Category Archives: Southeast

KOLACHES are the order of the day at the Happy Sparrow.   They originated as a semi-sweet wedding dessert in Czeckoslovakia and central Europe.  Over time they were brought over to the US, becoming popular – and enhanced – in parts … Continue reading →

Portland’s bagel lovers have been distraught ever since Kettleman’s Bagels were acquired by Einsteins.   Henry Higgins is one of the valiant upstart efforts of former Kettleman workers to produce high quality bagels, which we greatly appreciate.   However, since hanging … Continue reading →

World Cup action again coaxed us to a shop showing today’s 9:00 game – The Netherlands vs. Mexico – and today we visited St. Honore’s relatively new Division store.  Our three riders/soccer enthusiasts were very pleased at how much better … Continue reading →

Three of us took off 30 minutes earlier (7:30) today due to the morning Mothers Day activities that some of us had.   The 30 minute difference results in a notably quieter time for traffic, while the colors and scents … Continue reading →

With threatening weather, we chose a 15-20 minute ride to SE Hawthorne to introduce some members to an older shop that we value a lot.   Its website clearly states its mission: “Common Grounds Coffeehouse has been riding the waves … Continue reading →

What we’ve chosen to do in terms of categorization, is to include both small neighborhood coffee shops that make most of their own baked goods and large bakeries that sell wholesale, under the same  “bakery” category.  And we’ve discovered that … Continue reading →

Members of our group keep being drawn back to the Frog, in part due to the unique alternative seating options in the library, living room, game room, or outside; and in part, to be honest, for the hot fresh donuts.  … Continue reading →

What a memorable first Sunday of spring for the three of us!   It encompassed a pristine, crisp morning and bikeride along the Eastside Esplanade and Springwater Corridor, the delight of discovering a quirky wondrous new hang-out, and a heartfelt discussion … Continue reading →

Four of us took off on a bright, crisp, invigorating morning to explore this relatively new shop in the mostly residential section of SE Gladstone.  And we were extremely pleased with what we found. The cozy, whimsical shop is very … Continue reading →

On a beautiful sunny morning – which we especially adored after last week’s dark rainstorm – 6 of us took the 55 minute scenic route to the Frog, which is usually a 25 minute direct ride.   The Rocking Frog … Continue reading →