Best New Year’s Eve Dinner Hotspots in Portland

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Start off your New Year’s Eve celebrations with a delicious dinner at one of Portland’s many fine restaurants. Maybe you want a cozy romantic dinner for two? Or perhaps you’re looking for a night out with friends? Whatever your vibe, Portland has you covered. Make your reservations at one of these Portland restaurants while there are still tables available

 

Paley’s Place

1204 NW 21st Avenue

Some of the most sought after seats in all of Portland will be at Paley’s Place, a lovely little Victorian home that’s been converted into a restaurant. On New Year’s Eve, they’ll be serving an a la carte menu with yummy seasonal dishes. Make reservations.

 

Andina

1314 NW Glisan Street

Every year, Portland’s South American restaurant throws one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in town. Serving up a four-course meal of Andean dishes, the total cost per person is only $75. Make reservations.

 

Grab Your Ugly Holiday Sweater this Weekend

There are plenty of amazing events in Portland, but if you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend, you’re going to love what EastBurn has in store for you. Get into the holiday spirit by heading over to the annual Ugly Sweater Party at this local Portland hotspot! When it comes to ugly sweaters, trust us, the uglier, the better!

 

The EastBurn Ugly Sweater Party will take place December 17, 2016, at 10:00 pm and you can purchase your tickets, which are only $5, at the door. Make sure to leave the little ones at home with the babysitter as this is a 21 and up event.

 

You’ll have the entire night to spend dancing around in an ugly sweater, hanging out with some really cool Portland folks, and enjoying delicious drinks and food at EastBurn. Featuring a lineup of musicians, you’ll even have the chance to dance the night away.

Dining out in Portland on a Budget

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Sometimes you just want delicious food without spending a ton of money. Luckily, dining on a budget doesn’t mean you have skip out on a great dinner, especially when you live in Portland. The next time you make dinner plans, be sure to check out one of these amazing budget-friendly restaurants near your apartment.

 

Enat Kitchen  | website

This casual hotspot in Portland serves some of the best Ethiopian food in town. Offering classic Ethiopian fare as well as a lunch buffet, this is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat without breaking the bank. There are plenty of vegetarian options as well.

 

Luc Lac | website

When you’re in the mood for Vietnamese cooking, this should be your next destination. Offering pho, banh mi, and other Vietnamese favorites, you’re sure to find authentic cooking here. You’ll also find great cocktails and happy hour specials that will keep you coming back for more.

Top Holiday Attractions in Portland

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When you live in Portland, you can be sure that there is always a lineup of fun things to do. Looking for the best holiday attractions this holiday season? Grab your pals and mark your calendars because here are a few places you definitely need to add to your list.

 

Oregon Ballet Theatre

One of the top-rated ballet companies in the region and the nation, the Oregon Ballet Theatre is the perfect location for getting into the spirit of the holidays. Head out to see holiday classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. For ticket and venue information, go here.

 

Holiday Ale Festival

This is a Portland holiday tradition and it’s one you need to see to believe. This annual outdoor event will take place from December 2 through December 6 from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Dress warm as temperatures will most likely be on the chilly side.

A Standout Side Dish for Your Thanksgiving Meal

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We’re always here to help and when it comes to standout side dishes, and this Thanksgiving, green beans with caramelized onions and almonds is one that everyone will love.

What You Need:

  • Kosher salt
  • 3 pounds trimmed green beans
  • 1/2 cup skin on sliced almonds
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 large onions, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

First, fill a large high sided skillet with some water. Place over high heat and bring up to boil. Then, add a big pinch of salt and the green beans, cooking for about 5 minutes. Next, drain the beans and run them under cold water. Next, return the skillet, in which you cooked the beans, to the stovetop over medium heat. Add the almonds and toast, stirring every now and then until golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the almonds from the skillet and reserve. Return the skillet to the heat and add the butter and olive oil and heat until the butter has melted. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook stirring until the onions caramelize, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Add the thyme, and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the cooked, cooled green beans and almonds, and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Enjoy!

Friday Night Fun Near Your Portland Apartment

Fridays are the perfect night to unwind, relax, and take a load off after a long week. Don’t have plans this Friday, November 18? Why not head out to enjoy the sweet sounds of folk and easy listening rock? Now, you can do just that. That’s right. Amos Lee will be here at the historic Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall this Friday and you won’t want to miss this.

 

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is located at 1037 SW Broadway Street right in Portland. In addition to topping Billboard, Amazon, and iTunes charts, Amos Lee’s six studio albums will continue to amaze and delight.

 

Whether you’re bringing your family, that special sweetheart, or a group of friends, this could be the perfect way to relax on a Friday night in Portland. This is an all ages event. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the show will start at 8:00 pm. Purchase your tickets here.

Tips For Staying Active During Your Morning Commute

We all know that it is so important to take care of our health, right? But we also know that it can be hard to maintain an active lifestyle, especially when it seems like most of your time is spent commuting to and from your place of employment. We’re always looking for creative ways to help you live your best life so we have some tips to help you stay active during all the ways you commute around this amazing city.

 

Bring out the Bike

It’s one of the best ways to stay active, especially if you spend most of your day at a desk. If you have a long commute, try biking on the weekends to build up stamina before you switch fully to biking to work. This will also give you a chance to estimate the amount of time it will take you to get to work so you won’t be late.

 

Squeeze Those Glutes

Taking the bus? Carpooling? Try doing some isometric holds using your glutes! In other words, squeeze your buns while you’re sitting. This invisible workout will help keep you active discreetly! You can try holding this isometric squeeze for an amount of time or do several reps. Getting ready for those tempting holiday foods has never been easier.

Election Watch Parties Near Your Apartment

No matter which side you’re on, this election season has been a political circus, and it will all culminate in one final night. If you’re gearing up for election night, head over to a watch party! Whether it’s Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, we can all raise a glass to the fact that it will finally be over. Here are the best Election Night Watch Parties happening near your Portland apartment.

The EastBurn

1800 E Burnside Street

With drink and food specials all day long, The EastBurn is the place to be. Tap Room opens at 6:00 pm, but be sure to arrive early so that you have a good seat!

Night Light Lounge

2100 SE Clinton Street

The Night Light Lounge is turning November 8th into a party night and you’re invited. This free event starts at  7:00 pm. Their lineup of DJs afterward will have you dancing the night away no matter what the results will be.

Visit a Top-Rated Haunted House This Halloween

If you haven’t made plans yet for this Halloween season, then why not go on a haunted house adventure? Ready to be scared this Halloween? If you’re ready for a spooky good time, then you’re going to love heading to the 13th Door Haunted Attraction, the best haunted house attraction in Portland.

 

This isn’t for the faint of heart. Head out any time until November 5 to embark on an adventure with winding hallways and a creature or two. Tickets are $18 if you pay cash and $20 if you pay with a credit card. Children under the age of 13 won’t be allowed in without an adult.

 
You’ve never been to a haunted house attraction like this one. The highly detailed sets are full of actors and horrors that have been waiting all year long to give you a frightful night. 13th Door Haunted Attraction is located at 3855 SW Murray Boulevard.