Local Bounty, Supporting our Farmers

Uncle Paul's Produce

2310 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 503-484-8612
www.unclepaulsproduce.com

Local produce is abuntant at this European-style open-air market. Uncle Paul's philosophy speaks for itself: "Produce is meant to be outside. It stays fresher and tastes sweeter. It's just a happier piece of food." And locals couldn't be happier with year-round availability of Northwest fruits, vegetables, jams, honey, filberts, berries and other seasonal favorites. Uncle Paul's also offers an abundance of organically grown produce.

Although the current Hawthorne market's grand opening was in early 2004, owners Paul and Calla Widerburg have over 30 years produce experience under their belts. Three decades of building relationships with local farmers is one of the primary reasons Uncle Paul's is providing some of the freshest and most affordable organic and non-organic harvest in the Portland metro area.

The iconic green and white striped tents have become an indispensable neighborhood landmark to those who live nearby, and a sought after Hawthorne attraction to visiting Portlanders and tourists, alike. A trip to this unique market is sure to inspire the chef in all of us to attempt new and old culinary endeavors, with no shortness of easy-to-follow recipe cards available at your fingertips. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is waiting in the wings to help and to answer your questions, from which items are in peak season to how many apples you'll need to bake that pie. Give it a try, and you're sure to be one step closer to achieving your culinary dreams.

Portland Farmers' Market Eastbank

SE 20th at Salmon between SE Belmont & SE Hawthorne
www.portlandfarmersmarket.org

Another great way to show your support for our local farmers is to visit them at the Portland Farmers' Market. After all, they come to you in five locations around the city, and at the Eastbank market just three blocks North of Hawthorne on 20^th. What could be easier? The market is open every Thursday from early May through late September, from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Enjoy the opportunity while you can.

The flavors that make the Northwest so distinctive are all available straight from the source. Wild salmon and oysters from Stonewall Banks Seafood, blackberries and raspberries from The Berry Patch, wild and cultivated mushrooms from Springwater Farm, and organic hazelnuts and wines from Arcane Cellars, are just a few of the local groups you can expect to see in our neighborhood.

Jacobs Creamery, based in White Salmon, WA, is another vendor you'll want on your short list. They produce a variety of handmade artisan cheeses and European style dairy products, including specialty flavored and non-flavored dairy classics such as Olive Cream Cheese, Chive and Garlic Butter, Natural Greek Yogurt, ricotta spice spread and an endless array of other creative and traditional delicacies.

Shopping at the Portland Farmers Market is a great way to experience seasonal foods, and with such a wide bounty available, why not try your hand in the kitchen? Most of the vendors are happy to share recipes and cooking tips; some even have printouts and recipe cards for you to take home.

Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Toasted Hazelnuts
Cook time: 1hr 15min Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 acorn squash, cut in 1/2
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Hazelnuts
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the hazelnuts out on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, turning after 5 minutes. (This can also be done in a toaster oven). Once toasted, move the nuts to a clean towel and rub to remove as much of the skin as possible. Chop coarsely and set aside.

Squash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Scoop all seeds and stringy pulp from the cavity of the squash and discard. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, syrup and salt and pepper, to taste. Rub the inside of the squash with the butter mixture and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake in a preheated oven for about 1 hour until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Top warm squash with the toasted hazelnuts. Serve 1 half per person.

This recipe goes well with pork dishes, spicy sausage or a simply roasted chicken. Try it with your own favorite squashes and nuts.

Local Products

Nature's Best Oregon Honey

With some of the freshest honey around, the husband and wife team, Sue and Mark Johnson, farm this delicacy locally in NW Portland. Not only is honey a natural gourmet treat, but it is also rumored to serve as a home remedy for many types of medicinal purposes-everything from a cough suppressant to a seasonal allergy cure. You can get this local delight at Uncle Paul's Produce Market at SE 23rd and Hawthorne.

Cherry Habanero Jelly - The Cherry Country

This unique pepper Jelly, has that "oh so addictive" quality with its sweet and spicy synthesis. It is also surprisingly versatile: add some to sour cream for an tangy dip, top off a baked potato, glaze your favorite meats and veggies or put a dollop inside your next quesadilla. One of the easiest ways to enjoy this flavorful treat is over a cream cheese with crackers. With both mild and spicy varieties, there is something for everyone. Check out TheCherryCountry.com to see all that the family-owned and organic cherry company (from Rickreall, OR) has to offer. You can buy their products online or at the Portland Farmers' Market.

Calamata Olive Bread - Grand Central Baking Company

Enjoy this rustic sourdough bread, flavored with fresh rosemary and studded with calamata olives, when serving your favorite pasta dishes, or try it on its own, with just a little oil or butter. Lucky for lovers of freshly made breads and pastries, Grand Central Banking Company is easy to find, with six store locations in Portland and their breads sold in many local grocery stores. To learn more about this neighborhood bakery and restaurant, visit them at 2230 SE Hawthorne, or online at GrandCentralBakery.com.

Hot Monkey Vodka - New Deal Distillery

This concoction boasts a brilliantly blazing infusion of hot peppers that will wow you from your tongue to your toes. This unusual vodka is handcrafted from a secret blend of chili peppers, making it the perfect spiciness to enjoy alone (if you are brave) or in a cocktail. The mixture brings the perfect amount of heat to tropical summertime drinks, or wintertime cocoas and toddies. You can find Hot Monkey at the New Deal store and distillery space at SE 9th Avenue & Main Street. Drop by their website for spirited cooking and drink recipes at NewDealDistillery.com.

Restaurants For Any Agenda

PORTLAND CERTAINLY HAS A CELEBRATED AND DIVERSE FOOD SCENE,

and now our beloved boulevard is claiming its role in the success of the industry. Without question, Hawthorne certainly has much to trigger your appetite, whether it's breakfast, a late night snack or anything in between, it can be found and devoured here. In this article we focus on a few of the gems Lower Hawthorne has to offer.

The casual group gathering:

VICENTE'S GOURMET PIZZA

1935 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 503-236-5223

These hefty and unique pizzas come in the 12" and 16" varieties and are piled high with toppings, so bring the gang and split a pitcher. With pies that range from the "Sienna" with broccoli, cheddar, almonds and mushrooms to the "Cordon Bleu" featuring wine-marinated chicken, Canadian bacon, mushrooms and smoked mozzarella, Vicente's will be sure to surprise and delight your tastebuds. Of course, they also have the usual suspects like Hawaiian, pepperoni, etc., as well as calzones, breadsticks and pizza by the slice. This pizzeria also goes the extra mile with their salads, creating in-house daily-made salad dressings and croutons. And at just $4 for a side salad of any of their varieties, the value is tough to beat".

The ultimate romantic date spot:

SEL GRIS

1852 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 503-517-7770

You are sure to impress your date at the award winning chef Daniel Mondok's Sel Gris. As one of the truly "fine dining" experiences in Portland, not to mention on Hawthorne, you will enjoy decadent starters such as the lobster gnocchi with butter poached Maine lobster, beech mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, Parisienne gnocchi and lobster cream. The second course and entrees don't disappoint either. Spoil yourself with Mondok's twist on Halibut "Mac & Cheese", which features Israeli couscous instead of noodles, or the thick cut pork chop with Mascarpone polenta and smoked apple compote. Sel Gris also has an extensive wine list that complements the menu perfectly. And while you are treating yourself, don't skip dessert; the pastry chef, Hana Woollam, keeps the options fresh and inspiring with favorites such as the chocolate tartlet and the tarte tatin, a delectable mini apple pastry with spun sugar and crème.

The fast, fresh and wallet friendly:

LA PALAPA

1864 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 503-432-8014

Freshness is obviously a priority at this friendly neighborhood Mexican restaurant-from the chips and salsa to the tortillas made right in the window front, where you can see all the love and craftsmanship that goes into each delectable shell. And that is just the start. La Palapa offers all the usual suspects but with a focus on using wholesome, unprocessed and only the tastiest of ingredients. With everything under $9, this is a great place to keep in heavy rotation without breaking the bank. The super friendly staff is also quick to accommodate your needs, whether you are dining in or taking out.

Mid-century Goes Modern

Contemporary and low-impact living spaces welcome a palette of high-impact vintage style.

Outfitting an apartment takes a fun spin when the owners and interior designers of two Hawthorne District stores, Vintage Pink and Deco to Disco, come together at the newly developed apartments, The 20 on Hawthorne, to create two "vintage vignettes". Pulling items right from their shop floors, they demonstrate how easy it is to furnish comfortable and stylish living spaces that not only look fabulous but are good for the environment, too.

Counter clockwise from the front to center: black & white cowhide lounge chair; black & chrome floor lamp; vintage plastic plants; black Danish style wood slatted bench; vintage stereo; black Swan couch; chrome and glass tiered display, vintage glassware and ice bucket, chrome and glass accent tables, and a vintage burgundy shag rug.

The contemporary design of The 20 on Hawthorne apartments - with its clean lines, natural wood surfaces, recycled materials and large energy-efficient windows - is ideally suited for an "outfitting" in Mid-century Modern furnishings. Developed with a small carbon footprint in mind, the building makes eco-living easy for its residents. Reuse is one of the best ways to do that.

In front: two blue Herman Miller shell chairs; vintage table cloth with embroidered flower accents covers a classic mid-century kitchen table; orange Melmac breakfast dish set. On the counter: working vintage appliances and other vintage containers. Above: Belgian orange & white pottery, black & white polka dot serving bowl, vintage aluminum canister set, a vintage Hilo Hattie album, and contemporary strainers in blue and orange.

Recycling seems normal these days, but reuse is often overlooked. And when talking about home furnishings, the thought of refinishing is out of the question for some. You'll be happy to know that hard work is not always necessary, or it has already been done for you. Some classics - like the blue Herman Miller chairs at the kitchen table - have been only gently used and are ready to be adopted into a new home. Plus, many furniture resale shops offer couches and chairs that have already been repaired and reupholstered, tables that have been refinished, or lamps that come with newly designed lampshades. Each item has been reborn shiny and new but remains true to its fashionable roots.

Vintage Pink is one of those shops that is ready to help. It's owner, Kevin Keehn, helped coordinate these photo vignettes using many Mid-Century Modern items, which Kevin reports are the hottest sellers these days. His Lower Hawthorne shop features multiple collections of home furnishings, with interior designers that keep their own vintage merchandise on the sale floor. Lower Hawthorne has an inspiring selection of vintage shops that regularly work together to help spur their customers' home decorating ideas.

Deco to Disco, right across the street from the The 20 on Hawthorne, also contributed to these vignettes. Owner, Sandra Kambel, and her partner, Miles, who does custom upholstery, focus their recycling efforts on giving unique mid-century furniture a new life through upholstery, using vintage fabrics whenever possible.They also offer a small selection of reproduced designer pieces at affordable prices. The black and white cowhide lounge chair and the black Swan style couch are two such items. Along with furniture, several of the accent items came from a select group of specialty vendors within the store such as Sputnik Housewares, where you can find everything from toaster ovens to tiki mugs.

Marla Watson and Jennifer Browning, both interior designers at Vintage Pink, put their collective vision to work to create these hip apartment settings. Jennifer commented that it was exciting to work with such a great blank canvas. "I love manipulating space - coming in and creating something that complements the room. I knew exactly what it was going to look like before it was done. I just visualized it as I gathered everything." Marla joked that "furniture is our passion" …after watching them work, it's clear that she wasn't joking. Marla also noted that vintage furnishings offer a variety of looks. With just a few simple pieces, you can create rooms that reflect your own personal style and character.

These photos should spark all sorts of creative ideas for reusing fabulously fashionable vintage items when decorating your living space. Wander through our neighborhood stores to see some of the hip things that are available. And no worries if you're on a tighter budget; there is always a special find that will delight your sense of style and add just the right touch to your home decor. With our great shopkeepers on hand to help locate those hard to find pieces, you will be able to find the perfect piece that "ties the whole room together."

Lounge Lizard, at 13^th and Hawthorne, specializes in lighting — with everything for your floor to your ceiling needs. Christopher Twombley's showroom also features cool vintage appliances, fondue pots, as well as an abundance of larger furniture pieces.

Local bartenders’ - Local spirits

If you’re looking for a great cocktail - or two, perhaps - a night out on Hawthorne is an easy solution. Over 25 bars and lounges line the street offering an amazing selection of cocktails, many based upon spirits made by local Oregon distilleries. Hawthorne’s urban setting makes for a night of easy walking, and if the night runs a little late, Tri-Met and cabbies are always on hand. If the next night out starts and ends at home, these local bartenders and spirits can give the home mixologist plenty of inspiration.

Hawthorne Old Fashioned

Jason Norton of the Hawthorne Theatre

• Pendelton Whiskey
• Teaspoon fine sugar
• 2 maraschino cherries
• 2 orange slices
• bitters
• Splash soda water

Directions: In shaker muddle orange slices and cherries, then add ice, whisky, sugar and bitters, shake, strain into a chilled martini glass and top with soda water. Garnish with an extra cherry.

Sunnyside Sling

Collin Carroll of Gold Dust Meridian

• 2 oz Aviation Gin
• Dash sweet cherry nectar
• Ice
• ¼ Lemon
• Splash soda water

Directions: Muddle lemon, add Aviation gin, pour over ice in double rocks glass. Top with sweet cherry nectar and splash of soda water.

Cherry Blossom

Justin Bigos of Barley Mill Pub

• 1 oz Long Shot Brandy
• ½ oz Triple Sec
• dash Grenadine
• 1 sugar cube
• fine sugar for rimming
• 1 lemon

Directions: Muddle 1 sugar cube, and the juice of ½ a lemon with ice. Add Long Shot Brandy, Triple Sec and pour into a sugar-rimmed and chilled martini glass. Add dash of grenadine to sink to bottom of the glass, garnish with lemon.

Lilly Pad

Isaac Cooprider of the Winking Toad

• Lovejoy Vodka
• Orange Juice
• Dash of Midori
• Malibu Rum

(measurements at the bartender's discretion)

Directions: Shake vodka, orange juice, and coconut rum together. Pour over ice and top with a splash of Midori.

Hawthorne Happy Hours

Angelo's

4620 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 231.0337
Daily 4-6, Sat & Sun 9-11
$1.50 Drafts, $2.50 Micros

Back Stage Bar at the Bagdad

3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 236.9234
Daily 4-6
$0.50 off well drinks and wine

Bar of the Gods (BOG)

4801 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 232.2037
Daily 4-8
$1.50 PBR, $2.50 Wells, Happy Hour Food Menu

Barley Mill Pub

1629 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 231.1492
Daily 4-6
McMenamins Beers $3.40 Pints, $0.50 off wells, Happy hour food specials

Claudia's Pub

3006 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 232.1744
Daily 4-7
Daily Drink Specials

The Empire Room

4620 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 231.9225
M-F 4-7
$3 Drafts, Martinis & Wine, $5 Food Menu

Gold Dust Meridian

3267 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 503.239.1143
Daily 2-8
Happy hour food menu $3 - $6, $0.50 off wells and pints, $1 off wine
Scorpion Bowls (for two or more people). For those looking for family size fun these 60oz. bowls of booze won’t let you down.

Hawthorne Theatre Bar

3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 233.7100
Daily 4-6
$0.50 off well drinks and wine

Imbibe

2229 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 239.4002
Daily 4-7, M-Th 11-Close
$0.75 off Wells & Drafts, $4.50 Food Menu

Lucky Lab

915 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 236.3555
Miser Monday (all day)
$1 off Pints

Mulligan’s

3518 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 232.2037
Sun - W & F 4-7, Th & Sat all day
$2.75 Wells, Happy Hour Food Specials

Nick’s Coney Island

3746 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 235.4024
3:30 - 6
$2 well drinks and beer

The Sapphire Hotel

5008 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 232.6333
Daily 4-6
$2 PBR, $4 Wells

Sewickly’s Addition

4901 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 235.6671
Strong inexpensive drinks all day long

Space Room Lounge

4800 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 235.8303
All Day until 7 PM
$0.50 off well drinks

The Winking Toad

1935 SE Hawthorne Blvd - 236.5223
Daily drink specials: M- Guinness, T- $4 PBR Picher, W- Microbrews

Zack’s Shack

4611 SE Hawthorne - 233.4616
Daily 4-8, all day M
$1.25 PBR Tall Boys, $3 Micros & Imports, $0.50 off wine

Is It Time for You to Make Friends with a Bike?

It's easier than you think to become part of Portland's bicycle movement.

I have a friend, who cycle-commutes regularly, from SE Portland all the way out to Beaverton, and she's always wearing the cutest outfits. I've often wondered how she pulls it off, riding her bike on a daily basis, and not damaging her wardrobe. She'll show up for downtown events, meetings or lunch, and always looks great. Elaine sat down with me and gave me a few tips for new urban riders.

Elaine and her comfortable ride on the Hawthorne Bridge.

Elaine says it's better to be safe than sorry. She always takes her raingear with her, even if the weather report has her geared up for sunshine. With Portland's many different microclimates, Elaine recommends layering your clothes, choosing items that can be easily added or shed, as the temperature dictates. She tells me not to be afraid to ride in street clothes; at the same time, she cautions that a chain guard for your bike, to protect your clothes, is essential. Since you're using your bike as a transportation alternative, you don't have to treat it as a workout-if you don't want to. Keep to a relaxing pace, enjoy the scenery, and you'll arrive at your destination fresh and dry. In the winter months, good bike lights are essential for your safety.

From Hawthorne, cycle-communters should aim for Madison Street to cross the Hawthorne Bridge, leading to downtown and Max. Hawthorne is busy, so it's best to take side streets where there is less traffic. Follow the Metro green signs for the best routes and pick up a "Bike There" map for ideas. If your destination is further west, Elaine suggests riding all the way to Goose Hollow; it's faster that sitting through all the downtown light rail stops.

Marilyn Hayward owner of Coventry Cycle Works demonstrates how the "Tikit" goes from compact to full size.

To get used to Max, try it once on a weekend to get the hang of it. Look for the cars with blue handicapped stickers in the window; their doors open to street level, enabling you to simply roll on your bike. And these cars have bike hooks inside. The hooks are easy to use: just pull your front wheel up and slide it over an available hook.

For fun rides, head over to Ladd's addition and hook up with Market Street, which will lead you to OMSI. From there, you can take the Esplanade loop along the edge of the Willamette River. Head south from that same point, and you can ride to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and connect to the Springwater Corridor, as well as other parts of the 40-Mile Loop recreational trail system.

Now for what to ride: Elaine's choice is a low maintenance "city bike", with an upright riding position, comfy seat and easy step-through frame design. But there are many other options out there, and Hawthorne has three great specialty bike shops that can fit you to almost any style. Coventry Cycle Works, at 20th, specializes in folding, recumbent, tricycles, cargo bikes and many more models. Clever Cycles, at 9th, features city bikes, folding, cargo, family and kid's bikes. And Veloce Bicycles, at 32nd, specializes in road bikes. With their own racing team, Veloce Bicycles is known for its custom-fitting service and custom-built bikes. All three shops carry helmets and accessories to outfit you and your bike, as well as keep it maintained.

Recumbent bicycles have really comfortable seating, and are designed to prevent headers.

A folding bike is a great idea for commuters who want the ease of keeping their bike inside their home and office. One of the best models is the "Tikit", made in Eugene, by Bike Friday. You can carry it just about anywhere, and it folds down small enough to fit inside a small closet or even under your desk.

Resources:
www.Metro-region.org/bikethere
www.bta4bikes.org
www.bikeportland.org

Simple Changes

Here are a few simple changes we can all make to increase our sustainability and keep Portland green. Even taking on just one of these is a step in the right direction, don't be intimidated, just jump in.

Use your reusable bags: By now most of us have multiple reusable cloth tote-style bags, but they don't do any good if you don't utilize them. Try putting them is various places to increase usage, put one in your car, briefcase or bike bag so when you unexpectedly find yourself at the store, you won't be unprepared. Try taking those bags to other stores too not just grocery.

Skip the clear plastic produce bags: you'll need to wash it anyway.

Avoid excess packaging: Choose loose tomatoes rather than plastic-wrapped or boxed ones, 2 liters instead of cans of bottles when practical, and bulk when available. Carry this philosophy to the beauty and cleaning isles too.

Turn off the extra lights: Only have the area being used lit.

Switch Your Bulbs: Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs use about 75% less energy that normal incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are more expensive, but it is a good investment as they need to be replaced much less often and will save on energy costs.

Buy Local: When food travels less, carbon emissions are spared.

Skip frozen foods when possible: it takes a lot of energy to freeze, ship frozen and keep frozen.

Plant Natives: Native species to our environment are usually shipped shorter distances, and easily grow here with less watering and are hearty through drought and flood. And our green leafy friends absorb carbon and emit clean oxygen, and attract birds and butterflies to your garden.

Unplug when not using: Most appliances use energy when plugged in even when they are not "on" Don't leave you cell phone charger plugged in when you are not charging up. A power strip is a good option for groups of electronics (TV, Cable box, gaming counsel, DVD player etc.) so you can streamline and unplug them all all at once.

Turn off your computer: every night, or if will be out of use for two or more hours.

Spend an evening in candlelight: wither by yourself and a good book, your lover, your buddies and some cards, or the kids and a board game, make a night of using less energy. Then make a habit of it.

Take shorter showers: Place a battery powered clock where you can see it, so you can monitor yourself.

Go secondhand: check out your local thrift stores, Craigslist or eBay, when possible for goods.

Go out in your Neighborhood: instead of driving across town for dinner, try walking somewhere close. You'll boost your most local economy and reduce carbon emissions.

Use the public library: rather than buying new books when possible.