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).
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| 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.
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| Columbia River (Lewis and Clark's path to the Pacific) |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| These roses are huge! |
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| These roses inspire! |
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| 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.
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| A great place to gather |
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| A great view of Portland from the rose gardens |
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| "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)
