Beast PDX: A Look Back at a Perfect Brunch

Chef Naomi Pomeroy was a finalist for the James Beard Award: Best Chef: Pacific Northwest in 2010, 2012 and 2013. In 2014, she was the recipient of this prestigious award.  Dan and I were lucky to snag a reservation at her restaurant Beast in June 2014, but I never had a chance to blog about it and time got away from me. To right this wrong, I am going back in time and putting the spotlight on a lovely brunch in Portland, Oregon. Welcome to Beast.

We were seated in the front window, at a farm table full of happy patrons. Dan and I hit it off with a young couple who had traveled up from California to enjoy Portland and visit Beast. They were foodies too, who had seen Naomi Pomeroy on Top Chef Masters and were excited, as we were, to have a culinary memory. One young man was a teacher and his partner loved gardens, so in addition to oohing and ahhing over each bite, we enjoyed talking about the joy and beauty of living in the Pacific Northwest. 

Brunch started as we all had hoped...with bacon. This is a strawberry clafoutis (a warm baked custard-like cake) served with vanilla bean whipped cream and maple-glazed house bacon. The cake was rich with a brownie-like chew to the edge and the bacon made me wonder why I wasn't experimenting more with maple syrup. This sticky sweet accent was a star.

Next was a plate with crispy pork belly, snap peas, romanesco, sun gold tomatoes, porcini mushrooms, summer squash, confit purple potatoes and a perfectly poached duck egg accented with a whole grain mustard hollandaise.
This dish was rich and fresh and satisfying. And substantial, I was relieved that the portions were hearty enough for Dan.

This taste of summer greens was dressed in a Sauvignon Blanc vinaigrette and was served with cheese from the Cheese Bar and a macerated prune.

The restaurant has an open kitchen, so you can watch as the magic happens.

The sweet bite at the end was a bete noire (chocolate beast) with creme Chantilly. It was dense and the flavor was rich and coffee-like. The cocoa nibs were dusted in gold lustre - an extravagant touch that I loved.

Our brunch at Beast PDX was delicious. I appreciated the time spent on preparation and presentation - it was worth every penny. 

Let me join in the chiming bells: Chef Naomi Pomeroy! 

Columbia River Highway: Wahkeena Waterfall

We had just enough time to pull into a parking spot (lucky!) and walk up to the platform at the base of Wahkeena Falls.  It was interesting to feel the temperature drop what felt like 20 degrees as we approached the falls in the shade.

I know that we will plan another trip to specifically visit this beautiful stretch of the Columbia River Highway. This was just to wet our whistle. Since it was a holiday weekend, there were a lot of people on the road, trails and standing on the platforms, yet it was unexpectedly quiet. It was as if the natural beauty brought out the respectful side of everyone. The crowd was reverent.

Oregon: Historic Columbia River Highway

I swear this is real. I got out of the car in the parking lot of the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint and took this photo on my iPhone. That is how beautiful it is, plain and simple. The blue sky and strategically placed clouds didn't hurt, but all the credit goes to Mother Nature.

We had spent 2 great days in Portland and Dan wanted to drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway before we started back toward Seattle.
We must have entered the route on exit 22, because one of the first options was to stop at this lookout. 

It stands out as one of the best views I've seen in a long time and I hope to return and have a picnic in this general area, perhaps at the next turn out called Crown Point (featuring Vista House). I could look at this view for a very long time. And remember, this is a mere 45 minutes outside of Portland.

Portland: Pendleton Woolen Mill Store is Exciting for Makers

We had the 4th of July weekend stretching out before us and our families were thousands of miles away. On Saturday morning, Dan asked if I'd like to take the 3.5 hour drive to Portland, Oregon for an overnight trip.

"Can we find the Pendleton Mill Store and get wool scraps?" When he answered yes, I started packing. I used the patriotic approach and packed pants, t-shirts and sweaters all in red, white and blue, figuring that I would match somehow. We were on the road by 10 am, looking for fun. 

A Facebook post stating "An impromptu trip to Portland! First stop, Pendleton Woolen Mill" ened up planning the rest of our trip. One friend Shannon in Seattle invited us to stop and see her at her parents' house to tour their large garden in bloom. My friend Souri in Michigan encouraged us to eat at her family's Thai restaurant in Portland and finally my friend, Marilyn in Tennessee insisted we set aside time to visit the Rose Test Garden that Portland is famous for. Our trip
was planned!

This was what inspired me to get in the car. Wool scraps! My mom said, 'Really?" when I showed her this photo, but I think I can do great things with what I found here. Pendleton makes beautiful wool blankets, clothing and accessories. 

You might remember when I told you about the Native American-inspired Print towels by Pendleton that my mom was collecting. They have stores across the country, but it is the Woolen Mill Store (8550 SE McLoughlin Blvd.) that sells Pendleton fabric by the yard, remnants and wool ends.

The store is huge and offers endless inspiration for artists and makers, as well as Pendleton enthusiasts in general. I spent ages choosing the strips of wool that I wanted to experiment with and I can't wait to get started. I promise to show you what I create.

Thread Letters: A Charming Farmers Market Display

I love when people let their passions intersect. Clearly the person behind this little booth loves to gardening and embroidery and design. She elevated tiny sunflower and radish sprouts into a still life by echoing soft colors and country charm in her display.

The tablecloth is a faded print of pea shoots and vines - a perfect backdrop for the wisps of green. And did you notice that the red stitching of the words radish sprouts is in the same color as the basket behind it and the touches of red in the cloth? Subtle but powerful. You see how, though worn, the yellow thread used in the words sunflower sprouts coordinate with the real life sprouts on the left.

A wooden hoop, cotton fabric and thread letters caught my attention far more than pen and paper ever would.  When you utilize the skills you have, even when they don't seem to fit the job description, your originality will win every time.

And by the way, I've never seen an oval embroidery hoop for sale, have you?

I found this charming display at the Portland Farmer's Market on the Portland State University campus last June. If you're in the area on a Saturday this Spring, please stop by this teeny table and pass on my accolades.  

My First Food Truck Experience: Dog House PDX in Portland

When I was plotting our weekend getaway to Portland, Oregon, I had "visit food trucks" at the top of my list.  I love watching the Food Network and the Cooking Channel (plus I read a lot of magazines) and I was tired of having a media lens between me and a delicious meal.  Food trucks aren't easy to come by in my part of Michigan and I was excited that I would be in an area full of culinary choices.

And then I ordered a cheeseburger.  I know, sounds ridiculous but by the time we'd eaten our way across the Portland Farmers Market and a gourmet brunch at Beast, I was ready for an American classic.

I found my perfect meal at a bright red food truck called Timber's Dog House PDX.  I enjoyed a cheeseburger and chocolate milkshake on a picnic table in the sun.  Everything tastes better outside and this was no exception. It may sound silly, but I've never eaten a hamburger that was this hot. Beautifully prepared and right off the grill really makes a difference. And the milkshake was thick and chocolatey with just the right amount of salt. I loved it and didn't want to share. I need a bigger one next time, that's for sure.

I promise to try Hawaiian Fusion or something with pork belly the next time I have a chance, but on this particular evening, I was happy to go with a classic. If you find yourself within reach of Timber's Dog House PDX, order from their wide variety of choices and you're sure to have a great meal.

Portland Farmer's Market: A Foodie's Happy Place

Take everything you've heard about the Portland Farmer's Market, dial it up a few notches, add some goat cheese and you will be close to imagining how great this farmer's market is.

This is the market for every kind of food lover. 10 kinds of fresh mushrooms - check. Organic beef - check. Fresh squash blossoms, ready to stuff - check.

We thought that it would be a fun place to meet up with Dan's cousin and family who live in the area and we ended up spending 3 hours walking around the market, eating, talking and catching up.  What a great way to spend a Saturday in June.

I took a million pictures and I'll highlight a few of my favorite ones together in this post.  The only photo I didn't get? A selfie with Martha Stewart.  No joke! She was in this farmer's market at the same time I was and I never saw her. I just kept hearing people talking about seeing her and showing me their pictures of her. When I tweeted that Martha was at the market too, my followers thought I was kidding. Nope, Martha and I run in the same circles. Ha!

It was the height of peony season and it was all I could do to walk past these pink puffs of delight.  I admired them for a while and got a dose of visual vitamins.  I wanted to buy a wagonful and pull them around all weekend - look at the shades of raspberry and pink!

Then I happened upon Verde Cocina's massive burners loaded with chickens, bacon and vegetables from the market.

I was lured their booth by the sight and scent of this gorgeous pile of fresh vegetables cooking on a giant griddle! I ordered the Buenos Dias breakfast for $10.  It has "Two eggs scrambled with veggies over white bean garbanzo mash, topped with more veggies, ranchero salsa and locally grown and smoked bacon with a homemade tortilla on the side." Un-be-lievable!  

My husband was one happy guy when I handed him our plate.  We shared it and then I realized that I hadn't snapped a photo to show you.  A kind patron let me photograph her plate - mine was similar, except imagine lots of browned pork belly bacon chunks instead of the braised pork. 

It was fresh, loaded with flavor and absolutely wonderful.  I kept thinking "how did they do this?" as I devoured spoonfuls.  The ingredients are simple and the effect is steller. Plus everything tastes better outside!

The Portland Farmer's Market is a great blend of farmers (vegetables), specialty food producers (goat cheese, charcuterie) and bakers/cooks (pies, salad dressings). I love how more and more markets are expanding to include ready-to-eat food.

You could buy a beautiful pies...

Or stock up on organic duck breast, chicken eggs or salami from the Deck Family Farm.

My posse spent so much time sampling and admiring the pate at Chop's booth, I was relieved when we each bought a container of their fresh pate. We bought the Chicken Liver Bourbon Mousse and it was divine.

Somebody make some pickles! Look at these beautiful cucumbers!

Yes, we ate again. Do me a favor and pretend that more time passed than it really did.  We sat on a bench and enjoyed shredded chicken tamales from Salvador Molly.  This is food made with care. Delicious!

When I saw this wagon, loaded with products from the market, I asked the owner if I could take a picture. "That's quite a haul!" She was proud of the bounty she had accumulated and couldn't wait to get home and cook.  Such fun! I look forward to doing this at my own farmer's market when I get home. This year I want to can peaches.

Dan's cousin insisted we try the delicious cookies at Two Tarts Bakery and she was raving about their selection as we walked up to the bakery counter. The baker just looked at me and smiled.  She didn't blow my cover, but she could have. You see, I'd already stopped at her booth when I was wandering the market and eaten one of her lemon bars in the bottom left of this picture. A butter crumb topped lemon bar that really tasted like lemon. Oh yes, I this was a display that I couldn't pass by. 

It isn't hard to take great photos at this market, everything is bright and fresh and ready to eat! If you are ever in Portland on a weekend, you must wander this farmer's market. It really is a good thing.

Portland: Sweet Pea Central

I am spoiled! We were invited to tour a garden in Seattle (pictures to come in a blog post soon) and I was sent home with this spectacular bouquet of Sweet Peas, fresh cut from the garden just for me.

I have only grown Sweet Peas in my garden once (why? I ask myself, why?) and the starter plant was so small I only had one vine of blooms, certainly not enough to cut. Do you remember when I wrote about it?

I have always loved Sweet Peas and I even had a Laura Ashley comforter that was covered in vines of these cherry red and lavender blue blossoms.  I distinctly remember making my bed in college and a sorority sister helped me by teaching me that "the blooms grow up the bed" as a secret to knowing which direction the pattern should be going on the bed spread. The lessons you never forget. 

I've had this bouquet blooming in our hotel room all week and it still looks beautiful!