Monday, 06 August 2012

• My Favorite Neighborhood Eats

  The Alberta District in Portland, Oregon
  
  Ahhhhh, its so good to be back in Oregon*! Other than lounging outside and reading books on my luxurious green lawn, I’ve been hitting up my favorite places to eat in the Alberta District. 
  
  If you’re more familiar with New York neighborhoods, you can imagine the Alberta District as a smaller version of Park Slope, Brooklyn. A.k.a. the place where hip young couples move to start families. Here are my favorite spots in the area:
  
  Barista:
  
  
  
  A straightforward name spelled out in old-timey script coupled with hunting lodge themed decor makes the Alberta Street Barista an almost unbearably hip coffee spot. I like to play into this vibe by loading my film camera at the bar while waiting for my drink order, just to see who scoffs at me.
  
  Besides all that jazz, Barista claims to have to best coffee and best baristas in PDX. Thats pretty big game to talk but they’ve got the trophy case on display to prove it.
  
  
  
  This time of year I'm drinking nothing but cold brew, but I also suggest you get anything with vanilla syrup. They buy theirs handmade from a local baker girl and it will seriously rock your world.
  
  Tula Gluten Free Bakery
  
  
  This amazing bakery, located on the corner of Alberta and MLK, just opened within the last two years. I was put off at first by signs for Zumba classes in the LEED building it shares space with, but don’t let those wiggling neighbor ladies stop you from enjoying Tula. They have the most delectably moist GF lemon zest muffin you can imagine, along with tarts, turnovers, scones, panini sandwiches, pizza and more!
  
  
  Here is a list of items you can order online if you’re not able to make it in person. Tula is conscious of buying products that are locally sourced. Read here for more info!
  
  Tin Shed Garden Cafe:
  
  
  We Portlanders will stand in line for an hour and a half for a good brunch, and the Tin Shed has one of the longest lines of all. It is well worth the wait, though I usually come here for dinner.
  
  I have three sisters, two nephews and a niece, and this is hands down the best place for us to eat as a family. They can accommodate my celiac while satisfying everyone else’s dietary needs (and tastebud cravings!).
  
  Try the vegetarian artichoke sandwich with a shed salad, picture above!
  
  Pine State Biscuits: They serve more than biscuits! My favorite thing to eat here pre-celiac diagnosis was the corndog with a side of mustard and honey. Please eat enjoy this unspeakably delicious lunch for me!
  
  
  The Bye and Bye: Stiff drinks served in mason jars. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
  
  
  
  Pro Tip: Bike here for drinks after having dinner somewhere else.
  
  *For those of you who do not know, I was living in Brooklyn for June and July but recently had to move back home for health reasons. My boyfriend struggled with asthma in the smoggy city, and my malnourished celiac body wasn’t strong enough either.
  
  What kind of restaurants do you tend to recommend? Italian, Japanese, places with great drinks?
  
  Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  

   

   

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