Portland

Peter E.

March 28, 2010 - 10:58 PM

Spring Break is just about concluded, and in about fifteen hours I will begin my final term at the U of O. I have avoided feeling nostalgic about my "lasts" at U of O so far, but it's really starting to set in that the Willamette Valley is not going to be my home much longer. For that reason, I really took full advantage of my last few days of Spring Break by exploring Portland (and the Portland nightlife) with my girlfriend Melissa and some of my best friends Jeff and Jake. It's taken me a few years for it to set in, but there is an incredible quality of life in Oregon.

My friend Jake just started his spring break at the University of Montana, so I met him in Portland to spend the weekend in the city and toast to finally both being legal age. We visited the usual haunts: Powells, Buffalo Exchange, the Goodwill on Burnside, Saturday Market, and the waterfront. However, we also explored the bar scene for the first time visiting a wide variety of bars from a sports bar in Pioneer Plaza to Kells Irish Pub to My Father's Place on the East Side. It was a lot of fun to catch up over local microbrews while seeing the various types of people at different bars. I think we came to the consensus that My Father's Place was our favorite, though it wasn't very happening when we were there. Nonetheless, their prices, laid back mentality, and '70s retro décor combined to make a really fun scene.

While in Portland, I also had a couple really amazing breakfasts. We went to Stepping Stone Cafe and the Screen Door. Stepping Stone is in the Northwest District, and it has a really great neighborhood feel. The line out the door was an eclectic mix of young moms in exercise gear, hipsters, and old folks. Everyone had something in common though: great taste in breakfast food. Stepping Stone had great food (I ordered their country fried steak and gravy), and they have a great attitude with the motto: "You Eat Here Because We Let You."

Finally, Screen Door was possibly one of the best breakfasts I've ever had. We waited an hour this morning to find a seat, and we agreed to sit on the chilly, windy porch so we could nosh faster. Jeff's mom treated us to breakfast, and both Jeff and I indulged with the chicken and waffle. Screen Door piles three (yes, 3) chicken breasts atop a sweet potato waffle dusted in powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup. It was incredible. I was uncomfortably full afterward, but I enjoyed every minute of it. If you find yourself in Portland, I strongly recommend either breakfast establishment.

It was a great weekend in the Rose City, and an awesome way to close out the break. With that I'll sign off for the night and get ready for bed, still (now comfortably) full of chicken and waffle.