What we're trying for is elegant yet relaxed, rather than stiff and uncomfortable
Men: a suit and tie, or similar
Ladies: a long dress, dressy separates, or a more formal cocktail dress

Josephine has known Sherry since she was born. That's because they're sisters :-) Sherry is one of the few people that brings out the adventurous side of Josephine. She's always going to keep her young.

Trischa was one of the first girlfriends Josephine made after she moved to Vancouver. The entire Wass family quickly became Josephine's home away from home despite that Trischa first thought Josephine was a middle-aged Asian pediatrician with a cat ;-)

Lisa and Josephine go waaaay back to the days when "I Swear" by All-4-One was a top hit. They remained friends despite living in different states since college. She's still the first one on Josephine's speed dial with news of any life changes.

Art and Jonathan met when they worked together in Ohio and have remained friends since. From classical concerts to city nightlife, to home automation and hydroponic gardening, they share a lot of common interests that have led to a number of [often ridiculous] projects and adventures.

Olivia and Lola are Trischa and Noah's adorable girls. Livvy is the more responsible older sister while Lola is the feisty younger sister (kind of like Josephine and Sherry).

Hudson is Jonathan's nephew, and he's very much a boy's boy. He starts kindergarten this year. He lives in Wisconsin with his older sister Kaelin and his parents.

Powell's City of Books

Pittock Mansion

Lan Su Chinese Gardens

Portland Farmer's Market

Portland Saturday Market

Vancouver Farmer's Market

Voodoo Doughnut

Blue Star Donuts

Stumptown Coffee

Salt and Straw

Vista House at Crowne Point

Multnomah Falls

Coffee is a true art form in Portland. You can get pretty much any style you want. Something that surprised us was that the espresso drinks are made with a light roast which is definitely not like Starbucks.

Compass Coffee Roasting

Locally roasted in Vancouver.

Black Rock Coffee

A chain in OR, WA and CA. Espresso drinks and custom Rockstar blends.

Coava Coffee Roasters

Albina Press

Grendel's Coffee House

Yummy unique mocha drinks!

Palio Dessert & Espresso House

Even after being out here for almost three years, we feel like there are still so many restaurants to experience. If you're looking for chain restaurants, good luck in PDX. Everything is made in house and most likely local, organic, vegan, gluten-free or all the above.

Lardo

A food cart turned brick and mortar shop, Lardo combines common ingredients to create unique and delicious sandwiches.

PaaDee

If you're feeling adventurous, this place is not your traditional Thai but delicious comfort food nevertheless.

Andina

Amazing Peruvian tapas and drinks. Try the Sacsayhuaman if you like spice and the classic Pisco Sour.

Shigezo

Yummy sushi and ramen in downtown PDX.

Noraneko

If you're looking for a quick but tasty ramen fix...

Pok Pok

Another authentic (?) Thai restaurant. They're famous for their chicken wings, which can be ordered at their takeout window spicy or regular. The secret is to go or across the street to their sister restaurant Whiskey Soda Lounge if Pok Pok is too busy.

Gravy

Brunch is huge in PDX and they aren't kidding around at Gravy. Portion sizes are generous so plan accordingly.

Food carts

Unfortunately we haven't visited many of the food cart pods in PDX. The hyperlink above takes you to one of the largest ones in the city. The offerings are mostly Middle Eastern and Thai but there's also pizza, fish and chips, grilled cheese and gumbo. Each neighborhood has at least one pod and the selections are varied.

What can we say about beer in PDX. It's everywhere and there's something for everyone. Beer isn't "just beer" just like coffee isn't "just coffee". You'll actually be hard-pressed to find Bud and Miller at most places. Microbrews are everywhere and although IPAs are predominant we prefer the other offerings. All of these have tasting rooms and many offer food as well.

Burnside

Not your typicaly pub/bar food served here. Besides their fries, there's nothing else fried on the menu. Delicious food to go with delicious and varied beers from their brewery.

Base Camp

Food carts outside if you want BBQ or pot pie to go along with the large beer selection.

Ecliptic

Ex Novo

Occidental

The Commons

Focuses on farmhouse ales and sessionable beers.

Great Notion

Cascade Brewing

Sour beers are slowly making it around the country but already pretty big in PDX. These beers are very sour but this is the place to try them if you want.

Oregon is known for world renowned pinot noirs because the growing conditions are ideal. We had to try a lot of pinots before finding some we liked. We generally drink big reds and there's not much for cabs around here. The following wineries have tasting rooms and are within a 90-minute drive from the Portland/Vancouver area.

Hawkins Cellars

Hawkins have a variety of wines which you don't find too often in Oregon wineries.

Hyland Estates

Mostly reds and all pretty delicious.

Youngberg Hill

First place we understood why Oregonians are so crazy about their pinots. This winery offers several pinots from different years grown at different elevations which offers a good range of pinot flavors. The setting is quite picturesque as well!

Kell's Irish Pub

Loyal Legion Beer Hall

If you're a serious beer connoisseur, you start here. At least 90 beers on tap (mostly local) and most we guarantee you've not heard of at all. Oh and they also serve homemade sausages and pretzels.

Expatriate

For when you're meeting that tall, dark, smokin' blind date ;-)

Rum Club

If you thought you didn't like rum, you'll find out you were wrong after coming here.

Hale Pele

Tiki hut themed with yummy "girly" drinks. They also offer a tremendous rum list.

The Rookery Bar, upstairs at Raven and Rose