Irah's Coffee Yogurt Lounge (Goose Hallow)

There's a lot going on at Irah's: coffee, froyo, oatmeal bar, digiboo movie rentals, tvs with sports and news. It's almost as if the theme is designed to distract, but things all come together in this neighborhood shop and I quite like it, thank you very much. This has quickly become my favorite spot to grab a quick latte (they brew espresso with Illy coffee pods) on my way up to Washington Park with my canine companion. At only $2.25 for a latte (when I brings my own reusable cup), you can't beat it. I also like their chipper and chatty staff that always keeps things interesting while I wait for my espresso.

Bottom line: good, cheap espresso that is better than Starbucks but has a slight risk of inexperienced barista rookie mistakes.

My message to Irah: lose the televisions. They're not cool.

My message to you: check it out on an early morning for coffee on your way up to the Rose Garden or in the evening for a stroll around Goose Hallow.

Valley View Anna Maria 2003 Syrah

Tonight we are drinking Valley View's Anna Maria 2003 Syrah. This wine is from the Rouge Valley, here is southern Oregon. Initially I noted two things: it's inky color and it's HUGE oak flavor. This is definitely one to decant or let sit and open up for a while before drinking.

Here's an image of the wine, which shows it's almost opaque purple color. You can find it for about $22-$25 retail. I bought it while at the Best of Oregon Food and Wine Festival.

Overall this went nicely with pizza and our spicy salad with chocolate, coffee, leather, oak, and some cassis flavors. I think I'd let this one lay down for a while longer, even though it is a 2003, in hopes of a more finessed wine. You can find the winemaker's notes here.

Also, Valley View makes a Tempranillo Port that is out of this world! I'm not sure how widely distributed it is outside of Oregon, but if you can get your hands on a bottle or two you won't be disappointed!

Sunday Parkways - TODAY!

Sunday Parkways is today! This is when about 7-8 miles of Portland streets are closed to cars. Community member run, cycle, walk, skateboard, etc. from park to park and enjoy games, information booths, and lots of good food! The event goes from 9am-4pm and I'm about to leave right now! See you there!

Cafe Velo - My Newest Caffine Obession

Today at the Portland Farmer's Market I decided to try a cup on Cafe Velo's coffee. Usually I am a huge fan of Starbucks (I know, I can hear you locavores cringing) but I was volunteering and couldn't stray that far from my post. So I went for cup of Cafe Velo's drip.

They had about 6 or 10 different varieties of coffees from which to choose. I had a Guatemalan medium roast, which was poured into an individual porcelain drip. I don't know if was the coffee, the individual drip, the super nice staff, or some combination of the three, but this was a seriously delicious cup of joe.

They serve Stumptown Coffees and a mint tea. Check them out next time you are at the PFM or if you see their Cafe Velo mobile around town (Sunday Parkways?).

Brooks Winery 2007 Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley

Tonight I am drinking Brooks 2007 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. I bought this bottle at the Best of Oregon Food and Wine Festival, mostly the person pouring was very engaging and excited about his product.

The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of several vineyards from around the Valley and retails for between $20-$25.

The wine tastes of nice tart cherries, slight oak, and violets and rose. The official winemaker's notes are here. The color is the perfect WV red, with a slight purple hue, which dissipates as you look to the sides of the glass. I took a picture to show you the color.

Several of Brook's wines have won awards, with the Janus and Rastaban Pinot Noirs receiving most of the honors. The winery is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Visits are by appointment only.

Burgerville Shakes AMAZE!

So, I had a weak moment and I just HAD to stop at Burgerville for a seasonal raspberry shake. *Amazing!!* For those of you who have never been to a Burgerville, it is Portland's more sustainable, local, and fresh way to do fast food. Every month they have a new seasonal shake, which are always delish...just don't look at the nutrition info!

Four Vines Wine Tasting Event at Thirst

Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro is holding a wine and food pairing event at their RiverPlace Esplanade location. For $25 you get to meet the wine maker, Christian Tietje, and try a variety of these acclaimed, yet affordable wines. Tickets must be purchased in advanced. The event is on Tuesday, July 28 from 6-8pm.

I met one of the owners at a wine and chocolate event last year and she was super nice. These folks enjoy wine in an relaxed way. I'm definitely going to this! See you there!