eat & drink—Creston-Kenilworth, Southeast (SE) Portland...

Judging by the restaurants, bars and food carts that line our streets, we Portlanders sure like dining out. But when you consider the many successful urban farms and CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) cropping up all over town, we sure like dining in too. If you and your family are thinking about joining a CSA, how can you tell which one works best for you? Do you choose the one that empowers underserved youth, the one that more...

Before the rise of the craft beer industry, the pint by which the world measured a good stout was a cascading draft of Ireland's black stuff, Guinness. But that was then. With Portland now considered one of the, if not the, beeriest of cities, there are plenty of local alternatives to the old beer-so-thick-you-need-a-knife-and-fork-to-drink-it. Here are five Portland stouts we think are worth the quaff. Bryan Keilty, Lompoc's more...

Portland's bookish persona even extends to our drinking. Two new bars, The Jack London Bar and The Lovecraft, take their names from famous writers and incorporate literary themes into their decor, events, and menus. They join a small battery of established lit bars. Buckman The Lovecraft is like the corner bar in the friendliest neighborhood of hell. Named after Old Evil fabulist H.P. Lovecraft, the bar takes its horror theme more...

Better late than never, right? Summer, that is, and all the foods with which we associate the season. Owing to the impact of late storms and fluctuating temperatures, local farmers’ most reliable summer crops are just now starting to fill market stalls and CSA boxes. What does all of this mean for you, your kitchen, and your belly? It’s time to take full advantage of the flavors of late summer by sourcing your goods close more...

Ah, summer! The 80-degree days, the perpetual sunshine, the abbreviated hemlines. These things make you want to be outside, probably on a patio, and probably drinking. Sounds delightful! But maybe you don’t know which patio to choose so we’re here to help. Find what you’re jonesing for—that word is so back for the summer—on the list below, and we’ll match you up to the outdoor space calling your name. more...

Spring is a tricky season in the Pacific Northwest, holding onto winter cloud and cold while allowing some glimpses of warm sun to peek through. The local food menu reflects this contrast, with winter crops coming to market at the height of their flavor and early spring crops making their first appearance. Just as you may be confused about whether to wear short sleeves or a heavy coat, accessing the array of local seasonal foods can be more...

If you yearn to eat seasonal, local foods while also deepening the impact of your purchasing power so that it directly supports the work of local farmers, you may want to consider becoming a member of a CSA. A CSA, which stands for community-supported agriculture, allows individuals and families to directly invest in a local farm by purchasing shares of the farm’s harvest. In return for your subscription, you get a box, basket or more...

A food-buying club (FBC) is just what it sounds like: a group of people getting together to purchase food. There are several reasons to join or start an FBC, the most obvious of which is the increased buying power provided by a collective. By purchasing items directly from farmers and vendors, an FBC avoids the overhead costs that drive up retail prices. Members also benefit from greater choice and flexibility, enhanced freshness and more...

Eating locally, sustainably and seasonally can often seem daunting, especially in winter. By January, having eaten through all the Hubbard squash and home-canned tomatoes in storage, you're kind of tired of potatoes, and you inexplicably find yourself craving bell peppers and cucumbers—both months out of season. Want to know the local secrets to fighting mid-winter's food doldrums? With a little planning and some new more...

Unless you grow all your own food and haven’t visited a supermarket or a food co-op for quite a while, you have doubtlessly noticed two short words now appearing on the packages of both new and familiar items as you stroll the aisles: gluten free. You’ll find them on packaged products in nearly every aisle of your neighborhood grocery store. Meanwhile, Portland pizza chains post signs for their new gluten-free pies and you more...