Portland, fresh and simple.

A long weekend usually means camping or a quick road trip and, given the Pacific Northwest's weather this spring, we opted for the latter. So, we celebrated Queen Victoria's Birthday by spending time and money in our favourite American city: Portland.

The last time Jeff and I went to Portland it was a rushed and unplanned trip that left us wanting more from that city that we felt so at home in. Especially food wise. In Vancouver we're spoiled. We live in the a great area with tons of top-rated, inexpensive restaurants. I'm also spoiled because Jeff is a great cook and makes everything with fresh ingredients.

The thing we always seemed to miss when we go to the States is a good meal. I think it's because we were opting for the pub-style restaurants with stupid memorabilia on the walls. This time we opted for Urban-Spooning all of our meals. This time we had the best food we've ever eaten in the States.



The first evening we went to Lucca in Northeast Portland. With 91% and $$ on Urban Spoon Portland, this Italian restaurant was the best experience of the weekend. It was inexpensive, fresh, simple and delicious. The atmosphere was classy but far from pretentious. Jeff had the best gnocchi I have ever tasted and expect to taste. Although the restaurant was a bit a of drive from the city centre, it was more than worth it.



For breakfast we drove a little bit away from the city centre again. This time to Hands on Cafe in the Oregon College of Art & Craft. The cafe has a 93% rating and just $ on Urban Spoon. Once again, the ingredients were fresh and simple. I had salmon and poached eggs and Jeff had a southwest-style omlette. There were just four options for brunch and apparently the menu changes daily. I appreciate a simple menu with a few amazing dishes over pages of nothing appetizing. We also got free cakes!



When we were walking around the Nob Hill area, we stopped in for a scoop at Mio Gelato. We didn't Urban-Spoon it before we went in, but we did "like" it after we left. I had mascarpone cheese. It was just like frozen cheesecake, but better because it's mascarpone and it's gelato.



I'm sure there are a ton of places to eat in the Pearl District, just like there are a ton of places to shop and ton of places to take model photos (yep, he thinks he's a model).But, we were in the mood for Mexican and at this point we were on a budget.



Urban Spoon found us Cha!Cha!Cha! a local chain of taquerias in the Portland area. The Pearl District location has 95% and $ and a great happy hour special. A couple margaritas, a plethora of tacos and some fresh pico ge gallo left us happily full and with a enough money for more margaritas.



We actually went to Kenny and Zukes twice. Once for a smoked meat sandwich in the evening and once for a bagel with lox in the morning. The food is great and reasonably priced, the location was perfect for us and I especially liked the deli atmosphere. We happened upon this place but Urban Spoon does have it at 86% and $.