Oasis Café (Pizza) 
3701 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Ph: 503.231.0901

This pizza place is great not only because of its ever so tasty crust but also for it’s location in Portland’s SE Hawthorne District. Unfamiliar with the Neighborhood? Portland’s Hawthorne district brings a diverse crowd together while also offering an array of eclectic shops and dining spots. Why Oasis Cafe you might ask? Easy! With 40 toppings to choose from- you and your guests will surely be satisfied. From Cheese & Broccoli to Meat Lover’s slices, this place is simply wonderful. Oasis Café also features Foccacia made fresh daily with Pesto (Basil or Chipotle) or Mozzarella and Pesto (Basil or Chipotle). Next time you are in the district give this a go around.

That’s right, it is that time of year again! 
Starting today (Thursday June 11) and running through to June 27th is the festival of Portland’s World-Renowned Bike Fun, Pedalpalooza.

The festival is put on by Shift, a informal local group of bikers united by “a shared passion for the bicycle in all its glory: as toy, as transportation, as a tool for social and environmental change!”  You can see from the calendar on the main site linked above, this is a massive event with everything from the practical (repair and legal clinics), to networking (Business on a Bike meeting 6/19 at 3:00), to the ridiculous (many polo and jousting events), to the sublime (Kidical Mass) and of course the endearingly insane (Zoobomb on Sunday nights!)

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McMenamins Theatre and Pubs
Mission Theatre, 1624 NW Glisan Ph: 503-223-4527,
St. Johns Theatre and Pub, 8203 N. Ivanhoe Ph:503-283-8520,
Baghdad Theatre, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd Ph: 503-236-9234

McMenamins is a well-known classic among Portlanders. With locations all throughout the Portland Metro Area, most anyone can appreciate their hand-crafted beer and menu selections. One special feature of McMenamins includes their Theatre Pubs where great flicks, handcrafter brews and classic eats come together. Mission Theatre is conveniently located in downtown NW Portland. This theatre is one of my favorites; featuring both ground floor and balcony seating for an enjoyable evening. Every Wednesday night is Mission Theatre’s classic Burger, Beer & a Movie for $10.50. In addition, Mission Theatre occasionally hosts NW Film Festival events, live music and select football games. St John’s Pub located in North Portland is also a well-known spot, hosting theatre-goers with comfy couches and plush theatre seating. I do not want to forget one of the oldest theatre pubs and classics; the Baghdad theatre located in Portland’s SE Hawthorne district.

For show times and locations please call McMenamin’s Theatre line as (503) 249-7474.  There are also additional McMenamin’s theaters, restaurants, and hotels in h Portland Metro area which can be viewed on their website at http://www.mcmenamins.com

As you may or may not be aware, on January 1 the Clean Air Act, signed by Gov. Kulongoski back in June of 2007, took effect, adding Oregon to the list of states banning smoking in all enclosed public spaces.  Though many Portland denizens and are struggling with the transition, the upshot of all of this is that that many of the gems of Portland nightlife once shrouded in a haze of exhalent are now much easier to visit without worry for the lingering smell upon your clothes.  Over the coming weeks we will be using “Smoke Free Portland” to introduce to you some of our personal favorites, redefined hotspots, and the old classics of the various neighborhoods and quadrants of the Rose City.

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