Here is a story I wrote for the May 2012 VINO, of which I am also the editor. Daniel was fun to talk to. He RETIRED when he was 32. I'm 32. I'm nowhere close to retiring.
http://vinopasorobles.com/rockstars/may-2012/daniel_daou.html
Friday, October 12, 2012
Compote: Hidden behind the trees in Portland
I wasn't looking for Compote when we were happened upon it in Portland, Ore. I was heading toward a restaurant recommended to me by a friend. I'd never been to tree-covered city before, so put in the directions to the restaurant in the GPS on my iPhone and went.
Driving down the quiet streets in an area that was more residential than commercial, I wondered if I were even in the correct place. But on I went, following the GPS' directions.
After parking on the street, we walked down the tree-lined streets on a warm and sunny afternoon that locals quickly told us is unusual for October. We found the restuarant we were there for - St. Jack's - is only open for dinner.
Now what?
Across the street, in a green-built structure I saw an airy restaurant. The windowed restaurant opened up to a back patio through a large commercial garage door. The high-ceiling restaurant radiated its focus of serving local, organic, seasonal, whole grain ingredients in its simple decore of white walls, airiness, and simple plants.
Going out to eat is usually difficult for me, because I want to treat myself, but still eat healthy and most restaurants don't make the choice I do in whole wheat or whole grains over white bread.
I chose an Unburger (which is made with sausage instead of hamburger with a spicy, chipotle-style sauce) that came with a green salad and a sweet tomato vinegar dressing. My daugher chose pancakes. Her pancakes came with strawberry jam and her own little glass jar of syrup.
Driving down the quiet streets in an area that was more residential than commercial, I wondered if I were even in the correct place. But on I went, following the GPS' directions.
After parking on the street, we walked down the tree-lined streets on a warm and sunny afternoon that locals quickly told us is unusual for October. We found the restuarant we were there for - St. Jack's - is only open for dinner.
Now what?
Across the street, in a green-built structure I saw an airy restaurant. The windowed restaurant opened up to a back patio through a large commercial garage door. The high-ceiling restaurant radiated its focus of serving local, organic, seasonal, whole grain ingredients in its simple decore of white walls, airiness, and simple plants.
Going out to eat is usually difficult for me, because I want to treat myself, but still eat healthy and most restaurants don't make the choice I do in whole wheat or whole grains over white bread.
I chose an Unburger (which is made with sausage instead of hamburger with a spicy, chipotle-style sauce) that came with a green salad and a sweet tomato vinegar dressing. My daugher chose pancakes. Her pancakes came with strawberry jam and her own little glass jar of syrup.
The bathroom has natural light coming in, so we didn't even have to turn on the lights.
My daughter's favorite part was the stool that allowed her to wash her hands on her own.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
VooDoo Doughnuts
Once located in a hole-in-the-wall, VooDoo Doughnuts in Portland, now has a corner spot on Third Street along a walking strip with a coffee shop and bars.
Although I was ready to wait in line, we walked right into this popular doughnut shop. I don't normally eat doughnuts, but I was intriqued by the concept: different shapes and different toppings.
There were two turning display boxes with dozens and dozens of different doughnuts.
My daughter quickly spotted the doughnut covered in tiny M&Ms.
"I want M&Ms," she yelled, over and over until the doughnut was sitting in front of her.
I wanted a chocolate chocolate one, but not too sugary or fattening....wishful thinking, right?
The man helping us, suggested a double chocolate with cocoa puffs on top.
"Eh," I said.
Next, he suggested a chocolate cake doughnut covered in cinnamon and ceyanne pepper.
It was perfect.
VooDoo Doughnuts:
22 SW 3rd Ave., Portland
1501 N.E. Davis St., Portland
20 East Broadway at Willamette Ave., Eugene
voodoodoughnut.com
My doughnut: chocolate cake covered in cinnamon and ceyanne pepper
Although I was ready to wait in line, we walked right into this popular doughnut shop. I don't normally eat doughnuts, but I was intriqued by the concept: different shapes and different toppings.
There were two turning display boxes with dozens and dozens of different doughnuts.
My daughter quickly spotted the doughnut covered in tiny M&Ms.
"I want M&Ms," she yelled, over and over until the doughnut was sitting in front of her.
I wanted a chocolate chocolate one, but not too sugary or fattening....wishful thinking, right?
The man helping us, suggested a double chocolate with cocoa puffs on top.
"Eh," I said.
Next, he suggested a chocolate cake doughnut covered in cinnamon and ceyanne pepper.
It was perfect.
VooDoo Doughnuts:
22 SW 3rd Ave., Portland
1501 N.E. Davis St., Portland
20 East Broadway at Willamette Ave., Eugene
voodoodoughnut.com
Her doughnut: covered in M&Ms
First she picked the M&Ms off, then she just went in for the kill. Luckily for me, she just ate a few M&Ms and then "saved it for later."
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