As Seen On Instagram {8.1}

Friends, my most recent post, As Seen On Instagram {Take Eight}, was really more of a part one in a two part series. After looking through the post I realized I left out so many great memories and experiences from this summer. I didn't even link to my Instagram account!! Clearly I was far too relaxed and zenned out when writing that post! 

Shishito peppers, peaches and tomatoes dominated my summer diet.

Veggies!!

Slightly posed, but she was reading cookbooks with me.

For when I don't feel like wearing makeup!

Frice is nice!

Olympia Provisions now has a Friday hot dog cart downtown.

Grilled pizza and wine party with the gals!

Portland, you're pretty!

Toast!!!!

As Seen On Instagram {Take Eight}

We could also call this post: A summer recap!! How is it possible that Labor Day has come and gone? After such a hot, busy, and, at times, stressful summer I am very excited for fall. How was your summer? What do you have planned for this fall? 

Moscow Mules!!!

Hiking in Forest Park with Olivia, Daisy and Athena.

I made the FIRST HOLE-IN-ONE at 19th Hole!!

Trying to cool down with my #1

Eating buckets of mussels with Bee

Still working on this book.

I coordinated a 3rd of July food and bar crawl! Patriotic temporary tattoos included!

Athena always stops and smells the flowers!

Portland Cello Project's Extreme Dance Party to celebrate ME's Birthday!

#ThursdayToursPDX {Lunch + Brunch Mashup}

I can't believe that Erin and I started the #ThursdayToursPDX almost 4-months ago! It has been such an honor to have some or Portland's best bloggers and tastemakers share their recommendations! Are you enjoying the series? Are there any topics you would like us to cover? We would love to hear from you.

In previous posts the lovely Mary Ellen shared her favorite brunch spots in Portland and Natalie let us know the best lunch spots in NW Portland! And today Erin is sharing her favorite lunch and brunch spots! I have a feeling your weekend plans will include a lot of morning and afternoon meals.

And if you would like to know my favorite spots head on over to Bakery Bingo!!

Hello Martha Chartreuse readers! It’s been a while since I’ve been over here sharing my favorites for #ThursdayToursPDX. Here are my go-tos for the midday meals: lunch and brunch!

Brunch: Who doesn’t love a good brunch? I mean, it’s Portland, so dumb question, everyone does.

Beast – 5425 NE 30th & Killingsworth: If you’ve got a special occasion and want to go big, get reservations at Naomi Pomeroy’s acclaimed restaurant. With 5 courses, this is no light-weight meal. If you want to experience a long, decadent start to your day, this is how to do it. It’s got everything: something sweet to start like a clafoutis with whipped crème fraiche and candied bacon, something savory like the Beast Hash with a stunning poached egg and braised pork belly, an immaculate cheese course, a crisp salad, and then of course a chocolatey dessert to finish it all off. As it’s reservations-only, there’s obviously no wait needed.

Sweedeedee – 5202 N Albina & Sumner: This place on the other hand will likely always have a line. Even if you go on a weekday, there is typically a wait. But trust me, it is worth it. And it really isn’t so bad. You place your order, then wait for a table. Once you get seated (usually 20-40 minutes for a table for 2-4), voila! Your food appears! And the food. So good! I love it all. Their freshly baked pastries and quick breads. Their homemade thick-cut breads that are beautifully toasted, alongside eggs or salads. The corn cakes served with rich maple syrup and slices of bacon. And man oh man, that salted honey pie, definite must-have.

Lunch: I am a big fan of a good lunch outing. Why bother prepping the night before when you can have someone make you a fantastic meal instead? There are so many awesome options out there. But if I have it my way, here are the two that never let me down:

Bollywood Theater – 2039 NE Alberta or 3010 SE Division: I love their Indian street food. Plus the space is super fun and unique with lots of Indian paraphernalia and old Bollywood movies playing on a big screen. I absolutely love the Kati Roll, like an Indian burrito. I get it with paneer cheese, a thick house made cheese, mixed in with egg pickled onion, cabbage, and green chutney all rolled in a perfectly flaky, chewy paratha flatbread. It is giant but I can never get myself to stop eating, no matter how full I am. I also really like their “Poor Man’s Burger” of Mumbai called the Vada Pav, a spicy potato dumpling, dipped in chickpeas then lightly fried. It is served on the fluffiest of buns.

Addy’s Sandwich Bar – SW 10th & Yamhill: Ever since this place was a food cart whipping out, I’ve been in love with Addy’s.  They now have a brick-and-mortar near the downtown library and it seems like the secret is out on this place. When I popped in a couple days ago, it was swarmed with workers taking a midday break. Not to work, like any good downtown lunch spot, they are quick. For sandwiches, my pick is the tuna sandwich on the best of Little T Baker baguettes. It isn’t overly mayonnaised (that is the worst) and comes with a hard-boiled egg on top. I also love their “Power Salad” where you can choose from any two side salads mixed together then topped with sunflower seeds, avocado and a hard-boiled egg. My go-to is the kale and quinoa salad mixed with the chickpeas, so good.

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.