GoSparky!

Friday, August 16, 2013

GoSparky!: Portland II

GoSparky!: Portland II: 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 yo...

Portland II

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)

Monday, July 29, 2013

SPARKY’S BLOG

7/29/13

Portland, OR

It’s hard to imagine what you might be feeling when you actually get to a place that you've fantasized about for the better part of 15 years or so. I’ve always thought that the Pacific Northwest was some sleepy faraway place that conjured up notions of Sasquatch, rain, fog, more rain and lush green forests spreading all the way to the Pacific Ocean. For the most part it does except for maybe the part about big foot (the jury’s still out on that one).

The iconic sign welcoming all who travel ....

I don’t know why but this part of the world has always tugged on my curiosity and instilled romantic notions of what a good life is all about. Micro-breweries got their first foothold in this region (beer is good); the vast amount of varied produce grown here give chefs an unlimited canvas in which to paint a wonderful plate of food.

The air is clean and Mother Nature still has a say as to what’s going on in this part of the world. The beauty, oh the beauty of this place is dramatically and forever stupid! It’s stupid how gorgeous it is out there. As far as the eye can see there are reminders that we need to be better caretakers of the land and better understand our footprint that we leave behind.

Columbia River (Lewis and Clark's path to the Pacific)

Wicked beauty along the river bluffs

The mountain ranges to the east and the ocean to the west and all the splendor in between makes the mind dizzy with delight that Portland and the wisdom of their fore-fathers has set forth a doctrine to serve and protect the natural resources for generations (nice job).

Along with the exquisite visual appeal and the burgeoning culinary scene; it’s no wonder I’m drawn to it like a moth to a flame. I had a Regional Cuisines class a couple years back in culinary school that required us to write a report and my obvious choice was the Pacific Northwest. With native foods like strawberries, garlic, cherries, rhubarb, apples and mushrooms – there is no wonder that they would have their own style of cooking and accompanying festivals not to mention that salmon is king in these parts.

In addition, James Beard was born in Oregon and wrote about what influenced him regarding this locality in his book “Delights & Prejudices”. Beard believed that bringing out the natural flavor of an ingredient is the key to good cooking. Using the simplest and locally grown ingredients to create great food is what this territory is all about.

They really do make a great doughnut!

Now I’m confronted with the daunting task of picking only a few places to visit and eat while I’m here as I have a limited amount of resources (I’m a nascent chef getting paid a cooks wage). Upon driving up from San Francisco; my first culinary treat at mid-day had to be at Voodoo Doughnuts. I’m a sucker for a good confection as my sweet tooth is becoming more prominent as I age. I was not disappointed and promptly ate all three of my purchases within a few short minutes. Ahh …. Vacation is grand! Now, on to the city of Portland and all she has to offer.

These roses are huge!

These roses inspire!

They are vast and varied!

Since I’m a very visual person I first tackle the International Rose Garden that sits high atop the city overlooking this fertile and thriving valley. I’m a big fan of roses as my mother instilled this in me at an early age. Don’t miss this garden if you ever visit Portland! The pictures don’t do this park justice.

A great place to gather

A great view of Portland from the rose gardens

"said" refreshment .... I'm having a truly spectacular time!

Shortly thereafter we embark on a tour of the founder of the “Oregonian” newspaper’s mansion and then a nice break for refreshment before we head out to the Columbia River Gorge. More on this in my next blog.

Have a great day and never give up!

Mark (Sparky)

Monday, July 15, 2013

GoSparky!: San FranciscoTrans America Bldg.ChinatownNorth ...

GoSparky!: San Francisco
Trans America Bldg.
Chinatown
North ...: San Francisco Trans America Bldg. Chinatown North Beach (Little Italy) Street Festival (Had a GREAT time here!) He...