Exploring East Portland: Culinary Delights, Hidden Gems, and Local Charm
Welcome fellow travelers and adventure enthusiasts! Join me as I take you with me on a journey into my recent five-day excursion to Portland, Oregon. Buckle up for a journey filled with culinary delights, hidden gems, and a dash of local charm.
Portland, with its blend of coastal allure, lush mountain scenery, and enduring small-town charm even within its urban sprawl, remains a to be favorite destination of mine. During my recent stay, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of East Portland, exploring a variety of eateries, parks, small shops, and unexpected treasures.
One of my fondest rituals while traveling is to heed the recommendations of locals, (in this particular case, ‘the locals’ are my 4 best friends living under one roof in a cottage in East Portland) uncovering hidden gems that reveal the soul of a place. Such serendipity led me to The Turning Peel on my first night—an establishment exuding passion through its freshly baked sourdough pizzas and innovative vegan offerings. Their house-made vegan cheese, paired with a refreshing limeade and decadent tiramisu, left an indelible mark. Meeting Candy, the owner, added a personal touch as she shared the restaurant's journey, and the server and cook of our meal happened to be Jo and Kam, a married couple, and my best friends. This restaurant is complete with charming details like a sign marking a squirrel family's residency and curated second hand knick-knacks and art by local makers for sale on the walls.
My first morning, myself and the gang embarked on a leisurely stroll to Glisan Street to indulge in Fressen Bakery’s German-inspired delights. Their Veggie Bagel, with cream cheese, chives, greens, cucumber, and a perfectly poached egg, set a savory tone for the day, complemented by pastries like the fruit danish and pistachio cannoli. Across the street, Hinterland beckoned with its vibrant, queer-owned ambiance, highlighted by a patio replete with a converted camper dinette and vintage truck—a perfect backdrop for my newfound love, an iced dirty chai with oat milk.
Adjacent to Hinterland, Citrine Bloom captured my artistic glee with its array of prints, stickers, and eclectic curiosities. Here, I couldn't resist stocking up on stickers and selecting a piece of art for shipping back home, mindful of my limited carry-on space—an essential consideration for the discerning traveler.
Venturing beyond Portland's urban core, a visit to Lloyd Center revealed unexpected delights, including Floating Worlds Comics, a haven for enthusiasts of art, comics, and vintage collectibles. My penchant for supporting local artists flourished here, as I acquired stickers and zines that now adorn my travel essentials. Nearby, a former Hollister Co. storefront transformed into a vintage trove, albeit with limited options for plus-size apparel, yet brimming with quirky finds that made sifting through racks a delight.
Before departing for a coastal interlude (stay tuned for Part 2!), we indulged in a communal feast at a nearby food truck pod in Rose City Food Park. Sampling everything from falafel at Shawarma Express to a savory breakfast burrito at El Guero Mexican Food, and concluding with a sweet Strawberry Nutella Crepe from The Crepe Bear, encapsulated the communal joy of sharing diverse culinary experiences with friends.
In retrospect, my escapade through East Portland epitomized the joy of discovery—where each cafe, shop, and eatery revealed not only the city's culinary prowess but also its vibrant community spirit. Join me next time as we venture westward to Yachats, OR, where the coastal allure beckons with promises of further exploration and enriching encounters.
