Portland, Oregon and Environs.

If you ever find yourselves seeking a post-party or otherwise late night bite to eat, forgo IHOP and Denny’s and head under the Morrison Bridge (on the east side of the river) where you’ll find Montage, the best after-hours spot in Portland.

The menu is largely Cajun, featuring anything from a killer mac 'n cheese to a plate of tender frog legs, and all very well priced. The bistro style seating at long tables (you sit across from your party, but possibly next to strangers) makes for interesting conversation, though the general din of the music, patrons, kitchen (which is semi-open) and staff (go ahead, order the oyster shooter, you know you want to…) affords you more privacy than the seating arrangement would lead you to believe.

Alson, don’t forget to grab a cup from Coffee People or their drive-thru counterpart, Motor Moka, Portland’s answer to Starbucks. Nothing like a Black Tiger shake on a hot summer day (a coffee ground speckled grin is well worth it)!

I miss, in a very nostalgic way, the dusty, crowded, confusing, political and grotty Powells of pre-1992 or so. It’s just not the same since they cleaned up and started looking like a Borders. it used to be so mysterious and dodgy. I also miss the Ooze. I miss the old version of the Church of Elvis. I miss breakfast at Dots on Clinton. Things change. I fear my Portland is gone. Still a cool town, though.
Pizza, beer and a film at the Bagdad. Go hiking around Lewis and Clark. I second the Lucky Lab for pubs, and of course the Horse Brass up around 40th and Belmont. You’re on the wrong side of town, friend.
Is that brilliant grocery (Burlingame Grocery?) with the amazing beer selection still around? I heard sad rumour it burned?
Is the Tugboat brewery still open?