01.31.07
First Thursday Exhibits
First Thursday is just a day away... if you don't already have a gallery agenda for the night, take a look at the various February exhibitions. Lots to see around the Pearl!
This beautiful piece of art ("Killerwhale Chief of the Sea") by David Boxley will be on display at Quintana Galleries, located at 120 NW 9th Ave.
01.31.07
Museum Gets Closer to New Home in the Pearl
In today's Oregonian Living section, D.K. Row reports on the Museum of Contemporary Craft's eventual transition to the Pearl. By July, the nonprofit will be occupying the old Daisy Kingdom building in the North Park Blocks.
Toward the end, there's an interesting quote from David Cohen, the museum's executive director. "...The surprise we want people to have is to see who we are and what we create. We're in the Pearl, but we're not the Pearl. We'll be like something else they haven't seen."
We look forward to anything that adds to the diversity of the Pearl!
01.29.07
Utopia No More?
On our way home from the gym (yes, that's one New Year's resolution we've managed to keep!), we noticed a sign on door of Utopia Salon, saying they will be temporarily closed... only the salon looks totally empty. Any ideas as to what has happened, and whether they're coming back?
01.29.07
Bring Nina's Back
So long Graze... we hardly knew ya. You've probably noticed by now that the small plates restaurant at the corner of 10th and Lovejoy is gone. According to the fabulous Neighborhood Notes blog, it will soon be replaced by an Indian restaurant. We miss Nina's Place!
01.29.07
A Toast to New Neighbors
As you've probably heard, we're getting a new neighborhood brewery... Deschutes Brewery is opening a pub in the Pearl District. The location was just officially announced this week: 210 NW 11th Ave., across from the Armory. The pub will open in Oct. 2007.
This sketch of the new pub appeared on their website.
01.25.07
Free Wi-Fi Coming to the Pearl
The city's free wireless service, which launched in downtown Portland last month, is expanding to include the Pearl District within the next four months. The ad-supported service is so-so. We've used it downtown and had a mediocre experience. It's no replacement to our regular high-speed service, however, we'll be thrilled to eventually connect for free from local lunch and coffee spots. It's frustrating how few Pearl District restaurants have wi-fi!
01.25.07
Home Sweet Home
We've just returned from a brief vacation in Maui. Despite the sudden return to frigid temperatures, we're glad to be home. Don't get us wrong: Maui was wonderful. But we're Pearl District homebodies at heart. We missed the Starbucks baristas who know us by name and don't scoff at our "tall, one pump sugar-free vanilla, nonfat, light caramel sauce, caramel macchiato" order. We missed happy hour at Oba and take-out from Sungari. It's a great feeling to love the place you call home!
01.19.07
Cupcakes, Ice Cream, Buzz Cuts and More...
Several new businesses are slated to appear in the former Specialty Auto Glass building at NW 10th and Everett. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (which we're eagerly anticipating!), will be joined by Baby Cakes Cupcakes, Teardrop Lounge and Bishop's Barber Shop. Please tell us "Baby Cakes" is an actual cupcake shop, and not a baby store (as if Ben & Jerry's won't be dangerous enough!).
01.17.07
A Winter Wonderland in the Pearl
What an unfortunate time to take a trip! When we woke up to several inches of snow yesterday, we were convinced that our flight to Maui had been cancelled. The good news? It wasn't. The bad news? We're missing out on all the snow day fun in the Pearl! (Not to mention we waited 3 hours for our plane to be de-iced... that's 3 hours after boarding.) Here's a snapshot from the plane window. Since we're missing out on all the winter fun, please send us your snowy Pearl District pics!
01.15.07
Our New Neighborhood Fav: Shoefly
We stumbled into the new Shoefly location in the Pearl this weekend... and just in time, too. They're knocking an extra 25% off any sale shoes. We picked up a pair of comfy 'Roos, a retro brand that's making a comeback. Or at least that's what we're telling ourselves, 'cause we couldn't resist that nifty hidden zipper pocket in the tongue.
Shoefly is located at 718 NW 11th in the Pearl.
01.15.07
Project 937
This little blurb from costar.com sheds some light on a future building in the neighborhood: 937. Yep, they're naming it after the address, 937 N.W. Glisan St. Guess that makes it simple. The 16-story building will host a mix of luxury condominiums and commercial space.
We're assuming this is the old Metropolitan Presort location that's been leveled over the past few months... looks like it will be complete in fall 2008. For those of us within the surrounding few blocks, that means at least a solid year of being awakened by construction noises at 7 a.m. sharp. Ugh.
The original article after the jump...
Continue reading "Project 937" »
01.11.07
"Misalliance" Begins at the Armory
A new Portland Center Stage production, Misalliance, is on the main stage at the Armory beginning this week. The show runs Jan. 9 - Feb. 4.
More on the show after the jump...
Continue reading ""Misalliance" Begins at the Armory" »
01.11.07
These Boots Were Made For Shopping
Oh dear... we just learned of another winter sale we doubt we can pass up. Imelda's and Louie's Shoes is throwing a winter sale that starts today, Jan. 10, and lasts till Jan. 14. Select shoes will be marked down 20 - 40%.
Imelda's and Louie's Shoes is located at 935 NW Everett St. in the Pearl (in addition to their SE Hawthorne location).
01.10.07
Girlie Deals at Michelle DeCourcy
Eeep! We're already a day late! Michelle DeCourcy, an adorable "girlie boutique" in the Pearl started their winter sale yesterday. The sale, which runs Jan. 9 - 28, offers discounts between 20 - 60%. If you've never visited, now is the time to check it out - it's their biggest sale of the year.
Michelle DeCourcy is located at 916 NW Flanders St. in the Pearl.
01.10.07
Winter Sale at Finn
Finn Clothing is offering up to 70% off during their winter sale, including great deals on sweaters, sportscoats and outerwear.
Finn is located at 132 NW 12th Ave. in the Pearl.
01.10.07
Via Delizia Announces Live Music, Wine Tastings
One of the most delicious Pearl dessert spots, Via Delizia, just announced a few additional reasons to visit (as if dessert weren't enough!). They'll have live music by artist Maxwell Sipe between 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. each Saturday from Jan. 13 - Feb. 10.
And beginning Jan. 18 they'll host wine tastings featuring the finest offerings from local and Italian wineries. Tastings are 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, Feb. 1 and Feb. 15.
Lastly, on March 1 they're hosting a special Vintners Dinner. Call 503-225-9300 for reservations!
Via Delizia is located at 1105 NW Marshall St. in the Pearl.
01.09.07
L.A. Times Loves Our Luster
This week a reporter for the L.A. Times raves about her recent trip to Portland, mostly focusing on the Pearl District. She recommends Fenouil, Andina, Bluehour, Powell's and calls the Pearl "delightfully walkable."
Edited to add: Over the past week, we've noticed this article getting reprinted by dozens of newspapers around the country - great press for the Pearl!
01.09.07
Did the Streetcar Influence the Pearl's Growth?
A blurb in by Randal O'Toole of the Thoreau Institute appeared in The Capital Times yesterday, slamming Portland's streetcar and disputing claims that it's helped boost the growth of the Pearl. (Apparently Madison, WI is considering building a streetcar.) O'Toole goes as far to say streetcar success is a "hoax."
He makes some strong points, however, I couldn't help but think about all the reasons I like the streetcar. As a Pearl District resident, it's been a convenient mode of transportation for me. Perhaps the Pearl would have grown exactly the same without it, yet, I think it's brought something intangible to the neighborhood. It's added to the overall feel of vibrancy and accessibility in the area and connected three great areas: downtown, NW 23rd and the Pearl. What do you think?
01.09.07
TheStreet.com Praises the Pearl
An article posted today to TheStreet.com points to the Pearl as one of the top Portland neighborhoods.
Currently Portland's hot neighborhood, the Pearl District was a gritty industrial area just 10 years ago.Now it boasts upscale residential and business lofts along with contemporary art galleries; chic boutiques featuring fine clothing, footwear and jewelry; stylish salons, spas and fitness providers; and more than 60 home furnishings shops.
01.09.07
Welcome!
Welcome to The Pearl Insider, a new resource for one of Portland’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Like us, if you live, work, or play in the Pearl District, you’ve probably been amazed – if not overwhelmed! – by the area’s tremendous growth over the past few years. Keeping up with the latest events, hot spots, shops and galleries can be a full time job. So leave the dirty work to us… each week we’ll update you on the latest buzz, clue you in to restaurant openings and gallery events, alert you when your favorite shop has a sale and keep you posted on issues affecting the neighborhood.
But don’t let this be a one-way conversation… we hate talking to ourselves! Chime in by using our comments section and by all means, send us a note if you have some neighborhood news to share!
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