“FieldTrips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.
Field Trip to Portland and the Hi-Lo Hotel
I recently took a trip South to explore Portland, Oregon one of my favourite food cities on the West coast. While in the city, I was also there to experience another Feast Portland, one of the most incredible food and drink festivals in America that takes place annually each September.
Located centrally in downtown Portland, I stayed at the Hi-Lo Hotel, this is a boutique style hotel based around comfort. It’s easy to get around by walking or taking the streetcars, and the hotel is located near the Portland Art Museum, Pioneer Courthouse Square and Portland Saturday Market.
Their stylish décor in each of the hotel rooms, plush bedding and complimentary Wi-Fi will make you feel at home. They recently added Craft-PDX restaurant on the main level along with a full bar. When you get hungry either head downstairs to dine in the restaurant or pick up the phone and order their convenient room service.
My cousin Kay who happens to live in Portland joined me for lunch where we enjoyed a selection of dishes from Chef Bryant Kryck’s menu. Loved all four dishes from their all day menu, the Arugula NW Apple Salad, Heirloom Tomatoes, Nicoise Salad and the Salmon Risotto.
The next morning, I had breakfast at Gracie’s inside Hotel Deluxe where my fellow media attending Feast Portland were congregating. They had an incredible breakfast buffet featuring yogurt bar with all sorts of tasty toppings, fruit selection, fresh juices, hot dishes which included cheese blintzes, breakfast pastries, and so much more.
729 SW 15th Ave,
Portland, OR
I visited the Woodlark location of Good Coffee which was conveniently located in the downtown area, here I had an Iced Americano to go. Good Coffee is a Portland based chain that roasts their own coffee beans supplying their own stores.
813 SW Alder St
Portland, OR
For lunch I visited an amazing newcomer which blended Thai cuisine with Southern BBQ together at Eem Restaurant. They were located outside of downtown in the NE Williams neighborhood. They recently won best new Restaurant of the Year by the Oregonian for the best Thai food and BBQ along with luxuriously crafted Tiki Cocktails.
Loved each of the dishes especially this unique White Curry with brisket burnt ends, a magical dish of unique flavours combining Thai with Southern Bbq. Also loved the flavourful Pea shoots salad; the BBQ Meats platter was exceptional with delicious beef brisket and more. The Banana and Chocolate Pie with coconut cream was the perfect finish.
3808 N Williams Ave st 127,
Portland, OR
I loved their 24-hour fitness center which was complete with cardio machines and free weights. Working out here was the perfect balance to my eating adventures around the city providing me a way of working off some of the calories.
320 SW Harvey Milk Street
Portland, OR
Every Saturday is the Portland Saturday Market situated close to the Waterfront in downtown Portland, it is one of the largest around with a great selection of crafts and food, open to the public with free access.
Another café that I visited was in the Pearl District Nossa Familia where I an Iced Americano on this hot day, Nossa Familia is a local Portland based chain that sustainably roasts only the best specialty coffee, responsibly sourced through deep-rooted, direct trade relationships in Brazil & beyond.
1350 NW Lovejoy St,
Portland, OR
It was another wonderful visit to Portland.
Stay tuned for my next Field Trip outside of Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak
Disclosure: The Hi-Lo Hotel provided me with complimentary accommodation, Travel Portland assisted with other aspects of the trip. As always, all opinions and photos are my own.