05.31.07
Merc Adds to Hiroshi Lore
This week's Portland Mercury adds to the "fish story" and piles on the praise for Hiroshi. Writer Matt Davis gives a mouth-watering account of the menu highlights, conceding that the new Pearl District sushi restaurant actually lives up to the hype.
I was hoping to be able to tell you that Ikegaya's particular sushi story, like so many that one hears in Portland, has been overstated. However, the sushi at his restaurant, Hiroshi, appears to live up to its creator's reputation. He may not actually be God incarnate, but Ikegaya's sushi sure comes close to heaven.Hiroshi is located at 926 NW 10th in the Pearl District.
05.30.07
Park #3: The Fields
First came Jamison Square, next there was Tanner Springs... and by 2008, we'll have "The Fields" - the third Pearl District park as outlined in the Portland River District Park System Urban Design Framework Study (try saying that 10 times).
Like those before it, this park is sure to spark some lively conversation about what it should offer, and what the neighborhood needs most. With Jamison Square's family-friendly fountain and Tanner Springs' eco-friendly status, what's next? If you have an opinion, tomorrow night is your chance to be heard! A Community Open House is being hosted by the PNCA. Show up to meet the design team, who will be giving presentations and listening to your feedback and ideas.
The Fields Neighborhood Park ProjectUpdated to Add: Tuesday's Portland Tribune included a new feature called NorthwestSOURCE, a guide to neighborhood life in NW Portland, with some nice articles like this one on Jamison and Tanner Springs parks.
Community Open House
Thursday, May 31, 6:30-8:30pm
Pacific Northwest College of Art
1241 NW Johnson
(presentations at 6:40pm & 7:40pm)
05.29.07
90 Degrees and Nowhere to Go?
Yikes! We just noticed this over at Jack Bog's site. Apparently the popular, and always-crowded-on-a-sunny-day-like-today, Jamison Fountain is all stopped up. Bad news for the many families and pet owners who enjoy the Jamison Fountain in hot temps.
Public Information Officer Tricia Knoll had this to say:
Furnaces break only on the coldest day of the year, right?Updated 5/31: The Fountain is getting fixed today!
Well, today is the hottest day of the year (so far), and the plumbing at the Jamison Fountain in the Pearl District needs a look-see. The fountain is bubbling, but the pool is not pooling. Right now the bureau's operating engineers are taking at the control pipe. Rather than shut it down tonight, we're letting the fountain flow and will look into the control drain pipe early tomorrow morning before the day heats up.
the Portland Water Bureau maintains many of the decorative fountains throughout the city. Water rates support this maintenance work. What is wonderful about each fountain -- the unique designs and beautiful displays -- also means that most of the fountains were designed at different times by different landscape architects. Equipment is not "off the shelf." Each requires caring and thoughtful maintenance.
As soon as Jameson is running perfectly again, we will let you know. Meanwhile enjoy the water flow if not the usual pooling. We know the kids may be disappointed -- and we're working on it.
05.29.07
Pearl Realtor Takes Issue with Construction Waste
Realtor Brian Ramsay, who lives in the area and represents many Pearl District real estate clients, recently started noticing some odd debris floating through the sky at NW 12th and Lovejoy. The objects, he discovered, are bits of aluminum sheets which are a by-product from the pressure of pounding steel beams into the ground at a Pearl area construction site.
Prompted by Brian's concerns, the DEQ briefly visited the site and declared that the debris is within "acceptable low risk levels." Brian, however, was still determined to make the developer accountable for the mess they're making, and shared his concerns with KGW-TV. Check out a clip of the story that recently ran. Kudos to Brian for his dedication to the neighborhood's cleanliness and safety!
05.25.07
Decisions, Decisions...
So if you're anything like us, you're still asking friends, "what should we do this weekend?" Yeah, our decision-making skills are on the fritz. Thank goodness for the holiday weekend, 'cause we need it. Which brings us back to what the heck are we gonna do?
Luckily, there's no shortage of fun stuff going on in the Pearl District this weekend. Perhaps we'll head out to hunt for that armoire we keep talking about getting... Many of the neighborhood's home furnishings stores are using the holiday weekend to showcase new product arrivals and the latest trends in home furnishings, and with more than 60 home stores and galleries all within walking distance of each other, we need look no further.
If you still need inspiration for your holiday weekend, check out this list of sales and events on tap in the Pearl District!
05.24.07
Building the "Design District"
Today's Oregonian inPORTLAND section showcases new Pearl District store Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery. Owners Beverly and Michael Landfair were motivated to relocate to the Pearl because of the growing "design district," a section of the neighborhood with quite a few home/interiors shops, including Globe Lighting, Bedford Brown and Kravet.
Landfair is located at 1636 NW 15th in the Pearl District.
05.23.07
Ten 01 Introduces Summer Cocktail Series
Ten 01 is about to start shaking things up a bit - and we're not talking about the intro of their new chef. Nope, we're referring to the delicious summer drinks resident cocktail connoisseur Kelley Swenson will be shaking up... Ten 01 just announced a series of cocktail education classes that will be offered on the last Thursday of each month.
The three-part series, dubbed "The American Summer Cocktail Series: From Prohibition to Present," will feature classes that dive into the history and evolution of the American cocktail. We recently had the pleasure of meeting Kelley and trying his latest cocktails. He's an absolute pro and extremely passionate about what he does. This is one class we won't be skipping! Each class is $20 and will include appetizers and up to six samples of cocktails created during the class. To register, call (503) 226-DINE or simply show up. The class syllabus after the jump...
Continue reading "Ten 01 Introduces Summer Cocktail Series" »
05.22.07
Women's Collection at Finn
We've always been a fan of Finn, a great go-to spot for presents for the guys in our life. Well, now we'll be looking a bit closer and likely forgetting all about Father's Day shopping. Finn has recently started offering a women's collection, carrying Gant, Agave, Malina Gerber, Audrey Talbott and other stylish lines. The women's clothing section is still just a small percentage of the store, but according to the owners, it will expand again in this Fall.
Stop on by and check it out. Just don't snag that cute black dress we have our eye on. Finn is located at 132 NW 12th Ave. in the Pearl District.
05.21.07
Fast Company Features Nau
The June issue of Fast Company magazine profiles Nau, the new enviro-friendly clothing company based right here in the Pearl District.
Two and a half years ago, ideas were all Nau had. They took form in the heads of a small group of executives who had left big jobs at Patagonia and Nike (NYSE:NKE) to huddle together in the Urban Grind coffee shop in Portland's Pearl District and dream. Based on a shared conviction that, in addition to generating profit, companies have an equal responsibility to create positive social and environmental change, the Nau team set out to reinvent the way people shop, reshape the outdoor category, redesign the corporation--and inspire the wider business community to do the same.Unfortunately, only the company's headquarters are in the Pearl. You'll have to drive to Bridgeport Village if you want to hit the fitting room and see their clothing for yourself. Better yet, save the gas and buy online. After all, what good is "sustainable clothing" if you burn a few gallons of fuel to go buy it?
05.17.07
Mio, Mercato
Some new restaurants will be opening in the Pearl soon! Mio Sushi (Yaaaaay!) will be opening mid-July, right next to Paragon on NW Hoyt St. Yes, we already have some great sushi options in the Pearl, Sinju and Hiroshi, but Mio is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or takeout. Plus, nothing beats Sonny's Special #1 (a delightful combo of baked salmon, spicy tuna, special mayo sauce, sweet sauce, green onion, and sesame seeds). We can hardly contain our enthusiasm...
Also on the restaurant horizon: an Italian spot called Mercato. It's slated to open mid-June at 33 NW 9th Ave. More details to come...
05.16.07
Sunrise, Sunset in the Pearl
A Pearl resident uploaded these time lapse videos to YouTube. Pretty neat shots of the neighborhood.
05.15.07
Overheard in the Pearl
There's a hilarious blog we check out from time to time - Overheard in PDX. It captures the random, and often pretty hilarious items people overhear about town. The Pearl District is ripe for humerous snippets. This weekend, for example:
Blond #1 to Blond #2:
"Face it. If either of us wanted to be married, we're not the type who'd have to spend ten years on e-Harmony."
05.15.07
Daily Cafe: An Evening in Argentina
From the food news section of Portland Food and Drink... Daily Cafe in the Pearl is hosting a special Evening in Argentina dinner menu on Tuesday, May 22, at 7 p.m.
On the menu:They had me at lobster empanadas. The dinner cost is $45 per person, or $65 with wine pairing (not including gratuity). Call 503-242-1916 to RSVP. The Daily Cafe is located at 902 NW 13th Ave. in the Pearl District.
lobster empanadas with avocado cream
fried sweetbreads with grilled apples
watercress salad with pickled watermelon
braised shortribs
orange flan
05.11.07
Doggie Days
The latest issue of Explore the Pearl magazine is out, and if you don't already have some pet companionship, it's gonna make you wish you did.
The issue covers the pet-friendly nature of the neighborhood, from the businesses that cater to your pup to "pettiquette" do's and don'ts.
05.10.07
Hoyt Realty Group Announces Summer Pearl Jams Line-up
Hoyt Realty Group just announced the summer line-up for its popular "Pearl Jams" music events. This year the events are spread over two locations, Jamison Square Park and in the North Pearl at the "Pavilion" (the large event space in the Pinnacle building). Here's the info:
June 7th: North Pearl @ the Pavilion, 10th and Northrup,
5-8PM, Featuring "Tom Grant Duo", jazz piano
July 5th: In the Pearl @ Jamison Square Park from 5-8PM
Featuring Norman Sylvester, guitar blues & funk
September 6th: North Pearl @ the Pavilion, 10th and Northrup, 5-8PM
Featuring "Power of Ten", 10-piece funk band
05.09.07
Treat Mom at Shoefly
Shoefly is celebrating Mother's Day this week with a special event at their Pearl District location! Stop by for sweets and shoe shopping tomorrow (Thursday, May 10) from 6-9 p.m. The store will offer some special door prizes and drinks.
Also, this weekend Shoefly is offering a special Mother's Day sale - receive 50% off your second item (in-store only). Sale ends Sunday, May 13. Shoefly is located at 718 NW 11th Ave. in the Pearl District.
05.09.07
Pearl District Businesses Lauded for Buying Carbon Offsets
The SustainableLife insert in yesterday's Portland Tribune included an article on companies that are purchasing carbon offsets to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by compensating for their carbon dioxide use. (Yeah, we had to read that several times as well. Check out the article for a much, much better explanation.)
All of the featured companies - Nau, Hot Lips and Keen, Inc. - have Pearl District locations. Kudos to them!
Updated to add: H/T to Neighborhood Notes for pointing out another article on this topic in today's Oregonian!
05.07.07
Vinideus in the Pearl
This weekend we dropped by Vinideus - a new wine shop in the North end of the Pearl - looking for a bottle of wine to give as a birthday gift. The owners were extremely kind in helping me select the perfect bottle. They offer a great selection, and surprisingly, had a lot of affordable wines. Stop by and enjoy a tasting this week!
Wednesday, May 9 - Italian Wines
Taste, learn and purchase highly collectible, small production wines
$25 per person; RSVP by calling Jeff at 971-544-1323
Friday, May 11 - Oregon's Pinots NOT from the Willamette Valley
Saturday, May 12 - Rieslings from Around the World
Vinideus is located at 1019 NW 11th in the Pearl District.
05.07.07
L.A. Times: "A Cultured Pearl"
The L.A. Times recently published an article featuring a hodgepodge of Portland sites, all accessible by streetcar. Writer Christopher Reynolds visits Patagonia in the EcoTrust building, plays bocce pétanque in Jamison Square Park, marvels about our little horsies and sips tea at Camellia.
05.05.07
Shop Talk
Looking for a Cinco de Mayo activity that doesn't involve salsa and margaritas? Head out to these sales - indulgences of a different kind.
REI Anniversary Sale - their biggest sale of the year. Lasts from now till 5/13, but all the good gear goes quick! REI is located at 1405 NW Johnson Street in the Pearl District.
SOLE's pre-Mother's Day trunk sale, featuring local jewelry designer Celeste Youngman of Loot - today only, from 1 - 6 p.m. SOLE is located at 1033 NW Couch in the Pearl District.
05.03.07
First Thursday Itinerary
It's nearly 3 p.m. - just hours till the monthly bar-hopping art gallery tours begin. If you don't yet have a plan, we'll let you in on our itinerary.
5 p.m. Drinks at Ten 01, which just launched a new happy hour menu. We tried it and loved it (the fried cheese curds are our new guilty pleasure). Ten 01 also just started hosting a First Thursday artist reception (this is their 2nd month), so between 5-7 p.m. tonight, their downstairs dining room will be set-up for art viewing, with some complimentary nibbles out as well.
6 p.m. Walk on down to the North end of the Pearl and visit Hoyt Realty's Showroom (NW 10th and Northrup). They're hosting another edition of HeArt of the Pearl, a free event from 5-8 p.m., featuring refreshments and hors d'oeuvres from D.F. Restaurant, music by JB Butler and Mariano DeOrbegoso and displays from Caplan Art Design, Milan Fashion Designs, Alchemy and more.
7 p.m. Head west a few blocks to Pearl Real Estate. They're throwing a chocolate party, which we can't pass up. Check out designs for The Wyatt while sipping on champagne and indulging in chocolatey treats from St. Cupcake, Moonstruck Chocolate and Bridgeport Brewery.
8 p.m. Step away from the chocolate and free drinks. Head out to at least one gallery - there's lots to choose from.
05.03.07
Gerding Edlen Puts Brewery Blocks Up for Sale
According to BizJournals, Gerding Edlen, the development company behind the Brewery Blocks, is ready to cash in its investment. The listing includes Blocks 1, 4 and 5 (home to Whole Foods, P.F. Changs, the Louisa apartments, etc.). The sale is not expected to change the nature of the neighborhood or the businesses that occupy the Brewery Blocks.
05.02.07
Cinco de Mayo at In Good Taste
So if the only way you've ever made guacamole is with one of those little seasoning packets (yes, I'm thinking of you, LB), this is for you. In Good Taste is hosting a Mexican Fiesta cooking class this Saturday at 6:30 p.m., taught by Jenn Louis of Culinary Artistry. The class is $95 - preregister at In Good Taste's website or Pearl District store. On the lesson plan:
Virgin Margaritas
Shrimp ceviche on tostada
Guacamole on tostada
Empanadas with picadillo
Spiced beef turnovers
Cesar salad
Chicken tinga
Chipotle braised chicken
Carnitas
Savory braised pork
Oaxacan black beans with epazote
Escaviche
Pico de gallo
Tortillas
Mexican wedding cookies
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