers edition

#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.