I’m not much of a meat eater. Artichokes, steamed clams and Gardenburgers are more my speed. I will make exceptions though: my husband’s lasagna, my brother’s BBQ, and, now and then, a juicy hot dog. Maybe it was my tenure in Germany—birthplace of the frankfurter—that ignited my affinity for the long dog, carefully smoked and lightly dressed in a toasted bun. Whatever the impetus, I rarely tire of the more...

Smooth vases from Leah Nobilettte. Photo courtesy of Leah Nobilette. Last month you planted the seeds and starts. Like Mother Nature, maybe you were a bit behind kicking off the sunny season, but all those extra showers will soon (if not already) yield plenty of the late summer flowers we suggested for your last-minute cutting garden. And what better way to show off those blooms than in a beautiful locally-made vase? more...

Elevations proposed for Homeland Security project. Image: GBD Architects   Design Advice: Department of Homeland Security Garage/Office Space Proposed in South Portland The unoccupied building on the 4300 block of Southwest Macadam may be occupied by the Department of Homeland Security. To make room for the Feds, the owners of the building seek to build a new three-story 74,000 square-foot parking garage, topped by more...

Photo: Heather Zinger What may at first glance seem like a dangerous endeavor is fast becoming a popular hobby for many urban farming enthusiasts, and a small-scale, part-time business for a willing few. With plenty of good reasons to host a hive, urban beekeeping has developed a strong buzz within Portland city limits. Even Mayor Sam Adams has a hive in his backyard. Natural Benefits of Local Beekeeping Bees are more...

Just past the intersection at Southeast 82nd and Division going east, you arrive in New Chinatown in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood. Pull into the parking lot where you see the Chang Fa Market, Best Taste Chinese BBQ Restaurant, and Tin Seng Trading Company. These shops cater to the Asian American community. If you're looking on a map of cultural destinations in Portland, you'll miss this. It's not the official more...

If Pearl District residents want to hear the train whistle a-blowin they’ll have to go elsewhere. Today, Oregon Department of Transportation signed off on the Quiet Zone, prohibiting train engineers from blowing their horns as they approach all roadway/railroad crossings in the Union Station vicinity. Rich Newlands, Portland Bureau of Transportation, got the okay to submit the Notice of Establishment to the Federal more...

Six Great Things to Do This Weekend. LEARN 2010 Tour de Coops Where: various backyards across North, Northeast and Southeast Portland When: Saturday, July 24, 11a.m.-3p.m. Cost: guide booklets are $15 Tip: Bring your friends (the $15 cost covers groups as well as individuals) This strolling tour takes you to the backyards of 25 of your neighbors who display their very own chicken coops for those interested in more...

Thyme in full bloom Herbs are beautiful choices for both your yard and cooking adventures. Most can be planted from early spring until late fall and need virtually no maintenance once established. The favorites listed here are all drought tolerant, need minor trimming in the winter and are versatile in the kitchen. Use fresh herbs in your soups, salads, cocktails, meat and fish dishes, even desserts. All have medicinal more...

Okay, so we haven't been experiencing the steamiest "Wet Hot American Summer" so far this year. Lately, the morning grey skies and chilly night gusts have it feeling more like October in July. But with warm afternoons and bright, extended evenings—plus a few sweaty heat waves (fingers crossed for at least a few more spikes in the mercury)—it is still decidedly summer in Oregon. And how do we take advantage more...

Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of music and festivities at Metro's Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery on July 24. The City of Portland is designating three trees in the 30-acre cemetery as Heritage Trees because of their historical significance. Metro, the City, and the Friends of Lone Fir are celebrating with an event on Saturday, July 24, from 6 to 10:30 p.m., during which there will be screenings of two short films about the more...