Mellow Mushroom

March 23, 2012

Date # 24

I spent the week in Columbus Ohio for business and had to eat out for every meal. I like to try new places especially when I am in a new city, but I’m not that adventurous. I was driving down a street in Columbus on the way to a mall and saw a place called Mellow Mushroom, the name caught my eye, but it was in a strip mall so I was a little leery. While in the mall walking around, I saw a girl with a t-shirt from this restaurant, this was a sign to me, so I knew I had to go there for dinner. I looked it up online and saw they have a location in Portland; perfect, date night this week I thought.









The Mellow Mushroom is located in the Pearl District of Portland; it just opened in October. The place is decorated in 60’s - 70’s decor including orange and lime green chairs, lamps, lighting, and pictures; the music is also from this era.

We started with Tangerine beer and The Capri, a mixture of mozzarella, tomato, and basil, drizzled with a balsamic glaze, and a spring mixed salad. This was an amazing creation of sweet, sour, a refreshing start to our meal.

Next, we each had a half hoagie, I the Tempeh and Chuck Irv’s sausage. The Tempeh included grilled tempeh, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, feta, pesto mayo, tomato, lettuce, and sprouts on a toasted French bread hoagie. The bread definitely made the sandwich, but the ingredients completed it. The tempeh was marinated just right and the grilled veggies and pesto mayo combination tasted amazing. This was my first experience with tempeh, I like it so much I went out and purchased some to make at home.
Irv’s sausage hoagie included Italian grilled sausage, caramelized onions and green peppers, provolone, spicy mustard, tomato, lettuce and pepperoncini. The hoagie was savory and spicy, not usually something my husband enjoys but this concoction was so tasty, he would definitely have again.

Because we had half hoagies we saved room for dessert; I had the key lime pie, Chuck the brownie ala mode. The pie was made with a pecan and graham crust, and a lime not overly sweet filling. This pie was perfect because it focused on the lime and wasn’t too sweet. The brownie was warm with a soft inside and crispy outside, and topped with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry; chocolate-yummyness!

We enjoyed this date night so much, the atmosphere was amazing it brought us back to our childhood, the food was delicious, and the company second to none. I think the best part of the Mellow Mushroom was it included vegetarian/vegan options in a “normal” restaurant; this doesn’t usually happen. I am happy I came upon this place in Columbus and I could share with my hubby.

Le Bistro Montage

March 16th, 2012

Date # 23

Usually we give each other little hints about what the evening’s events will entail but we said nothing today; I had no idea what we were doing. Again, Chuck used his GPS to find the place and we ended up in an industrial area of Portland that was deserted. While we were parked on the side of the road so Chuck could look at the GPS to get his bearings, I was looking in the rear view mirror making sure we weren’t going to get car jacked, (Chuck didn't know I was protecting us).

After a few more block and a few more turns we ended up under the Morrison Street Bridge at Le Bistro Montage right beside the City Liquidators, a place we have been before. I was still a little nervous because no one was around, but there were some nice cars parked on the street. We opened the door and the place was packed, we left our names with the host and went next door to their bar called La Merde to wait for our table.

The bar was packed with people and contained a hodgepodge of furnishings including mismatched tables and chairs, church pews, video game tables, and board games laid out on a few tables. Chuck strayed a bit from his hefeweizen and ordered a Tangerine, which is a tangerine wheat beer from the Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka California , he enjoyed it so much he had two.

We had to wait for half an hour for our table and then were sat at a table for 6 European style, with 2 other couples. The lighting was dark, the floors were messy, and the atmosphere was controlled chaos and very loud. After a few minutes we got used to it and settled in for the night.



The menu was uniquely written on both side of a large sheet of paper, it included frog legs and alligator for appetizers; Chuck wondered if they would be ok for lent, I didn’t have an answer. 

I ordered Old Mac with garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan, it tasted so garlicky and so amazing, the only bad thing was the calories and carbs! Chuck had Linguini Andouille Sausage in a creamy alfredo sauce, it was creamy-cheesy-tactic.

I am so happy we found this place, great food and really different atmosphere. I like that Chuck finds these out of our ordinary places and I just go with the flow. This is so different for me but I am truly enjoying it.

Corbett Fish House

March 9th, 2012

Date #22

I wanted to find a place for fish and chips tonight because during lent Chuck tries not to eat meat on Fridays, and I really enjoy fish and chips. My favorite place for fish and chips is Ivar’s on the waterfront in downtown Seattle, but it’s not always easy to make the 2.5 hour trip just for a meal. I asked a co-worker who has lived in Portland for most of his life if he knew of a place. He told me to try Corbett Fish House, I thought this was a great idea especially because it wasn’t too far from home. When we arrived Chuck realized where we were and said he had investigated this restaurant for one of his date nights, ha I took us here first, yea me!

We started with shrimp cocktail that came in a large sundae glass overflowing with shrimp, a cup of clam chowder, without bacon, and Chuck had his hefeweizen. We couldn't believe how much shrimp was in the shrimp cocktail, our last experience had a quarter of what we were served here, lucky us! Clam chowder was good too, but I have to say Ivar's is still  my favorite.













Both of us ordered cod and chips with tartar sauce. The cod nuggets are breaded in brown rice flour and fried in 100% rice bran oil so there is no oily flavor or oily fingers, just the taste of fish. For me when I have fish and chips the tartar sauce makes the meal; this sauce made the meal. The chips, with the skins left on, were very good, even better dipped in ketchup. All the food was piping hot, the atmosphere was great, I believe we have found our fish and chips restaurant in Portland.











Corbett Fish House is in the middle of a beautiful old neighborhood, so we decided to take a walk because it was such an unusually mild night in Portland. We walked around the block investigating all the old houses we passed. We came across a lady and her two little dogs out for a stroll, she was new to town so we told her about some of the amazing places that are Portland. What a wonderful night!

Tonight was the first date night since I decide to write this blog, it's been quite the time catching up. The photos are all mine now.

McGrath's Fish House

March 2nd, 2012

Date #21

Chuck had me all confused about where we were going tonight, he was using his GPS like he had no idea where we were going. But, this was the scene of our graduation dinner last spring, how could you forget that wonderful day? Anyway, Chuck was thinking ahead and made a reservation, we had a nice quiet booth by the window and we didn’t have to wait in line like so many others.

www.mcgraths.com

We started the night out with our usual drinks, shrimp cocktail, and crab & shrimp wontons. Unfortunately the shrimp cocktail was mostly lettuce and the wontons were very greasy. For our entrees I had fish tacos and Chuck had the special, marlin. The tacos were really good, a bit too saucy to eat with your hands, but nice with a knife and fork, the Queen would be happy that I used my utensils. The marlin was delicious and included veggies and mashed potatoes.

www.mcgraths.com

McGrath’s is our favorite fish house, it is reasonably priced and has many options, we will be back.

Thong Thai

February 24th, 2012

Date # 20

Tonight I wanted to go back to the Thai theme and chose Thong Thai, a restaurant I have been to a few times during lunch at work. We have been to a few different Thai restaurants for lunch but this is my favorite, and the craziest thing is Chuck treated a guy that said he was the owner of this restaurant at is work last week, such a small world.

www.thongthairestaurant.com

We started with what…veggie spring rolls and pot stickers; maybe we are on a mission to find the best in town. They were both very good; the spring roll sauce was sweet and spicy, yum! Next I had shrimp yakisoba; I think they serve the best yakisoba, the sauce is sweet, the noodles are firm and plenty of vegetables. Chuck had sweet and sour pork, this is his favorite Asian dish, he enjoyed it but this version is not his favorite. Coconut ice cream on the menu, yay one of our favorites, Chuck wouldn't share so we both had our own. I thought it was too icy, Chuck loved it.

I’m happy I got Chuck to try a restaurant I have been to for lunch so many times. We did forget about meat during lent, oops.

Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill

February 17th, 2012

Date #19

I always hear about the Thirsty Lion from Chuck and his friends on their “man-date night” but I have never been there myself until tonight. Chuck smartly went online and made a reservation for 7:45pm, I didn’t think we would need them this late at night, but I am so glad he did because it was packed. I don’t think the 30 or so people waiting for a table were too happy when we walked in and were seated right away, but yay for us!

www.thirstylionpub.com

Of course Chuck had a hefeweizen and I a diet coke, guess we can’t break away from the usual too often. We started with a California roll; not sure what the sauce was displayed so decoratively on the plate, but it was amazing. Next I had the Baha fish tacos and Chuck the pulled pork sandwich. Could be the best fish tacos I have ever eaten and the plate was huge, 3 tacos with dirty rice and beans. Chuck’s sandwich was also huge and came with fries, he had ordered the pulled pork sliders on a previous visit and enjoyed them just as much, and he said the BBQ sauce was amazing.

www.thirstylionpub.com

Needless to say we were very full and very satisfied. The waitress charged Chuck’s credit card with the bill of the table beside us; besides being much higher than our bill the girls at this table were very obnoxious. The bill was corrected 4 days later only after Chuck made a few calls to the manager. This won’t deter us nor will it be just Chuck’s guy’s night out spot, I will definitely be back.

Swagat

February 10th, 2012

Date #18

I chose Swagat for our date night tonight. We have been here for their awesome buffet during lunch, but never for dinner. I actually thought they would have the buffet for dinner as well, so when we got there and found out they did not I was a little worried. We have never ordered off an Indian food menu before, it was a little intimidating. The descriptions of the dishes on the menu were pretty good and the waitress helped us out a lot.

First Chuck ordered an Indian beer call Taj Mahal, the waitress warned him it was a 20 ounce bottle, guess she doesn’t know him. I had a taste of it and thought it tasted pretty good, but I stuck with my usual of diet coke. After a few minutes of perusing the menu I decided on navratan korma, which is 9 kinds of vegetables in a mild spiced cream sauce, and Chuck had lamb curry. Each meal was served on a beautiful platter along with vegetable curry of the day, dal, sambar, raita, rice, papadam and nan. The nan is amazing; dipping it in all the different sauces was so tasty. We both wished we didn’t get so full so fast; the good thing about this was I had some left for lunch at work on Monday. Lucky me!!

I’m not sure what the dessert is called but it’s basically really cold thin mango pudding. It was refreshing after all the spicy dishes and not too filling leaving a wonderful taste in your mouth.

I am so happy we were brave enough to try this place during dinner time, we enjoyed it so much. Now we can come back for lunch buffet or dinner.

Olive Garden

February 3rd, 2012

Date #17

I know the Olive Garden isn’t a new restaurant to us, but I’m happy Chuck decided to take me here tonight. It was my go to restaurant for birthdays for quite a few years. When we lived in Arizona we would drive to Flagstaff and go camping for my birthday weekend. To get away from the campsite we would go the Olive Garden for dinner one night. Once in a while I would treat myself and go to a salon and have them wash my hair, what a wonderful feeling after camping for a few days. I know, what a camper am I, right?!? 
Anyway, sometimes it’s just nice to go somewhere that is familiar, and I really wanted to taste something from their new 3 course dinner menu.

www.olivegarden.com

We started out with their wonderful salad with Italian dressing and plenty of grated parmesan cheese. I know this is a simple salad, but boy is it good! Next I tried their new creamy parmesan Portobello mushroom fettuccine, this was amazing. I usually have their fettuccine Alfredo; the addition of mushrooms made it taste even better, could be my new favorite dish. Chuck had his usual favorite of shrimp & crab tortelli romana, it’s so good he doesn’t want to try anything new. Also, he really loves their house red wine Rosso; no beer here!!

www.olivegarden.com

 










The best part of any meal is dessert, we usually say no but not here, they have these amazing little desserts in large shot glasses “piccolo dolci”, the perfect size for after a big pasta meal. My favorite is this delightful lemon concoction of Limoncello Mousse with Vanilla Cookie Crust. Yum-eee!!!
Another great choice my husband, you are getting really good at this date night thing! Molto bene!!!

Taste Teriyaki

January 27th, 2012

Date #16

Tonight Chuck had to work late and he also went in early, I decided to surprise him and have dinner waiting at home, so that means staying local again. Always wanted to try this teriyaki place close to my grocery store, this was the night we would try Taste Teriyaki. 

I ordered beef teriyaki for Chuck and shrimp teriyaki for myself. Both dishes were good, but I don’t know if we would go here again because we have tasted much better. I also went to the grocery store and purchased our favorite dessert, ice cream. Great ending for any meal.

It was nice to stay home, but hopefully we won’t do this too much, it’s much more fun to go out.

Papa Murphy's and a new workout room!

January 20th, 2012

Date #15

Chuck chose a project for this date night which ment we were staying in and Papa Murphy's was the food. The reason I am so excited about this is because we are going to change my step-daughter’s old room into our new workout room.

I wish I would have taken a picture of the room with all the furniture in it, but you can see the theme of the room with just the paint…yuck…green apple. I didn't mind it when we first painted it because Katie chose it and liked it so much, but now it has to go along with her purple curtains. Chuck did the trim and I painted with the roller, I remembered just after we started that I don’t like painting.

We let it dry overnight and on Saturday morning started the arduous task of hauling all our exercise equipment from the garage to our new upstairs workout room. Thank goodness Chuck was smart enough to take apart most of the equipment so it wasn’t too heavy. The part that was the heaviest was the bottom of the elliptical machine; I didn’t think we were going to make it, but we did.

This date night took the whole weekend, but the room is beautiful. I didn’t realize how much equipment we had, we have a real gym.

Thank you for doing this Chuck!

Sawatdee

January 13th, 2012

Date# 14

Staying with my theme of staying close to home, I chose a new restaurant I found in the strip mall by our grocery store. It’s a Thai restaurant called Sawatdee. This is a very small restaurant maybe 7 tables, they also have take-out which seemed to be the thing to do. The front door was constantly opening which wasn’t so nice because it was a bit cold, but the food is worth it.

20649 SW Roy Rogers Rd.
Sherwood, OR 97140
Phone: 503-625-5929

We started with Thai egg rolls and pot stickers, seems to be a theme with us, both were amazing and the dipping sauces made each even better. Next I had shrimp yakisoba and Chuck had pork green curry, they were both so good. The vegetables in each dish were carefully cut into different shapes, not one was just a simple cut, definitely attention to detail. We were so excited to see coconut ice cream on the menu for dessert; this is one of our favorites. We are really starting to like Thai food.

I think the people who run the restaurant and served us were all family, they were all so friendly, really nice atmosphere.

I am so excited this wonderful restaurant is in our neighborhood, we will definitely be back.

Noodles

January 6th, 2012

Date #13

Noodles restaurant was the location of Chuck's date night tonight. We used the GPS to find our way; needless to say we took a roundabout way to get here, since it was a surprise to me tonight, we couldn't use my GPS which is better. It was worth the trip, at least going home didn’t take us as long as getting here.

6830 Southwest Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway
Portland, OR 97225
Phone: 503-292-6480

We started with garlic cheesy bread; I loved it, what’s better than a combination of garlic, cheese, and bread? Yum! My entrée was garlic shrimp fettucini and Chuck had fettucini alfredo, both were really good.

What a wonderful meal full of carbs, too bad we weren’t running a marathon tomorrow!

Papa Murphy's

December 30th, 2011

Date #12

We just got back from a great vacation in Canada, picked up our puppies from the kennel, gave them a bath, and are relaxing for a few days before we have to go back to work. Since we just got back from vacation and tomorrow is New Year’s Eve we wanted to lay low; Papa Murphy’s it is.


We love picking up pizza here and baking it at home because it’s always hot! Since we discovered Papa Murphy’s we have never ordered a delivery pizza. Our favorites are the thin crust delight mushroom, onions, and pineapple for me, and Hawaiian for Chuck. It’s nice to have the option of not so much crust, plus it gets nice and crispy.
 










There’s nothing like sitting at home on the comfy Lazy Boys with our puppies eating piping hot pizza.

Even though this date was very simple it was really nice.

La Baia

December 23rd, 2011

Date #11

We are on vacation at my parent’s home in Canada, but we still have to have date night; this is the first time someone else has joined us. At their choosing we went to a quaint Italian restaurant right on the Pacific Ocean called La Baia. We ate by candle light and talked about what adventures we would have during the next week of Christmas vacation.

Chuck and my mom shared a nice bottle of red wine, the waiters made sure their glasses were never empty. I had spaghetti alla papalina with mushrooms and peas in a creamy parmesan sauce; on the menu it also included prosciutto but I asked them to leave that out. This dish tasted wonderful, and went well with the rolls that soaked up the sauce left on the plate. The other dishes on the table included my mom - gnocchi dela casa, my dad - penne con salciccia and Chuck - linguine alle vongole & gamberi, all amazing dishes. Unfortunately, we didn’t leave room for dessert. The service was outstanding, they made us feel like we were the only guests in the restaurant.

Photo: tastefood.info

This was a fantastic evening dining with my parents; they are invited to any date night with us.

Now off to explore British Columbia!

Pho Ty

December 16th, 2011

Date #10

I like to stay local as much as I can, so tonight I decided to stay in our town and go to one of Chuck’s favorite restaurants, Pho Ty. I am not as big a fan of Pho as my hubby, but he is worth it to take him here once in a while, he goes by himself all the time.

16068 SW Tualatin Sherwood Road (you can see it from 99W)

Sherwood, OR 97140

Phone: 503-625-1782

We started out with pot stickers and veggie spring rolls; I really love the dipping sauces that come with the appetizers, makes them taste so good. Next Chuck had his favorite Pho that includes tripe (cow stomach), round and flank steaks, amongst the sprouts and basil, in a wonderful broth. I don’t understand how he can like this so much, but he does. As long as he’s happy, I’m happy. 

What’s nice about being so close to home is it wasn’t too late to walk around the corner to the Red Box and get a movie.

It was a relaxing fun evening.

Native Food Cafe

December 9th, 2011

Date #9

Continuing on the vegetarian theme, my wonderful husband took me to a new vegan restaurant close to our house called Native Foods Café, in Bridgeport Village. As soon as we opened the door we knew this was different; the place was very casual and the staff took their time to explain all the different types of foods to help us pick our meal. This was great because neither of us know much about vegan “meat”.

Photo: nativefood.com

We started with Native fries that were seasoned with cinnamon, at first we didn’t know what the seasonings were, then it hits you, wow this is really good. Next I had the Yo Amigo Taco Salad, I do miss eating meat like ground beef but I don’t want to eat real meat, their version of ground beef tasted like meat to me. Chuck had the Gandhi Bowl, great curry flavor, he really enjoyed it. The Native meat on his plate was tempeh, I was really excited to try it because I have heard of it, but never had the opportunity, it was very good, Chuck even like it.
 

Photo: nativefood.com

For dessert we had chocolate and pecan pies, we weren't sure what to expect since they were vegan, but pleasantly surprised we couldn't tell they were different.

I was way too full when we left the restaurant, I could try so many things on the menu, what fun!

We will be back!

Cinetopia

December 2nd, 2011

Date # 8

My turn for date night tonight. I wanted to take Chuck here a few weeks ago but that was the night that Twilight opened, didn’t really want to see that movie, so tonight is the night for Cinetopia.

Photo: cinetopiatheaters.com

I wanted us to experience the true Cinetopia experience and chose the 21 and over living room theater, the movie showing was The Descendants. We were going for the experience not necessarily the movie, but we were happily surprised because it was really good. The theater had large reclining leather seats with ottomans and plenty of room between couples; it was very comfortable.

Photo: cinetopiatheaters.com

Chuck ordered a pitcher of Hefeweizen and I had a diet coke, we shared cheesy fries and artichoke dip for munching. The cheesy fries were awesome, the dip not so much.  It was weird being at a movie and not having just soda and popcorn.

The craziest thing about the whole night was that Chuck did not go to the bathroom during the movie (he drank the entire pitcher)…what!?! BUT as soon as the credits rolled he didn’t say a word and ran to the bathroom. What an accomplishment Chuck!

Fun fun night!

Urban Fondue

November 25^th, 2011

Date # 7

Chuck decided since our first experience with a fondue restaurant was so successful we should try another one; tonight we went to Urban Fondue in downtown Portland.

Photo:http://urbanfondue.com/

We had a little trouble finding a place to park because it was a Friday night in a very popular downtown area, but because Chuck has such a small car, Nissan Cube, we found a spot where most would not be able to fit. Nice!

We started out with a Tillamook White Cheddar and caraway fondue, it was amazing. I was a little reluctant to try a cheddar fondue because our first cheese fondue with Fontina and Butterkase was so tasty, but I did step out of the box and am so happy I did.  Yum! 

Next Chuck had the Chef’s cut of pork and steak, while I had the vegetarian fondue, in the tomato fennel broth. The fondues are presented with an array of dipping sauces, that are all wonderful and change the flavors of each bite. I decided next time to not have the entrée course and save myself for dessert.



Photo: eatingwell.com



For our dessert fondue we decided on the chocolate butterscotch with dippers that included banana, pineapple, strawberries, dried apricots, cheesecake, cookie dough, and pound cake. Cookie dough is my favorite sweet to eat; sometimes I make cookies just to eat the dough. I was very excited to try cookie dough in my fondue but I have to say it was a bit too sweet for me; again my favorite dipper was the banana. Chuck liked it all, anything dipped in chocolate is yum for him. SO good! 

Not sure if I can pick a favorite fondue restaurant, and I’m glad I don’t have to, Urban Fondue was a bit cheaper in price than The Melting Pot, but definitely not in flavor or atmosphere.  

Great date again my love!

Who Song and Larry's

November 18^th, 2011

Date #6

Being from Arizona we are always on the lookout for a great Mexican restaurant, and more specifically great salsa. This adventure took us across the Columbia River to the Washington shoreline and Who Song and Larry’s. In the summer time this would be a great place to go because they have a beautiful patio right on the river, but we went in the winter so we sat inside.

Photo: http://www.realmexrestaurants.com/otherconcepts.asp

I was very excited to try the salsa; it was good but a bit too spicy for our taste. I found out later that Who Song and Larry’s is part of the restaurant group that includes our favorite restaurant Chevy’s. The salsa here is very different than Chevy’s salsa, which is our favorite.

Chuck had a medley of Mexican favorites in his entrée and I had a fish taco, my usual. The food was good, but not good enough to travel the 50 mile round trip, although when the sun comes out it may be a different story. We frequent the restaurant next door, Joe’s Crab Shack, when the sun shines.

The search for the best Mexican restaurant in Oregon continues, but the date was a success.  

Blossoming Lotus

November 11, 2011

Date #5

A few years ago I decided to take the big plunge and became an almost vegetarian. I don't eat anything that walks on land, and only a few that swim. Chuck has done as much as he can to help me embrace this change as he is still an aggressive carnivore. It was so sweet of him to find this vegan restaurant in Portland; it was our first experience with vegan food. The one hiccup that happened was...he wore his leather jacket…wonder if anyone noticed?!?

Photo: blpdx.com
1713 NE 15^th Ave.
Portland, OR 97212
Phone: 503-228-0048

We started our adventure with the Creamy Pesto & White Bean Dip, served with bread and veggies, very tasty. We dined on delicious vegan entrees brought to us by heavily tattooed young ladies in dresses. For dessert we had vegan pear pie with soft serve; this was amazing, we even had to ask if the soft serve was real ice cream because it tasted so good.

I am so glad I experienced this vegan food, but I have to say I am happy I am not vegan.

Thank you for your sacrifice Chuck, the animals thank you too!

Big Al's Bowling

November 4th, 2011

Date #4

Tonight I decided to combine a meal with some physical activity. We went to Big Al’s Bowling and sports bar. I have always enjoyed bowling but never have been really good at it, Chuck on the other hand owns his own ball. I secretly put his bowling ball in the trunk so I could surprise him with our night’s events. He was very surprised that I brought it with us.

http://www.ilovebigals.com/Beaverton/bowling/rates.aspx

 14950 SW Barrows Rd.

Beaverton, OR 97007
Phone: 503-748-6118

Chuck enjoyed a few 20 ounce glasses of Hefeweizen, his favorite beer, and an appetizer plate with plenty of fried offerings. Very tasty but very greasy.

Photo: Beer100.com

We bowled 5 games, of which Chuck won all. May have been 2 too many games, but we did have a great time. I don’t think I scored over 100 on any game.

Fun night including some activity, win win!!

The Melting Pot

October 28^th, 2011

Date #3

I had no idea where we were going for date night tonight until we were almost at the doorstep; I saw the brick below my feet saying The Melting Pot and became instantly happy. I have always wanted to go but never had the opportunity.

Fondue brings up many special memories from my childhood. My mom would have a fondue every once in a while, I remember the colors of the forks, 70’s hippy colors of yellows, oranges, and browns and the oil popping when cooking the meat. I thought we were so lucky to have a fondue for dinner.

For my high school senior project in food science class my partner and I made a fondue for our favorite teacher. I don’t remember the teacher or my partner, but I do remember what the table looked like with the fondue pot sitting atop the table. 

    Photo: http://www.meltingpot.com/portland/specials

SW Sixth and Main Street

Portland, OR 97204
503-517-8960

We started out with the Spinach Artichoke Cheese fondue with Fontina and Butterkase cheeses. We enjoyed this fondue so much that I wanted to make this recipe at home.  I found the recipe and both cheeses, which ended up being quite the task; we had to go all the way to Canada to find Butterkase. Good thing we were there on vacation and not an international trip just for cheese…that would be a bit crazy.

Next on the menu was the main course which included the Court Bouillon broth for cooking our steak, seafood, and vegetables.

      Photo: http://www.meltingpot.com/              
 

The final course was a milk chocolate fondue with fruit, cake, donuts, marshmallows, and brownies to dip. We were so full by this time, but it didn’t matter, it tasted amazing and was the best part of the entire meal. My favorite dipper was the bananas, warm milk chocolate and banana…WOW! 

     Photo: http://www.meltingpot.com/

The entire date was incredible; my husband for picking the restaurant and being a great dinner companion, the waiter for explaining everything to us and leaving us alone to experience all the wonderful tastes, and the food. 

 

Body Worlds & Voodoo Donuts

October 21^st, 2011

Date #2

Chuck loves anything to do with medicine and has talked about wanting to see Body World’s, so when I heard on the radio that the exhibit was coming to town I thought this would be the perfect date night.

Image: http://www.omsi.edu/

OMSI
1945 SE Water Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
800-955-6674

We visited the exhibit during the first week it was at OMSI, this proved to be the best time because we had almost the entire place to ourselves. It was truly amazing to see the bodies in the many stages of dissection; my favorite was The Tai Chi Man. This man displayed many orthopedic surgeries on different parts of his body, he did not have these surgeries when he was alive, they were added during plastination.    

Picture: http://www.bodyworlds.com/

Next stop was Voodoo Doughnut a tourist hotspot in Portland. Even though I have lived in the Portland area for 8 plus years I have never been. Very yummy!

Photo: http://voodoodoughnut.com/

Voodoo Doughnut Too
1501 NE Davis St.
Portland, OR 97232

We purchased a few donuts each and were on our way. One of the donuts I purchased was the Grape Ape below; I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed/s eating grape Jell-O from the package.

Photo: http://voodoodoughnut.com/

This was a unique and successful date, way to go Jenn!