Building a new life can be serious business so I give myself little rewards along the way. Of course, the best rewards are reaching my goals but since they are on-going (mindfulness, authenticity, etc.) I never “graduate”. Continue reading “Faking it with Mary Tyler Moore!”
The Second Annual Italian New Year’s Eve Party, 2015!
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days o’ auld lang syne?
We took a cup of kindness along with prosecco and wine as we celebrated the passing of 2015 and the start of 2016. The pictures tell the story!
When it’s 3 P.M. in Portland, it’s midnight in Rome. So, my friends and I raise our glasses to toast each other and the New Year. We enjoy a delicious Italian feast at a local restaurant and then go home. We avoid the crowds and driving late at night. It’s the perfect solution…celebrate with friends, go home and relax on the couch while the ball drops on Times Square!
How about you? How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Le Vieux Restaurant, 1937 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, 503.206.208.2907,www.levieuxpdx.com
Recently, Portland has lived up to its reputation as a rainy city! Sunday was no exception. It was the kind of day that makes me want to stay home and read by the fire. However, I know that it is better to get out and do things. Otherwise, the grey sky tends to color my thoughts and feelings. Continue reading “Return to Le Vieux Restaurant”
Cliff Newell from the Lake Oswego Review was our special guest at our last meeting of the Italian Book Club at Nicoletta’s Table in Lake Oswego. Here is his article that does a wonderful job of describing the spirit of our group.
“For ladies who love Italy and can’t enough of it, the Nicoletta’s Table Book Club is just the place to go.
That is if you can get a seat at the table. Continue reading “For the love of Italy!”
Lauretta Jean’s, 3402 SE Division St, Portland, OR www.laurettajeans.com
I love visiting this bakery/cafe on Division Street. It has a vibe and great food—especially the pies—that make every trip a pleasure.
Here’s a recent article from the Portland Monthly Word of Mouth
“Your guests can eat oatmeal at home. Lauretta Jean’s serves a proper breakfast meal: oven-fresh biscuits, each containing euphoric amounts of butter, served every way imaginable-French toast to vegetarian Benedict, or just cradling fresh pork sausage, an egg and maple butter. Slices of breakfast pie (pictured) are drawn from a serious collection including fresh pumpkin and a hazel-nut crowned honey pie, also available to go.”
For serious breakfast eaters, this is the place to go! Of course, a slice of pie is a good thing anytime!
Nicoletta’s Table & Marketplace, 333 N. State St., Lake Oswego. www.nicolettastable.com
Nicoletta’s Table is a wonderful, friendly restaurant where it seems that “everyone knows your name”. I love the seafood, the salads, the coffee, and the wine selection. My favorite lunch lately has been a butternut squash salad with grilled chicken and a glass of Bastianich Adriatico Pinot Gris.
I especially love the friendly staff including a warm Gallic greeting from Patrick (pictured above). A well-known figure in the Lake Oswego food scene, Patrick has a large following and brings a special “je ne sais quoi” to the restaurant. Of course, the owner Shari Newman with her love of Italy and warm personality has created a special neighborhood place that makes everyone feel welcome at the table- in this case, Nicoletta’s Table. The recent expansion is a testament to how popular Nicoletta’s Table has become! Call for reservations. If the restaurant is full, you can always treat yourself to something from the deli or marketplace.
NOLA Doughnuts, 365 N. State St., Lake Oswego. www.noladoughnuts.com
The French Quarter in Lake Oswego! A newcomer to Lake Oswego and making a big splash is NOLA Doughnuts with their light, killer beignets and chicory coffee. Add the jazz, cheerful, friendly staff and NOLA embodies the spirit of New Orleans. You just want to stay all day! I was captivated by the ambiance as I enjoyed two beignets with oodles of powdered sugar and a cafe au lait. The funny thing is that I planned to eat one beignet and take the others home. Silly me! In addition to their beignets, there are gourmet doughnuts, fritters and bites—all of which are light and so tasty!
St. Honore Bakery, Millennium Plaza on 1st Street, Lake Oswego. www.sainthonorebakery.com
My week would not be complete without a stop at St. Honore’s Bakery on Millennium Plaza for delicious cereal bread, cafe au lait and the occasional croissant. Sam and her team work hard to deliver incredibly delicious savory and sweet baked goods as well as salads, soups and sandwiches. When traveling, I order a Jambon Parisien to take on the plane. I am the envy of the other passengers when I unwrap this crusty baguette with Black Forest ham, Emmental cheese, lettuce and a cornichon. When home, after a long day, I head to St. Honore to relax and recharge. If the weather is nice, I join the others sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and a view of the lake. People watching is also fun. Sunday mornings are especially fun for a visit to St. Honore as the bicycle riders, families with kids and tourists converge for a bit of French heaven!
Chuck’s Place 148 B Ave, Lake Oswego www.chucksplaceonb.com
I had been living in Lake Oswego a few weeks when a worker at my house told me that I had to go to Chuck’s Place. I was so glad to learn that there was a local coffee shop within walking distance. Later that day I strolled a few blocks down to Chuck’s Place. That was when I met Lisa Ryan one of the owners. Lisa welcomed me warmly to Lake Oswego with a big smile. She insisted on treating me to coffee and a huge, delicious chocolate chip cookie. I still remember how special she made me feel. Later, meeting her husband Chuck, I realized and appreciated what wonderful caring people they are and what a wonderful spot they have created for coffee and community in Lake Oswego. Everyone knows Chuck’s Place! It is a friendly hangout for biking clubs, young mothers with children in tow, business people gathering for meetings and writers balancing solitude with stimulation to keep the Muse awake. I have had many business meetings there as well as coffee with friends. Everyone loves Chuck’s Place. The atmosphere, great coffee and delicious cookies make this a special place to linger.
Two friends were recently married but opted out of a honeymoon. This was not because they could not afford a trip or could not take the time away from their jobs. Rather, it was a promise to each other to live their lives together in a joyous, meaningful fashion so that everyday was a honeymoon. Or, as Mark Twain said about his wife “Wheresoever she was, there was Eden.”
― Mark Twain, The Diary of Adam and Eve
Lori Greer in Portland 