by Karen Green Al-Amir 223 SW Stark 274-0010 After George Bush invades Syria, who do you think will be next? My bet is Lebanon. Its capitol, Beirut, is the site of many violent conflicts between Israel and the Hezbollah resistance. I sincerely hope that we never invade Lebanon, and I’ll tell you why: Portland (“Little […]
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Self-Hell
Analysis for People on the Go
Do I Have Post-War Depression? After months of mounting unease and emotional angst surrounding the war in Iraq, many Americans have had to face a startling truth. That was IT? Just as soon as you allow yourself to start enjoying the live war extravaganza, it’s over. Think you might be suffering from the post-war blues? […]
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The Ancient Pit
Or… What’s Summer Without a Pig Roast?
Scenario: Fifty people are coming over to your house or military compound and you must feed them; you are having a party. While there is a certain amount of grace within the pastoral aesthetic of the furnished patio–arranged just-so in the warm, safe glow of an even-cooking gas grill amidst a yard replete with croquet […]
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Drink
drink 21st Ave Bar & Grill 721 NW 21st, 222-4121. Lots of foliage and a Koi pond!! Ash Street Saloon 219 SW Ash, 226-0430. One of the most magical patios in all of Portland. The walls are so tall you might think you’re still inside. Then you look up. What’s that? It’s a blanket of […]
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Our Spring Eatin’ Guide to Restaurant Patios
A Aalto Lounge 3356 SE Belmont, 235-6041 Located in the heart of SE Belmont, and described by one nearby resident as being a good place to go “when I want to feel like I’m getting out of my neighborhood.” The Aalto has nice, retro mood lighting, a great counter area, and a cozy little patio […]
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Love Is In The Air
Not to Nitpick, But Try a Picnic
Even in this modern age of computer dating and impersonal internet sex, the popular tradition of a romantic picnic with your lover is still a surefire way to climb aboard the booty train. Try some of these picturesque (and close-in spots) for your next outdoor LOVE feast. Pittock Mansion What’s most charming about the Pittock […]
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Ciao, Gelato!
Dreams Come in Pistachio, Other Flavors
Staccato Gelato 232 NE 28th and Burnside 231-7100 Staccato Gelato would like to introduce you to something silky, cold, and fun to say: gelato. With the recent opening of what could be Portland’s only dedicated purveyor of handmade gelato and sorbeto, two sisters have followed through on a wacky dream. “We wanted a gelato tricycle […]
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Self-Hell
Analysis for People on the Go
Do I Have SARS? Feeling a little under the weather? Throat a little scratchy? SWEET JESUS, YOU PROBABLY HAVE SUDDEN ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS)! There is NO CURE. It’s SWEEPING the globe. People are DYING. You had better take this true/false quiz STAT. It just might save your life. Good luck! T F I’ve recently […]
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The Cup Runneth Over
Navarre: A Portland Jewel
Navarre 10 NE 28th 232-3555 Navarre does everything right. Their food is absolutely perfect. I have not one complaint about my visit. Every dish was spectacular. I will continue on, but I have already told you everything you need to know. It’s possible that there could be some skepticism about this fabulous new restaurant because […]
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Thai Machine
Tuk Tuk’s Flavor Falls Flat
Tuk Tuk 4239 NE Fremont 282-0456 A local expert recently said to me, “Tuk Tuk has done for the 1990s what Kim Hong did for the 1980s.” I know, you have no idea what this local expert is talking about. But please, let me explain. For many years, the space at 4239 NE Fremont was […]
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Taste the Steak
The Dining Room: Classy for Real
Dining Room NE 23rd & Fremont 288-5500 When you see the sign for the Dining Room, you don’t automatically think, “The best damn steak you’ve ever tasted.” Rather, you might think, “Typical foodstuffs in an upscale environment; a good place to take my parents.” Either way, you’re right. The Dining Room, recently inhabiting the space […]
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In Town Holiday
Catalina’s Coastal Fare
Catalina’s 517 NE Killingsworth St 503-288-5911 We’re lucky here in Portland. When it comes to south-of-the-border fare, we don’t do too badly for a city that’s so far north. We’ve got taquerias out the ass. Lucky, yes, but sometimes you want to go to an actual Mexican restaurant–a place that offers table service, without forcing […]