There are really only two differences between a vodka soda and a Moscow Mule. First, mules are made with ginger beer in lieu of soda, and second, the Moscow Mule belongs to Oprah—it's her favorite cocktail. Given more...
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Local Bars' Inspired Spins on a Classic Cocktail
There are really only two differences between a vodka soda and a Moscow Mule. First, mules are made with ginger beer in lieu of soda, and second, the Moscow Mule belongs to Oprah—it's her favorite cocktail. Given Oprah's full-throated endorsement, it's unusual that so few Portland bars list mules on their menus. Simply asking for one, more often than you might think, may stump your bartender. This may seem strange more...
Land Use Basics
This is the second in a series of articles that will cover the basics of land use in Portland. For tips, resources and a general overview, please see our first story. Three years ago, Neighborhood Notes ran a story announcing plans to build what is now The Albert apartment complex on North Williams Avenue in the Boise neighborhood. That story generated lots of comments—more than 50—for two reasons. One, because of an more...
Craft of Business
Twitter or Facebook? LinkedIn, Instagram, Foursquare, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google+, or even MySpace? The options can be overwhelming (don't click here unless you want your head to spin), especially if you don't even recognize a few of the above names, let alone understand what function they serve. So, which one should you choose? "Fish where the fish are," Ben Lloyd, the president of Amplify Interactive, says. And more...
Thinking Local: Jobs
Job growth in Portland comes from local, small businesses. As demonstrated in the last installment of Thinking Local, a discussion of “Job Creation Not Relocation,” resident companies are growing considerably while nonresidents are losing jobs—that’s negative job creation. In a 10 year period from 1999 to 2009, existing Portland companies grew by 63.6 percent while nonresidents (headquartered outside of more...
Navigate Summer Activities in Style
Whether you're planning a quick trip to the farmers' market, a day at the beach, a weekend getaway to wine country, or even your daily commute, a good tote bag will help you navigate a whole host of summer activities in style. For some serious style points, though, get your carry-all bag at an indie retailer and support the local economy. Because that's how we roll in Portland. Downtown, West End Waxed canvas tote - more...
These Tamales are Great the Other 364 Days of the Year, Too.
In his recent book Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America, author and columnist Gustavo Arellano argues that until the 1950s and 60s, most (Norte) Americanos didn't even know what a taco was. But, almost everyone knew about the tamale because it was introduced to the world on the stage that was the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Soon after, Arellano writes, "tamale men" in large cities were ubiquitous, selling their more...
Now Open!
April may be the cruelest month for grouchy poets, but it shone an awful lot of sunlight on Portland upstarts last month. These scrappy entrepreneurs opened spots in five of the city's "quadrants," including, but not limited to, several retail outlets specializing in gifts, home design, new and used fashions, and one-of-a-kind rediscovered treasures, as well as a nursery, a pizzeria, three cafes, two bars, a barber shop more...
Are You Able to Intervene and Get Them the Help They Need?
Portlanders are a generous people, constantly seeking opportunities to volunteer, help others, and improve their community. Consider the role that Friends of Trees has in keeping Portland green, or the fact that Hands on Greater Portland provides daily volunteer opportunities with 300-plus partner organizations throughout the Portland metro area. According to a recent story in the Portland Tribune, Portland ranks right behind more...
Identifying Trends That Hold Back Commercial Success
This is the first in a series about how landlords and their current and potential commercial tenants, as well as business and neighborhood associations, can work together to create vibrant, livable neighborhoods and business districts. Whether they realize it or not, landlords have the power to actively or passively shape and restrict a neighborhood's commercial success. There are plenty of success stories, but there are also a more...
Good Things Happen When Locally Owned Businesses Work Together
Good things happen when locally owned businesses work together. Need proof? Check out these sweet collaborations between members of Portland's indie business community. Custom-waxed cotton musette bag at Sweetpea Bicycles, $120 or $150 (loaded with awesome!) Read more about the collaboration onQueen Bee's blog. Schoolhouse Electric + Adam Arnold Images: Schoolhouse Electric 1. Adam Arnold and the Beckman Sofa more...
Greek Life From Antiquity to Present Day
Event date: Apr 16, 2012 → Dec 31, 2012
Event location: Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum
Our newest exhibit features the eclectic collection of one woman, featuring pottery, paintings from contemporary Greek artists, sculpture, jewelry, tapestries, ancient relics, linens and other items representing Greek life from antiquity to present day. Free! Exhibit runs through December 31, 2012. more...
Perfect for Mom! (Reminder: Mother's Day is May 13)
Event date: May 1, 2012 → May 31, 2012
Event location: Catalyst Massage
In Thailand, massage is often aided by warmed and aromatic compresses made of a blend of herbs and applied to the body as an extension of the therapist's hands. At Catalyst Massage, our therapist uses these warmed compresses during the massage to apply pressure to energy centers, releasing tension and imparting soothing benefit of herbs to the skin and senses. Get this deeply relaxing 90-minute massage for the special price of $65 more...
Space is Limited. Call Today!
Event date: May 1, 2012 → May 31, 2012
Event location: The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) will host free spay/neuter clinics for feral and stray cats in the four-county area—Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark—throughout the entire month of May. Space is limited so call today! Why May? In the spring months, cats begin to breed and are more likely to produce kittens. Cats can reproduce as early as five months old, but can be safely spayed and neutered at two more...
Learn The Basics From Brewing to Bottling
Event date: May 17, 2012
Event location: Mr. Green Beans, 3932 N Mississippi Ave.
Kombucha is a raw, living beverage. Why pay $3-5 for a bottle of kombucha from the store when you can make your own at home for $3 a gallon? You choose the flavors, you make it flat or fizzy according to your taste, and you can make as much as you want. In class we will cover the basics of making your own delicious kombucha, from brewing to bottling. We'll be sampling a few different flavors of kombucha, and each person in the more...
1000s of Books From Independent Booksellers
Event dates: May 18th, 2012, May 19th, 2012
Event location: DoubleTree at Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah
Rose City Used Book Fair Friday, May 18, 2-8 p.m. and Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1000 NE Multnomah (DoubleTree at Lloyd Center) 1000s of books from Independent Booksellers Used Books Bargain Books Rare & Collectible Books Prints Ephemera Door Prizes Admission: $2 or $1 + 1 can of food for the Oregon Food Bank Sponsored by The Portland Area Used Booksellers’ Association more...
A Semi-Formal Evening of Fun and Friendship
Event date: May 18, 2012
Event location: Laurelhurst Club, 3721 SE Ankeny
Please join us for a semi-formal evening of fun and friendship as Dr. Sheri Speede, Founder and Director, shares with us the world of the chimpanzees at Sanaga-Yong Rescue Center! Guests will enjoy authentic African decor, delicious vegan dinner and dessert, wine and beer, an exciting selection of silent and live auction items, special entertainment and an amazing raffle. Win a trip for two to the destination of your choice: St. more...
DIY
Event date: May 19, 2012
Event location: East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District Office, 5211 N Williams Ave.
Want to create a thriving, low maintenance garden that is free from chemicals? This is the class for you! Find out how to design a landscape that reduces water use, decreases stormwater runoff and minimizes pollution while saving you time, money and energy. You’ll learn about native plant gardening & design, visit a nearby naturescaped garden, and receive a comprehensive workbook and a native plant to help you get started. more...
You're Invited!
Event date: May 19, 2012
Event location: Holladay Park Plaza, 1300 NE 16th Ave.
Learn what to do during an emergency, big or small. Representatives from our Fire and Police departments, the Red Cross, Homeland Security and area Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) will be present to answer your questions. Presentation is from 9 a.m.-Noon. Refreshments provided. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to bsimonen@yahoo.com more...
Inspire Effective Change, Joyful Livelihood and Authentic Wellness
Event date: May 19, 2012
Event location: The Sweet Nest, 7126 SE Milwaukie Ave.
Call of the Heart:'We are made for these times' Honoring the Rhythm of Sacred Living Discover your medicine. Share your gift. Feel your connection. Know you belong! You are invited on a journey through the dimensions of your heart, into the rhythm of sacred living. The Call of the Heart is a day for celebration, ceremony, retreat and creative expression. Through song, dance, inner wisdom and the healing arts, we connect with more...
Share Your Ideas!
Event dates: May 19th, 2012, June 7th, 2012
Event location: Western Seminary, 5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd. and St. David of Wales, 2800 SE Harrison St.
Join business and neighborhood leaders as we design a more resilient future for our SE community. Identify and map out systems for energy, water, waste, food production and local economies. Come share your ideas as we collaborate in facilitated community building workshops designed to turn our visions into grassroots community sustainability projects. Sat. May 19th, 2012 Western Seminary, 10am - 2pm Lunch provided FREE & OPEN TO more...
