Rainy Day? Got Time? Pamper Yourself.

What to do in Portland when it rains?

Many people's attitude changes with the weather.  For staying positive during a rainy day, give yourself more time to do what you usually do.  Pamper yourself a little to make yourself mentally and emotionally happier.  There are different ways you can help pamper yourself, but you know what's best for yourself. 

Staying home? 

Find some alone time, release your imagination with a movie or a book.  Take a bath.  Baths help calm your muscles and mind.  

Going out?

I would recommend to take your time (if you got it) to get ready.  Even if it's just going to a book store or coffee shop, make yourself feel great.  

You want a quiet place to go? 

Stay home or going out to a quiet place (bookstores, libraries, museums). 

5 Highly Recommended Places to Explore in Portland

#01) Coffee Shops

Go to a Coffee Shop.  Tea Shop.  (A Bar if you like.)  Somewhere where you can just grab a drink, sit down and look around yourself.  Portland has many coffee shops where you can sit around or read a book, or even surf the web.  Even if you're not going for coffee, they don't mind handing you a cup of water if you ask! 

#02) Museum

Going to a museum to look at arts is something I'd love to do.  To just walk and observe and grab a feeling of an art piece is an amazing feeling one person can have to an artwork.  There are multiple museums in Portland where you can find different styles and ambiance that is held in the place. 

#03) Park

Portland air is fresh and breezy, why not go outside and enjoy the parks?  There is the Waterfront Park, next to the Willamette River (great view).  There is also the Park Blocks in Portland, where you can sit and enjoy the trees that surround you.  This is my favorite place to go because watching the green trees are so pretty and peaceful, as others also huddle around an area to read books just down a block from you.  Many people also picnic, mainly because it is on PSU campus.  

#04) Library

Going to a Library and finding a new book for yourself, or just reading a book there and lose time is an amazing way to spend your day out of home.  Powell's Bookstore is a huge hit in Portland, same as the PSU Library where students go to study (where they also chat a bunch also).  Besides main bookstores, look around and local bookstores that may be interesting to walk into and explore. 

#05) Window Shopping

If you love being artistic and shopping, you can do a couple window shopping to help give creative ideas to any projects you may have.  Portland has many antique stores that can help your mind jungle between ideas.  Along with window shopping, just exploring the town and looking at places you've never been to would help your creative side.  This isn't just a Portland thing, this is something you should do wherever you go.  It is a way for you to get to know your surroundings because your environment shapes who you are.  

10th & Alder VS 4th College

Food Carts Pod 

I've challenged to compare these two pods.  I love both almost the same amount, but there are some ups and downs I do have for each places.  I will be comparing 10th and Alder food carts and 4th and College (next to PSU) and their differences. 

Which pod is better? 

Both pods have great varieties.  My first experience was at 10th & Alder.  They have a large variety of Hispanic, Arabian, Chinese, and Thai inspired dishes.  This place's atmosphere always lively whenever I go there, mainly because I do go during rush hours (11-12 or 3:30/4).  I realized many travelers do also come to this food cart because it is right next to Pioneer Square.  This made me feel as if people overrated this area, however, from other food cart pods, this one is starting to shut down more pods than others. 

Rolls Plus Sushi Cart

What I really loved from this was BBQ Pork Buns at a Sushi/ Vietnamese food cart name Rolls Plus Sushi.  This place would sell out on their buns quick, so you'd have to get there fast.  They only open from 11 am - 4 pm, but sometimes they aren't open at all!  I've also recently tried their Bahn Mi, which is surprisingly good.  I usually love eating Best Baguette Bahn Mi's, but this was a unique one.  It had a sweet pickling juice but also an umami taste.. something about it just amazed me.  I wasn't expecting it to be that good.

When I do eat at food carts, I usually get Thai food (because it's literally everywhere).  

Bangkok Curry Co. 

For Curry, I would head to 4th and College.  The Bangkok Curry food cart is my absolutely favorite.  I am a frequent regular there.  This place has authentic (to my opinion) curry that is always consistent food quality.  First  I would usually get the "Chicken Pad Thai" and currently moved onto Pumpkin Curry or Yellow/ Red Curry (all are great).  I love this place for their friendliness and great food quality! 

Nong's Khao Man Gai Cart

Both cart pods have Nong's Khao Man Gai, one of Portland most popular food cart in town.  This is because of a successful story from the Owner, who turned a food cart from Craigslist into a major hit, then opening her own restaurant after the food cart as well.  They serve simple chicken and rice, but the most important thing, they ask "white or dark meat?"  They want you to get what kind of chicken you like, also, they're free range.  

So Who Wins? 

Both places are great.  It really is hard to pick so I actually won't.  4th and College has many Arabian food carts that are becoming much more popular, but there are a couple of Thai carts, along with Asian inspired food carts.  One cart I wouldn't recommend to go at 4th and College is Phat Cart.  Many people like the food, but whenever I go there, I cannot finish their chicken.  I just don't like the taste of their chicken.  And their Pad Thai is just noodles, chicken, and sweet chili sauce (yes I can tell what is in the sauces).  I like everything else about it besides the chicken and Pad Thai served there, like their french fries.  Many of the burritos are good at 4th and College, can't go wrong with burritos! 

Burrito at 10th & Alder- Yuumm!

At 10th and Alder, they have Tito's Burritos food cart, only cash though (which is a highly recommended place, they also have a restaurant next to 4th and College).  Along with Tito's, they have a Chinese food cart that do their noodles by hand, hand stretching it.  I thought that was very interesting and unique to bring your customers in, also only cash only.  Not to miss out on the Grill Cheese Sandwiches, though I haven't been there yet, I heard amazing things.  This food cart is more for businessmen and travelers, whereas I feel that 4th and College is more geared towards College students. 

In aspect, all food carts have ups and downs.  Depending on what you get and where, you should make sure you have an idea of what you already want to get.  But in Portland, you can have Mexico next to China... with Thailand in between each countries.  Happy living Portland. 

Trimet is Everywhere

We love our Trimet transportations

Max Lines

Don't own a car?  I sure don't!!  Many people always ask me why I don't learn how to drive... One main reason is because I can't trust drivers on the roads.  The other one is... Trimet is a great place to travel everywhere in the North West Oregon.  Recently, the Orange line has finished.  From Airport to down Hillsboro, or to Milwaukie, you have many buses that goes around the town as well.

Frequent Bus Lines

There are many ups and downs about trimet though... Especially if you're a frequent user.

Ups:
- You don't pay as much as gas... Adult $2.50 (2.5 Hr/ $5 All Day) 
- You don't do the driving
- You meet new people from everywhere
- You get the feeling that you're on an exploration (well.. I do)
- Transit Tracker (Helps track when your bus/ max will arrive)
- There are under-covers at certain locations
- Happy Bus drivers

Downs:
- It can smell like Pee... literally.
- Many times, the bus/ max won't always be on time... so use the Transit Tracker.
- It can get crowded
- You have to like sharing personal space
- You wait outside... rain or shine
- People can be N O I S Y 
- Angry Bus Drivers who scare you while driving...

Depending on the way your environment is, they will affect how you react to your experience.  Most of my experience is great.  I'm glad to have good bus drivers and don't miss my max much often.  The bus does get late at times, but what can I say?  I don't drive.  


Trimet Facebook

Making Oregon Air More Fruity?

Vaping in Portland 

Becoming more popular

Vaping in Portland has become a trend.  Vaping itself is a trend recently.  Many cigarette smokers are trying to change their lifestyle by vaping.  With vaping, many people say it is just as harmful as a cigarette... which is false.  It is known to have chemical in it, but we know whats in the juice.  E- juices contrains the followings: water, propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine (some juices have 0 nicotine in it) and flavoring.

For myself, I've vaped for over a year already and is just occasionally.  I am not a cigarette smoker, but I was in for the flavors.  I love sweets so it was a way for me to get away from sweets.  I do also smoke because it also helps hunger... so I also don't get hungry as often. 

It helps people stop smoking

Many people who start vaping have a mental plan to stop smoking cigarettes.  From people I have heard from Vape shops, many of them rarely smoke a cigarette.  My boyfriend started 5 months ago, smoking roughly 5-6 cigarettes a day, now smoking half a cigarette or 1 a day now.  The flavors for vaping is outstanding as well.  It comes in such a huge variety.  Different shops will carry different brands that they hold to their names.  Some can be savory, fruity, sweet, or just weird flavors.   

Nicotines come in number of 3's.  0, 3, 6, 9, 12, etc.  You can also mix same flavored juice but different nicotine for lower numbers.  Like a 0 and a 3 to make roughly a 1.5 nicotine flavor. 

There is so much more to learn!! Why not learn from the specialists in town? 

Vape Shops in Town

I've traveled to many shops in and out of town because of my boyfriend.  He does vape more often now.  We've traveled to 82nd (more North of Downtown Portland) to EVL PDX, who's shop is very professional looking and have a huge variety of tips, mods and flavors.  Also in Beaverton, I've traveled to Serenity, where the owner use to sell cellphones to customers.  His goal is to create his vape shop display similar to cellphone shops (which I thought was a creative idea).

So to show a list of shops in Downtown Portland...

A) Vape Spot

Vape Spot, when I visit, is usually a lady there to help with service.  She's pretty chill and knows her information very well.  She does only display all of her tips, mods, and flavors (on a shelf behind the displays).
They do also sell merchandises (hats and t shirts) to represent mod and flavor creators.

Vape Spot Facebook

B) Rose City Vapesters

This place has many customers going into it, mainly because Vapour Heights and Vape Spot is a little out of the center of Portland Downtown.  What I like about this place is that they have wooden planks holding up displays (which gives an awesome vibe to the atmosphere).  What this place has is a membership where you can pay for about $75 dollars to get 1-2 bottles of juice a day, any flavor and nicotine.  I thought this was pretty cool also because it helps connect people and it is more easy for people to come try new flavors while keeping up with new vaping flavors.

Rose City Vapesters Facebook

(Because C is out of the way..) 

D) Vapour Heights
Vapour Heights is a friendly place for me and my boyfriend to go to because we know the owner as a great friend.  Vapour Heights is actually a store branched off of another.  Originally from California, Vapour Heights get their products from local Portland (who create juices). Some different items are also shipped from out of state because it is a branch.
So the typical flavor display and mod/ tip display also applies in this shop.  One difference is that their staff has such a strong support with each other individually.  The staff would love to help get you started with anything, any questions asked.  Vapour Heights also has many events and competitions that invites the community to be involved.


Vapour Heights Website
Vapour Heights Facebook

My Personal Story

My first Vape Pen (Clear Tank, Black Tip, Silver Pen)

Second Pen, more similar to E- Cig, 

So I've started vaping a year ago and I never went to shops, therefore, I've always ordered my juices online with starter kits.  I love the thin pens but later learned that they don't give as much vapor than you'd like (if you're up for flavor or vapor, there is much difference).  

Flavor is the best part for me.  I always loved fruits and sweets AND the smell of the vape when you breathe out.  Who needed air sprays??  I'm pretty sure I didn't.  

When I started going to shops, it helped me build connections and learned more about vaping.  Never knew it could get so complicated.  Some people build their own tanks... with cotton and wires.  I'm way too lazy for that!  But then, you can have others do it for you, for a fee charge.  

Tiffany Zombie Mod

Zero Clone Mod

Recently, I've been vaping similar juices that are fruity.  Switching around with my boyfriend's tanks, I used the Zero clone first, then he grabbed me a Tiffany Zombie Mod for my birthday (which is so beautiful, I'm scared to drop).  

I did realize how people have different styles for their vape pen/ mods.  Each style is unique and each person have their own taste of what they like.  This is why it had came to conclusion that vaping is a great way to keep Portland unique, but also, a way to have the people in Portland to be unique in their own tastes.  

Cross one bridge, cross another... and 8 others...

Portland Bridges

Portland has many bridges that crosses Willamette River.. 10 to be exact, for the Portland Area and 2 more bridges (St. Johns and Burlington Northern Railroad) North of the Willamette.  

Hawthorne

Fremont 

Burnside

Steel

Morrison

Broadway

Marquam 

Ross Island

Tilikum Crossing

Eastbank Esplanade (Bike and Pedestrian Path)

The most amazing thing about these bridges?? They have amazing views of the river and Portland.

These bridges are up above the Willamette River, and next to downtown.  After sunset, these bridges glow along with the city, creating a vibrant reflection with the river water, outshining the stars. I've always loved crossing the bridges at night because of the beautiful view.  And open your windows when you're crossing!  The air is so fresh out here in Portland. 

Biking in town? 

  These bridges give transportation from trains, max and buses, to cars and trucks.  They are the structure of Portland and helps everyone commute in and out of town.  There are bikers all over Portland that commutes everyday, rain or shine.  I'm always amazed at these bikers because I'm a horrible biker myself.  I remember my Manager went to a bridge bike ride event, where you can chose 5-9 bridges to bike on.  She went for the 5 bridges.  I found it fantastic that she was so active outside of work!  I was also amazed about her biking over 5 bridges because they have to bike for such a long time.  

At the event, there were many people, and this was the hardest day for drivers to commute.  Many main roads were closed for the bikers safety.  

VooDoo? Kick it with the Coco instead.

VooDoo Doughnuts is overrated

People think VooDoo is "PDX" extreme.  I literally don't.  Yes it's great that it's 24 hours, but the service there sucks.  The people are trying to hurry and push you out the door once you get in.  And waiting for 2 hours?  Or even more.  That isn't worth it.  And cash only.  People have to walk around to find an ATM to take out cash to wait at LEAST 2 hours to get into the store to pick up 5 doughnuts and spend only 2 minutes for picking doughnuts.  Maybe for people who are CRAZY over VooDoo Doughnuts.  

On the other side.

Coco donuts is simple and amazing.  I usually get their cream fillings, or fruit fillings (I'm a fat kid).  They are much more professional looking.  Clean store, and PINK!  I mean, I'm not a girly girl, but this store shines out because of the bright pink it has.  Not only are the donuts great, but they have a variety of espressos and teas you can try (though they are typical drinks).  There is always a person over the counter to help serve you, and they're always friendly. 

They have from simple to simple and amazingly simple. 

Price: Lowest $1.00 Highest $1.65 (per 1); Dozen $12, Premium Dozen $13

So instead of going to overrated places in Portland, go to the ones that are actually worth wild.  Plus, you don't have to waste extra time waiting in line! 

Farmers Market?

Did you know, the Farmer's Market is now open on Wednesday also?

Well I sure didn't!  I was on my way walking to work on Wednesday to my job (Mucca Osteria), walking down Park Ave (I've just recently moved there, next to the Museum) and suddenly saw this!  I know it is a bit blurry because I was walking by, but seeing people huddling together under tents and browsing each others tents.  I finally realized in a quick heartbeat that it was the Farmers Market... But I thought it was only on Saturdays.  Weird right?  

Well I learned from my Chef at work (he shops local farmers markets and stores) that the Wednesday Farmer's Market opens once the weather is finally nice... as in "Spring is in the air."  It got me excited, mainly because I live right down the road from it.  But also, I've always wanted to explore the Saturdays Farmer's Market.  I guess now it's my chance.  

Mainly the Farmer's Market sells fresh produce, but sometimes you can find a small tent with samples of craft beers.  And if you're looking for amazing flowers, here's the place to go!!  They have such beautiful flower arrangements that you can find next to carrots and fennel bulbs.  

If you got sometime on Wednesday or Saturday mornings, here's a good place to do some walking! 

Running Events in Portland

You don't always have to run... 

People always think that signing up to a 5k run means you have to run, but most people go for the fun!  I never realized this until I've experienced one myself.  It was just recently (April 11th) that me and three of my friends had traveled to Vancouver to do a Blacklight 5k Run.  This was in the dark, where they throw colored flour on us and have UV Lights flashed at us, making us glow.  

There are some ups and downs on running... Here are some.

Me and my three Amiga at the end of the run. 

Ups:

- You can walk and not look lazy.

- Everyone around you is having fun.

- Depending on your event, there can be an after party.

- There are many people who are slower than you.

- You can enjoy yourself and go at your own pace.

- You are let to run in a group at a time (only certain amount of people released at a time)

- You won't get run over.

Downs:

- Depending on your event, shit can get in your face (I got flour thrown into my eyes!)

- You always want to hit finish line already in the first 15 minutes. 

- You try to not lose your group while running.

- You can get dirty (No really, you can! Depending on the event... My shoes were so clean but so dirty now).

- You will feel hungry after you're done... even though you probably ate 2 hours before the run.

- You will probably go home later than how long the run ends.. just because you're in the mood for some fun. 

There are multiple different run events that occurs around the PDX area.  Many people go to multiple of them, starting at a low price.  Ranges from $20- $45, depending on your package deal you want.  

Here's a website where I find most of my running events below. 

Active - Active- PDX

Enjoy and keep healthy at a fun pace! 

Korean BBQ

There isn't many Korean BBQ's located downtown, therefore, I've headed southwards to Beaverton. Beaverton has many asian inspired restaurant cuisines.  You can find Lebanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and even Indian cuisines.  

If you've never experienced Korean cuisine, they usually serve your main dishes with many side dishes you can incorporate into while eating (to help balance flavors).  Along with this, Korean BBQ is raw meat that you grill up yourself on the table.  There will always be onions to help season the grill.  

DJK Korean BBQ

Location: Canyon Road, Beaverton 

Hours: Mon- Sun 11 AM - 9:30 PM

My Story: DJK Korean BBQ is very family oriented.  They are very friendly with a spacious ambiance.  Korean can't go wrong when you're having BBQ.  We also ordered a side of Tempura Vegetables and Spicy Squid.  Though I always had a problem with the portion sizing on rice in every Korean Restaurant (I eat everything with rice), I'm never afraid to ask for more!  I mean, look at the size of the bowl... it's only big enough to fit my hand!  Besides the portion of rice because of my gluttonous behavior, it is always great!  The meat itself I don't believe it is seasoned, but already just fatty enough to give itself flavor.  They serve a variety of Korean BBQ menu, in example, if you're only eating for 2, or a party of 6, they have different meat varieties that comes in batches.  From Grilled Rib Eyes to sliced Beef Tongue, it is all amazing.

Sample Menu:
Beef Teriyaki (pan fried beef) - 12.95
Japchae (potato noodles stir fried with beef, onion, carrot, onion, mushroom and green onions) - 12.95
Haemul Pajeon (squid, mussel, shrimp and green onion pancake) - 12.95 

Hyumit Gui (thin slices of beef tongue) - 17.95

Facebook: DJK Korean BBQ

New Seoul Garden

Location: Canyon Road, Beaverton

Hours: Mon-Sat 11 AM - 11 PM, Sun 12 PM - 9 PM

My Story: New Seoul is very authentic compared to most places I've been to.  The lady's always speak Korean to me and my sister because they think we're Korean... but obviously catches it real quick and speaks to us in broken English.  The reason why the feel is more authentic is because of how much smaller the spacing is and the limited amount of seatings.  It isn't horribly tiny, but hard to enjoy when it's crowded.  

This time, we didn't order our Korean BBQ, but I've ordered a side of Spicy Squid again, along with Spicy Pork slices.  Of course, many side dishes to accompany us.  The main reason why I come to this restaurant is because of their Buckwheat Tea.  It is very refreshing and always have me enjoying it, even if its hot or cold (the weather and tea).  

When I went for another round, we've ordered beef rib slices.  This is the most popular because of how thinly sliced it is, it cooks fairly quick, with a great soy-sauce savory flavor.  

My Sister cooking for me

Sample Menu: 

Bulgogi (marinated beef pan fried) - 15.95

Seafood Pancake (sea food mixed with scallions in batter) - 10.95

Beef Bibimbap (rice topped with beef, mixed vegetables, and an egg on top) - 12.95

Facebook: New Seoul Garden

Portland Breweries near you.

Portland Breweries 

What are breweries and why so many?

A brewery is a place where beer is made commercially.  Portland is known for many craft beers and its amazing taste.  There are many beers because there are many people who love crafting beers.  The process is easy, but it is time consuming.  And in Portland, everyone appreciates their food and beverage.  Only in Portland will you find a huge variety of cafe shops and breweries in one location... literally next to each other (like how Kobos Coffee is next to the Clear Creek Distillery!).

List of Portland Breweries around the Willamette River Area. 

Base Camp Brewing Company 

Bridgeport Brew Pub

Burnside Brewing Company

Cascade Brewing Barrel House

Commons Brewery

Deschutes Brewery

Hair of the Dog Brewing Company

Hopworks Bike Bar 

Hopworks Urban Brewery

The Lompoc Tavern 

Migration Brewing Company 

Portland Brewing Company Taproom 

Tugboat Brewing Company

Upright Brewing

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

When you're not wanting to visit a brewery, just visit a local bar.  Most bars do have craft beers in house and the barristers will likely tell you where they are from! 

Breakfast at Starbucks? No thank you! How about...

Why not Starbucks?

Starbucks is highly overrated.  I remember seeing a Seattle's Best Coffee in town, then a couple months later, Starbucks had taken over.

It isn't a bad place to go for coffee, but there are better places.  These places are local and organic.  The people are knowledgeable about where they get their coffee beans from and how it's grown.  Do you know where your cup of coffee came from?

Where should we go to get our Breakfast instead of Starbucks? 

Portland has a huge variety of coffee shops in town.  Most also have WiFi, for business people and students.  But each cafe have a unique aspect to it.  Some focus on pastries, some on coffee itself.  Where should you go to find some breakfast? That's a great question. 

5 Different Coffee Shops in Downtown Portland

Nuvrei Cafe and Pastries 

Located on 404 NW 10th Ave on East side of Downtown, Portland.  This cafe has catering and a cafe menu with simple coffee and tea on the drink menu along with a huge cafe menu.  The menu consists

of sandwiches, baked goods, bagels, salads (for both breakfast and lunch). 

Besides having breakfast and lunch, they're also famous for their "mac bar," which is a macaroon bar t hat has about 10 varieties of macaroon flavors.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters 

Stumptown currently has six headquarters in Portland.  Also located in
Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York.  In Portland, it is located on
Ace Hotel, 1026 SW Stark Street.  Stumptown visit their coffee farms 2-3 times a year, which is amazing because they can experience the process of where the coffee beans come from.  They also offer 16 coffee seed varieties and also brewing kits! It is amazing because you can go to the people and question them about how to brew and they will know how off the top of their head.  They're experienced baristas.  And their website gives you brewing guides that you can follow as well.

Case Study Coffee Roasters

So, this place always had me interested from the outside of the building.  Located on 802 SW 10th Ave, Portland,  I notice so many students and business people were going there while I was walking by.  It came to my conclusion that this is a great place to meet with a group of people.  It is very spacious with many tables and chairs.  And almost in the center is where the Barrister is.  

Case Study does seasonal brews, what is in season is going to be brewed.  They do have a variety of house syrups, in example, a chocolate ganache, or an aged bourbon caramel.  

They've also explored where their coffee comes from, Columbia.  It is amazing to know that these people are able to experience the root of coffee.  Being able to connect with the process and how it is grown is just fantastic.

Group of Case Study Employers traveled to Columbia to see their Coffee Bean Farm.

Spella Caffe

Located on 520 SW 5th Avenue, Portland.  Spella Caffe has such a simple menu.  Espresso, macchiato, and cappuccino, Italian style. They are known for their "Hand pulled" espressos, meaning the espresso is produced in high pressure, no steam.  Spella Caffe's beans are also artisan roasted, and also offers gelato (ice cream), pastries, and teas.  This cafe has very limited hours.  Not open weekends, M-F 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM only.  It is a tiny space as well.  Those are the only downfalls.  But their experience of crafting a cup of coffee is outstanding.  Many reviews state that they're experience was worth wild.  Most do talk about the Chai Tea, how it doesn't taste like syrup, and really taste like loose leafs that was freshly brewed.  

Public Domain

At the crossing of Broadway and Alder Street in downtown Portland, Public  Domain is quite a popular cafe.  This place offers handcrafted espresso drinks and daily tastings from long time roasters.  Their coffee origin is from Sumatra (seasonal), along with 4 different blends that they do; house, Prometheus, public domain, and cold brew blends.  I forgot to note that this cafe is owned by Coffee Bean International as well.  This cafe hasn't been open long, but recently been an interest to people and how they brew their coffee.  It is a different technique, but many can still figure out (if you know the different ways to "pull").  

Each cafe's have their own techniques and uniqueness in each barrister.  They not only connect with their coffee, but also the guests.  Each place have absolute customer service and are always entertaining to watch when waiting.  Portland has many, many more cafes around town that can be explored!  It's just amazing how one little town can have so much going on at once.