Portland, OR.

By: Claire Varty

Day 8

Store Front

Where they weigh the fish

Award Winning Smokes Salmon

The drive from Seattle to Portland is actually not that long. If you were to go, it’s about a three hour drive, since Portland sits right at the top of Oregon state, hugging the Washington border. However, we decided not to drive straight there, instead we made a couple stops and one detour to the coastline. On the way down, Jon takes us to a smoked fish store that he praises has the best salmon. This is because his dad’s boss used to get them some couple pounds of it every Christmas. Briney Sea Delicaseas, sits in a warehouse where the inside is filled with what they call ~*Delicaseas*~ a very charming pun. We get some of their award-winning smoked salmon and even a pack of smoked oysters. Before hitting the coast, we made a mental note to stop by a grocery store to pick up a tub of cream cheese and crackers before hitting the coast. 

Just ahead of arriving on the coast, we made a rest stop in a quaint town, Astoria that meets with the Columbia River. Our next stop is Cannon Beach, Oregon a coastal city where its known for a huge rock protruding through the ocean called Haystack Rock. The beach is calling, so we gathered our smoked fish, camera and football then set out to the sand by foot. Even with the grey clouds, tourists and locals were out and about enjoying the sight of the ocean. We relax, taking in the view, as well as our delightful snacks. I agree with Jon, it is definitely the best smoked salmon I have had, and we savour every last bite, which is technically our lunch at 4 p.m. After a long walk on the beach and tossing the football around, it starts to drizzle so we headed back to the car to clean our feet and endure the final stretch to our destination. The drive through the forest to the city is beautiful, with big towering sap green trees on both sides of the road, I imagine what it would be like to live here instead of nature barren Toronto.

Spicy Homemade Spaghetti

Graham and I in front of Haystack Rock

Once in Portland, we make our way in the direction of the Airbnb but plan to stop to get a late dinner beforehand. Throughout the car ride, we had scoured Yelp to find an ideal spot. Thankfully, our Airbnb is close to Division Street, a lively stretch of restaurants, bars and shops. We chose a late-night Italian restaurant, Cibo as I craved the cozy comfort of delicious carbs. The dim lighting had set the mood as we ordered and relaxed after the day’s travels. Their late night menu is a steal and I chose the homemade spicy spaghetti and a classic Caesar salad. Jon, Doreen and Graham all order pizzas and polenta fries, as well as pickled vegetables to share. The freshly made noodles coated in perfectly balanced tomato sauce and chili flakes. With grated parmesan, sprigs of parsley and a squeeze of lemon, it is just what the doctor ordered.

Day 9

Our itinerary for the day starts with driving west of Portland to go see Multnomah Falls in the early afternoon, and then exploring Portland right in time for dinner. Multnomah Falls is one of Oregon’s must-see attractions. It’s a thin waterfall with a gorgeous stone bridge that crosses near the middle. We went on a Sunday and the place is packed with tourists, so it took us almost an hour to find a parking spot. In addition, we took the wrong exit, oops! We “hike” up to the top, taking the paved path, and stop once to off-road a bit. Pssstt… as we crack open the cans of Naturday’s we had packed (Natural Light’s version of a shandy --- lemonade and beer). 

Not anticipating how uphill the journey was, we start to get anxious about the amount of battery left on the Tesla and if we’ll make it back to the super charger in time. With only about four miles to spare, we get to the supercharger at a mall on the other side of Portland in the nick of time as we grab the only available spot. Phew, that was a very close call! While we wait for the car to charge, we wander around the mall and grab a bite to eat at the Cheesecake Factory, poking fun at Jon about his dishwasher days at the infamous chain. Once the car has enough juice we head back to the Airbnb to freshen up and get ready to explore the city. We park somewhere downtown, and we start wondering around.

Multnomah Falls

Graham Enjoying a Naturday on our hike

A very blurry Deschutes flight

Powell’s City of Books is one of the first places we stumble upon, this labyrinth like bookstore is a clear landmark as it occupies a whole block. Moments pass as we’re inside and we gradually get separated and lose each other, finding our own section of interests. Before leaving, I buy a book to occupy the hours I’m going to spend in the car. We grab a quick drink before dinner at Deschutes Brewery, a well-known spot in Portland, where we try the local craft beers. It’s packed and lively for a Sunday night, you really get a feel for the city’s energy. Graham and Jon drop Doreen and I off at Pok Pok, a Thai restaurant staple we chose for dinner. The boys head back to the Airbnb to park the car and Uber back, so they don’t have to worry about how much alcohol to consume later. 

Now, I’m about to make a big statement… although during the rest of this road trip, I will consume very delicious food, and it is not to downplay how amazing everything we devoured. But this was hands down my favourite meal of the entire ride down the coast.This little shack-like restaurant opened my eyes to the complex flavours of authentic Thai cuisine, which is something I had not experienced before. We sit on little benches and are encouraged to share everything since it’s the traditional way, alongside only using a fork, spoon and our hands to eat the food. We order a plethora of dishes with the guidance of our waiter who seems noticeably chill, probably due to the help of some illicit herbs. 

Our feast at Pok Pok

The aftermath at Pok Pok

Out comes the classic spicy papaya salad, the heat and tangy flavours envelop our mouths, we must calm it down immediately by eating spoonfuls of rice. Garlicky fish sauce wings stick unbearably to our hands, but we couldn't care less because they are so outstanding. For our mains, we get the Kung Op Wun Sen, wild caught gulf prawns baked in a claypot over charcoal with pork belly and glass noodles. This dish is truly one of a kind, as well as the Khao Soi Jai, a Northern Thai mild curry noodle soup made with house-pressed fresh coconut milk, served with house-pickled mustard greens, shallots, crispy yellow noodles and roasted chile paste. I hadn’t been an avid curry fan prior, but call me a convert. The hot and deliciously smooth broth is spectacular that I have to stop myself from hoarding the bowl from everyone. If you are ever in Portland, please come here to eat regardless of the wait times, because you will certainly not be disappointed.

Papaya Salad

Khao Soi

FIsh Sauce Wings

Significantly well fed, Jon found an English bar, the Horse Brass Pub, and we continue our night. We down a decent amount of cask ale at Jon’s request. A classic British style draught with a different way of fermenting the beer that doesn’t leave as much carbonation, isn’t filtered and provides a rounder mouth feel. We play darts until way past midnight before getting an Uber back to our Airbnb and crash from a very eventful day.

A very drunk Jon, Graham and Doreen outside the english pub

Day 10

Collectively, we wake up hungover and gather our things to be out of the Airbnb before 10 a.m. so we can get on the road. Before continuing on our journey, as we are all very queasy in the car from all of last night's alcohol. So we stopped soon after to get a McDonald’s breakfast, because sometimes you just need some greasy food to ease the pain.