• cocktails from our girlfriends brunch at Mermosa
    Brunch,  Oregon,  Portland Foodie

    A Beautiful Girlfriends Brunch at Mermosa in NW Portland

    If you’re looking for the perfect Instagramable brunch spot for your next girlfriends brunch, head over to Mermosa in NW Portland. Mermosa serves their brunch family style with portions plated to feed four or more people. Our group of nine simply split into two different ordering groups to make the most of the sharable entrees. If you’re the kind of person (like me) who loves a well garnished plate, then you will love all the options at Mermosa. The entire experience from start to finish is a feast for the eyes! I love this jellyfish inspired floral arrangement hanging above the tables and the navy and white striped curtains gave…

  • The Foster Llamas mural (Photo is not mine) From https://www.johnnyterrific.com/foster-llamas
    Coffee Shops,  Portland Foodie

    Great Places in the Foster Powell Neighborhood

    The Foster Powell neighborhood located in South East Portland, affectionately known as FoPo, is the only triangle-shaped neighborhood in Portland. The area is beginning to see a resurgence with vibrant new shops and restaurants popping up, so I mapped out a few of them went exploring. But First a little Portland History This land was originally farmland owned by pioneer homesteader Phillip Foster who arrived in the Oregon Territory in 1843. The Fosters also owned land in Eagle Creek and if you love living history experiences, I highly recommend visiting the historic Phillip Foster Farms site. If you would like to learn more about the history of this neighborhood, I…

  • Portland Mercado Food Carts
    Lunch,  Oregon,  Portland Foodie

    Visit Portland Mercado for Delicious Latin Cuisine

    The food carts at Portland Mercado are not to be missed, so to ensure a great experience I’m sharing some of my favorite entrees that you should try on your next visit to Portland Mercado. Located in the Foster-Powell neighborhood, you will find Portland Mercado, a thriving hub of Latin American culture featuring a food cart pod, bars and a grocery market that celebrate our community’s Latino heritage. The food carts represent five regions of Mexico, as well as Colombia, Peru and Cuba. Over the past couple years I’ve visited Portland Mercado several times and the following is a breakdown of what I’ve ordered. What to Order on your Visit…

  • Food,  Oregon,  Portland Foodie

    A Taste of Russia at Kachka in Portland Oregon

    Today’s foodie lunch experience featured a taste of Russia at Kachka in SE Portland. When I previewed the menu I was little nervous due to the amount of herring and beet options. Despite being 1/2 Norwegian, I’m not a fan of herring. And beets…Well, beets taste like dirt. 😬 Everything I sampled had a wonderful combination of flavors and tasted so fresh. I always find it helpful to see photos, especially if it’s food I’m not familiar with, so here’s a look at what we ordered. What we Tried I ordered the CURED SALMON BUTERBROD (beet cured salmon, farmer’s cheese, pickles and radish sprouts on toasted rye.) Yum!! If you…

  • St Johns bridge in Portland Oregon
    Guides,  Hiking Adventures,  Hiking Guides,  Oregon

    Forest Park Ridge Trail Hiking Guide

    This hike through Forest Park offers an outstanding view of the iconic St Johns Bridge in NW Portland. Did you know, Forest Park is the largest urban wilderness in the United States? As such there are numerous trails to explore within Forest Park. According to Portland Monthly Magazine, one of the best trails in the park is the Ridge Trail. Whether you prefer urban hikes or a more peaceful hike through trees, you will experience both along the Ridge Trail. Parking for this hike is limited to about 6-8 cars near the trailhead. Without other nearby places to park, you will have better luck going early or later in the…