Healthy Food Guide: Portland

Well, it’s no secret that Portland is just about the best town there is when it comes to food. We pretty much have anything and everything here. Which also means a lot of healthy options, but also a lot of not so healthy ones.

Below, I’ve put together a list of my favorite healthy places to eat in Portland. And I give major props to this city for gluten-free and vegan options just about anywhere (even bars!).

Best Healthy Breakfast Spots

1. Prasad (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Now with two locations, this place is SO good. The Classic Oatmeal or Chili Scramble is a must-try!

2. Kure (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This place is another great option at any point during the day. Their juices and smoothies are SO tasty and packed with nutrients. My personal favorite is the Lush Life smoothie. I’ve also heard rave reviews about the Hangover Helper smoothie and that it will help you feel like a different person. I wouldn’t know, I’ve just heard about it… ; )

3. Bob’s Red Mill (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Yes, this is at the HQ where they make all of the awesome Bob’s Red Mill products. I personally love the museli and yogurt, but there are loads of options and the food is extremely affordable.

4. Radio Room (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Back in my single days, this spot was my favorite place to go on the weekend after a night out. They have a lot of options for carnivores and herbivores, as well as great gluten-free options. My go-to? The Classic Rocker Scramble and the pint Mimosa with blood orange (yes… I repeat… pint!). YUM.

5. Fern Kitchen (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Tons of healthy, tasty options and they use all local and organic produce. I love the “Eggs Your Way” with tempeh and New Cascadia toast.

Best Healthy Lunch Spots

1. The Whole Bowl (Vegan/Gluten-Free): I think if I had to eat a single meal for the rest of my life, it might be this. And yes, there is just one bowl on the menu and you can order it “veganized” or “full loaded.” Either way, it is so dang good.

2. Harlow (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is the sister to Prasad and just as tasty. I love their bowls; specifically the Urban Bowl. I also can’t leave there without ordering their Turmeric Toddy (hot). This place has a lot of space too, so I like to grab my computer and get some work done there from time to time.

3. Jade (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Ahhh, this place! I honestly can’t say enough good things about this spot. This place is a unique twist on veitnamese and thai food, but it is so much lighter and healthier than most places. The Minced Chicken dish is my go-to. And you have to order the sweet rice with mango for afterwards. Mmm!

4. Garden Bar (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): If you are a salad-for-lunch kind of person, this will be your new favorite. The salads on the menu are great, but if you prefer to mix your own, you can do that too. The Bliss-Detox salad is excellent!

5. Cultured Caveman (Paleo): This place is a great spot, especially if you eat a paleo diet! I will warn you, it is pricier than most lunch spots, but well worth it. Make sure to grab some bone broth while you are there. They also have amazing chicken tenders for kiddos!

Best Healthy Dinner Spots

1. Bamboo Sushi (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is actually the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the world and let me just tell you, this spot is never a disappointment. Make sure when you visit, you order everything because everything is so delicious. I also really love their happy hour menu. It’s no wonder this place is so popular!

2. Farm Spirit (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is a multiple-course dinner place, so you are going to have to reserve your spot and pay ahead of time. But don’t worry, this is totally worth it. You are not only getting incredible food that just so happens to be vegan, you get to enjoy an amazing culinary experience.

3. Andina (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Talk about a culinary experience, Andina is just that. I recommend ordering a bunch of tapas to try. My favorites are the Quinoa Con Verduras and the Atun Fusion. They have a lot of fresh and healthy options, which is why I like it there so much. Oh yes, and don’t forget to order a Pico Sour! They are the BEST!

4. Park Kitchen (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): If you are looking for a great Northwest style cuisine, you won’t be disappointed here. They have plenty of healthy, seasonal options and a great happy hour.

5. Blossoming Lotus (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This place is deeeeelicious. I highly recommend the mac n’ cheese and a slice of raw cheesecake. Everything here is organic and vegan.

6. Higgins (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Don’t be misled by the traditional decor; this place is great! It isn’t up there as the hippest spot in Portland, but this is a great, classic Portland restaurant and because of that, it has a lot of charm. They are known for their Northwest cuisine and using locally sourced ingredients. I recommend ordering their seasonal fish dishes.

7. Luc Lac (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This place has, hands down, the BEST pho in town. I will just leave it at that!

Best Healthy Bars/Breweries:

1. Sweet Hereafter (Vegan/Gluten-Free): Ahhh, this place is great for a good drink and a vegan meal. Definitely not your typical bar food. My go-to? Old Fashioned with a Jamaican Bowl (ask for a brown rice tortilla on the side to make a burrito out of it).

2. Wilder (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): I love this place. It has a great date night vibe and the food is super tasty. It is the perfect spot to go if there are vegetarians and/or meat eaters in the group. What to order? Wilder burger and ask for it over polenta. And don’t forget to order one of their craft cocktails. There are so many good options.

3. Ground Breaker (Gluten-Free): This is a 100% gluten-free brewery. It also has some really great healthy food options for all dietary needs!

4. Bye & Bye (Vegan/Gluten-Free): I like to head here with a large group of friends. The food is super tasty, they have great vegan/gluten-free options, and the drinks are always strong. My drink of choice: Lefty’s Prayer. Food pick: Brussel bowl.

5. Interurban (Vegetarian/Gluten-Free): This is one of my favorite bars in Portland. They have the best old-fashioned’s and such great food. You can find a lighter meal here or a heavier one; either way, your belly will be happy : )

Best Dessert Spots:

1. Back to Eden (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is my absolute favorite dessert spot in Portland. No matter what your food sensitivity might be, they have a dessert for you! My favorite? The dairy free yogurt in a gluten-free waffle cone.

2. Eb and Bean (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): You will not be disappointed here. This is an organic yogurt spot that also has some great dairy-free options.

3. Petunias (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This bakery is completely vegan and gluten-free, and is my go-to for office treats, birthday treats, etc. Their black and white cake is out of this world!

I am always on the search for new, healthy places to indulge. I will keep this list updated as I find new places. And as always, please share your favorites with me!

Camping for the Weekend

With all this crap happening in the world, escaping for the weekend was exactly what I needed. I don’t know about you, but I literally can’t seem to think of much else lately. I’ve taken some time away from social media and the news, which has definitely helped. And while doing so, I’ve clung on to spending time with my family (my happiest place) and being outdoors (the runner up).

So without a question, a camping trip seemed like the most logical idea.

And I will say, all is right with the world in the secluded mountains : )

Oregon, you never disappoint.

Girls Trip: Central Oregon

A girls weekend away is always a good idea. Although it isn’t as easy now-a-days with a little one, I know how important girl time and mom time is.

So last weekend myself and a few girlfriends packed our bags and headed down to Terrebonne (right outside of Bend) and stayed a house we found on airbnb. I left my computer behind in exchange for some good books and my notepad; making sure I had some time to unplug and relax.

Of course I had to make to my famous healthy waffles.

We also had to check out Smith Rock at sunset. This is a must!

It was a weekend full of laughter, great food, relaxation and adventure, that’s for sure.

A Day in Cannon Beach

Over Memorial Day weekend we decided to drive to the coast for the day to get our ocean fix. It was a beautiful day down there so we soaked up some time playing on the beach and followed that by some lunch at Pelican Brewery (just opened!). The Oregon coast on a sunny day is really just the best.

Cannon Beach, Oregon is by far one of my favorite spots. It isn’t too far from Portland and has such a great charm to it. Especially if you have kids, I highly recommend a visit.

My top recommendations:

-Hike through Ecola State Park

-If sunny, catch some rays at Indian Beach

-Grab lunch at Pelican Brewery (they just opened a new one in CB)

-Shop

-Have a drink on the patio at Wayfarer

-Grab coffee and gluten-free treats at Sea Level

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Day Trip: The Columbia Gorge (Family Style)

From Portland, you can hop right on the 84 East and drive about 20 minutes out to where the Northwest begins to really show off. It is such an easy day trip and really never gets old, which is why this is one of our top places to head for a quick getaway.

1. First stop – Wahclella Falls: Grab your Ergo carrier and off you go! This hike is the perfect distance to get some good exercise in, see a pretty view and navigate easily with a little one.

2. Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, keep driving the 84 East and grab lunch at Full Sail Brewing. I know there are a bunch of great places to eat in Hood River, but I still love Full Sail and how kid friendly it is. They have a good patio for when it is warm, their food is great (tempeh burger all the way) and I throw all my gluten free sensitivities aside and order a Session beer. It is my absolute favorite.

3. Grab a treat and coffee at Pine Street Bakery.

4. Then, before heading back home, make sure to do a quick stop at the Hood River Lavender Farms. It is SO worth a visit, even if it is a quick one.

What are your favorite day trips in the Northwest? I need to find some great new spots!

California

Last week we took a break from the rainy Portland weather to catch some serious sun rays in Southern California. 80 degree weather to be exact. I love that my hometown is now a vacation for me. And I’m amazed at how much more I appreciate the things I took for granted growing up there.

Our first stop was Mexican food and the BEACH. Or, as I apparently inherited from my Portland living, “the coast.” Parker couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the ocean. I’d imagine he was thinking that he was about to hop into the biggest bath he’s ever seen. 🙂

Anyway, after our brief (and very important) stint at the beach in Carlsbad, we headed out to Temecula to stay with Tyson’s family in wine country. This was when our little happy, sweet boy turned into a monster. Parker? A monster? Yep.

I’m going to go ahead a say that this was just due to being out of his element because I can thankfully report he is back to his sweet, kind self. But, we endured 5 days of one completely different kid. Picture: Tantrums in public, hitting everything and anything, NOTHING making him happy, painful car rides. At one point Tyson and I just agreed that this was the new norm and possibly payback since he has been such a great baby.

Then, day 5, he was back. Fun, silly, happy Parker baby. Although I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs many times, I didn’t. I just kept thinking in my head, show him love and patience and KEEP YOUR COOL, Linds.

Okay, back to vacation…

Blogging about the resort at pelican hill

We spent most of our time in Temecula, but also made time to head to Newport Beach for a night. We stayed at the Resort at Pelican Hill, and can I just say, WOW. I’ve stayed at a some really great hotels, but this one was pretty spectacular. They didn’t miss a single detail in their guest rooms and the resort is so beautiful and QUIET. It was great as a family, but I can only dream about going back just as a romantic overnight with Tyson.

The location was also great. Great as in, next to the beach, close to Zinc Cafe and also close to my favorite outdoor mall, Fashion Island.

It was great to just spend time outside and have no agenda.

Dress: Asos | Shoes: Target

It was also really nice to workout OUTSIDE…

And you know, have time with my family. I’m such a dork saying this, but I really just want to be with them all day long (said the girl who used to be super independent). My boys make me over the moon!

On the way back to the airport we had an afternoon to kill, so we headed to Little Italy to walk around and grab some lunch. Can I just say… wow! That area is finally cool. It has seriously evolved into the cutest neighborhood.

And it really sealed the deal that they have Cafe Gratitude there. SOLD!

I loved how they designed this location… Well done, CG!

Here are my top picks for things you’ve got to do while in SoCal:

Temecula Wine Country:

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride.
2. Leoness for music, a glass of wine and then dinner.
3. Ponte Winery and Wilson Creek Winery for tastings (we loaded our suitcase with Wilson Creek’s Almond Champagne).
4. Lodge at South Coast Winery Resort
5. Go for a nice walk or run outside.
6. Head to downtown Temecula and have lunch at Goat & Vine.

Newport Beach:

1. Stay at the Resort at Pelican Hill
2. Spend all day their Crystal Cove Beach.
3. And then spend another full day at their pool.
4. Standup paddle board.
5. Hike.
6. Catch brunch at Zinc Cafe.
7. Spend an afternoon shopping… you deserve it!
8. Rent bikes and ride along by the pier.

Downtown San Diego:

1. Airbnb a place in Little Italy: Option 1 | Option 2
2. Eat brunch at Cafe Gratitude
3. Grab panini’s to go at NAPIZZA (take them to the waterfront)
4. Ride bikes to Seaport Village
5. Walk through Balboa Park (my favorite place) and check out the museums.

What are your favorite things to do down there? I need more suggestions for the next time we head down there. I’m thinking we might actually spend longer downtown San Diego now. I also want to go out to Joshua Tree next time. I can’t believe I’ve never been there!

Weekend Getaway: Bellingham, WA

The other weekend was a magical one. We left behind the 100 degree weather in Portland in search of a cool ocean breeze and the smell of salt water. Washington I tell ya; what a stunning state.

We began our trek at the crack of dawn, hitting the road at 5:30am. Car: packed with snacks, pack n’ plays, bottles, a tent, the stroller… this how we roll nowadays. Leaving early enough thankfully let us beat traffic. We stopped once for a mini stretch break outside of Seattle and then made our way towards Bellingham.

We decided to take the famous Chuckanut drive route into Bellingham. Think Portland’s Forest Park drive meets the beginning part of the sea-to-sky highway in BC. Pure beauty.

Next stop: Food. We headed straight from our drive to Rock N Rye for some brunch.

This place has the most amazing food and also has a great back patio to enjoy when the weather is nice.

On the menu: A mushroom spinach quiche with a side salad and a peach bellini for me. Tyson indulged in some chilaquiles and local brew. And little Parker enjoyed his all time favorite, Earth’s Best.

After a tasty brunch and a little buzz, we headed over to Hotel Bellwether for an early check in.

One thing I love about this hotel is that even just a standard room is a great one. The room came fully equipped with robes, a massive bathtub with jets, open doors from the bathtub to the room, a fire place, and the comfiest bed I think I’ve ever been on. The hotel is charming, on the water, and well priced in my opinion. Not to mention, it is pup friendly.

After getting settled into our room, we took off to soak up the perfect weather and explore.

We drove to Teddy Bear Cove for a short hike and a brief visit. Most things tend to be brief with a baby, right? And while the hike to the cove was a major butt burner, it is easy to do with a baby on your back and is definitely worth the scenery.

At this point I felt badly having Parker in the car forever, so we headed back to the hotel to do what we ultimately drove up there to do; relax. After a quick clean up, we went to dinner right next to the hotel. Up until that dinner, Parker has successfully never disrupted us. We have taken him to so many dinners out and have been able to take our time eating while he’s either slept or just sat there looking around at everyone. But this was our first “meltdown” I suppose. Luckily it was as we were getting the check, but wow. Hello 7 months old? I quickly had a daydream about the trip without a baby. I would have been able to actually go into a few stores, maybe go for a nice run along the bay with Tyson, and eat/drink our heart outs until the restaurant closed.

But no. Really, after dinner we just went back to the hotel at 6:15pm (yep) and got the jet tub ready for the ultimate family bath time. We then threw our bathrobes on, poured some champagne and all watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I’m pretty sure we were all asleep by 8:15pm…

The funny thing is, I really wouldn’t have it any other way.

Bellingham, we will back! You were well worth the trip.