06.29.07
District Earns Portland Tribune's "Bar of the Week"
Today's Portland Tribune features District as its Bar of the Week, giving it a stellar review - both for its aesthetics and the food/drinks!
Whether you’re in the mood for a low-key happy hour or a late-night scene, it’s unlikely to disappoint.For more on District, click here.That’s exactly what makes it such a welcome addition to the Pearl District – there’s a confidence and comfort that you can actually taste and an environment that feels both exotic and familiar.
Whether catching up with friends after work, grabbing a drink before a movie or show, out on a date or just looking for a unique and tasty drink, District should be your destination.
06.28.07
Craft PDX: A Block Party
The build out of the new Museum of Contemporary Craft is in its final stages and plans for a grand re-opening celebration are underway! MOCC is throwing a free neighborhood block party on Sunday, July 22, centered around their new digs in the North Park Blocks and outer edge of the Pearl District. The event will also serve as a kick-off for their new exhibit - Craft in America: Expanding Traditions.
The festivities last between noon - 7:30 p.m. and the streets of NW 8th and Davis will be closed off. Stop by for a museum tour, watch live glass blowing, enjoy music by 3 Leg Torso and numerous other musicians, enter a raffle for a BMW "Art Car" painted live on-site by Tom Cramer, kick-back at the Bridgeport Brewery beer garden and much more...
06.28.07
Projection Preview
We got a sneak peak at PNCA's roving projector car last night. This tiger display (which was animated, btw), was on an empty building wall near LowBrow. The picture doesn't do it justice though!
06.27.07
PNCA's Projection Party
You may have noticed already... we've had a ton of neighborhood visitors this week, and the festivities have only just begun. That's because the PLATFORM International Animation Festival kicked off earlier this week. This week-long event is the first and only major animation festival in the U.S.
PNCA is part of the mega art event, and tomorrow (Thurs., 6/28), they host Animation Inside Out, along with a big street party. Animation Inside Out is a one-night-only, self-guided walking tour of projections on walls and buildings throughout the Pearl. Projections begin around 8 p.m. and last until midnight. Stop by PNCA to grab a tour map. According to Julian over at PDX Pipeline, the PNCA street party will also feature a marching band and other fun entertainment, including a roving "projector car"... sounds very cool.
06.27.07
School of Salmon Headed for the Pearl
A new art project aimed at raising awareness for the conservation and restoration of the Sandy River Basin will debut in the Pearl District next week. According to the Western Rivers Conservancy site:
A group of 52-inch-long salmon will be placed at sponsored locations throughout the Portland metropolitan area from July through October 2007. Each fish will be molded out of fiberglass, mounted on a steel rod and locked to a secure base. A school of smaller salmon (24 inches) will travel around the region in an educational display.The Sandy Post also wrote about the project, along with a listing for the numerous Portland sites to check out these swimming works of art. The Pearl will be home to many of them between July 6 - Oct. 3:The fish will be unveiled July 5, 2007, for First Thursday at Jamison Square in Portland's Pearl District. From here, the fish will start their summer display and migration around the region. In October, we'll culminate the project with a celebration and auction to benefit the Sandy River.
1. Whole Foods, 1210 N.W. Couch St.
2. Hoyt Realty Group, 1130 N.W. 10th Ave.
3. Natural Capital Center, 721 N.W. Ninth Ave.
4. Sip & Kranz, 901 N.W .10th Ave.
5. Caplan Art Design - 1129 N.W. 11th Ave.
6. REI, 1405 N.W. Johnson St.
7. Lawrence Gallery, 903 N.W. Davis St.
06.27.07
Ben & Jerry's Opens Friday!
The Pearl District Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop is almost open for business! The new location starts dishing out scoops this Friday, June 29.
Ben & Jerry's is located on the corner of NW 10th and Everett in the Pearl District.
06.25.07
Ten O-wow
Wow, how the tides have changed. And hopefully for good!
Looks like the buzz surrounding Ten 01 has officially turned positive. Today over at The Mercury's Blogtown, Alison Hallett writes about an enjoyable Ten 01 happy hour this past weekend. Oddly enough, we hit Ten 01 for happy hour on Saturday as well, right after a rowdy game of shuffleboard at Blitz. The sliders definitely hit the spot. Not to mention the great drinks by bar master Kelley. Oh, and on that topic, don't forget about the upcoming Summer Cocktail Series that Kelley is teaching - the first session is this Thursday.
06.25.07
Streetcar Puns: All Aboard...
Another day, another streetcar spat... and, of course, a few more of the requisite rail line puns.
Last week, courtesy of the WSJ: "A Streetcar Named Aspire."
Today, from the Oregonian: "A Streetcar Named Acquire."
06.25.07
Remember, You Didn't Hear it From Us...
'Cause we're gonna deny, deny, deny. Secrets are safe with us.
06.21.07
W Week Dishes Pearl News
This recent Willamette Week blurb caught our eye with some Pearl District restaurant news. The first part we already knew about:
Mio Sushi will open a Pearl location next door to Paragon on Irving Street later this summer, and Il Mercato, a Mediterranean restaurant and lunch counter is setting up shop kitty corner to the Pearl Bakery on NW 9th and Couch. Another Mediterranean venue is said to be opening in the long-vacant building in front of the Elizabeth lofts on 10th Avenue.However, these two items are news to us:
... Ben and Jerry’s won’t be the only new sweet shop in the Pearl as local Cool Moon Ice Cream will soon front the Pearl’s mom-and-kid hangout Jamison Square.Hmmm.... that last one is most intriguing. Any guesses who that might be?... Plus, a certain high-profile Portland restaurateur is scoping out empty Pearl spaces for what would be an American-style restaurant. Now who might that be?
Edited to add: While you're over at Willamette Week, check out their 2007 Best of Portland poll (upper right corner of home page). Vote for your favorite Pearl District spots. Oh, and we're not above hinting that you can fill-in Pearl Insider as your favorite local blog... shameless, yes, we know.
06.20.07
The Bee and Thistle is Pearl-Bound!
Good news for Pearl District shoppers - The Bee and Thistle is moving to the Pearl! The store, relocating from the NW 23rd area, will host a grand re-opening and 10th Anniversary party on Aug. 24 at its new location - 120 NW 10th Ave.
Soon we'll be able to make a beeline from The Bee and Thistle to its sister store, Sole, which is also located in the Pearl.
06.20.07
Ecotrust Hosts Family-Style Suppers
This week, Ecotrust is hosting two special dinners, dubbed "Unearthing the Un-Earth Dinner." The dinners, designed to celebrate the summer solstice and the bounty of the region, are being prepared by Chef Naomi Pomeroy, formerly of Ripe, Gotham Building Tavern and clarklewis.
It's not too late to reserve a spot! Here's the lowdown:
When:
Thursday, June 21st and Friday June, 22nd
6:30pm arrival
7:00pm supper
Where:
Billy Frank Jr. Conference Center
Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center
721 NW 9th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97209Reservations:
$45 per person, per night. Space is limited, so make your reservation soon! Reservations accepted only through Ecotrust. RSVP to events@ecotrust.org or by calling 503.467.0792. Pre-payment is required to secure a seat. Checks and credit cards accepted.
06.20.07
"A Streetcar Named Aspire"
Today's Wall Street Journal features an article on the streetcar boom, discussing cities in which streetcar projects have been part of an overall goal to spur development. Portland and the Pearl District are mentioned:
... And in Portland, Ore., the poster child for such development, officials say the streetcar system has helped bring $2.7 billion in investment within two blocks of its 3.6 mile line, much of it in the 24-hour hub known as the Pearl District. "It's one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city," says Richard Brandman, deputy planning director for Metro, the Portland area's regional government.The topic of our streetcars is always met with some debate, usually stemming around whether they're the best use of public funds - not just here, but in other cities as well. The streetcar proponents in the article argue that streetcars are not designed to save time, but rather to change the way neighborhoods are built.
06.19.07
Surprise: So Long Yoshida's
A few days ago the butcher paper went up at Yoshida's and the questions starting coming, both to our inbox and over at Neighborhood Notes: "What's up at Yoshida's?"
Unfortunately, the news is not good. Nope - a new exhibit installation isn't underway. Yoshida's Gallery is closing its doors, effective immediately. Apparently this news came as a bit of suprise, even to insiders.
More to come...
06.19.07
Red, White and Blueberry Fest
This week's Farmers Market brings a special treat - the berry festival. Thursday, from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., stop by the market at Ecotrust to enjoy a bounty of NW berries. With a minimum purchase of $5 from any vendor, you'll get a complimentary homemade berry shortcake. Also, listen to live bluegrass music and learn how to cook with berries from local chefs.
06.18.07
Ten 01's "Do-Over" on Portland Food & Drink
Marshall and Carolyn Manning, contributors to Portland Food & Drink, wrote a delicious piece on the recent Ten 01 preview dinner. Like us, they agree that it was superb. But unlike us, they actually know how to write about food beyond "YUM"... Don't read it on an empty stomach.
06.15.07
CityDog Mag Features "Paws in the Pearl"
The Pearl District continues to get kudos for its dog friendly nature and hip pet stores and services. This month's CityDog Magazine features "Paws in the Pearl," showcasing Pearl District businesses such as Pearl Retriever, Dogstar, Rogue, Aubergine and A Place in Time.
06.15.07
Meddle Building Takes Shape
It appears the "Meddle Building" - located on the corner of NW 10th and Everett - is finally nearing completion. And just in time, too. Ben & Jerry's will be a nice summertime treat, in addition to the other great businesses housed there. Earlier this year, businesses such as Baby Cakes were eager to start cranking out the sweets, but construction issues delayed grand openings for quite some time. Baby Cakes owner, Lisa Watson, says they might - knock on wood - open by July 9. We'll be sure to keep you posted.
Today's Oregonian previews TearDrop Lounge, also located in the Meddle Building:
TearDrop Lounge: Opening this summer, this Pearl District spot plans to tap into the hottest trend in cocktails today: bringing the kitchen into the bar. The small, rotating selection will spotlight seasonal organic produce, homemade elixirs and unusual combinations like gin with muddled blueberries, rhubarb juice, lemon soda and a violet-infused sugar rim, plus a menu of Japanese snacks.
06.13.07
PD: Commercial Director's Dream
Before long, all the car commercials are going to look alike. That's because they all seem to love using Pearl District streets as the backdrop. Yet another car commercial is being filmed in the neighborhood today. This one is a Toyota spot that will be shooting along NW 9th and NW 10th, between Marshall and Overton Streets. Shooting begins around 11 a.m. this morning and will last until 5 or 6 p.m.
Parking is temporarily blocked on those streets, and should you miss the "no parking" signs, your car will be towed to a nearby lot! (We have a friend who got her car towed last time - luckily, they just pulled cars around the corner to a vacant spot and didn't charge anyone to retrieve them. Not sure that's always the case though, so don't risk it...)
06.11.07
Sit Back, Relax, and Maybe Shop
Lizard Lounge, the new retailer-slash-neighborhood lounge we mentioned last week, has a small blurb in today's Portland Business Journal feed.
California clothier Lizard Lounge will open in the Pearl District's newly renovated Crane Building, 1323 N.W. Irving St.Also, Neighborhood Notes today writes that Lizard Lounge will feature a stage for live music!Lizard Lounge is a new concept from Horny Toad, of Santa Barbara, Calif. Horny Toad makes adventure-oriented clothing and will open its first-ever Lizard Lounge in Portland this summer.
Guardian Management LLC invested $22.3 million to renovate the historic Crane Building, which reopened in 2006. The building consists of penthouses, office space, apartments and ground-level retail. The seafood restaurant Bay 13 opened there in February.
06.08.07
Happy Friday
Last night's First Thursday was BIG. Almost too big - for our stomach, that is... We attended a preview dinner showcasing the new cuisine at Ten 01. New chef Jack Yoss did not disappoint. But seven courses later (all paired with excellent wines), we fell into food coma. Yeah, the food was so good we couldn't leave a thing on the plate. Maybe next time we won't try to polish off every single morsel of every single course! But can you blame us? Check out the menu:
Hamachi SashimiNeedless to say, Chef Yoss has won us over.
with green apple and celery root vinaigrette
Willapa Bay Oyster Chowder
with fennel, potatoes and tarragon oilSautéed Alaskan Halibut and Maine Lobster
with leeks and English peasGlazed Carlton Farms Pork Belly
with artichokes and spring onionsPan Roasted Jumbo Quail
with wild mushroom stuffing, brown butter-potato puree and natural jus
Grilled Spring Lamb Chops
with spring garlic, fava beans, and goat cheese gnocchiStrawberry Panna Cotta
rhubarb consomme, fresh strawberries, mint sugar
06.07.07
More F.T. Madness
Ok, so we're being inundated with event information for tonight's First Thursday. In addition to Nolita, Pearl Jams and the Farmers Market, here are a few more events to consider:
1. Pre-Opening Party for Lizard Lounge (located at 14th and Irving), which a friend at the PDBA describes as:
"...a retail shop (They carry Horny Toad products, stylish and comfortable activewear and accessories for men and women), but they also have a cafe, with wireless internet, and cafe-like amenities. You can go in and shop and then hang out, or just hang-out. It's like a store, but a relaxing little lounge too. They also feature art as well. Sounds like it will be quite the addition to the Pearl."
2. Stop by and visit our friends at Vinideus, who are doing a special Pinot Noir tasting. Vinideus is located at 1019 NW 11th Ave.
3. Oh, and don't forget First Thursday is still really about the art. Check out today's Oregonian article by D.K. Row, highlighting some of the top exhibits. We loved this quote, by the way:
"The art walk, weather permitting, again promises to turn parts of the Pearl District and downtown into an unofficial convention for the Beautiful People."So true.
4. And, finally, when the fun starts to wind down at all the typical hot spots and galleries, stop by the PALA fashion lounge, which will be open late! New curator Celina is putting on a great show, including live music at 9 p.m. PALA is located at NW 3rd and Couch.
06.07.07
Hoyt Realty Group Jazzes Up the Pearl
The first of Hoyt Realty Group's "Pearl Jams" music events takes place tonight, First Thursday.
Tonight's concert features the Tom Grant Duo, a jazz piano ensemble. The concert definitely deserves a place on your First Thursday agenda... stop by the Pavilion, located at NW 10th and Northrup between 5-8 p.m. Click here for the full schedule of upcoming Pearl Jams events.
06.06.07
Ecotrust Market Starts Tomorrow
Our favorite time of year has arrived: the farmers market is back! Portland Farmers Market's Pearl District market, located in the parking lot of Ecotrust, returns for another season, starting tomorrow, June 7. The weekly market takes place each Thursday from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. and runs through the month of September. Stop by to support our local farmers and sample summer produce, specialty cheeses, baked goods and much more.
Ecotrust is located at the corner of NW 10th and Johnson in the Pearl District.
06.06.07
A Fashionable Start to First Thursday
Where to begin...? This month’s First Thursday is packed with so many festivities, we're having a hard time deciding what to do. Our first stop on the agenda, however, is a no-brainer: Nolita’s 3rd Anniversary Sale. Our summer wardrobe is still a bit bare, so you might just see us walk out wearing our purchase…
Luckily, everything is on sale! Join us at Nolita for 20% off, and receive a $25 gift card for every $250 you spend! You’ll find us snatching up:
-Lightweight tees from Velvet
-Breezy tanks from Diab’less
-Summer hoodies & dresses from Mike & Chris
-Silk dresses from Development
-Wide-leg denim trousers from Seven for all Mankind
The fun starts tomorrow, June 7th, from 7-9 p.m., and the 20% sale lasts till June 9th. Nolita is located at 923 NW 10th Ave. in the Pearl District.
06.04.07
A Pearl of a Weekend
Yes, so we’ve been MIA for a few days. But can you blame us? This past weekend’s gorgeous weather practically begged us to ditch the computer and get out to enjoy the neighborhood. So we did…
Beginning on Friday night, with an early drink on Fenouil’s patio. Their sangria was to-die-for, and the Jamison Square Park people-watching wasn’t bad either. (The fountain is now fixed, btw.)
Later Friday night, we met up with some pals and hit District (still a huge fan of their $8 menu), then went next door to Vault Martini and later discovered a brand new bar next to Fratelli (and from the looks of it, owned or operated by the same folks). We’d noticed brown paper covering the windows for the past few weeks, so it was a delight to see this candlelit bar already open and buzzing.
Saturday night. After a few drinks at Henry’s, we headed one block south to Living Room Theaters, a relatively new spot with a great bar and some interesting flicks on the small screen. We watched a freaky foreign film that will probably give us nightmares later, but no matter. Their amazing mushroom crepes and sipping a glass of wine as the Starlight Parade passed by, made for a perfect night. (note: while the theater isn't exactly in the Pearl District, it’s most definitely worth the extra one block walk.)
The weekend came to a relaxing end with lunch on Sunday at Via Delizia, enjoying the sights at Tanner Springs Park.
Next up? A packed First Thursday is coming up. We'll pass along the details soon...
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