Sipping on Fernet Branca

The other night the Panther was out on the town with a visiting friend from lovely San Francisco.  At one stop, the San Franciscan ordered a round of Fernet Branca for the group.  No one else in the group had ever had this herbal digestif before and thought it an odd choice for our friend to order a round.  He informed us that Fernet Branca is very popular in San Francisco.  So popular, in fact, that several bars actually have this concoction on tap.

We received our glasses of Fernet Branca.  It was a dark espresso colored liquid.  I swirled it in my glass and noticed it was slightly thick.  I leaned in and sniffed it and liked the herby, almost medicinal scent that filled my nose.  We all clinked glasses and gave it a try.  The table's reaction was mostly a loud "ugh" followed by slamming the glasses back down on the table and pushing them away while simultaneously pulling back their heads and grimacing their faces.  All except the San Franciscan and myself.  He just sipped and savored the drink.  I, on the other hand, was not immediately enamoured with this beverage, but the flavor was complex and interesting and I was trying to figure it out.

Fernet Branca is a distilled grape spirit flavored with over 40 herbs.  The recipe varies by manufacturer but it always contains myrrh, rhubarb, chammomile, saffron, and aloe.  The drink was invented in Italy in the 1800's but has not always been popular there.  Upon it's invention it received a negative reaction from the inventor's family so he instead marketed it as a remedy for everything from menstrual discomfort to a hangover cure.  The drink later made it to the United States and gained popularity here during prohibition when it was still sold as medicine, not as an alcoholic beverage.

Today it is extremely popular in Argentina.  Fernet Branca in Cola is the national drink of Argentina.  It is also popular in Germany where it is often mixed with Red Bull.  For whatever reason, Fernet Branca is wildly popular in San Francisco.  The city is responsible for 25% - 35% of the US consumption of this drink.  According to my friend, in San Francisco it is most often served as a shot with a ginger ale chaser.

I was happy to be introduced to this fascinating, complex drink.  I cannot say I have acquired a taste for it after one drink but I do want to give it another try. 

Bottoms up!

-The Panther

Prowling SE Belmont

Always on the prowl for good food and good drinks, the Panther has been spending a lot of time pacing the stretch of SE Belmont St. between 33rd and 34th Avenues, across the street from the Belmont Dairy.  This little block is jam packed with some of the best bars and food in Portland. 

Anchored on the corner at 33rd is Saint Cupcake.  Read the Panther's blog about Saint Cupcake here:  http://thegildedpanther.blogspot.com/2011/08/cupcake-crazy.html

Next to Saint Cupcake is a fantastic little store called Noun.  Definitely stop in to Noun and take a look around.  Then we hit the first stop on the Panther's prowl, Dick's Kitchen.

Dick's Kitchen is a bright and cheery little diner.  This isn't your typical diner however.  Dick's owner has studied the effects that processed foods, sugars, fats, and dairy have on inflammation and other metabolism related disorders and has created a menu of delicious diner food that is made exclusively with local ingredients that are sustainable and humane.  The beef is all grass-fed, the "not fries" are air baked hand-cut potatoes, and there are plenty of vegan options as well.  Dick's Kitchen is doing something right.  A second location is due to open in NW soon.

Delicious diner food from Dick's Kitchen

Dick's Kitchen 

3312 SE Belmont

http://www.dkportland.com/

Just down a couple of doors is The Sweet Hereafter.  This is a 100% vegan bar but meat-eaters should not be scared away by this.  The food here is so amazing that I crave it.  I cannot stop thinking about the Jamaican Bowl:  jerk-spiced tofu, black beans, and coconut kale over brown rice.  This dish is so flavorful and delicious.  Also not-to-be missed is the Buffalo Sub: a sandwich full of buffalo spiced soy curls, on crusty bread.  This sandwich is so spicy and amazing.  You'd never guess you aren't eating chicken.  The drinks here are amazing as well.  They pour generously here.  The space is cozy and bustling and has excellent lighting (something the Panther always takes note of.)  A large patio in back is a popular spot on warm evenings.

The Sweet Hereafter's gorgeous well-stocked bar

The Jamaican Bowl... 100% vegan goodness!

The Sweet Hereafter

3326 SE Belmont

Next stop is Circa 33.  This sexy bar is all about superb cocktails.  The name, Circa 33 not only refers to the neighborhood location, but also is an homage to 1933; the year prohibition was repealed.  The towering back bar is beautifully stocked with almost every kind of liquor imaginable.  The bartenders are extremely knowledgable and can serve up some pretty delicious cocktails.  The food here is delicious as well.  They smoke all of their own meats on site and have smoked burgers, pork, trout and salmon on their menu.  The interior is beautiful but their patio is so charming.  The alleyway outside the space has become their outdoor seating area.  A translucent awning covers above to let the sunlight in but keep the rain out.  The narrow alleyway is lined with lanterns and hanging flower baskets giving the space the feel of a narrow European street.  It is quite charming and a very pleasant dining experience.

Circa 33's charming alleyway patio

Circa 33

3348 SE Belmont

http://www.circa33bar.com/

Anchoring the other end of the block is the Aalto Lounge.  Inspired by modernist Finnish designer, Alvar Aalto, this bar is dark, sleek, and simple.  The cocktails here are strong and traditional and the French wine list is fairly extensive.  End the evening here with an excellent cappuccino, perfectly foamed.

Aalto's dimly lit interior

Aalto Lounge

3356 SE Belmont

http://www.aaltolounge.com/

Enjoy your prowl down SE Belmont.

-The Panther

Back to School in Style

As children everywhere return to school today after summer holiday, the Panther has been reminiscing about the eager anticipation of going back to school.  It was always so exciting to shop and pick out new clothes for the upcoming year, and stocking up on shiny new school supplies.  If the Panther had to do it all again, her back to school shopping list might contain the following...

1.  New wardrobe from Luella Bartly's collection inspired by school uniforms.

2.  Pink pencil case by Coach with Coach signature pencils.

3.  Aerodynamic fountain pens by Porsche Designs.

4.  Fun Seth Aaron iPad covers

5.  and a Louis Vuitton Damier backpack in graphite to tote it all in.



Have a fun and fashionable school year!

-The Panther

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

It is finally here, the unofficial end of summer.  The Panther wishes you all a lovely Labor Day weekend full of fun and relaxing times.

Whether you are camping...

Road tripping...

Jet setting to an exotic locale...

Or simply grilling at home...

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

-The Panther

A Foodie Tour of Lake Oswego

You all know by now that the Panther is quite the foodie and loves shopping for foodie products for home entertaining.  The Panther's work place is right in the heart of Lake Oswego, and fortunately, many foodie stores are within walking distance.

Let's start our foodie tour down at Lake View Village.  On the southwest corner of the village is St. Honore Bakery.  This little bakery is named for the patron saint of bakers and is self described as a place to "discover a slice of old world France."  More than just fantastic pastries, this is a great place to pick up some rustic baguettes to accompany a hearty meal at home.

St. Honore Bakery

315 1st St.  Lake Oswego

http://www.sainthonorebakery.com/

Amble down to the Northeast corner of Lake View Village and you will find Sur La Table.  This is the place to go for cookware, cutlery, dinnerware, kitchen gadgets and anything else you might need to prepare a delicious meal.  You may find something there you didn't even know you needed!

Sur La Table

390 N. State St.  Lake Oswego

http://www.surlatable.com/

Cross the street and hang a right on 1st St. to The Oilerie.  It is always fun to visit this place.  You can sample dozens of wonderful extra virgin olive oils and vinegars before they bottle it for you.  More than just oils and vinegars, The Oilerie carries olive oil based beauty products, and other food products.  The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable and can answer all of your questions and make recommendations.

The Oilerie

438 1st Street  Lake Oswego

www.oilerie.com/lakeoswego.php

Continue down 1st Street and cross B Ave and you will see Gourmet Productions just to your right.  This is a great little place when you are entertaining but need a little help with the cooking.  Gourmet Productions makes fabulous dishes that are inventive and absolutely delicious.  You can get dishes to go, heat up for your company, and you will be a hero!  They also have full catering services.

Gourmet Productions

39 B Ave.  Lake Oswego

http://www.gopro-lo.com/

Directly adjacent to Gourmet Productions is Upper Crust Bread Company.  Pick up a loaf of their "Better than Pound Cake" for a dessert.  My favorite product from Upper Crust is their Jalepeno Cheese Bread.  Toast a slice of this and slather it with cream chesse and all is right with the world.

Upper Crust Bread Company

41 B Ave.  Lake Oswego

Trek up B Ave. to 5th Street and hang a left and stop into Crave Bake Shop.  Crave is one of the newest companies in Lake Oswego and they are an amazing bakery.  And guess what?  They are 100% gluten free!  This is a wonderful little place and a must stop if you are entertaining a gluten intolerant guest.  Pick out a lovely little dessert.  (By the way, their cinnamon rolls are gooey goodness that is to die for!)

Crave Bake Shop

460 5th Street   Lake Oswego

http://www.cravebakeshop.com/

Step out of Crave and step next door into Bernard C. Chocolates.  These are my favorite chocolates in town.  The staff here is always friendly and helpful.  I like to build my own box of chocolates and they are always helpful with recommendations.  The packaging is elegant and gift-ready.  Pick up some chocolates for a little after dinner palate cleanser, or put a gift box together to bring as a hostess gift.

Bernard C. Chocolates

440 5th Street  Lake Oswego

http://www.bernardcchocolates.com/

Round the corner of 5th Street back to A Ave and walk down to World Class Wines.  This charming little wine shop is family owned and operated and is just the place to pick up a bottle of wine to accompany your meal.  Tell the staff your menu and allow them to recommend just the right wine for you.  I've taken their recommendations several times and their choices have been right on every time.  Stop in on Friday afternoons for wine tastings.

World Class Wines

269 A Ave.  Lake Oswego

http://www.worldclasswinesoregon.com/

To end our foodie tour of Lake Oswego, continue down A Ave. to Bellagio Interiors.  Although you will not find food here, you will find everything else you need for entertaining:  dishware, table linens, service pieces, and stem ware.  You will also find lovely cookbooks and books on entertaining.

Bellagio Interiors

145 A Ave.  Lake Oswego

http://www.bellagioinc.net/

Enjoy your foodie tour of Lake Oswego!  Stop into all of these great places and let them know the Panther sent you!

-The Panther





Color Inspiration: White the Right Way

Before we know it Labor Day will be here and our chance to wear white will be gone.  Some people avoid white all together thinking it looks too summery, too cold, too stark, or just too hard to keep clean.  White is quite elegant however and is even embraced by our friend the gilded panther.

If you are going to rock white, go all out.  Look how sharp Mel B and hubby look in head to toe white.  I love her white jeans with simple white tank and oversize jewelry.

I don't know why, but I've always wanted a pair of white gogo boots.  How darling are these with a graphic print mini skirt!

Not brave enough for the gogo boots?  These elegant strappy sandals in white will dress up everything from a sundress, business suit or your favorite jeans.

I've always been a fan of Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair.

It is especially elegant in white leather!

White accessories are a fun accent in home decor.

These fabulous porcelain vases are by one of my favorites, Jonathan Adler.

There is something about an all-white bathroom I've always loved.

The look is just so clean and relaxing.

Everyone should have a set of all white dishes.  They're just so easy and so much fun

to mix and match.  You can change out your table linens for a new look.  Food looks lovely on a white field.

Don't be afraid of a little white... even after Labor Day.

-The Panther

Portland Patios: 21st Ave. Bar and Grill

The Panther was prowling around Northwest last night and it had been a while since she last visited NW 21st Ave.  Portlander's know that NW 21st Ave. is known as restaurant row.  As the panther strolled the avenue a sign with the words "Patio Open" caught her attention.  It was a pleasant evening and sitting outdoors sounded perfect.  Many of the restaurants along 21st have sidewalk tables, but an actual patio sounded appealing.  She followed the patio sign which led her to the 21st Ave. Bar and Grill.

She entered the cozy space and followed the signs back to the outdoor patio area.  What a pleasant surprise!  The patio was a large space with multi-level decks centered around a lovely little water feature and pond.  String lights adorned the trees, and up-lights illuminated the landscape and created lovely shadows.  The sound of the waterfall was soothing and relaxing.  The greenery was lush and well thought out.
                                      

Not only was the patio a delight, the Panther indulged in a delicious meal.  She opted for the baked mac and cheese, sauteed mushrooms, and a fresh northwest salad.  Everything was tasty and fresh.  The cocktail menu was extensive too which is always appreciated. 

21st Ave. Bar and Grill was a pleasant stop on bustling 21st Ave.  Beautiful patio, tasty food, and good drinks. 

21st Ave. Bar and Grill
721 NW 21st Ave.
Portland
http://www.21stbarandgrill.com/

-The Panther