Rovente Pizzeria - with delivery in and around The Village

There's plenty of amazing pizza to be had in Portland — no one's going to argue with me about that. However, when you live in our area of Southwest Portland, the delivery options can pretty much be whittled down to the big chains, and I have to tell you, I don't love them.

Others might, and that's fine — each to his own. I'm a little pickier about my cheese-laden dough disks. But I am too lazy to drive the distance to get it. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Rovente Pizzeria at 7119 S.W. Macadam Ave. not only delivers to most of Southwest, but the pizzas are quite delicious and reasonably priced.

The crust is thin-ish, but not too thin. The sauce is light and wonderful, and not overly sweet like some you find. The ever-so-important ratio of sauce to cheese is perfect, and the toppings are fresh. Also, I'm pretty sure they offer a gluten-free crust, because we've ordered it in the past, and it was great. (I don't see it on their online menu, so be sure to ask.)

Let me give you a tip, though: I have always ordered from Rovente by phone. They keep my address on file and cheerfully deliver to my house, which is about a mile south of Multnomah Village. In researching for this article, I tried to order online, but the computer told me they actually don't deliver to my area. If that happens to you, I would suggest calling in your order.

Though you can get salads, calzones, buffalo wings and "cheezy garlic bread" at Rovente, I'm going to focus on the myriad selections of pizzas they offer.

Not being the most adventurous consumer of pizza in the world, I tend to go for the pedestrian: pepperoni — maybe mushrooms and olives — and sometimes I'll go a little crazy and have them throw some onions on.

When we had a family gathering a month ago, someone ordered Canadian bacon and fresh tomatoes. It almost blew my mind. As a result, I decided that, by golly, I'm going to have to try some of the combinations that Rovente has already dreamed up for me. Here are some that particularly stand out:

The Amoruccio Con Pesto: Artichoke hearts, garlic, green onions, Italian sausage, Pesto sauce, Roma tomatoes, whole-milk mozzarella.

The Molto Picante: Beef, green peppers, jalapeño peppers, Mama Lil's peppers, red onions, Signature Spicy Red Sauce, whole-milk mozzarella.

The Herbivore Delight: Artichoke hearts, black olives, feta cheese, garlic, red onions, Roma tomatoes, Signature red sauce, whole-milk mozzarella, zucchini.

The Greek Al Forno: Feta cheese, green onions, Kalamata olives, olive oil, red sauce or creamy garlic sauce, Roma tomatoes, spinach, whole-milk mozzarella.

El Pollo Loco: Cheddar cheese, garlic, grilled chicken, jalapeño peppers, red onions, Signature Spicy Red Sauce, spinach, whole-milk mozzarella.

And so many, many, more.

Check out their website, roventepizzeria.com, for some awesome special deals, too. Rovente has three other locations, one on Hawthorne, one in North Portland and one downtown, but the Macadam location is the one for us Southwesterners when it comes to delivery. Here's the number: 503-719-4626. Call away, and enjoy!

Evaluation: Very sincere

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Briar Patch Herbs - A welcome addition to the neighborhood

There's a little cluster of shops in a long, low building where Garden Home Road meets 45th Avenue that has always seemed to me to need some sprucing up.

For a long time, there was just a Mr. Suds Laundromat, Revive Organic Hair Salon and Abel Irrigation there. I've always felt that the building wasn't being used to its full potential in the way that Multnomah Village or Hillsdale Center are.

Not that the residents of the area want that much bustle. And besides, it's not big enough to rival those two areas. But I always thought it would be nice if another useful shop or two would go in there, and that the whole thing might be tidied up a bit.

Well, it seems my fantasy is coming true. Briar Patch Herbs has set up shop next to Revive Hair Salon, and what a welcome addition to the neighborhood it is!

I stopped by to see what they have going on there and to meet the owners, Sheri Copans and Brad Valgardson, who are as friendly and helpful as can be.

The shop is gorgeous inside and out, all the built-in shelves and cabinetry hand-fashioned by Brad himself. On one end of the space is an antique velvet sofa and a couple of chairs set up to create a nook where customers can sit and relax as they breathe in the wonderful, earthy aroma of the place. On the other end there are three tall tree trunks that flank the back counter, giving you the feeling of being outside while inside.

As Sheri says, "I wanted it to feel like you were walking into a forest." Well, you do feel like that, if a forest felt as warm and cozy as the shop does.

The Briar Patch sells organic culinary and medicinal herbs and seeds, as well as organic teas, tinctures, local hand-crafted soaps, candles, organic essential oils and all kinds of delightful, natural products. But please be clear: It is NOT a cannabis store.

The Briar Patch is a family friendly, community herb shop, Sheri says. Kids are welcome, dogs are welcome — you get the idea. Sheri also let me know that the people who own Abel Irrigation at the opposite end of the building, Scott and Jenny Calvin, purchased the property a couple of years ago, and it is absolutely their intent to bring in another desirable business or two and to continue to make the building more attractive so that it will be a nice little destination, just a five-minute walk from Multnomah Village proper.

Though Briar Patch Herbs' summer hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., they are hoping to expand to seven days a week come fall. They also plan to begin serving brewed tea once their kitchen is set up, and host special events that welcome the community. Sheri even mentioned the potential for a dog wash day out front!

So stop by and take a look at this beautiful space at 4480 S.W. Garden Home Road. You're sure to walk away with something healing, soothing or beautiful. And if you don't know what you want, they offer consultations as well. Don't you feel better already?

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

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If you know of a business that you think might meet our criteria, send the information to me at jon@searching4sincerity.com. I'll not promise to write about them though, as that in itself would be, well, you know — insincere.

Hillsdale Farmers Market

What is more wonderful on a crisp fall day than perusing booths of seasonal vegetables and fruits, local meats and seafood, baked goods, dairy products and other items that will delight your taste buds and benefit your health?

Not much that I can think of.

Though the Portland State University Farmers Market is probably the biggest in town, it feels more like a weekly event than a local tradition. On the other hand, there’s something innately satisfying about being able to just pop over to the Hillsdale Farmers Market on a Sunday, right here in our own neighborhood, where it sets up in the parking lot of Rieke Elementary school at 1405 S.W. Vermont St.

The last time I was there, I scooped up freshly caught salmon, vine-perfect tomatoes, a handy bag of baby lettuce, some crunchy local apples, late-season zucchini and a pint of the last strawberries of the summer. When it comes to buying fresh, local produce, I find a grocery store simply does not compare to the flavor and value available at the farmers market.

Oh sure, I might be able to find a zucchini for a few pennies less in the bins of grocery stores, many of which certainly sell — at least for part of the year — some local produce. But it’s never the same in freshness as what I find at the farmers market, where growers bring their wares straight from field to market.

We all know that a store-bought tomato almost never compares to what the local farmer grows (or what we grow in our own backyards), and strawberries imported from California are a far cry from the delicious red nuggets harvested from nearby farms. Yes, OK, we won’t find all the items at the farmers market that we get used to having year-round from the grocery store (like kiwis and avocados, for example), but the fruits and veggies at the former ensure that we are always buying seasonal, as well as local.

That’s better for the local economy, better for the environment (fossil fuels aren’t being used to ship products long distances) and better for our palate.

And what about fish, meats, eggs, etc.? Again, it all comes down to supporting our local farmers and fishermen and getting items for our table that have been lovingly, humanely and often organically raised, or caught with sustainability in mind.

At Hillsdale Farmers Market, you can even grab a little lunch from some of the booths that sell prepared foods, like soup or tamales. You can also pick up a delicious loaf of freshly baked bread, pies, muffins or other goodies, or a beautiful bouquet of seasonal flowers. I never come away from the market with anything less than some new discovery and a feeling that I’ve participated in my community in a very special, and kind of basic, way.

So that all income levels can benefit, the farmers market accepts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card (as most markets do), which can be swiped at the info booth in exchange for tokens. In order to make the SNAP purchases go even farther, Hillsdale Farmers Market participates in the Double Up Food Bucks statewide program, which means that SNAP participants can receive up to $10 in matching funds by purchasing tokens at the market’s information booth; they then get $20 for their SNAP purchases instead of $10.

Sarah West, who manages the farmers market, shared with me that Hillsdale’s matching program is unique, because it is not being run by a USDA grant. Hillsdale Farmers Market does 100 percent of the matching and the fundraising itself. This helps the program overall and, by proxy, helps fund markets that are less well off.

Businesses can donate at various financial levels, including sponsoring a booth at the market, and the market accepts public donations as well. West is usually at the info booth, or you can speak to the volunteers there too. 

For more information, contact West at contact@hillsdalefarmersmarket.com or check out the market’s website at hillsdalefarmersmarket.com

The market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. from May until the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and twice monthly from December through April. I couldn’t rate our wonderful Hillsdale Farmers Market as anything less than Extraordinarily Sincere!

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

John's Marketplace has stood the test of time - with good reason

John's Marketplace is an institution in Southwest Portland's Multnomah Village. If you're a beer person,this is your paradise.

"Basically, if you can get it (beer) here in Oregon," the shop advertises, "then we have it!"

You want wines? The selection is supreme and the staff incredibly knowledgeable, especially if you happen to run into Dave Kaplan, the "wine guy" at John's Marketplace. Kegs, drafts, wine tastings, fantastic burgers and sandwiches — it's all at John's.

However, I'm particularly fascinated by the historical aspect of John's, which anyone other than longtime residents may not know. It is among the oldest remaining businesses in Multnomah Village, dating back to 1923, when it used to be John's Meat Market, according to Nanci Hamilton's historical booklet, "Portland's Multnomah Village."

While many businesses in Multnomah Village closed their doors after World War II because of the arrival of convenient shopping meccas like Fred Meyer and Washington Square in Tigard, as Hamilton points out, the most notable establishments that still remain are John's and Renner's Grill (1939).

According to the Multnomah Historical Association's website in a piece written by Lowell Swanson, John Feuz Sr. bought a meat market from James Sullivan on Dec. 1, 1922, which at the time was located where Sacred Money Studios now resides. John at that time was 28 years old, having come from Switzerland in 1914, where he'd been trained as a butcher. His wife, Anna Gabriel, whom he married in 1923, became his business partner.

John and Anna used the front of the store for their retail business and the back for wholesale. John also delivered meat to his customers and sold it wholesale to the Oregon Electric Railway. He had a two-story smokehouse on premises and made his own sausage in his basement. He started selling groceries as well as meat in 1932, and opened the store in its current location at 3535 S.W. Multnomah Blvd. in 1958.

John's store remained in the family until 1984, when it became mostly a convenience store under the management of John's son David. In the early 90s, Jack Furman bought the place and was the one who added the wine and beer selection. In 1999, the current owner, David Percival, bought John's Marketplace and runs it to this day.

Since I tend to be drawn to historical places and things, knowing its history makes John's all the more appealing to me. But most importantly, I have never, ever, not found what I wanted in terms of wine or beer at John's. And if I didn't know what I wanted (since I'm not the world's biggest connoisseur of beer or wine), some helpful salesperson there would steer me the right way.

John's has wine tastings every Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. when, for $5 a person, you can sample a variety of local and imported wines. They also have Winemaker Tastings a few Saturdays a month. You can check their website, johnsmarketplace.com, under "events" for specifics, or keep an eye on their sign, where they advertise various events — including some that are free!

But let's get back to the food.

You can sit at the lunch counter at John's and enjoy $5 draft pours while you chow down on legendary Tillamook cheeseburgers — single or double, with bacon or without, "veggie-tized" or not. They've got a "Killer Turkey" sandwich with turkey, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, etc.; the "Flying Pig" sandwich, with ham, Tillamook cheddar and fixins'; the "Virgil," a BLT with onions and avocado; a "Dirty Cheesesteak," with lean steak marinated in a house brew; and a grilled Tillamook cheddar and provolone sandwich on Challah bread.

Yummy, hardy and all a great value.

So next time you're looking for exactly the right libation or a delicious sandwich/burger, visit the place that's made its name in history for all the right reasons: John's Marketplace.

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

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Discover more at Peachtree Gifts

Georgina Young-Ellis visits Peachtree Gifts to purchase a last-minute gift

Originally published Thursday, February 01, 2018



Here's a situation that has happened to me more than once: I've been invited to a birthday party. The invitation was sent at the last minute, and the party is that night. I've got to bring a card at the very least, but I'd also like to get a little gift.

Fortunately, I live near Multnomah Village — where there are lots of shops in which to find fun and interesting presents. However, I'm short on time and can't wander around from shop to shop. What do I do?

I turn to the store that always saves me in situations like this: Peachtree Gifts.

I can't tell you how many times I've popped into Peachtree, not only to grab a cute card and even cuter gift but also to pick up wrapping paper or a nice gift-bag, party plates and napkins, and presents for every occasion. I can rely on them having just the thing I need.

I always get my Christmas cards there — I like the ones printed on recycled paper — and always find festive party supplies.

This year, unusual socks were on my niece's Christmas list. And that's the thing about Peachtree Gifts — as I pondered where I could get unusual socks without running around to a bunch of stores, Peachtree Gifts sprang to mind. Perfect!

When my cousin was having a birthday, what did I find at Peachtree that I knew she would like? Monogramed stationary — her being of the generation (like me) that still sends note cards. What do I do when I realize that Mother's Day is less than a week away and I still haven't gotten a card for my mother and mother-in-law? I dash over to Peachtree Gifts and find just the right ones.

Now that Valentine's Day is approaching, there's no better place to find just what you need for your dear ones. The store is Valentine's Central, with jewelry, novelty items and cards.

As a matter of fact, owner Petie Farkas said she has been expanding the card section of the store, and now it takes up much of the back half of the space, where you'll find an abundance of humorous and meaningful cards for every occasion.

Having just celebrated the store's fifth anniversary last November, Farkas prides herself — especially now in the cold winter months — on making sure the space always has a fresh, fun, bright and cheerful feel to it. And not only is Peachtree Gifts (nestled into a nook between Nectar Frozen Yogurt Lounge and Umpqua Bank at 7843 S.W. Capitol Highway) a mainstay for those who live in Southwest Portland, but Farkas is grateful for the community that has embraced her business as well.

"What is wonderful about Multnomah Village," she shared, "is that it has the feeling of a small town within a big, metropolitan city. We see our customers over and over, and we love being a part of that community and gaining that connection with them.

"We feel like we can be your neighborhood card and gift shop," she added, "with small surprises that you'll come across here and friendly service."

Farkas does all the buying herself, so "if there's something exciting that you want to see, let us know," she said. "We want you to feel like there's something new to discover every time you come in."

I know that has been my experience with Peachtree Gifts, and I'm sure it will be yours too. Visit Peachtreegifts.com to learn more.

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

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Priscilla Nails Spa

Columnist Georgina Young-Ellis gives Priscilla Nails Spa a 'Very Sincere' rating

Originally published Monday, December 18, 2017



I'm not the kind of gal who always sports a flawless manicure, and I usually only opt for a pedicure in the summer when people will actually see my feet.

I do like to get my nails done every now and then for special occasions, or just to make myself feel fancy. But even then, I tend to just go with the basic manicure and forego the gel, acrylic, French and other specialty types of manicures that exist.

When I lived in that "other" city, the one I swore I wouldn't go on and on about, nail salons were on every corner and they were cheap. By the time I left two years ago, a nice — and I mean nice — manicure could be had in my neighborhood for $10. The pedicure was $15, and sometimes you could get a combo for $20.

Granted, there are plenty of upscale nail salons in that city that charge a heck of a lot more, but in general, it's one of the few things that are significantly cheaper there than in Portland. I guess mani/pedis are pricier here because there aren't as many salons, and it doesn't seem like as many people get them.

Wait — does that go with or against the law of supply and demand?

Anyway, after I moved here, the first nail salon I went to was the one closest to my house, one that I could actually walk to. At the time, a manicure there was $14. The place was OK, and the mani or pedi always turned out nice. But one day, they were too crowded to take me, so I drove to another place a mile or so away and discovered a salon that, while not cheaper, was prettier, friendlier and did just as nice of a job.

The place I'm talking about is Priscilla Nails Spa (9051 S.W. Barbur Blvd.; 503-224-3977; priscillanailspa.com).

Though they seem to do steady business, I've never had to wait and the technicians are just as sweet as can be. They do ask you to purchase your own little kit consisting of a nail file and buff for $1 — a bit more, I think, for the pedicure, which also comes with toe separators — but you can bring the kit back every time. That makes the experience a little more environmentally friendly in that those things aren't being used and then thrown away every time by the salon.

(Speaking of conscientious nail care, I am aware that OPI polish doesn't test on animals, so I tend to choose that brand. Priscilla Nails Spa uses it, as do many other salons.)

Anyway, a Classic Manicure is $15 at Priscilla (which my previous salon now charges, too), and a Classic Spa Pedicure is $25. Both services are done with the utmost attention and care, and leave you feeling pampered and pretty. Of course, Priscilla Nails Spa has lots of other tempting services, including even fancier spa manis and pedis — hot stone, green tea and more — plus waxing, brow and lash tinting, and facials.

They are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays by appointment. Though walk-ins are always welcome, as the holidays approach it might be good to make an appointment during typically busy times of the day.

Priscilla Nails Spa is currently sporting a banner outside, letting you know the business is under new management, but the only change I can see is that they've painted the walls in lovely, soothing colors and freshened the look up a bit. I recognized the same faces among the staff, and they're just as friendly and sweet as ever.

Yes, I know, everyone has their own favorite salon. But if you give Priscilla Nails Spa a try, it may just become your new fave! They'll take great care of you, and you'll always come away happy.

Evaluation: Very sincere

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Maplewood Coffee & Tea – a hidden treasure

Georgina Young-Ellis recommends this historic neighborhood gathering place in Maplewood

Originally published Sunday, October 01, 2017



Tucked away in a corner of the Maplewood community of Southwest Portland is Maplewood Coffee & Tea, a delightful little café that serves breakfast and lunch every day, and dinner the latter part of the week. You may have never chanced upon it because it is somewhat off the beaten path, in the midst of a lovely neighborhood, at 5206 S.W. Custer St. It seems like an unlikely place for a restaurant, or even a coffee house, sitting there surrounded by private homes. However, before its latest incarnation, it was a going establishment for years and years as a general store and post office that used to be referred to as the Green Store. From the time the Green Store opened in 1911 until it closed in 1976, it was the hub of the neighborhood, a place where people would post notices, get their mail, purchase grocery items and enjoy the penny candy and ice cream that was sold there. After it closed, the Green Store was sold and used as a residence until current owner Jo Whitsell purchased it in 2012 and converted it into Maplewood Coffee & Tea, keeping it true to its roots as a neighborhood meeting place.

The atmosphere is simultaneously cozy and spacious, with rustic wooden floors and tables spread out comfortably. You can relax while you eat or drink, play one of the board games they keep on hand or pick up one of the newspapers or magazines that are always available for your perusal.

When I popped in with Jon, we were not there to have a meal, but instead sampled a delicious hibiscus iced tea and a gorgeous decaf mocha while lounging in a sunlit corner. The food looked great, though, especially the pastries on display that come from Pearl Bakery and New Cascadia, including gluten-free and vegan options. The coffee comes from the local Extracto Coffee Roasters, and the teas from Jasmine Pearl Tea and Dragonfly Chai.

If you're there to munch, breakfast will get you waffles, frittatas, a breakfast bowl and more; plus, you can always add the divine-sounding thyme biscuit for a couple of extra bucks. For lunch there are inventive salads and sandwiches, and dinner offers roasted chicken, a sausage plate, a veggie burger and a vegan dinner bowl.

Order at the counter, and your food will be delivered to your table. They've got local and imported red and white wines, as well as beer and cider. Happy hour is every day from 4-7 p.m.; you can get beer or cider in $4.50 pints, while wine is a dollar off a glass and two dollars off a bottle to stay. Sundays, mimosas are just $6. Breakfast is served Monday through Wednesday until 11 a.m., and Thursday through Sunday until 2 p.m. Lunch is served all day, every day, and dinner is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.

I stopped on my way out and chatted with a nice lady who told me how much she and her family value Maplewood Coffee & Tea in the neighborhood. She said they've enjoyed bingo nights the second Thursday of every month, and trivia nights on the last Thursday of the month. It turns out you can even rent the space after hours for parties and such. Within walking distance from so many other nearby neighborhoods in Southwest Portland, Maplewood Coffee & Tea is an ideal place to enjoy a
leisurely Sunday brunch, an afternoon coffee and pastry, a healthy dinner, breakfast with the family or lunch with a friend. I live for discovering these hidden treasures, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this one.

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

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The Fairy of Woods Memorial

The contribution of one leads to the pleasure of many in one Southwest Portland park, writes Columnist Georgina Young-Ellis

Originally published Saturday, July 01, 2017



Walking through Woods Memorial Natural Area one day recently, I came upon a beautiful arrangement of flowers and other natural objects set upon the round cover of an old water main that protrudes about two feet out of the ground.

Seeing that unexpected burst of color and creativity in the middle of the woods gave me a moment of joy. I admired it, took a picture and walked on.

A week or so later, I was on that same section of the Woods Creek Trail when I noticed the arrangement had been changed, with the old items removed and new ones in their place.

"Aha!" I thought, "We have a fairy in our woods!"

And then, during another walk in the natural area, I caught the fairy in the act.

A slight woman with blond curls and bright, blue-green eyes, she really did look like a fairy to me. I thanked her for her contribution to the beauty of the woods, and the next time I saw her she agreed to be interviewed for my column. Thus I learned her name is Donna Zerner, and that she calls her creations "nature mandalas."

My first assumption was that she was an artist, but she assured me that no, she has no talent in the visual arts. I beg to disagree. Nevertheless, Zerner is a writer and editor, a storyteller and even, upon occasion, a stand-up comedian.

I asked her what inspired her to make the mandalas and to return once a week or so, weather and motivation permitting, to refresh or remake them entirely. Her answer was simple: She does it for her own pleasure, and for that of others.

"If I can make one person smile," she said, "it's worth it."

I would hazard a guess that she has made more than one person smile. Though a lot of people just walk by while she's at work on a mandala, she says, others stop and thank her. She related that several people have told her, "No matter how depressed I am, seeing this always cheers me up."

Zerner started creating these mandalas a couple of years ago as a way to get off her computer and do something more grounded and tactile. She says arranging the colorful objects, sheltered by the trees while listening to the babbling creek and the singing birds, feels like an entrancing meditation. And seeing her careful work inevitably demolished by the elements and visiting creatures offers lessons in impermanence and non-attachment.

"It's like those Tibetan sand paintings," she says, "but with slugs."

The mandalas change with the seasons. She displays colorful flowers, feathers and robin's egg shells in the spring and summer, and mushrooms, holly berries, apples and red and yellow leaves in the cooler months. Zerner mainly uses objects she finds on the ground on her walk to the woods, though she will sometimes pick flowers from her own yard.

When children stop by, she invites them to "help the fairies decorate their ballroom for dancing," and offers them petals and stones to place where they want. She loves when passersby leave items — coins and crystals are regular contributions — and says, "I want everyone to feel free to add to and work on this; it should be a community activity."

I can't deny that Zerner blushed a bit when I told her I think of her as the fairy of Woods Memorial, and that I bet others do, too. In a way, I almost hesitated to reveal her identity, since I think some folks enjoy the mystery of the "fairy" who makes these beautiful offerings.

And yet, once I spoke to her and realized that she aims, as she says, to add beauty to a world that can feel bleak, and to inspire others to discover the joy of creativity in nature, how could I not consider her efforts supremely sincere and want to share them with you?

Sadly, just as the mandalas are impermanent, so may be her commitment to creating them. She will, she says, as long as she is inspired and life allows.

She did suggest that maybe those of us in Southwest Portland who enjoy the peaceful quiet of Woods Memorial Natural Area, its trails and creeks, its beauty, and the dense forest green, not spread the word around too far (like I'm doing right now).

Access to the park can be reached from a variety of entrances on Southwest 45th Avenue and on other streets between 45th and Southwest Capitol Highway. If you're not familiar with the area, I suggest you go to portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder, where you can download a map after searching Woods Memorial Natural Area.

And remember, like the fairy said, shhhh, it's a secret!

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

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'Perfect place' for environmentally-conscious carnivores

Georgina Young-Ellis enjoys the 'meaty goodness' at Block & Board in Burlingame

Originally published Friday, September 01, 2017

I only recently discovered the Block & Board butcher shop in Burlingame, and what a wonderful surprise it was! Several people had recommended it to me, and so, consolidating our need for deli meats, stuff to grill for the weekend and something for dinner, my husband and I stopped in.

Oh my gosh, it's nothing but meaty goodness from one end to the other.

Block & Board (8421 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.) offers take-out BBQ, including baby-back ribs and pulled pork, prepared in house; sliced meats by the pound, such as roast beef, ham and turkey—brined, rubbed, smoked and roasted on the premises; fresh meat in the butcher case, with items as unusual as duck breast, or as classic as New York steak; sandwiches to order; and even premium local wines and draft beers.

Here's the thing that really sets Block & Board apart, though: All of their meats are sustainably and humanely raised, and all come from local ranchers. I mean, really local, as in the ranchers deliver the meat to the store themselves on a regular basis. And trust me, you can taste the difference that makes.

We weren't able to wait to get home to sample a slice of the smoked turkey breast, which tasted like actual turkey, but with a hint of cumin. We had the barbequed baby-back ribs for dinner and were similarly wowed by the fantastic flavor of the meat, as well as the spicy, not-too-sweet sauce.

We also got a pound of the house-made pork, parsley and parmesan sausage links for Saturday's grill. And again, we were astounded by the incredible, fresh flavor.

Erick Paulson is the owner of Block & Board. He says — and it turned out to be true — that when you eat meat that is so thoughtfully raised, there is more nutrition in it, and it actually fills you up more than commercially-raised meats.

I think we've all gotten used to the pre-packaged meat that comes from a long way off and, even if it's grass-fed or humanely raised, tastes sort-of bland. We don't even notice it anymore. But the meat you get at Block & Board has the kind of flavor I imagine meat tasted like in the days when one got it directly from the rancher within a day or so of its butchering.

Now, I realize that all this talk of meat may not be appealing to those who don't partake, but as Paulson said, "If a vegan were to open a butcher shop, this is what it would look like." I totally saw, and tasted, what he meant.

The products he sells make you feel like you are doing the right thing by the animals that provide the meat. You are also doing the right thing for the environment by eating local products that don't have to be shipped far, and that are raised by ranchers who are protective of the land on which they raise their animals.

By the way, Block & Board also sells prepared sandwiches and sides that sound amazing. How about a slow-smoked pork shoulder sandwich in house-made barbecue sauce, topped with apple celery slaw on a Portland French pub bun? Or the Burlingame Bánh mí: slow-roasted candied pork belly on a Portland French baguette with Jalapeño-ginger aioli, pickled vegetables and cilantro. Or the Smoke House Cuban: house-made ham, and smoked, roasted pork, grilled and pressed with Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard?

Whoa.

Sides include beef chili, burnt-ends baked beans, potato salad, mac and cheese — all made in-house. You can either dine in or take out. Add a glass or bottle of unique, local ales, ciders, IPAs or Pilsners — or a glass of Yamhill Valley Vineyards wine — and you're all set. Other wines from around the region are sold by the bottle to take home too.

Block & Board opened just a year and a half ago, according to Paulson, and it's an excellent addition to the other popular Burlingame establishments nearby. It's also a dream come true for meat eaters who want to do the right thing for their palate, and the planet.

Rating: Extraordinarily sincere

Fat City Cafe

Well folks, Jon and I have made quite the shift in lifestyle. We up and moved out of NYC, all the way across the country to Portland, OR! This is a spectacular place to live, we're finding, and so full of sincere establishments we've been too overwhelmed to single a particular one out for this blog. However, since we've been here now a couple of months, it's time to start sharing with you the many amazing businesses in this beautiful, Pacific NW town. Jon did a post yesterday, which you'll see below, and here's my first of what I'm sure will be many:

The morning after we arrived at our new home in Portland, we headed out to breakfast at Fat City Cafe, in the adorable Multnomah (pronounced: mult-NOH-mah) Village, which is a pleasant 15 minute walk from our house. Multnomah Village (MV) resides in the southwest area of Portland, the outer-lying environs of which are perhaps not highest on the Portland hipness scale, yet MV, along with the nearby community of Hillsdale, are actually kind of magnets for the hip set, not only because they're just so darn quaint (which hipsters ironically rather like) but because of the exceptional restaurants and pubs that abound.

When checking out the area during our house search a couple of months before, Fat City Cafe had called to us among those many eateries, so we had been looking forward to trying it. It's a cozy spot, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch only, with maybe ten or so tables, and seats at the counter. The walls are covered with license plates from around the country as well as other photos and bric-a-brac, but it manages to not be annoyingly kitchy. The servers are super friendly and made us feel warm and welcome right away. The day of our first visit, we both ordered a basic breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast (gluten free for Jon), and were delighted by how delicious it all was. The prices are amazing too, especially because Jon, being an oldster, had the same bacon and eggs under the heading of "Geezer Grub," so it was cheaper still.

We've eaten there a handful of times since and have loved everything we've tried, though we haven't done lunch yet, only breakfast. As a matter of fact, lunch gets pretty crowded there, as does brunch on the weekends so we mainly just go during the week so as to not have to wait. On that first day we went, we noticed that by 11:30 the place was already filling up with bearded, man-bunned types and their goth girlfriends. If the crowd prevents you from getting a table, however, don't hesitate to try one of the other great brunch spots in the village, none of which have disappointed yet. I'll get to those eventually, but for now, there's no doubt that I rate Fat City Cafe: Extraordinarily sincere!

FatCityCafe.Org
7820 SW Capital Hwy, Multnomah Village
SouthWest Portland, OR
503-245-5457

DIGG

Goode Company Seafood, Houston

This post is long overdue. It was in June of 2011 that I was in Houston with my family, and my sister took us to this place called Goode Company Seafood, a local chain that also has BBQ restaurants, and I think she said a taqueria. I was expecting sort of a Spaghetti Factory type of feel. Not so, my friends. Oh, not so. You could smell the mesquite smoke from the parking lot as you approached the genuine railroad car exterior. The interior was kind of a cross between a diner and a seafood shack in an upscale sort of way. It wasn't cheap, as good seafood never is, but it was reasonable. The waitress was the kind of motherly, down-home type of lady you just wanted to snuggle (but I wouldn't take that liberty for fear of being slapped upside the head). When asked about foods that contain gluten (because right at the top of the menu it said to ask about it and we had some gluten sensitive folks with us) she was concernedly honest like any good mama would be, and very specific about what to order and not to order. I had the grilled Coho baby salmon and, it, the seafood rice, the veggies and the tastes I had of everyone else's catfish, hushpuppies, shrimp, fried green tomatoes etc., were mind-blowing.
Goode wine, goode fresh food, goode service, goode atmosphere and our own built-in goode company. What an aptly named joint!
Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!
http://www.goodecompany.com/

Portland, Oregon

As seen on the TV series: Portlandia

I am falling in love with Portland. When visiting family there recently, I was so intrigued by the place, I felt wildly compelled to rate the entire city as "sincere," but then asked myself, is that possible? Well, let's examine the evidence. First of all, it's beautiful: Mt. Hood shines down upon the city from the East, pine forests abound, and lush, green streets wind along the hillsides. Second, a very vibrant scene dominates its downtown districts. From what I understand, and a very limited understanding it is, Portland is divided into four sections, SW, SE, NW and NE, with the Willamette River dividing it by East and West. The portions of the city I visited, the very hip downtown on the SW side of the river, with great little restaurants and vintage shops surrounded by neighborhoods of cozy, old houses, particularly in the Hawthorne District, made me just want to pack up and move there. (The financial center is comprised of high-rises and quite notable architecture but perhaps a somewhat colder street life.)

Mt. Hood over Portland

One day during our visit, we spent several hours downtown at the Saturday Market, and what a scene that was! I mean, the rows and rows of local vendors and their crafts was all very nice, but it was the peripheral hangers-on that really gave it character. Hippies, young and old, swarmed the area, strumming guitars, crazily gyrating to real or imagined music, urging petitions to legalize pot, and, at times, overwhelming the delicious smells of the food vendors with their obvious aversion to deodorant. Could I live with all that crunchiness? Suffice it to say there are a lot of very "natural" people in Portland; it is, after all, environmentally the greenest city in the U.S. Which brings me to my third point: Portlanders are friendly - almost to a fault.

SE Portland's Saturday Market: the largest continually operating
outdoor arts and crafts market in the U.S.

Finally, Portland is the land of my grandparents, aunt, uncle, brother's family, and many cousins. It's a land of roses, lilacs, cedar, myrtlewood and rain. Certainly no city of its size can be considered entirely sincere, but I cannot help but deem my new love:
Pretty (darn) sincere


(If any Portlanders are reading this, and would like to add to or correct any of my information, please comment!)

Palatiano's Family Restaurant, Benson, Arizona

We were on a mission. The whole family went out to the Wilcox Dry Lake in Arizona to scatter some of my dad's ashes. Why there? Why that middle of nowhere, big, dry mud flat that stretches mile after bleak mile? Because he loved it, loved to photograph it, loved the "reticulated" mud as he called it. We climbed up to the train track that runs through the vast expanse, and after a train rumbled by, we took a moment, offered him to the earth and sky in English and Cherokee (thank you, Susan!), and threw his remains to the whistling wind.

On our way back to Tucson, hunger decreed that we stop for lunch. My mom suggested a place in this little cow-town called Benson, though she could neither remember the name of it nor its exact location - just that it was "Italian sounding." No problem - there's only one main street in Benson. We were about two blocks along that thoroughfare, when we saw a sign for Palatianos Family Restaurant, Italian, Greek and American Food. That had to be it.

You never know what you're going to find in an "international" diner in the wilds of southeastern Arizona. But what we did find was a modest little place that accommodated all fourteen of us without question. Our  smiling, good-humored young waitress patiently took our orders, adhering to all requirements of food allergies and separate checks, and in less than ten minutes served us our chicken fried steak, green chile cheeseburgers, etc., in huge portions. Everything was exceptional, and what we found lacking, like mustard or an extra pickle, the waitress retrieved in a blink.

We didn't try the Greek or Italian specialties, 'cause when you're in a place that isn't exactly known for its ethnic food, it may be best to steer clear. But based on the bite I had of my niece's plain linguini with meatballs, you probably wouldn't be sorry if you did. And just as you'd expect in the middle of nowhere, the prices were cheap!

New York City diners, you've got nothing on Palatianos! (except maybe location). I'm sure dad would be tickled to echo that sentiment.

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!
520-586-3523
601 West 4th Street
Benson, AZ
www.palatianosrestaurant.com/

Sorriso Italian Pork Store - Astoria

It was Good Friday. We'd spent the afternoon at St. Mark's-in-the-Bowery in Manhattan, rockin' out to the Good Friday Blues program in which Josh had performed. We'd planned an evening with Italian friends: Teresa, an Italian/American, and Elena, the real thing, who was going to cook for us at our house, after which we were all going to dye Easter eggs. But it was 4:00 and we were already famished. To complement Elena's meal, we decided to pick up some antipasti, and took Teresa's recommendation of checking out Sorriso, a neighborhood Salumeria, or "pork store," as they call themselves. We were unprepared for the extravaganza of homemade Italian delicacies that awaited us: fresh mozzarella - still warm - house made sopressata - spicy and sweet - fried ravioli and artichoke hearts, olives, prosciutto balls and Italian sparkling water. These were only the items we took home. We could have bought an entire "home cooked" meal of pastas, meats, salads and sweets, but we'd already spent a pretty penny. We weren't hungry any more though, as the proprietor had stuffed us full of samples. It was just the home-grown experience you'd expect from small town USA or Italy, but with every delicacy you'd expect to find in NYC...Queens that is. Manhattan may have it all, but I doubt it has anything to compare with Sorriso's combination of freshness, gourmet quality and friendliness.

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere! 
4416 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11103
(718) 728-4392 

The Queens Public Library - Astoria Branch

I go into the Astoria Branch of the Queens Public Library the other day looking for books on Italian history. It's just after school has let out and the place is packed with rowdy kids (the days of "shhh! this is a library!" is long gone). I look around for the research librarian to see him sitting at a table surrounded by children, patiently and kindly helping them with their homework. He's tall, thin and very pale - the perfect librarian. He looks too busy to interrupt. I ask someone else to help me but she directs me to him. I timidly let him know I don't want to interrupt and he says with a sweeping gesture, "This is my everyday existence. You are special today." I'm fairly certain they don't have what I want but he runs around looking anyway and we finally decide I should find a title online and see if they can order it. I take two books just to make him happy, check them out with the very surly librarian who's been there for 100 years and keeps the place from being too ridiculously sincere, and walk home musing about how I have that library to thank for helping me write my past two novels and will help me write my third. Little poor Astoria branch library, only open 1-5 Monday through Friday, has my sincere thanks.

Evaluation: Very sincere

Queens Public Library - Astoria Branch
Astoria Blvd. and 14th Street

 

Fourth Ave., Tucson

The window of Pop Cycle on 4th Ave

Tucson is the town of my misspent youth (actually, it was quite well spent, but that doesn't sound as poetic), much of it whiled away on Fourth Ave. It was there that I punked out at dives like Tumbleweeds and Choo Choos, pogo-ing to favorite locals bands such as The Pills, The Pedestrians and The Giant Sandworms. The only "vintage" shops on Fourth Ave back then (always just "ave," not "avenue") was a cavernous thrift shop called Value Village, where you could find used saddle shoes and skinny ties for just a buck or two. There were a couple of good restaurants on Fourth Ave at the time like Caruso's, an Italian eatery, (obviously) and Delectables - too pricey for me and my friends back then. But then there was always the Food Conspiracy Co-op where you could pick up a hummus sandwich for lunch if you could make your way through the homeless hippies in front banging out Neil Young tunes on their busted guitars. Oh yeah, and there was a Dairy Queen.

Now, 4th Ave is a mecca for vintage shopping and excellent, natural-food restaurants. Most of the vintage shops price their stuff appropriately while offering up great finds; the restaurants as well. The Food Conspiracy hasn't changed a whit, hippies and all. (see my blog on it: food-conspiracy-co-op-tucson.html) It's actually amazing that the street has managed to become even more of a destination without losing it's essence, though Tumbleweeds is long gone, and Choo Choos has changed names and owners a hundred times. Caruso's and the Dairy Queen are still there, though Value Village is now Beacons. There are some shops that are obviously trying too hard, like Hippi Gypsy - please! You will also find a few corny western shops, or new-agey places, but there are plenty of  independent stores that are worth popping into, such as Pop Cycle that sells great, unique clothes and other items, as well an amazing music shop, Toxic Ranch Records, just off the Ave on 6th Street that has stood the test of time.

Though the interesting establishments are too numerous to name, it's so satisfying to go there when I'm in town, check them out and find that Fourth Ave feels almost the same as it used to - just a little less scuzzy.

Evaluation: Pretty sincere 

 

http://www.fourthavenue.org/

El Boqueron Tapas Bar and Restaurant

El Boqueron has been on the same funky corner in Astoria for ten years. Right next to the elevated train, between two subway stops, it doesn't necessarily have the ultimate location for an upscale Spanish restaurant. Yet it's a well-traveled corner, and El Boqueron's beautiful awning catches the eye of the passerby. This is a place you go for a creative Sangria, delectable Tapas, and traditional Spanish main courses. It ain't all that cheap - yet priced within reason for a fancy Astoria joint. They've hung on through the difficult economy and have earned the distinction of a neighborhood institution. The owner and his kitchen staff pay fierce attention to freshness, authenticity and also innovation (I recently had a grilled mushroom and squid crostini-type tapa that knocked my socks off). And the garlic, oh, the garlic. Almost everything is infused with it in heady, magical ways. I cannot imagine finding better food in Spain itself though I've never been there. The staff is friendly and professional and the interior is gorgeous. Go hang out there for lovely wine and appetizers or a first class dinner - they even do lunch!

Evaluation: Very sincere!

  

31-01 34th Ave.
Astoria, NY 11106
718-956-0107
www.elboquerontapas.com

The Sock Man

Such a basic necessity, socks. Few businesses, though, specialize exclusively in that lowly commodity and related leg-ware. Enter The Sock Man - a tiny store and sidewalk table that has been a presence on St. Mark's Place in the East Village for as long as I can remember, and that's a mighty long time. Notable, when so many other St. Mark's institutions have gone the way of gentrification. Is it the cheapest place to buy socks? No, but some pretty good deals can be had on the sidewalk table where you'll find the more basic gym variety and such. Walk inside and you'll discover walls and counters crammed with every conceivable style of hosiery available, from the sexy to the hip. This is where I've encountered tights and leggings that, for about $10.00-$20.00 a pop, have lasted me, literally, for years (they sell these mid-weight cotton tights that are the bees knees). The help is super friendly, and the music, well, let's just say that if I don't know what's playing, I ask. Go Sock Man!

Evaluation: Very sincere
 
 www.thesockman.com
 27 Saint Marks Pl
New York, NY 10003-7813
(212) 529-0300

VestaTrattoria and Wine Bar

Recently, two lost, bedraggled Texan ladies staggered through the streets of Astoria, Queens, trying to find their way to the home of their sister/step-aunt who cruelly was not answering her cell phone. Determined to be strong, they found refuge in a quaint wine bar called Vesta until said sister/step-aunt could be reached. There they found sustenance in a couple of lovely glasses of wine and, lo and behold, a friendly Texan bartender. They had miraculously stumbled upon one of Astoria's little treasures.

They had no way of knowing that they were only two blocks away from me, sister to one, step-aunt to the other, who's cell phone had died. But as soon as I got home and plugged it in, I was able to guide them on their way. Well, they were in no hurry. Vesta is cozy and pretty: dark woods and cheery windows, not more than ten tables in the whole place. If they'd stayed for dinner, they would have been treated to fresh, seasonal food, much of it locally grown, Italian in theory, but with an international flair. The menu is small and changes now and then. The staff is indeed the friendliest you'll find anywhere in NYC and the prices are affordable.

Jon and I were thrilled to see a place like Vesta open in our humble neighborhood, and other like-minded establishments soon followed. Yet somehow we don't feel we're being gentrified, just grateful to have such a nice place within walking distance. Those two Texan ladies will attest, Vesta is:
Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

21-02 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11102
7 1 8 - 5 4 5  -5 5 5 0
http://www.vestavino.com

Governor's Island, NYC

The blogosphere is abuzz with comments on the disaster that was the Parked Food Truck Festival at Governor's Island, NYC, September 5th, 2010. My job, however, is to comment on the sincerity or lack thereof of the experience. Until that fateful Labor Day weekend, I had never been to Governor's Island but had heard a lot about the events there and how nice they all were, though from whom I can't quite remember. So Jon and I, in the interest of having a new adventure and not sitting on our butts all weekend, decided to check it out. My assessment is as follows:
The ferry ride to Governor's Island at approximately 3:30 p.m. was spectacular and we didn't wait long to board though there were tons of people (which should have given us a clue as to what awaited us). I love a good boat ride, so I was a happy camper. It takes about 10 minutes to get there from South Ferry - there's also a Brooklyn Ferry. Evaluation of the ferry: Very sincere

Once we arrived on the island, we discovered that The Parked Food Truck Festival we'd come to enjoy was a horror-show: hundreds of people in each line, the vendors and promoters, MeanRed, obviously overwhelmed, and many visitors ending up not eating at all - including us. Evaluation of the festival: Not even in the ballpark
Governor's Island as a whole was not as lovely as I'd expected - just kind of a big park with lots of official-type buildings and...tons of people. We did end up going to an art fair there, a kind-of multi-tiered gallery with some rather good art displayed, but in general, I felt my Sunday afternoon was wasted. That and the lack of food made me way crankier than I like to be on a beautiful long weekend. It made me wonder: when is a good time to go to Governor's Island? When would it not be crowded? On a weekday? It's only open Fri-Sun. When the weather's bad? Why bother? My overall evaluation of the Governor's Island experience so heavily promoted by our fair city: Not sincere at all