Jul 1, 2016

GOREME. TURKEY



I am deeply sadden by the recent terrorist attack at Istanbul Airport. This has inspire me to tell you how kind, TOLERANT, open minded the Turkish people are. They too are victims like the rest of us. 25% of their employment relies on the tourism sector. But their tourist numbers has taken a nosedive within the year from 30 to 5 million. Many factors have contributed this. Their neighbor Russian government has placed an embargo on their commercial airlines to fly into Turkey, and the Syrian, Iraqi, and Afghanistan refugees flooding in by the millions is scaring off the international tourists. Turkey is in a very fragile state at no fault of their own. They need all of our help. Do not allow fear and your government and media manipulation deter you from visiting Turkey. Turkey is a beautiful country with warm hospitality and has a lot to offer.

US and Canada citizens: Visa and passport required

Flights from Istanbul ( there are 2 airports) - To Nevsehir Airport

To Ataturk Istanbul Airport (Europe side):  
1. Connected by their metro line, 
2. buses
3. taxis  

To Sabhia Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul (Asia side):  
 * Take the metro and off at Taksim stop ( on Europe side)
 * Find Point Hotel and look for Havatas Bus
 * It's a direct nonstop route to the airport, takes about 1 hr 40mins

At / to Dalaman Airport
1. Turkish Airline operates small buses which go into Goreme for 15 lira ( there are multiple stops)
2. Taxis cost 60-100 lira 
   
Hotels in Goreme

 * Artemis Cave Suites - from $70 usd (Breakfast included)

Highlights
1. Hotair balloon ride at 4am - from $120usd. Phenomenal. A MUST.
2. Pumpkin Art Gallery Restaurant - a set course for 60lira. They best meal you'll have in town


3. Topdeck Cave Restaurant




May 15, 2015

PORTLAND EATS & DRINKS (updated 11-01-16)

* Personal recommendations for breakfast: Tasty N Sons for European tapa style in the North of downtown, Pambiche for weekend cuban breakfast in the northeast, Mother's Bistro & Bar for a traditional breakfast in downtown and Pine State Biscuits (There are 3 locations) for southern greasy spoon diner experience in the northeast.

* = Vegan and/or Vegetarian
HH = Happy hour specials
Patio = Outdoor seatings; sidewalk seatings excluded




Downtown (Central, Pearl)
* Nevrei - Coffee & pastries. 
* Blue Star Donuts
* Lardo - Sandwiches.
* TILT - Sandwiches.
* Tasty n Alder - European style tapa. Brunch
* Piazza Italia - Traditional Italian. 
* Grassa - Handmade pasta
* Mother's Bistro & Bar - Brunch. Americana classics. Closed Mon. HH Tues-Fri 3-7
* Prasad - Vegan, vegetarian, juice bar.
* Ringside Fish House - great for HH specials at Bar: 3-6:30, 9-close, all Sun

Ethnic (non European)
*  Eleni's Philoxenia - Traditional Greek. Hrs 5-10. Closed Mon
* Andina - Modern Peruvian tapa. HH 4-6
* Fogo De Chao Steakhouse - Brazilian MEAT!!!$$ 
* Mi Mero Mole - Mexican in Chinatown. Closed Mon
* Tito's Burritos - Cheap Mexican at PSU campus. 
* Chopollos - Mexican food truck. Hrs: 8:30- 5:30 & closed Sun.
* Bing Mi - Chinese crepe food truck. Open til 3 & 4pm on Satur. Closed Sun
* Yama Sushi & Saki Bar - Japanese, sushi in Pearl
* Nong's Khao Man Gai - Chicken & rice Thai food truck. Closed wkends

Drinks and late night munchies
* Thelonious Wine - Wine shop. Sells by the glass.
* Bailey's Taproom - Craft beer. Hrs 12pm-12am
* Departure - Great for the rooftop bar patio & City view at night
* Momo - Dive bar. Great Patio
* Shift Drinks 
* Teardrop Cocktail Lounge - Creative drinks, $ HH M-Fri 4-7
* Touche Bar & Restaurant -  Italian. Open til 2:30. HH on Food: 10-close Mon-Thurs; 11-close Fri & Sat, all Sun
* Santeria - Mexican. Open til 2am
* Luc Lac - Vietnamese. Open til 12am and on Fri & Sat til 4am

NE of Downtown (Kerns)
* Pip's Original Doughnuts - Coffee
* Tonalli's Donut & Cream - Ice cream & frozen yogurt, coffee. Hrs 7-12pm
* Woodlawn Coffee & Pastry 
* Aunt Tillie's Deli & Pub - Sandwiches. Closed Sun
* Podnah's Pit Barbeque
* Russell Street Bar-B-Que
* Helser's on Alberta - Breakfast Hrs 7-3pm
* Vivienne Kitchen & Pantry - Breakfast. Open til 2. Closed Mon
* Old Salt Market Place - Americana, Brunch on wkends 9-3, Deli. Open til 11. Fri & Sat til 12am
* Nobel Rot - New Americana. Wine Bar. Patio. HH 5-6 Mon-Fri
* Cabezon - New Americana seafood bistro. 
* Chesa - Fusion Spanish. Tapa. Closed Sun & Mon
* Blooming Lotus - Vegetarian, vegan.
* Blind Onion Pizza & Pub
* Screen Door - Southern, Creole. Brunch on wkends.
* Pine State Biscuits - Southern breakfast & Sandwiches. Open til 3pm Mon-Wed, til 11pm Th-Sun. 
* Muscadine - Southern brunch. Open til 2pm. Closed Tues
* Mae - Modern southern. 
* Killer Burger - Closed Sun

Bollywood Theater

Ethnic (Non European)
* Ox - Argentine. MEAT! Hrs: Fri&Sat 5-11; others 5-10pm $$
* Tortilleria Y Tienda De Leon's - Authentic Mexican grocery / Deli / Restaurant
* La Cocina Restaurant - Mexican. Closed Sun
* Pambiche - Cuban. Desserts. Brunch on Sat & Sun. HH: M-F 2-6pm & F Sat 10-12am
* Han Oak - Fusion Korean. Must make a reservation. Tasting menu. Sun Brunch 11-2pm
* Pono Farm Soul Kitchen - Japanese fusion meats & sushi. Closed Mon.HH Tu-Sun 5-6pm & 9-10pm. Recommend for dinners.
* Mirakutei - Japanese, sushi & ramen. Lunch & dinner on wkdays. Dinner on wkends. 
* Pho Oregon Restaurant - Vietnamese. Hrs 8:30am -8:30pm 
* Mekha Noodle Bar & Cafe - Vietnamese. Hrs 9-9
* Lemon Grass - Thai. Stick to spicy level 1. CA$H

* Hat Yai - Southern Thai 
* Bollywood Theater - Indian street food.
The Sudra - Indian. Vegan friendly. Fri & Sat open til 12am. HH 4-7
* DarSalam - Middle Eastern. Closed Sun. HH M-Fri 4-6

Expatriate Bar
Drinks and late night munchies
* Chamelon Restaurant & Bar - Americana fusion. Evening cocktails on patioClosed Sun - Tues
* Expatriate - Cool bar. Open til 12am. Brunch on wkends 10-2pm
* Hale Pele - Tiki bar. HH til 6pm
* Great Notion Brewing & Barrel House - Local brewery beers on tap. Patio
* The Tannery Bar - Cozy neighbor pub. HH 4-6
* Stammtisch - German beer pub with great food. Open til 2:30am.
* The Bye and Bye - Bar & vegan food. Open til 2am. Patio HH 4-7

* Moon & Sixpence British Pub - Open til 2:30am Patio
* La Taq - Tex Mexican. Open til 12am

SE of Downtown (Buckman, Sellwood)
* Crema Coffee & Bakery
* 180 - Spain's xurros pastry 
* Sip - Juice & smoothies 
* Otto's Sausage Kitchen & Meat Market - Sandwiches
* Shut Up and Eat - Sandwiches
* Lorio - Italian. Closed Mon & Tues. HH 5-6pm weekdays
* 3 Doors Down Café & Lounge - Italian. HH: all night from Th-Sun
* Simpatica Dining Hall - Americana. Brunch on Sun. Dinner on Fri&Sat
* Redwood - Americana. Breakfast & Brunch. HH 5-6, 10-Close
* Taylor Railworks - Modern Americana. Opens at 5. HH Sun-Thurs 5-9pm
* Papa Hayden East - Desserts, Americana, Brunch on Sun 10-3pm. Patio. Open til 12am Fri &Sat. HH  3-6  Mon-Thurs, 3-5 Fri&Sat
* Olympia Provisions - Americana, brunch,  meat shop.
* Farm Spirit - Vegetarian, vegan. $$ Tasting menu. Purchase a ticket first for reservation. Closed Sun-Tues

Ethnic (Non European)
* Mi Mero Mole - Mexican. Closed Mon
* Mi Pueblo Taqueria - Mexican.
* Nuestra Cocina - Mexican. hrs 5-10. Patio. Closed Sun & Mon
* Nayer Taqueria - Mexican. Closed Sun
* Two Brothers Cafe & Grill - Mediterranean & Balkan. Closed Mon
* Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine - Closed Sun
* TarBoush Lebanese Bistro & Bar
* Bollywood Theater - Indian street food
* Hapa PDX - Ramen food truck.
* Nodoguro - Japanese & sushi tasting menu. Must purchase a ticket first. $ 
* Yama Sushi & Izikaya - Japanese & Sushi HH Mon-Thurs 4:30-6
* Straits Kitchen - Malaysian food cart. Hrs 11-7. Closed Wed
* Ha VL - Vietnamese. Open til 4pm. Closed Tues
* Mekha Grill - Vietnamese
* Quan Linh Asian Bistro -  Authentic Vietnamese /Chinese
* An Xuyen Bakery - Bakery, Vietnamese, & Bah Mi Sandwiches
* Binh Minh Sandwiches - Vietnamese & Bah Mi Sandwiches. Hrs 7:30-5
* Rose VL Deli - Vietnamese
* Jade Bistro Teahouse & Patisserie - Vietnamese/Thai fusion. Closed Sun
* Kenny Noodle House - Authentic Chinese Cantonese
 * Chongqing Huo Guo - Authentic Chinese hot pot. Group of 4 or more recommended
* Good Taste Noodle House - Chinese.
* Langbaan - Thai. Tasting menu $$. Make a reservation
* Buathong Thai Cuisine 
* Kala Noodle and Grill - Thai. Closed Mon. Hrs Tues-Sat 4-11, Sun 5-9pm
* Nong's Khao Man Gai - Thai chicken & rice 
* Sivalai Thai Restaurant



Enso Winery
   
Drinks and late night munchies 
* Teutonic Wine Co 
* SE Wine Collective - Wine bar. Closed Tues
Enso Winery - Urban winery. 
Coopers Hall - Winery&Tap room. Hrs 4-10 
* Tibit Food Farm and Garden - Pod of food trucks: Pizza, Japanese, Thai, Beer garden patio
* Bible Club - Speakeasy bar. Closed Mon & Tue
Aalto Lounge - Bar. Modern patioHH 5-7
Rontoms - Bar. Great Patio  HH 3-6
* EastBurn - Bar&Bar food. Brunch. Open til 2:30am. Patio. HH 3-6pm & late hours til close
* Slow Bar - Bar and Burgers. Open til 2:30am. HH: Mon-Fri 3-6pm, Sun-Thurs 12-2:30am
* Crush - Gay bar w/ mixed crowds&food. Check web for events/ dancing. HH 3-7, Mon til 12am.
* Loyal Legion - Gastropub 
* Devil's Dill Sandwich Shop - Hrs 5pm- 3am
* Robo Taco - Open til 1am, Fri & Sat til 3:30am 
* Double Dragon - Asian fusion. Open til 12am. 1am on Fri & 2am on Sat. Closed  Mon. HH 3-6

West or Northwest of Downtown (Goose Hollow)
* Gabriel's Bakery - Bakery & Wholesales
* Ken's Artisan Bakery
* Breken Kitchen - Café. Coffee. Sandwiches.
*
 Irving St Kitchen - New Americana. Brunch on Sat & Sun 10-2:30. HH 4-6:30
* Olympic Provisions - Americana. Brunch. Meat shop 

* Papa Hayden West - Americana. Desserts. Brunch til 3pm. HH M-F 3-6
* Ataula - Spanish. Tapa. Closed Sun & Mon
* Red Onion - standard Thai

* Kung POW - Chinese 
* Bibi2go - Korean. Closed Sun
* Pepino's Mexican Grill

Drinks and late night munchies

* Leaky Roof - Neighbor Pub. HH 3-6
* 21st Ave Bar & Grill - Dive bar. Great patio. Open til 2:30am. HH open-6pm.
* North 45 Bar - Belgium beer & great patio. Open Mon-Th til 1am & Fri-Sun til 2. HH 4-6, Mon all night
* Uno Mas Taquiza - Bar & tacos. Open til 12am M-Th & Sun, 1am on F&Sat.HH M-Fri 3-6, M-Th 9-12, All Sun, $1 tacos on Mon 9pm-12

North of Downtown (Mississippi, Lombard)

 
Tasty n Sons


* Phillippe's Bread - Hrs 7-7
* TILT - Sandwiches & burgers
* Brass Tacks Sandwiches
* Tasty N Sons - Tapas, Brunch. HH 2:30-5
* Radar - Americana dinner. Brunch on wkends 10-2pm. HH Mon-Th 5-6:30

* People's Pigs - BBQ, American



Ethnic (Non European)
* Spicy Spoon - Tacos & burritos. Patio. Closed Mon
* King Burrito - Mexican on Lombard St. Hrs 10am - 11pm
* Enat Kitchen - Ethiopean
* Mee Sen Thai EateryHH 3-6pm, 9pm - close, all day Tues
* Tiffin Asha - Indian crepe food truck. Closed Mon-Wed 


Drinks and late night munchies 
* Seven Bridges Winery - Open on wkends
* Pod of food trucks - 7316 N Lombard St. Beer on patio. Closed Mon & Tues. Open til 9pm

* Prost - German beer garden. Patio
* Vendetta - Dive bar. Only for the Patio! HH 3-6
* Victoria - cool low key bar. Patio HH 3-6

South of the Downtown (John's Landing)
* Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille. Patio
* Bambuza - Vietnamese. Skip the pho soup. Closed Sun. 

* Let's Eat Thai Food - Standard Thai food truck. Closed wkends
* Paiche - Peruvian. Closed Sun - Tue
 
 

Drinks
* Fulton McMenamins Pub - Good beers. Patio. HH 3-6 & 10-close

Beaverton (West suburb of Portland)


Tan Tan Cafe
* Cornell Farm - Coffee & cafe. Patio
* La Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie - French. Breakfast. Patio. Hrs 7am-9pm, wkends 9am-10pm
* Sweet Lemon Vegan Bistro - Vietnamese. Closed Sun
* Tan Tan Café - Vietnamese

* Best Baguette - Vietnamese Bah Mi sandwiches. 
* Vivi's Vietnamese Noodle House ( Hillsboro )
* Nakwon - Korean & Korean BBQ. Closed Mon
* Spring Restaurant - Korean. Located at upstairs of the Korean grocery, G-Mart. Closed Mon. 
* Yuzu - Traditional Japanese & ramen. No business sign. Closed Sun
* Ikenohana - Japanese & Sushi. Mediocre service.  

* Hakatamon - Japanese, Ramen & Sushi. Closed Mon
* Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya - Japan's franchise
* Syun  Izakaya ( Hillsboro ) - Japanese & Sushi. HH 5-6, 9-close.
* Siam Lotus Asian Kitchen - Thai. Patio. HH Mon-Sat 4-6 & 9 to close, Sun (All day) 12pm-close

* 808 Grind Hawaiian Cafe - Hawaiian. Closed Sun
* Lima Peruvian Restaurant

Drinks and late night munchies 
* Wine & Growl - Wine bar, gastropub food in Raleigh Hill.  HH 3-6
* The Growlerie - Beer. Patio

* Hall Street Grill - Drinks on patio HH: Mon - Fri 4-6:30 & 9-close, Sat 3-6:30 & 9 - close, Sun 3-close
* McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern - Beer on patio. Avoid coming hungry. HH 3-6, 10-close
* Waba Grill - Korean. No Sushi served. Best jjajongmeyun black bean noodles and Jom-pong spicy seafood noodle soup. Hrs 4pm - 12am. Closed Sun
* Du Kuh Bee - Korean/Chinese. Hand pulled noodles. Open til 12am & Fri and Sat til 1am. Closed Sun.
* Ara - Korean & Korean BBQ.  After 9pm, menu switches over to the Korean style bar menu. Open 11:30-1am . Closed Tues

Jul 5, 2013

SHORT SANDS BEACH. MANZANITA

 
A surfers' little cool beach off of Smuggler Cove surrounded by rustic mountain and charm

 
Location: Oswald West State Park, Manzanita Oregon
*  Park your car in the lot off of  Highway 101 in between Short Sand Creek and Necarney Creek
*  Hike for 1/2 mile on Oswald Trail
 
Perks:
*  Watch the sunset over a bond-fire
*  Dog friendly
*  Watch the surfers catching the waves
*  Very low key
 
Do:
*  Bring warm set of clothes
*  Pack lightly ( 1/2 mile walk on the trail)
*  Wear wet suit if planning to go into the water
 

 
 


 
 
 
 

Oct 22, 2012

WEST SIDE MARKET. CLEVELAND

One of the oldest, Eastern European influenced farmers market in the downtown of Cleveland
Location: Cleveland, OH
Webwww.westsidemarket.org







Recommendations:
Steve Gyros
Great Lakes Brewing Co

photo: http://www.acontinuouslean.com/2012/10/14/shopping-cleveland-west-side-market/

Apr 18, 2012

SANDWORM SCULPTURE. WENDUINE



Location:  beach sand-dune of Wenduin, Belgium
Exhibition: ends September 30th, 2012
Further info and google map:
http://www.archdaily.com/223656/sandworm-marco-casagrande/




Apr 5, 2012

SNOWBOMBING. MAYRHOFEN


Rock out to some of the biggest electronic music acts at the annual music festival, Snowbombing, on the Alps.

Location: Mayrhofen, Austrian Alps.
Dates: A week long annual music festival in April; tickets sold out for 2012