Happy Portland Food-Tasty n Sons

Hello friends! Mac and I just got back from a better then awesome trip to Portland, but before I can talk about the trip I have to talk about the food. You know how we are, if this was a sinking ship it would be food and booze first. So first up on the Portland food review is our first, wonderful, meal out. Tasty n Sons is located in North East Portland and is truly eclectic. Brunch that’s served ‘til 2:30 and get your own coffee bar set in an industrial setting, happiness before we even sat down. Take a look at the photos and keep in mind this is a limited sampling of their amazing food. Lauren suggested we eat family style and it was the perfect way to try a variety. If you’re in Portland do yourself a favor and eat here!

French Toast with  with rhubarb-maple syrup & whipped cream, I love rhubarb and it gives this a wonderful tart balance to the sweet maple.

Shakshuka; red pepper & tomato stew, with baked eggs and sausage.  Looks messy but is so satisfying.

Croque Madame with sunny side up eggs.  I had no idea there was a way to justify croque for breakfast, love it!

Jazz For Beginners-Nina Simone

This post is a little late today but I would like to pay tribute to one of the great women of song, Nina Simone. She had that deep, subtle, smokey quality that she learned from women before her and passed on in the great history of jazz. Nina Simone knew what it was to feel the lyrics of the song and expressed that through her emotions, both in her singing and playing. Feeling Good makes melt every time. Take a listen, love the soul that she puts into her music.

In love with this song.

Love  me, or leave me, or let me be lonely.

Her version of this song always puts me in a good mood.

Real Man-Ernest Hemingway

Another weekly series I’m really excited about is dedicated to real men. Men that every guy wants to be and that every woman wants to be with. Men that drink whiskey neat, eat their steaks rare, and never need a band-aid.

To kick if off we thought, Hemingway. Is there anyone more of a man than Ernest Hemingway? He fought in WWI, traveled, hunted, fished, got drunk and started fights, and had a way with the ladies, such a man. And he could express it all through his writing, as well as some of the best words I’ve read about being in love. As one of my favorite writers Hemingway embodies what it means to be a real man.

Passport photo living in France and Hemingway in WWI

On a fishing trip in Cuba

Boxing and enjoying a drink in Cuba

Unique Bike Basket



How cool is this bike basket? Mac and I have been going on weekend bike rides and I have been so envious of everyone’s great baskets. I have to wear an oversized purse or Mac wears a backpack to haul our stuff. I love that someone handmade this, it even has cork to absorb the shock and keep your goods safe. Oh, and did I mention it has a coffee holder?!

Tall Boys

Walking into Mac’s garage on Friday afternoon I was suddenly lost in a sea of mid century modern furniture. All carefully organized, beautifully oiled, and ready to be sold. A few people have asked for more photos of his stuff so here are some pictures I took. Loved the drawers on this tall boy he picked up.

 

Jazz for Beginners-Lee Morgan

We’ve decided to start a few weekly series and to kick it off we will be dedicating Sundays to jazz.  The thing that Mac and I bonded on in the first five minutes of our first date was our love of jazz.  We were both lucky enough to grow up with parents who were young and loving the jazz movement in the 1960’s and took the time to pass it down to us.  We’ve both had people ask us about jazz, ask us to suggest artist to listen to or shared some of their favorites with us. 

Anyone can Google “jazz” and pull up Miles Davis and John Coltrane, who we love, but we thought we’d feature someone a little less mainstream today.  Lee Morgan was a contemporary of Miles Davis whose relaxed trumpeting style we prefer in some ways.  Check out The Sidewinder and let us know what you think.  If you like it you can learn more about Morgan and some of his other great pieces here. 

The Sidewinder-One of Morgan's biggest hits.

Midtown Blues-One of Mac's favorites. 

Cornbread-With a name like that, how can it be bad?

The Power of a Man's Shirt

I had to share this picture, it’s like Jane Fonda is just stopping by to say "hello." I was watching Barefoot in the Park and she and Robert Redford just seem to ooze sex appeal the entire movie. Not only is she amazing to look at but there’s something about a woman in a man’s shirt that is instantly sexy. I’ve realized I don’t just want to visit New York, I want to live in New York in a 1960’s movie.

A Real Phone (Well Almost)

I love this idea, I don’t know about the price tag, but the idea is great. I honestly miss having the phone ring and having to pick up the receiver to answer it. The thought of actually having a sturdy phone in my apartment without having to pay for a landline is thrilling. Is it just me or does sliding your finger across the screen just not give you that feeling of satisfaction? Now let’s just see if we can get that price lowered …