It's been awhile since I last blogged. Life keeps getting in the way. I've been meaning to write this post for awhile and now with a few free moments, I suppose now is the time to do it! To preface this blog, I first should let you know that I'm a coffee shop junkie. While I'm a BIG fan of Starbucks, I'm an even bigger fan of independent coffee shops. However, just because a coffee shop is independently owned doesn't mean I'm going to love it. Being from Portland, OR , I've grown up in a city with a coffee shop on almost every corner. I try to go to as many as I can, but there are a number that I keep coming back to. In a city with so many coffee shops, in order to stay in business, these companies need to not only have great coffee and pastries, but they must have a unique and welcoming atmosphere as well as a reasonable price. This post is about one such coffee shop that really is the total package.
Bakery Bar
Every Sunday my Mom and I go out for coffee. We try and switch it up every week, but we definitely have a few favorite spots. A couple weeks ago I asked her if she could only go to one coffee shop the rest of her life which one would she pick. Without hesitation she said the Bakery Bar and I couldn't agree more. This place really has it all!
Patio and entrance to Bakery Bar
For my Mom, what really makes or breaks a coffee shop is the quality of their coffee. With so many good places to choose from, if the coffee isn't up to par it just isn't worth going back. Fortunately Bakery Bar caters to the quality coffee lover; serving renowned Stumptown coffee and espresso beans. The coffee is brewed fresh daily so you can always count on getting a hot cup of coffee without grounds or any bitter taste. They also proudly serve Dragonfly Chai. I'm a big chai lover, but sometimes chai's can be two sweet, or two bland. Dragonfly Chai is really the all star of chai, so when I get one at the Bakery Bar I know the chai I'm getting is going to be delicious.
For me--having the sweet tooth that I do--what's important to me are the pastries. Bakery Bar, as you can tell by the name, doesn't cut corners when it comes to serving scrumptious pastries and breads. I'm not a big scone person, I find them to be rather dry and flavorless, but the scones at the Bakery Bar are to die for. They aren't your typical bland scone. Some of my personal and delicious favorites are the apple-bacon scone, strawberry-lime scone and chocolate-cardamon scone. They also have a variety of amazing scone flavors for vegans as well! My dad's personal favorite pastry is the blueberry loaf with cream cheese frosting. Unlike many loafs, this one is moist, flavorful, sweet but not too sweet. In other words, just like everything that the Bakery Bar makes, it's just right!
They also serve breakfast and lunch if your hunger calls for more than just a pastry. I've only had two items off the menu so far, but so far those two items were enough for me to want to come back and try more things. I can vouch for the Veggie Scramble which consists of 3 eggs, leeks, mushrooms, goat cheese, garlic, basil and red peppers. Delicious. I can also vouch for the brioche French Toast made with seasonal toppings. When I went Strawberries were in season so my french toast was smothered in giant, juicy, fresh strawberries.
However, what really seals the deal is the comfortable ambiance. A combination of rustic and industrial, the vibe when you walk in is welcoming, warm, and creative. One can come here alone to read, with a group of friends, for a meeting, any one is welcome and that's what makes this place so unique.
Next time you're in the Portland area, be sure to stop by the Bakery Bar located at 2935 NE Glisan St. I promise, you won't be disappointed.
As you could tell by the absence of my post last Wednesday, I've been on vacation. More specifically, I've been on vacation in LA! You may know by now that I want a career in film production, so when I visited my cousin who works at Warner Bros it was an amazing experience to say the least. So, here are some reasons why the next time you're in Southern California you should make time to visit the Warner Bros. Lot.
Warner Bros. Lot
First, I'd like to preface this blog by saying, unfortunately I don't have any of my own pictures to post. When you're on the lot, although it's amazing, pictures just wouldn't do it justice, and when you're in the museum you aren't allowed to take pictures anyway. Trust me, I wish I had my own pictures, but we'll just have to make due with what I find on the Internet.
As previously stated, my cousin works for Warner Bros. so fortunately for me I didn't have to pay to get in and take the tour. This also meant that we could freely walk around and investigate things we saw on our own time and at our own pace. However, my cousin did say that paying for the tour is worth it and the tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable.
Town Square in Gilmore Girls
Since we got to the Lot a little after lunch time, and after being stuck in the perpetual LA traffic, we were very hungry. My cousin gave us the option of eating at the Commissary or this little outdoor cafe. When we asked her which she preferred, she informed us that the Commissary has more options but that the cafe is where the stars go to pick up a quick bite. Clearly after hearing this we went to the outdoor cafe! The cafe is located on the other side of the town square which played a fundamental role in the show Gilmore Girls. Gilmore Girls was my favorite show when I was in middle school and high school so it was incredible to be walking through the set. Right next to the town square stand houses featured in the hit show Friends! If you're aren't an avid fan, you may be wondering where the houses come into play since the cast all lived in New York apartments. The two houses that played important roles in the show were Monica and Ross' parent's house, as well as the house that Monica and Chandler move into at the end of the series.
Anyway, although we didn't see anyone famous at the cafe, I did have the best taco of my life!
Warner Bros. Back Lot
When you're walking through the lot it's a surreal feeling. It looks and feels like a city, but everything is fake. Walking down the street you keep thinking that busy city traffic is going to appear to run you over, but then you remember that there is no traffic because this isn't a real street and this isn't an actual city. Very surreal.
In addition to the pure grandeur of the Lot, the people that work there are phenomenal as well. Everyone is working hard, and it's clear that everyone loves what they do. (Although like any company, I'm sure there is at least one disgruntled employee haha.)
Since we went during the summer, unfortunately most shows were on hiatus and it was an off time for movie making so there really wasn't too much going on. If I were to go again (and hopefully I will!) then I'd probably go in the fall when everything is starting up again. Either way though, it's an amazing place to visit. If you're ever in the LA area be sure to make this a stop on your list. You won't regret it!
If you're reading this then you are reading the second installment of my new blog People, Places, Things. Just To refresh your memory, or if this is your first visit to my blog I'll give you a quick synopsis. Every Wednesday I will be writing a new blog post dedicated to people, places, or things. I'm also open to suggestions. If you want me to write about one of your favorite people, places or things I'd be more than happy! Just let me know :)
So, now that your memories have all been jogged, let's begin!
Portland Spirit
Portland Spirit
This past weekend my Aunt and Uncle visited Mom and I in Portland, OR. It had been years since the last time they visited so we made sure to pack their trip full of sight seeing. While we did quite a bit of adventuring, the one excursion that really stuck with me was our night out on the Portland Spirit. Although I've lived in Portland my whole life, this was the first time I had been on the Portland Spirit and it is definitely something that I would encourage all current Portlanders and any visitors to do at least once!
Salmon Street Fountain
While there are a number of various cruises you can do, we decided to partake in the Dinner Cruise . Although I'm sure the cruise would be great no matter what the weather, we were fortunate enough to do the cruise on a beautiful, warm evening. We met on the Portland Waterfront; in front of the Salmon Street Fountain where the Portland Spirit was docked. Boarding the boat (ship?) at 6:30, we were lucky enough to get window seats!!!
From left to right: Mom, Me, Aunt, Uncle
At 7:00pm, the Spirit pulled away from the dock and we were off! The Spirit has various routes, but the one we were on goes South along the Willamette River. Once it reaches the end of Lake Oswego (a suburb of Portland) it turns around and comes back to dock at Salmon Street. All together the cruise takes about 2.5 hours.
Captain Morgan Lime Bite & Strawberry Mojito
Anyway, it's not all about the cruise, but also about the dinner! The Portland Spirit has a full bar. You can really get anything you want, but for each cruise the bartender creates a special drink. The special cocktail for the night was a Captain Morgan Lime Bite and Strawberry Mojito, and let me tell you, it was delicious. It was so delicious that I treated myself to two! It was not that strong (probably why I could have two without even a buzz).
After our drinks it was time to order. The Spirit has an option of two appetizers. This night it was prawns and mushrooms. They also have a house salad and you can choose from four entrees, either Chicken, Beef, Seafood or Vegetarian. We decided to start off with appetizers, ordering the mushrooms. I ordered the Beef option since, what can I say, I'm a meat eater!
Mushroom Appetizer
I'm going to be honest, initially I wasn't thrilled with the appetizer options. I hate seafood and I probably like mushrooms even less, but my family wanted to order them anyway. I was blown away. The mushrooms were soooo good! I don't know what kind they were or what sauce they were in, but I had quite a few! Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised that the Portland Spirit got me to not only enjoy, but eat multiple mushrooms.
Beef entree
Our entrees were great too! Sometimes when you do these cruises you're paying for the experience and not so much for the food, but in this case the food was just as good as the view! My beef option, which ended up being medallions with potatoes and vegetables was very good. It was some of the most tender and flavorful beef I have ever had! The service was exceptional as well. Our server and busser were very friendly and informative. It was great talking with them. Also, the servers sing! You can inform them of any special reason why you're there (anniversary, birthday etc.) and they will serenade you with piano
accompaniment. The cherry on top of this great experience were the beautiful views throughout our meal.
View of Waterfront from window
After dinner came my favorite part of any meal...dessert! They had an option of three different desserts; cheesecake, Snicker's pie and Bailey's Irish Creme pie. My Aunt and Mom chose the cheesecake, my Uncle chose the Snicker's pie and I chose the Bailey's Irish Creme pie. I had a bite of the cheesecake and the Snicker's pie and they were delicious, but I think I made the right choice. My Bailey's Irish Creme pie was to die for. I still find myself thinking about it, wishing I had a slice in my fridge! If you still haven't been convinced to go on the Portland Spirit, just do it for the Bailey's Irish Creme pie...it will be the best decision of your life. I promise.
Bailey's Irish Creme pie
Once we were pleasantly fat and happy after our dinner, we decided to go to the top deck and really take in the views and fresh air. By the time we were done eating we had reached Lake Oswego and the boat (ship?!) was turning around to head back. The beautiful evening was turning into a beautiful night and the sunset was gorgeous. Although it was a little chilly on the deck it wasn't unbearable (but I do recommend bringing a sweater, no matter how warm it is on land, it's always a little cooler on the deck of a ship!).
Me steering the ship. The Captain is behind me.
What's really cool about the Portland Spirit is that you have the chance to meet with the Captain and steer the boat (ship?!) yourself! With encouragement from my Uncle I took the helm! Even though the Captain is there the whole time watching and guiding you, it's still a little nerve racking since the lives of over 300 are in your hands (although the chances of anything happening are slim.) It's worth it though. And if you go on the Portland Spirit I recommend doing it, it's pretty fun. You also get a fun certificate signed by the Captain too!
Once my time steering the Portland Spirit was up it was time to walk around the deck and take in the views.
View of the deck. Notice the two women who dressed up for the occasion!
Lake Oswego Rail Road Bridge
View of Sellwood Bridge
Helm of Portland Spirit
Portland City Skyline
Portland Waterfront
Hawthorne Bridge
All in all the night was one that I'll always remember. Having lived in Portland my whole life, it was cool seeing the city and river from a different perspective. I found a short video that tells a little bit more about the cruise. You can watch it to see the Portland Spirit in action!
If the Portland Spirit seems like something you want to do you can visit their website www.portlandspirit.com. There you can find cruise information, make group or event reservations, look at the event calendar and many other things!
Hope that convinced all of you to check out the Portland Spirit!
So, this is the first post of my People, Places, Things blog, but before I begin let me explain what the deal is.
After blogging for the last 6 months I found that I was struggling to find my niche. For awhile I blogged about social media marketing which is something that I am interested in. Then for awhile I blogged about life after college since I'm a recent graduate of Clark University! Still, as much as I was passionate about these things, something just wasn't working. I knew that I didn't want to just blog about my day, having an online diary just isn't my thing (not that there is anything wrong with that). I love crafts and baking, so having a craft blog seemed interesting but I don't have the time or money to bake or craft something unique every week (although I wish I could!) Then it came to me...People, Places, Things. Bam! That's it.
Here's the plan: Every Wednesday I will blog about people, places or things that are of interest. Sounds lame? Well...it's not. I'm also open to suggestions, if you have a person, place or thing you'd like me to research and blog about it'd be my pleasure!
Now that that's out of the way, let's begin!
Malcolm McCann
Although he isn't famous, Malcolm McCann is a person to know. He is one of the kindest, funniest most genuine people I know and I am proud to call him my Dad. In honor of this past Father's Day I'd like to tell you a little bit about my own Father.
McCann clan, Malcolm is the little one on his Dad's lap
Born on July 21, 1944 in Montreal, Canada, Malcolm was the baby of eleven! As one can imagine, with such a large family there was always something going on. Since Malcolm was the baby, he knew many of his younger siblings a little better than the older ones since many of the older ones were married and out of the house. The 10th child was David. David and Malcolm were incredibly close, however, being the baby Malcolm took his orders from David. As Malcolm tells it, David had a knack for finding trouble.
There is one story from my Dad's childhood that has stuck with me. Although he's not exactly proud of it, I find it absolutely hilarious and it gives a pretty good idea what Malcolm's childhood was like. Malcolm can tell this story much better than I can, but for this post I'll give it my best shot!
When Malcolm was about 8 years old and his brother David was about 10 David and Malcolm decided it would be cool to build a clubhouse. Being the ring leader, David summoned the neighborhood kids and told them of their plan to build a boys only club house. Everyone was extremely excited, but being kids, and being from a poor neighborhood no one had any money for supplies. They had hammers but no wood so the boys set out to find some. After wandering the neighborhood they came across wooden crates behind a convent. Making sure no one was looking, the boys took the crates and ran to someones house to disassemble the crates in order to build their clubhouse. Finally, after lots of hard work the clubhouse was finished. For the next few days the boys would hold meetings. One day there was a knock on the door of the McCann household. Malcolm's Mother Theresa opened the door and there stood a nun. The nun informed her that there wooden crates had recently gone missing and that they had received word that Malcolm and David were the culprits and that they would not get the boys in trouble as long as they returned the wood within the next day. That night David called a final meeting in the clubhouse. Before the meeting started, David told Malcolm something very ominous. David told Malcolm to sit right next to the door and that as soon as he blew the candle out to immediately run and don't stop until he got home. Malcolm knew something was up, but he just didn't know what. Later that night, once all the boys were in the clubhouse David began the meeting. He informed them that this would be there last meeting and that the next morning they would have to take the clubhouse apart and return the wood. As the meeting began to wind down, David spontaneously blew out the candle, and on cue Malcolm jumped up and bolted out, all the way home hearing screams and protests emanating from the club house.
The next day as Malcolm and David were taking apart the clubhouse, Malcolm asked his brother what had happened the night before. Apparently David suspected that one of the neighborhood boys had told his parents about the club house and the stolen wood and that is how the nuns found out. Furious, but not knowing who the snitch was, David decided to get back at all the boys. The reason he had wanted Malcolm to run away was because as soon as he blew out the candle he had then proceeded to pull down his pants and pee on everyone!
Good ol' fashioned fun...you gotta love it!
When Malcolm was 14 his family moved to Santa Monica, California. Malcolm immediately discovered that sunny California was for him, submerging himself in the culture. The Beach Boys could be described as the soundtrack to his life. A surfer by day and drummer by night (his stage name was Flash too...) Malcolm has always known how to have a good time and not to take anything too seriously.
This blog is going on longer than expected, but with 67 years under his belt, there's quite a bit to say! If you are still reading this I'll cut this short by saying that Malcolm McCann
