Aveda Institute - Pearl District

I spent my Valentine's Day afternoon with one of my best friends down at the Aveda Institute Salon and Spa for some pampering and relaxation. We both had facials and mani/pedis. They also offer haircuts/color, waxing, and other spa services at a reduced rate from typical spas...the secret? The services are performed by students at the Aveda Institute! Although they are supervised by teachers, I found nothing but professionalism and friendliness from my technicians. My facial was only $25, my manicure was $10 and my pedicure was $15...what a deal! For a relaxing spa day at a fraction of the cost, check out: www.avedapdx.com

Store Closing - Bee and Thistle

A store I love, The Bee and Thistle in the Pearl District, is closing its doors on February 28th. Everything in the store is 50% off! Head down soon for the best selection.

cheeky b - Pearl District

Need a last minute gift for Valentine's Day? Check out cheeky b at 906 NW 14th Ave in the Pearl District. Filled with quirky and eclectic lifestyle accessories, these handpicked products are designed to help customers discover new concepts in form and function. They have a range of items including kids stuff, novelties, house wares, bath, handbags, jewelry, paper, pets, books, and fine art. Many of the products are local, so if you want to buy something from Portland, you'll find a good selection here. For something fun, different and original this is a great place to start.

Vault Martini Bar - Pearl District

Located in the heart of the Pearl District, Vault Martini Bar has a sophisticated, but relaxed vibe where you can enjoy a wide array of martinis and other cocktails. Plush couches, raised tables with stools and cozy corner booths give you a range of options to sit and enjoy any one of more than 50 martinis. There can be a little bit of the "wanna-be" crowd at times in here, but overall, everyone is really chill and just want to have a good time. It can get busy, so on Friday/Saturday, get there a little early to snag a seat or table if you're coming in a group. Some of their delicious drinks include the Gluttony martini with Smirnoff citrus vodka, raspberry puree, and fresh lime or the Chocolate Kiss with Godiva chocolate liquor, Frangelico, Kahlua and cream on the rocks. Although they don't have an extensive food menu, they do have some tasty dishes like a caprese salad, smoked gouda grilled cheese sandwich with tomato, flatbread pizzas, and smores fondue. Definitely a great choice for a girls night out or date night :)

For more info, go to:
www.vault-martini.com

Fratelli - Pearl District

A rustic atmosphere with stucco walls and candlelit tabletops, this Italian restaurant in the Pearl District is perfect for a special occasion. Intimate seating provides the ideal setting for a romantic dining experience. The menu highlights fresh, local ingredients in hearty, traditional, northern Italian cuisine. Yummy dishes like the pan seared rockfish with tomato, olives, and extra virgin olive oil or the seared chicken wrapped in prosciutto with parmesan polenta and mushroom jus make this a mouthwatering location to visit. Desserts do not disappoint and neither does the extensive wine list. Definitely a place to consider for Valentine's Day (during which they will have a special "aphrodisiac"prix fixe menu for $39 per person, call for reservations) or just anytime you want to have a special evening out :)

For more info, go to:
www.fratellicucina.com

Posh Boutique - Pearl District

Located right across from Jamison Square Park in the Pearl District, this lifestyle boutique offers modern, eco-friendly and stylist products for children, women and the home.  They have a great selection of baby and children's clothing, toys, modern furniture, gear & gifts for the family.  They carry brands like, Bloom, Dwell, Oeuf, Orbit Baby, and Nurseryworks.  They also have a gift registry available online and in-store and free room design consulting services.

The clothing here is adorable, if not a little bit pricey.  It's definitely a splurge, but the quality of their products is good and the original and unique styles you find will make it worth it.  A cute store for sure and definitely something to check out.

For more info, go to:

www.poshbabyllc.com/posh/

Bouffant Hair Salon - Pearl District

Located in a light filled, lofty space at 33 NW 9th Ave in the Pearl District, Bouffant Salon is a place to primp, pamper and beautify. They offer a range of services, including: hair styling, hair color, extensions, mani/pedis, facials, waxing, uv free tanning and they also can accomodate bridal parties with styling and makeup.

First time I came here, I was visiting a friend during her cut/color and brought my 3 year old with me. They were incredibly nice to us and gave her as many lollipops as she wanted...trouble! There were several other children who came and went during our first visit to the salon who were having their hair cut...they were probably all between 8-10 years of age and all seemed very at ease and comfortable with their experience. On my second visit, it was just me...getting my hair cut. Not just any cut! I got bangs...yes, bangs! :) My stylist, Michelle, did a fantastic job and I keep getting so many compliments on my hair its unbelievable.

For more info, go to:
www.bouffanthairsalon.com

Cupcake Jones - Pearl District

I love me some cupcakes! So I wanted to share one of my favorite little places to grab a completely delicious piece of heaven at Cupcake Jones in the Pearl District. You can pick from a daily selection of 6 cupcakes in miniature or jumbo sizes. The mini-bites are great if you can't decide on just one flavor. However, the centers of the jumbo cupcakes are hollowed out and filled with things like chocolate ganache, strawberry jam, lemon curd. So if you can come to a decision, there is a yummy treat for you in the middle of the jumbos :) Then again, maybe I should just stick with the minis, or it's gonna start to show! lol
Jumbos, $3.25
Minis, $1.50

For more info, go to:
http://www.cupcakejones.net/

On Deck - Pearl District

Brews, Burgers and Sports...can't really go wrong when all three combine at this sports bar in the Pearl District.  With Superbowl approaching, I figured it would be good to review some places that you could enjoy the game with friends.  

With a huge patio, you can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine when the weather is nice.  During the other 80% of the year's weather :) you can sit inside the restaurant.  Although I am slightly reminded of the college aromas of spilled beer and desperate singles from the previous night, I ventured here for lunch and enjoyed a delicious burger that I couldn't even finish because it was so big!  Definitely stick with the "pub food"...trying anything fancier is at your own risk.  I'm sure you could find something for the kiddies to eat here as they have many different options, but there is no kids menu available.  Minors are allowed in the restaurant until 9pm. 

At night, this is a great place to watch a game with friends and enjoy a cold beverage.  They have a great happy hour menu that runs from 3:30pm-6:30pm Monday thru Thursday, 8pm-close Sunday thru Thursday, and 9pm-close Friday and Saturday.

For more info, go to:

www.ondecksportsbar.com

 

50 Plates - Pearl District

A pulled pork sammie in one hand and an expertly made cocktail in the other...this is definitely an interesting pairing! 50 Plates is an eclectic and diverse mix of delicious meals from across the US. Sliders, sammies, clambakes, beignets, salads, po' boys, fried cherry pies...the crazy, fun mix of options goes on and on.

Definitely a place to start off a girls night out or a date night, this is not really a good place to bring the kids. It is definitely a sleek and classy Pearl District restaurant, make no mistake about that. This place manages to maintain a relaxed vibe even with the beautiful interiors and expertly crafted beverages. The food is delicious, but definitely a little bit of a "splurge" if you are a budget minded mom :) The drinks I've tried, North Beach Bramble and Indian Summer were both fantastic as well.

For more info, go to:
www.50plates.com

Deschutes Brewery - Pearl District

Being a typical Portlander, I figure the more breweries the better :) So I'm definitely a happy girl ever since Deschutes Brewery opened their Portland location in the Pearl District. Right next to the Gerding Armory at 210 NW 11th Avenue, you couldn't ask for a more central and fun location for lunch or dinner with friends or family.

If you are starting off the night with some friends for drinks, head to the spacious and beautiful bar area where you can order a 10 oz, 20 oz or pitcher of your favorite Deschutes brew. They continually update their beer selection with seasonal brews as well, so try the sample tray of six 4oz tasters to get the full experience and figure out which is your favorite.

If you are there for dinner, you will enjoy the experience of the large dining room area that includes reclaimed wood pillars that are carved and crafted into beautiful art. Whether you have a large group or small one, they can definitely accomodate any size family...and any appetite with the great menu :) There are many "beer-based" dishes on the menu, like Black Butte Porter Bolognaise and Brewery Corned Beef Reuben. I had the Classic Cheeseburger with a Twist (1/3 Pound Natural Beef Burger Marinated in Sweet Island Spices with Gruyere Cheese, House Pickles, Tomato, Grilled Red Onion, Mayo and Pub Mustard) which was really yummy and the fries were delicious too. The Cascade Ale was a light and pleasant pairing with my meal and I enjoyed that too. Not much of a kids menu, so I think that next time I will split one of their pizzas with my daughter.

Their prices were pretty much what I expected ($11.25 for my gourmet burger) but it is in a fantastic location in the Pearl District...so I wasn't surprised. Fairly noisy in here, so at least the kiddos won't stand out when they start acting up either :) Outdoor seating on picnic benches is available when the weather is nice.

For more info, go to:
www.deschutesbrewery.com

Sushiland - Pearl District/Beaverton/Tigard/Clackamas/Lloyd Center

Sushiland has 5 locations in the Portland Metro Area and 6 locations in Washington. I must admit that I probably go to Sushiland at least once a week for lunch and occasionally I go for dinner as well. At any given time, at any location I've gone to, there are usually at least a couple families with younger children enjoying a meal.

I must admit, I was skeptical of "affordable" sushi on a "train", but after just one visit I was hooked! I am not a person who eats alot of sashimi, I'm definitely a "roll sushi" girl :) The california rolls, asparagus tempura rolls and philadelphia rolls are my favorites and all are made well enough that I feel full and happy when I leave. With plate prices starting at $1.00 and ranging to $3.00 for most of their basic sushi items, you can't beat the deal that they offer.

For more info, go to:
http://www.sushilandusa.com/

Anthropologie - Pearl District/Bridgeport Village

An expensive, but wonderfully creative place to find women's clothing/accessories and home accessories.  Anthropologie has a mix of beautiful feminine pieces that work for day or night.  This place definitely has that vintage/retro thing going on, while still being fashion forward.  It's conservative enough that I could definitely wear these pieces to work.  However, you can still see some eclectic pieces mixed in that would be at home in another store owned by the same company, Urban Outfitters.  

If you are looking for something special, or you just have money to burn :) This is a great place to take a look around, because you just may find a great article of clothing that you will love.  There appear to be many brands that are in-house brands but they also carry items you can find elsewhere like J Brand Jeans, 7 for All Mankind Jeans, and Joe's Jeans. You can also find books, fragrances, candles and cute home hardware (like artsy knobs for dressers and such).  They do have quite a bit of home decorating items that are worth checking out, from curtains to bedding to table linens...but be forewarned, it might be better to gather inspiration from the in-store concepts rather than spend what they are asking for these home accessories.

You can also find some good deals in their sales/clearance section.  At the time I went in, they had about 4 long racks in the front of the store with sale merchandise on them.  

For more info, go to:

www.anthropologie.com

The Bee and Thistle - Pearl District

Just when I thought I couldn't find a super cute AND affordable outfit in the Pearl District during my lunch hour, I stumbled upon The Bee and Thistle located at 120 NW 10th Ave. The big windows with fashionable outfits was enough to hook me in and get me in the door. A variety of tops, bottoms, dresses and accessories greeted me, many times arranged by color...which I've always found helpful when shopping for something specific.

However on this shopping trip I was simply exploring and not expecting anything in my price range considering I was in the heart of the Pearl District. I was so excited to find a broad selection of styles in a broad selection of prices. Upscale clothing items were seamlessly mixed amongst affordable items. Also available at this store were trendy bags, beautiful jewelry and helpful sales associates to make the experience a lot of fun. I smiled and silently thanked the shopping gods for finding this adorable gem of a shop and eagerly signed up for their mailing list. Which I highly recommend doing! They send out emails with upcoming sale info to all customers on the list.
For more info visit the store, or:
http://thebeeandthistle.com/