| 05/09/09 |
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| We make a stay at Joe's an annual event. As a foodie I make a pilgrimage to the world class Portland Farmer's Market. The market is amazing, but does not diminish the wonderful grocery stores. While sampling the local cuisine at restaurants is essential to a Portland visit, it is a joy to cook with the area's ingredients - fresh and aromatic organic herbs and vegetables, artisnal cheeses, hand made jams, berries, morels, local wines, crusty breads - need I go on? From Joe's you can walk to Zupan's and get incredible European pastries for your continental breakfast and pair it with some of Portland's rich and aromatic fresh ground coffee. We drive to the shore to hike, or go the the magical Eagle Creek Canyon in the Columbia River Gorge. While hiking and enjoying Oregon's beauty, we spend the day talking about which of the many eateries we will treat ourselves to. It is impossible to explore as many as we wish to in the short times we have there. The summers in Portland are pristine, but if an occasional day is frizzly a stop at Powell's Book store is a wonderful way to spend time. The traditional Chinese Garden is magical. The wineries are wonderful, the shore is beautiful, the mountains are amazing. Oregon is heaven. Joe is a wonderful and thoughtful host and his place is restful to the soul. After treating our senses outdoors all day, I stretch out in the wonderful clawfoot bathtub in lavender scented water and soak muscles and refresh. Then we head up to the roof to enjoy sundowners while enjoying the view and trek a couple of blocks for a divine meal. Finally, we head home, match mood and soft music by the chiminea, and fall gratefully into a comfortable bed. It doesn't get better than that! Every time I return home I leave a part of myself in this magical city and Joe's serene little Garden of Paradise. |
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Katherine B., Anthem, AZ
623-551-9407 |
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