Field Trip: Portland, Oregon 2023

We had so much fun getting out and about in Portland in 2023. It was the first year I felt I was outside of my cancer battle and ready to experience life again. We have friends that set a goal to eat at all the Top 50 Restaurants in Portland. What a delicious idea! Although, we did not scratch that number, we had fun researching them and dining out more.

Screen Door/Pearl District

Our favorite family restaurant is once again the Screen Door in the Pearl District and we love everything on the menu!

“We are Nicole and David Mouton, Portland residents since 2001, originally from South Louisiana. Together, we opened Screen Door on a shoestring budget in 2006. It was a true labor of love, with friends and family and our earliest employees all banding together to open a neighborhood restaurant. Our concept is capturing and sharing all that is quintessential in our own history and experience of southern foodways layered with what we like to think of as northwest food values. This means eating local, eating fresh from the garden, being passionate about food and about where it comes from.”

G-LOVE in Slabtown

And another goto favorite is G Love, again! The drinks, the food, and the bathrooms always make for the most deliciously fun evenings.

“G-Love flips the script on an American restaurant institution. At Portland’s first ever ‘Reverse Steakhouse’ vegetables harvested at their peak take center stage, while proteins play a supporting role as side dishes.

Chef/Owner Garrett Benedict takes pride in showcasing unique, locally grown produce. Partnering with Olde Moon Farm in Silverton, just one hour south of Portland in the Willamette Valley, is the key to what makes a meal at G-Love so extraordinary.”

Good Coffee

I love the vibe of the Good Coffee at the Woodlark Hotel in downtown Portland. I am committed to downtown Portland and make an effort to support downtown businesses as often as possible to help Portland thrive again.

And love the new location at PDX!

Abigail Hall at the Woodlark Hotel

For a Girl’s Night, we enjoyed fantastic cocktails at the lovely Abigail Hall. And the super bonus is that we spotted Kelly Reilly, aka Beth Dutton from Yellowstone. She was in Portland filming a movie with Brian Cox aka Logan Roy from Succession filming a movie titled Little Wing.

“Abigail Hall is a cocktail bar and gathering place in Downtown Portland, tucked away on Woodlark Hotel’s first floor.”

And I love the art at the Woodlark Hotel!

Davenport

An incredibly pleasant surprise of inviting friends out for dinner, is getting to eat at another Top 50 Portland Restauran. We had never heard of Davenport before and now tell everyone about this Portland gem. Perhaps our favorite restaurant of the year!

“Our menu is driven by relationships with local farmers and ranchers, featuring their best and freshest. Chef Kevin Gibson’s cuisine is a combination of nostalgic favorites, Basque-region standards, and excellent seafood, all delivered with Davenport’s characteristic casual yet attentive service.

You can’t think of Davenport without our James Beard-nominated wine program. Our list features both local and international wines with a focus on grower-motivated labels. We also offer beer, pre-batched cocktails, sherry, amari, and spirits served simply as highballs or on the rocks.”

Torro Mexican Kitchen in the Pearl District

“A lively, modern Mexican Kitchen + Bar influenced by the bold flavors of Mexico. Featuring seasoned steaks and authentic Mexican dishes. Our menu is crafted by our Executive Chef, Joey Hart. Originally from Texas, Chef Joey’s palate was strongly influenced by the Hispanic culture he grew up around, which he has channeled into the creation of our menu. Passionate about Mexican cuisine and, in particular Oaxacan food, Chef Joey ran an Oaxacan restaurant (Xico) in Portland many years ago, where he fell in love with this specific facet of Mexican cuisine.”

Forest Park

It is so fun to explore Portland and finding so much beauty white out and about!

The Stone House on Wildwood Trail changes every year.

On one of our many hikes to Pittock Mansion.

Street Art Love!