Sorry, friends. There has been an extended delay in my posts because I am vacationing in Portland, the city of roses, curbside compost service, breweries on every corner, and brunch hot spots! Portland holds a close place in my heart….and stomach. We come up here often and are always inspired by the progressive nature toward bike lanes and general public transit. They also have a vibrant food scene which utilizes farm to table concepts in nearly every restaurant, featuring the freshest seasonal produce.

Our friends that we stayed with were the best hosts and took us to some of the most delicious and unique places in town…. No pepto donuts at voodoo. If you happen to travel to PDX soon, here are some of the places we went and are highly recommended by my stomach! All of these locations had gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Clyde Common – simply amazing. It is a bit pricey but we went for lunch and it was very affordable. My swiss, kale, and apricot jam panini was life changing. And did I mentions the side of pickled grapes. Ya, pickled grapes. This dish has inspired me to try to create something similar when we get back to KC. Especially since today’s Food Matter’s Project recipe is a dessert panini (Cherry Chocolate Panini) by Margarita of Let’s Cook and Be Friends. Check it out.

Portobello – this is actually one of my favorite restaurants that I have ever eaten at….and it’s vegan. They are inventive, inspiring, fresh, and never disappoint. I had spaghetti and beet-balls. HOLY CRAP. I can’t tell you how good those damn beet-balls were. But one thing is for certain: I am making some when we get home. Sage and caraway seeds gave them a distinct sausage flavor. Ten thumbs up! This dish inspired me to incorporate beets into black bean burgers that I made last night….recipe to come when we get back.

Beaterville Cafe and Bar – great diner with awesome gluten free biscuits. Located walking distance from our friend’s house, we ate here a few times and it was consistently great. Huge omelets, so come hungry!

Bijou Cafe – best french-style omelette of goat cheddar and local mushrooms. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of it because I was so hungry.   It was ridiculously delicious.

Tasty n’ Sons – worth the hype and again, no picture because I was so hungry when the food arrived that I hoovered my grilled asparagus and poached egg directly in my open mouth. The spring frittata had spring peas, mint, and feta. Kiley had the steak and eggs over a cornmeal pancake with jalapeño butter. The drinks were great….grapefruit mimosa is my new brunch drink of choice. Mmmmm.

Bridgeport Brewpub – best brewery and beer in town, in my book. That is a hard thing to do in a town with over 100 microbrews. Grab a seat on the patio and a pint straight from the tap. So good. I recommend the IPA.

Portland Saturday Farmer’s Market – don’t miss the farmers market on Saturday mornings on the PSU campus. It is the best I have seen.