Weekend Holiday Events in the Pearl and Beyond

By Jessica Bonanno

I’m hoping that by now everyone is coming out of their “turkey comas” and is ready to begin celebrating the festive December holiday season. Check out my list of great events happening in the Pearl District and beyond!

• First Thursday: Instead of freezing out on 13th Avenue, this First Thursday head to 1015 NW Lovejoy for Urban Art Network’s Indoor Art Walk & Sale. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping by perusing over 30 local artists’ work. Featuring everything from paintings and photographs — to sculptures, fashion, jewelry and more — you’re sure to find something for your loved ones. The event is tonight — December 1st — from 5 – 10 p.m. and continues on Friday, December 2nd from 1 – 10 p.m.
• Portland Holiday Ale Festival: Hop on the Portland Streetcar and head downtown to the 16th Annual Holiday Ale Festival in Pioneer Square. Choose from over four dozen holiday ales that are crafted specifically for this festive event. Whether it is stouts or Belgians you’re after, this is the place for you. Tickets are $25 and include a mug. The festival runs Thursday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Portland Center Stage (128 NW 11th Ave.): Head to the theater to see either the holiday classic, A Christmas Story or The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris. Either show is sure to produce lots of laughs. Both shows run through the end of December (Christmas Story till the 24th and Santaland till the 31st), and there are still seats available for this weekend’s performances.

Know of any other great events this weekend? Please let us know in the comments section below.

Many Pearl District Businesses Offering Discounts to Cavalia Ticket Holders!

By Jessica Bonanno

Have you purchased your tickets to Cavalia yet?  This exciting blend of equestrian and performing arts — which opened last night — comes with a lovely added surprise: many Pearl District businesses are offering terrific discounts to the show’s ticket holders. And if you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, this is more incentive to buy before the show is sold out!

Why not make a night of the whole event and treat your date to a lovely meal before or after the show? Fratelli’s Ristorante and Bar (1230 NW Hoyt) is offering a whopping 20% off your entire purchase. Who wouldn’t enjoy a comforting Italian meal with the weather we’ve been having? The Daily Cafe (902 NW 13th Ave.) and Brix Tavern (1338 NW Hoyt) are also offering a generous 15% off. For all of you oenophiles, Metrovino (1139 NW 11th) is offering a complimentary glass of sparkling wine with any meal purchase. And if it’s a pick-me-up you are after, stop by Sister’s Coffee Company (NW 13th and Marshall) for a free 12 ounce latte.

Photo: Fratelli

There are also some terrific deals offered on shopping. For instance, House of Lolo (1037 NW Couch) is offering 20% off your entire purchase and Mabel and Zora (748 NW 11th) and Leanna NYC  ( 402 NW 12th Ave.) are both offering 15% off any full priced items. And for the young ones, stop by Posh Baby (809 NW 11th Ave.) for 25% any purchase of $25 or more. If you’re looking for deals for your home, both Nobal Home (110 NW 9th Ave.) and Thea’s Interiors (1204 Northwest Glisan) are offering 15% off your entire purchase.

Photo: Thea's Interiors

For the full list of discounts and specials — or to purchase tickets to the big event — head to Cavalia’s website here. And don’t forget that in order to receive the special promotions, you’ll need to show your event ticket.

Get Your Holiday Hostess Gifts in the Pearl District

By Jessica Bonanno

I gasped this morning when I looked at the calendar and realized that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away. October went by with the blink of an eye and here we are, almost halfway into November. As year’s end draws near, our calendars are only going to fill up faster with houseguests, parties and travel. What better time than the present to stock up on hostess gifts for all the events we have coming up? Lucky for us, the Pearl District has just the shops and boutiques to find all of your goodies.

• Corkscru (339 NW Broadway) In my opinion, you can never go wrong with wine. And that’s why you should head to the lovely little Corkscru, which hosts a large, well-organized selection. They even have a selection of wines $12 and under for those of us on a holiday budget!
• Oblation Papers & Press(516 NW 12th Ave). For all paper products head straight to Oblation for a wonderful selection of letterpress cards, wrapping paper, ribbon and trinkets. How sweet are these Christmas telegram notes?
  

  Photo: Oblation

• Eden(221 NW 11th Ave.) According to the shop’s website, Eden is “a garden of earthly delights.” And having had a chance to peruse through their goods, I can’t help but agree. They have a spectacular collection of Voluspa (my favorite) candles. The Italian Blood Orange scented candle is sure to spice up any gathering!
  

  Photo: Eden

• Sammy’s Flowers (1128 NW Lovejoy) Late for the party and empty-handed? Don’t forget that Sammy’s is conveniently located right on Lovejoy. Whether you run in to grab a bouquet or a house plant, either is sure to please any host.

Know of any other great Pearl District shops for hostess gifts? Please let us know about them in the comments section below.

Follow your nose to Nuvrei Patisserie and Cafe

By Jessica Bonanno

If you’ve ever walked over the grates on the northeast side of NW 10th Avenue and Flanders in the Pearl District then you know about the “aroma” — the delicious aroma of baked breads and sweets wafting from the vents of Nuvrei Patisserie and Cafe (404 NW 10th Avenue).

It’s an aroma that’s heavenly enough to stop you dead in your tracks. And while customers used to have to head down to the subterranean bakery to get their fix, Nuvrei has now expanded their business to an upstairs cafe. Which makes it all the more tempting to go in!

The new space, albeit small, is very lively and bright. The first thing to meet the eye is the colorful case of the bakery’s famed macarons. And situated next to those, you’ll find more of the familiar pastries such as croissants, cookies, and scones. Nuvrei has also added a more substantial breakfast menu consisting of items such as a vegetarian quiche and a croque-monsieur. Another welcome addition is the bakery’s large lunch menu which includes hot and cold sandwiches, as well as salads.

My dining partner and I arrived just before noon and were both in the mood for a sandwich. I had the Tails & Trotters ham with brie on Nuvrei bread and my companion sampled the Brat sausage on mauricette bread with fresh tomato and brie. Both sandwiches were to die for! Chewy, soft bread with just the right amount of quality, local ingredients. Needless to say, I will definitely be a regular at Nuvrei.

Have you been to Nuvrei yet? Any favorites you want to share? Please post a comment below and let us know…

Happy Halloween Guide 2011: Pearl District and Beyond

By Jessica Bonanno

If you are feeling like you will be all dressed up with nowhere go for this upcoming Halloween weekend, fear not, the Pearl District has several spooky events to keep you and your family entertained. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Pumpkin Decorating: Head over to Umpqua Bank (1139 NW Lovejoy) and get your creative juices flowing for some pumpkin decorating fun. All supplies and pumpkins are provided, so all you have to do is bring the kids.

Harvest Party: Bring your whole family to City Bible Church (1210 NW Lovejoy) for the 2nd annual Harvest Party. The event is free and will feature games for kids and adults. Kids should also bring a bag for all that loot they will collect!

Nightmare on Couch Street: Blitz Pearl (110 NW 10th Ave.) will be transformed into a spooky haunted house from the 27 through the 29th. Event begins at 9 p.m. each night. Wear your costume and participate in the costume contest while enjoying the beats of DJ Sovern T. Event limited to 21 and over.

Dia De Las Meurtas Celebration: Another great 21-and-over event… Celebrate the Day of the Dead at Pink Rose (1300 NW Lovejoy St.) on Saturday the 29th at 6:30 p.m. For only $35, the event features a three course meal with tequila pairings. Don’t scallops with tequila lime beurre blanc and roasted poblanos — or pork jowl with harissa and tequila agave glazed onions — make your mouth water? The celebration continues into the night with more specialty tequila drinks after the doors open to the public at 7:30. Call the restaurant at 503-482-2165 to purchase your tickets before they’re sold out.

Photo: PDX Pipeline

Trick-or-Tiki: Ward off evil spirits and stop by Trader Vic’s (1203 NW Glisan St.) on October 29th from 3p.m. to close. The restaurant is offering drink specials and spooky pupus. The costume contest begins at 7 p.m. and features categories such as most original, best tiki and “Keep Portland Weird.” The restaurant is now accepting reservations; please note, the event is not recommended for children.

Annual Squishing of the Squash: If you’re up to venturing out of the Pearl District, take the streetcar to the Max and then zoom on up to the Oregon Zoo for a great photo opportunity. The elephants receive an enormous pumpkin to pulverize. The squishing event occurs on Friday the 28th at 10:30 a.m. and is free with zoo admission.

Photo: Oregon Zoo

Howloween: If you can’t make the squash squishing, Howloween will be going on all weekend at the zoo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can enjoy a safe trick-or-treating environment which includes a scavenger hunt leading them to exciting activities around the zoo. The event is free with zoo admission.

Know of any other fun or freaky events in the Pearl District? Please let us know about them in the comments section below!