07.31.07
Have a Scoop for Us
We're missing out on all the fun. We're not in Portland today, so we're bummed to be missing this particular event...
Today the new Ben & Jerry's in the Pearl District will officially celebrate its grand opening! From 12-8 p.m., drop by to enjoy $2 cones (with half the proceeds going to the Oregon Humane Society!).
The Oregon Humane Society will also be on-site with some pets who need a loving home.
Ben & Jerry's is located at 301 NW 10th Ave. in the Pearl District.
07.30.07
All Aboard: Le Train Bleu
This First Thursday is packed with cool events, including a Kimberly Baker trunk show at Le Train Bleu.
This is the first-ever Portland trunk show for Seattle jewelry designer Kimberly Baker, who is known for her unique pendants inscribed with sayings like: "Revenge is a dish best served cold."
One more reason to stop by Le Train Bleu -- they now have a classic black & white photo booth! Try on a new get-up and head for the photo booth to check yourself out.
Finally, as if the jewelry and photo booth weren't enough, they'll be mixing up Le Train Bleu cocktails starting at 6 p.m. See you there!
07.27.07
Bar Dué Gets its Due
Bar Dué, owned and operated by the adjacent Fratelli restaurant, is featured in today's Portland Tribune.
Fratelli and Bar Dué are located at 1230 N.W. Hoyt St.
07.26.07
KATU Reports on Via Delizia Robbery
Last night KATU-TV reported on the Via Delizia robbery we told you about earlier in the week.
And add Cheeky B to the list of victims - apparently they were visited by the same suspect on Tuesday.
Updated to Add: More coverage in today's Oregonian.
07.26.07
Kissing Booths, Pet Readings and More
This weekend's Pets in the Pearl is shaping up to be a quite the event. In fact, one of the most popular pooches on the planet, Zelda, will even be making an appearance.
The part we can't wait to see though: the old-fashioned kissing booth, sponsored by Plum Tree Mortgage. They're promising to bring the "hottest girl in the Pearl" for a free, five-hour smooch fest, with free gelato to boot.
Bring your four-legged friends to the Ecotrust parking lot on Saturday, July 28 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. to enjoy a pet mall full of merchandise, gifts and services, live entertainment, refreshments, raffle prizes, pet adoptions, vaccine and microchip clinics, animal experts (even pet readings!), and more!
07.25.07
Summer Sippin'
Just a reminder on a fun way to spend a summer evening. Ten 01's next class in their Summer Cocktail Series is tomorrow. Bartender Kelley Swenson, who teaches the course, was just recognized in Willamette Week's Readers Poll as one of the city's best!
Thursday, July 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m. - "The Evolution of the Martini" will trace the ever-changing face of the most lasting cocktail, the martini. Participants will sample various martini recipes as they were recorded throughout history, while also discovering who invented the drinks and just how dry they should be.
07.25.07
Pearl Spots Make Willamette Week's "Best-Of"
Willamette Week's "Best Of Portland" issue hit newsstands today, and we're happy to report that several Pearl District businesses were among the favorable mentions - most notably in the Readers' Poll.
Best Pizza - Hot Lips
Best Chinese - Sungari Pearl
Best Yoga - Yoga in the Pearl
Best Local Booze - Bridgeport Brewing Co.
Best Bartender - Ten 01's Kelley Swenson and Park Kitchen's Kevin Ludwig both receive 'runners-up' honors
Best Place to Rub Shoulders with the Beautiful - Bluehour makes runner-up
Best Girls' Shoes - Shoefly
Best New Building - Armory
And, last but not least... in the Top 5 Reasons to Move Away from Portland: the Pearl! (Oh, wait... maybe we shouldn't have mentioned that one :)
07.25.07
Is the Pearl District a "Community"?
D.K. Row posted an interesting comment on the Oregonian's Visual Arts blog yesterday:
Walk around the Pearl District and you'll come to the conclusion that it isn't part of the city -- heck, it is another city, separate. Then again, I'm not even sure if the Pearl is a community -- the people in a community are bound together by, among other things, a need that creates a special bond. I'm all for businesses thriving. But how many cafes, restaurants, specialty goods stores and tanning and day spa salons does this modest sized city need in one concentrated area?It's a valid question. We'd argue that the Pearl District is a community. Perhaps we don't share a common neighborhood "need" as Row mentions, but we certainly share many similar interests. My neighbors are a diverse group, but our similarities - our love for urban living, appreciation for great restaurants and parks - we think that's more than enough basis to build "community." What do you think?
07.24.07
Armed Robber Hits Via Delizia
Attention Pearl District business owners and residents... today we've actually got some serious news.
An armed robber hit popular Italian cafe Via Delizia this past Friday night, and owners Karen and Chris want to spread the word to help protect their neighboring businesses.
Shortly before midnight (closing time on the weekend), a white male carrying a Louis Vuitton "mailbag" came in the restaurant and demanded the money from the till while brandishing a silver and black gun in the front of his waistband. Via Delizia employees complied and the man stuffed the money in his large bag and left.
The robber was approximately 5'9" - 5'10", white, lanky with a thin face and scruffy dark goatee. He wore dark jeans, a dark shirt and a red baseball cap with a black bill. According to the Pearl District Business Association, this isn't the first armed robbery in the neighborhood. The Quizno's shop in the Marshall Wells building was also hit recently, and police think it's the same guy.
If you notice someone matching this description, lingering around your business near closing time, alert the police. We're thinking his stylish Louis Vuitton bag, real or not, is gonna get him caught!
07.24.07
Bits and Pieces of Pearl District News
The Brewery Blocks have only been up for sale for a matter of months and they're already going, going, gone! According to today's Oregonian, JPMorgan Chase & Co. outbid 15 other companies for the right to shell out $291.6 million for the coveted property.
The public may see little or no impact from the sale, at least in the short term. Nearly all of the tenants are in long-term leases of about 10 years or so.Seven years after the brewery purchase, the blocks are nearly 100 percent occupied, and many of the eight local investors that originally invested in the development are ready to move on.
In other Pearl development news, the new foot and bike overpass proposed by the Pearl District Neighborhood Association is getting some coverage in local media. KGW business reporter Joe Smith reports on the project, calling it "expensive, but possibly historic." So who's gonna foot the bill?
The Pearl District Neighborhood Association will use tax incremental funding and help from the Portland Development Commission to foot the bill for some of the the extra cost. The rest will come from private donors.
07.23.07
Pedaling in the Pearl Gets Easier
Today's Oregonian reports that two bike corrals will soon be added to the Pearl District, making it easier for bicyclists to find a safe spot for their ride.
"The Pearl's on-street corrals will go up at Northwest 13th Avenue and Hoyt Street by the Acorn Cafe and at Northwest 12th and Johnson by Pacific Northwest College of Art, transportation officials said."
07.22.07
Food Network Visits the Pearl
The Food Network was in town today to visit one of our all time favorite Pearl District spots - can you guess where? We'll give you a few hints...
-it was for the show "The Secret Life Of..."
-a cherry red 1950s hot rod was strategically parked outside
-filming began early; a strong cup of coffee was a must
Updated to Add: Geez, no guesses? It couldn't have been that hard to guess... the featured restaurant was Fuller's. The episode will focus on the history of coffee shops, thus the 1950s car parked out front.
07.20.07
Tai Chi in the Pearl
"Work clothes are fine, but heels are not."
*sigh* Only in the Pearl would that sentence be necessary on a Tai Chi course description!
Next time you need a true mid-day break from work, head over to the Armory for a free Tai Chi session. Classes are offered at noon every Wednesday and Friday through August 31. For more information, contact instructor David Vanadia.
07.19.07
Matisse Moves to the Pearl
Yet another great shopping option just joined the Pearl. Women's clothing boutique Matisse has recently relocated from NE Broadway to 1236 NW Flanders. (Matisse is located inside Cargo, with its own entry on Flanders.) This unique store carries beautiful, quality pieces that won't go out of style.
07.18.07
Portlanders Take Their Cupcakes Seriously
Wow, apparently cupcakes aren't just a nostalgic treat around here! The new Cupcake Jones in the Pearl District has already inspired several reviews, including one posted today by Joanna Miller at Portland Food and Drink.
For more, check out what's being said at ExtraMSG and Neighborhood Notes.
07.18.07
Rumor Has It...
... that the Pearl District Manzana may be ready for a shake-up. After the sale of Pacific Coast Restaurant's holdings (Manzana, Henry's, Stanford's, Newport Bay, etc.) finally went through this week, the new owners were in town surveying their purchases.
Rumor among insiders is that while the other PCR restaurant concepts are doing well, Manzana in the Pearl could be doing much, much better. Let's face it - the growth of the Pearl in the past few years has brought us some great new restaurants that Manzana currently can't compete with. Their menu and overall concept is probably still highly successful in Lake Oswego, but the Pearl restaurant scene is far more competitive - and that chunk of real estate on NW 12th and Glisan is far too valuable to not consider some new options.
Now the question is: will they overhaul the existing concept or create something entirely new?
07.17.07
One More Reason to Love the Farmers Market
As if the Berry Fest, Summer Loaf and numerous other tastebud tantalizing festivals weren't enough, the folks at Portland Farmers Market have created yet another yummy event: The Peaches and Cream Festival. This new event celebrates the joy of fresh stone fruit with peach shortcake made from the area's finest peaches and topped off with whipped cream provided by Organic Valley Family of Farms.
Stop by to grab a peach shortcake and get some peachy inspiration from area chefs this Thursday, July 19, at the Ecotrust Market in the Pearl. The Market is open from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Ecotrust in the Pearl District (NW 10th between Irving and Johnson).
07.13.07
"Explore the Pearl" Summer Style
A new issue of "Explore the Pearl" magazine is out now, and it's all about summertime in the Pearl. From creating the perfect outdoor living space to throwing a great bash for friends, this issue offers tons of inspiration.
07.13.07
Summer Sidewalk Sale
Update your summer wardrobe in one trip through the Pearl!
Head over to NW 11th and Johnson St. today through Sunday (7/13-15) for a collaborative sidewalk sale... retailers Shoefly, Le Train Bleu and Posh are each offering up to 70% discounts on brands like Anna Cohen, Ella Moss, Posh Baby, Diesel, Tsubo and more.
07.13.07
Pearl District Firm Designs New Digs
Ziba Design, a Pearl District based design firm, is dreaming up a new home for their creative services. According to the Portland Business Journal, their future building will feature not only their own office space, "but also a retail and services center focusing entirely on design."
Ziba isn't going far though - their new building will be just 7 blocks away. The company is working with Portland firm Holst Architecture on the project, which is expected to be a $12 million, 70,000-square-foot building at NW 9th Ave. and Marshall St. in the Pearl District.
07.13.07
Bottoms Up!
Grab your drinking buddies and head over to the Pearl District's North Park Blocks this weekend. The 2007 Portland International BeerFest, which kicks off today at 4 p.m., celebrates the world's most legendary brewing styles and the nations that made them famous. Taste more than 100 world class beers from more than 15 countries, including some extremely rare ones!
The cost for entry is $20 (which includes 10 beer tickets and an official PIB glass). Additional beer tickets are $1; Each 4oz. beer serving costs between 1-3 tickets. Cheers!
07.12.07
A Priceless Perk
"Will work for designer denim discounts."
That phrase would likely find its way onto our application for this fashionable job opening... Katy from Nolita has a part-time position available starting late July/early August. Interested? Gotta work Sundays, either Tuesday or Thursday and/or Saturday. Oh, and having a love for great clothes wouldn't hurt! Contact Nolita for more details; the store is located at 923 NW 10th Ave. in the Pearl District.
07.11.07
Triple Digit Temps: Day Two
Happy hump day. Time to head out for cold drinks and sweet treats to distract ourselves from the triple digit heat. For inspiration, head to Portland Food and Drink, which has a review of the new Fratelli bar... or to Neighborhood Notes for the details on Cupcake Jones' opening and some yummy pictures, sure to make you crave a cupcake!
07.10.07
En Plein Air in the Pearl
This Saturday (Bastille Day), artists will fill the Pearl District's North Park Blocks for a day of en plein air painting (aka: painting out in the open) to capture the look and feel of the city and our neighborhood.
Utrecht Art Supplies is organizing the festivities, slated for 12-5 p.m. You can even try your hand at your very own impressionistic sketch of the park blocks at the Utrecht Outdoor Painting Station! For more info, stop by the Utrecht store at 1122 NW Everett St. in the Pearl District.
Check out Neighborhood Notes for more Bastille Day event info.
p.s. thanks to Julian at pdxpipeline for the heads up on this cool event!
07.10.07
TearDrop Lounge Opens Next Week
Construction at the new TearDrop Lounge is nearly complete, with the bar slated to open by Tuesday, July 17. A sneak peek today left us quite impressed - the bar's style and aesthetics are already looking nice, despite the construction dust. A recent Oregonian had this to say about TearDrop's plans behind the bar:
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.
TearDrop Lounge is located at 301 N.W. 10th Ave. near the new Ben & Jerry's in the Pearl District.
07.09.07
A Dog Owner's Delight: 50% Off at Pearl Retriever
The Pearl Retriever is having a huge sale from July 12-21, offering 50% off almost everything in the store, including beds, toys, bowls, mats, collars, leashes, books, treats and more... contact The Pearl Retriever for your 50% off coupon.
07.05.07
Fishy Works of Art Arrive in the Pearl
We've never called fish "gorgeous," until today, that is. Set-up for the "Salmon for Sandy" project is in full swing in the Pearl's Jamison Square. We snapped a few shots as about 19 more large fish were being unloaded and prepped for display. Be sure to stop by Jamison Square this evening, where you can see these fishy pieces firsthand and enjoy live music hosted by Hoyt Realty Group.
07.03.07
Andina Pairs Tapas and Rosé Wines
Andina is celebrating summer with a special evening of family-style dining and sommelier Ken Collura's favorite rosé wine selections. The rosé offerings will come from all over the world; the tapas will include some Andina menu favorites, as well as a few surprises. The dinner takes place next Monday, July 9th at 6:30 p.m. in Andina's private dining room in the atrium. It costs $45 per person, not including gratuity. For reservations, call 503-228-9535. Andina is located at 1314 NW Glisan in the Pearl District.
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