SPARKY’S BLOG
8-16-13
Portland
II
Have you
ever experienced nature in a way that it sucked all the air out of your lungs
as if you were dipped in ice cold water and teeth clattering with involuntary
fervor? You may experience some of this
when you first see the Columbia River Gorge just northeast of Portland, Oregon. If you don’t then you’re probably a little dead
inside.
 |
| Columbia River Gorge |
I’m often
amazed at how folks can race through their lives without nary a glance at how
nature affects us, supports us, nurtures and nourishes us. I’m a “stop and smell the roses” kinda guy
and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I’m abhorrent
to the notion that a 9 to 5 job is all that matters because places like the
Gorge will make you think twice about pleasing your boss with your latest
financial projections or monthly report.
I’m not saying don’t provide for yourself and your family but what I AM
saying is appreciate the world around you and by all means travel to see it …..
you’ll slowly change to understand there is a greater need and greater good if
you will - and it’s called our eco-systems.
I see people all the time become absorbed with really unimportant things
and gloss over matters of true importance which saddens me entirely. Don’t trudge through life and just
manufacture carbon dioxide like every other dolt drenched in apathy; get out
there and discover where your interests lie and live, truly live!
 |
| Multnomah Falls |
 |
| Picnicking on the bluffs above Portland |
Okay-
enough with the tree-hugging mumbo-jumbo, I’m obviously enthralled with the area
and it shows (guilty as charged!) Me? I’m all about the sights, sounds, smells and
more importantly the flavor of life. It
may be food or traditions or culture; I want to experience it, embrace it and
celebrate it. I see a ton of
indifference when people are slapped in the face with change or even worse ….. “Out
of the box” ideologies.
 |
| Cappuccino and croissants at St. Honore' |
 |
| A city of bridges indeed |
Portland
wraps its arms around change and gives it a gigantic hug. This “running with scissors” attitude spawned
things like the foodie movement, micro-brewery scene, MusicFest NW, Time-Based
Art Festival and a responsible stewardship of the natural environment. This city doesn't limit itself or suffer a
paradoxically challenging (say – don’t do attitude); no, Portland is definitely
a trailblazer (get the pun?) and knocks down boundaries for continuous
improvement that leads to some of the best living on earth!
This living
I speak of is bustling neighborhoods and culinary treasures like “Blue Hour”
and “Le Pigeon” two of the great places I dined at while in this mystical and
charmed city. Whether eating the best
lamb I’ve ever had at “Blue Hour” or the best appetizer in the world at “Le
Pigeon”; I can attest that the chefs preparing these meals are wardens of a
craft that embodies more than just eating.
In Portland, food seems more about where it came from and a “feeling” it
gives when consumed.
 |
| Tree-hugged streets |
 |
| "Said" appetizer |
 |
| The food in Portland is ridiculous! |
Cooking in
the Pacific Northwest thrives on the local scene with the advent of farmer’s
markets. Pride isn't just considered
when a restaurant boasts they are sourced locally; it’s kind of a mandate that
they do business in this manner. Why
not? This in the one area that pretty
much has it all when shopping for offerings in any eating establishment but
more importantly, it’s in their blood and culture to do so. I dig this!
 |
| And a river runs through it (Willamette) |
 |
| Icon of the city |
Whether you’re
feeling the spray of Multnomah Falls on your face or smelling the roses high
atop the city; you’re never left wanting for a lack of visual beauty here. If its food you’re looking for then go no
further because Portland is a world-class destination that will only get better
as the creativity of the local chefs is unbridled and their lust for culinary accountability
makes this destination a must see and must do.
I dream to live out my final days here and hone my craft as a cook and
serious chef one day. Hopefully, sooner
than later.
 |
| The sun sets on my perfect visit |
Have a
great day and never give up!
Mark
(Sparky)
At Trident Tech's fundraiser More volunteers Trident Tech. students awaiting instruction Hot boxes filled with bouill...
SPARKY’S BLOG 1-4-2013 Lyon, France Down on the farm Our next stop was to a proper farm where we were able to get an up close vi...
SPARKY’S BLOG 3-12-14 Judging Culinary Skills I have been fortunate, thus far, switching my life around from being an engineer to tra...
SPARKY’S BLOG 11-23-2012 Albi, France II 4 castles of the Cathar Chateaux of Lastours Shortly thereafter our thoughts turn t...
SPARKY’S BLOG 7-30-11 Family Wedding Who doesn’t look forward to a family wedding? I know I do and have looked forward to the wedding pos...
Chef Craig's life is a constant photo-shoot - I will miss him greatly The fruit of Sous Chef Bob Cook's labor Talking to...
SPARKY’S BLOG 11-20-2012 Albi, France 4 castles of the Cathar Chateaux of Lastours Shortly thereafter our thoughts turn to f...
SPARKY’S BLOG 4-23-14 If I told you that you were going to make a trip that took 3 days in a car lasting an average of 9 hours per da...
SPARKY’S BLOG 1-28-14 Learning to be a professional cook (5th in a series) Aside from cooking; a kitchen has to move properly in ...
