A Portland Weekend

My cup is FULL. After a long weekend away with some of my closest friends in Portland, Oregon, returning to the District has been more than a challenge. Being with your people makes it impossible not to smile from ear to ear. So to keep us in dreamland, here are a few must dos from the City of Roses...

+ FOOD

Mid-meal at Tusk... Obviously we were all over it.

Brunch at Broder Nord. I mean the baked eggs, open faced sandwiches and hash were all spot on. The cherry on top- what I can only describe as light dough balls dipped in lemon curd. Need evidence? Click here.

Lunch at Matt's BBQ. No photos of the food but trust these smiles, get the ribs! The meat literally falls off the bone... GAHHH!

Dinner at Tusk. A fresh take on vegetables, this meal will leave you craving more and more while also feeling happily fed with only the good stuff. Chef Joshua McFadden is no joke! The cocktails are damn delicious too!

+ GOODS

Still drooling over Spartan's photo and pottery display (photo by Paulo Palugod, bestie and Instagram star!)

Frances May. This clothing boutique is a blend of Tuckernuck and Need Supply that suits me perfectly. Thank goodness for no sales tax!

School House Electric. Checking out this store was a no brainer. I've been obsessed for years and getting to see all the goods in-person was true heaven.

Spartan Shop. Just stepping into this store takes your breath away. The curated home goods housed in this store are thoughtful, clearly hand-picked and individually made. Every last good is laid out for a perfect display, which you know gets this girl grinning. Such order should be adopted by the world, people! The WORLD!

WM Goods. This little shop had hosted an event the prior night and the leftover flowers were alluring and highlighted the paper goods, small pottery and women's assortment of linen. Totally swoon worthy and what dreams are made of.

+ ACTIVITIES

Baby potatoes with fava beans + cucumber, celery, apricot and pistachio salad (from Tusk Chef's cookbook: Six Seasons) + sausage + lamb ribs... All meat and produce via the Farmers Market - too good (OY!) Photo again by Mr. Paulo P.

Park Avenue Wines. We were guests at this little wine shop for a Krug Champagne tasting paired with fried chicken and caviar. With a combination like that, it's impossible to not leave an impression.  Especially when Bullard is handling the food. Bullard is "one of the most anticipated restaurants opening" in PDX led by Top Chef contestant Doug Adams and Jen Quist, bar and restaurant developer extraordinaire! We can't wait to return to the full brick and mortar (SQUEEEEE!)

Portland Farmers Market. As one of the largest farmers markets I've encountered, there was no shortage of produce, meat, baked goods and dairy. It was refreshing to head to a market and be able to buy our whole dinner from start to finish.

Sauvie Island and Wildlife Area. Who knew you could lounge on a sandy beach just 30 minutes from Portland? Sauvie Island is the largest island along the Columbia River beloved by locals and out-of-towners alike. The beach allows dogs and picnicking - two things closest to my heart which is why it's hard to admit this was my first trip after spending four years in Portland for college.

Three peas in a pod. Beyond love for Katie and Kris - my cheeks still hurt from smiling! Please come visit us STAT!