Mike

Queen Of The Sun

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Queen of The Sun creatively explores the global bee crisis as a catalyst for culture shift. We highlight unsung heroes from past and present, from poets and philosophers, to scientists and biodynamic beekeepers who are dedicated to the survival of the bees. Queen of The Sun is launching a international outreach campaign. Your donations will … Read more

Sweetest Thing Cupcakes

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I first met the owners of Sweetest Thing Cupcakes at Pinot in the Pearl. I was three weeks into a gluten free diet for myself and tried to prove my resolve by walking up and talking to them without taking a sample.  I was successful, at first. I talked to Ann and John Rhinehart for … Read more

Rogue Ales Brewery

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While Portland was hitting the mercury in the high 90’s this weekend I skedaddled out to Lincoln City and then visited Newport, home of the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Rogue Ales Brewery. For the curious or jealous, it was 55 degrees on Saturday. I love the picture above, just a cool setting for this massive … Read more

Forest Grove UnCorked

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Get “Uncorked” in Forest Grove. Celebrate in the streets of Forest Grove for the 2nd Annual “Uncorked” event. Features the area’s abundance of fine wineries, micro-brew beer, good food and local music. Choose from over 2 dozen wineries and breweries, a multitude of area restaurants, local craft food, music and more. Stroll Main Street to … Read more

2nd Annual Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival

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Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival showcases the very best of Oregon’s culinary culture — world class wineries and food artisans. Its mission is to support and promote Oregon’s local economy…The 2010 Best of Oregon program will include a golf tournament that takes place a few hours prior to the food and wine festival. A portion of … Read more

Bar Of The Gods

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Bar Of The Gods. How can you ignore that name? How can you even call yourself that? So I headed to online reviews like I often do. Alexandra I – Bar of the Gods is the best!! This bar is what it is. The drinks are stiff and cheap (my favorite kind), but still tasty.  … Read more

Supportland Card Helps Support Locally-Owned

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What do Cellar Door Coffee Roasters, Posies Cafe, and Open Space Cafe have in common? They serve some of the best coffee in the city and they’re all on Supportland. Supportland is a free rewards card that the offers incentives for buying local. It’s like a regular reward card, but instead of working at only … Read more

How To Help Your Favorite Businesses

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Cash is king, especially for small businesses. You may have noticed more businesses requiring a mimimum purchase amount before they accept a card. Every time you use your credit or debit card businesses lose 1%-3% of your bill. That cashback that Discover Card advertises?  That comes from a charge to the businesses.  That is why … Read more

Cheese Bar On Belmont

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6 Beers on tap, 50+ bottles of beer, and  200+ types cheese.

I had a chance to talk to Steve of the Cheese Bar on Belmont near 61st. It’s great to talk to someone who has a passion for what they do.  Steve has been selling cheese for 15 years.  Steve and his wife started experimenting with pairing cheese and beer and loved the results.

“Beer pairs better with cheese than wine.” It seemed like a bold statement but he had some good points.  Beer is made of grain and the animals eat grain. It isn’t a gigantic leap why they should work.

Steve has three ways to pair cheese with beer.

1) Comparative – Acid to acid, pairing bright wheat beer with Chevre,goat cheese.

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Adelsheim Vineyard

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On a beautiful June day in 1971, David Adelsheim and Ginny Adelsheim stood above an open field and were taken with the beauty of its orange and purple wildflowers.  Five hundred feet below, Oregon’s north Willamette Valley stretched out in a patchwork of orchards, pasture and native trees.  The field, rich with clay-loam soil, had … Read more