With the end of summer comes the end of my balcony garden. Toldja I had a black thumb. All I can say is that I’ll try again next year. R.I.P. Eva Purple Ball Heirloom Tomato Plant, basil, mint and rosemary. Wish I could say you were good while you lasted…
Every spring I dream of growing an edible garden. And every year I fail miserably. In the past month, as if the universe has answered my pleas, I have made three extraordinary discoveries that are sure to take any novice gardener and turn those black thumbs green. As for my garden, I brought home basil, rosemary, mint and an Eva Purple Ball heirloom tomato plant. Stay tuned on their progress.
Two Dog Organic Nursery: I stumbled upon their lovely herbs and seasonal veggie transplants at the Larchmont Village Farmers Market and got the gardening bug. Joann and Alejandro Trigo have an organic nursery (literally) in their own backyard. On a mission to help you nurture and harvest your very own organic produce, they even offer planting classes to get you started. Tuition of $120 includes one complete EarthBox Kit. Which brings me to…
The EarthBox: If you only have a tiny “bit of earth” or no earth at all, the EarthBox is for you. The perfect solution for gardeners with limited space, this maintenance free growing system uses less water, less fertilizer, and above all, less effort by controlling the soil conditions (so you don’t have to!). Grow heirloom tomatoes, beans, collards, corn, peppers, herbs, you name it—even on a balcony as long as you have full sun. Purchase from Two Dog Organic Nursery for $59.99.
Rolling Greens: My new favorite home and garden boutique is fabulous in every sense of the word. Certainly, come here to buy plants (note their orchid conservatory), but prepare to be enamoured by gorgeous cachepots, John Robshaw quilts, luxurious bath salts, gourmet teas and culinary delights. It’s every gardener’s paradise. Wannabes welcome.
Two Dog Organic Nursery. Appointment Only. Los Angeles, CA. 323-422-3835
Rolling Greens. 7505 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 323-934-4500
FRIDAY
Evening:
After checking into the uber posh The Nines, head up to Departure, the rooftop restaurant and lounge for a glass of wine and Dim Sum and watch as the city becomes bright with lights, setting a romantic backdrop perfect for canoodling on the outdoor couches.
Dinner at the acclaimed Sel Gris, a cozy urban bistro, where the service is as much a part of the experience as the delectable presentation. If you are celebrating a special occasion (as we were), splurge on their oysters on the half shell and foie gras followed by their fig salad as a starter. On a date? Order two entrees, but agree to share. The unique pairing of flavors is even more exciting when you can sample a variety of dishes.
SATURDAY
Morning:
Breakfast at the Southern inspired Pine State Biscuits. This is not for the finicky diner, so prepare to indulge. The ultimate in comfort food, I recommend The Reggie: fried chicken, bacon, egg and cheese smothered in a spicy sausage gravy piled on a flaky buttermilk biscuit. Wash it down with a Cheerwine. A heart attack on a plate? Maybe. But worth every clogged artery.
Take the scenic route to the sophisticated Nob Hill (not to be confused with its sister neighborhood in San Francisco) and mosey along the narrow tree lined streets filled with high-end boutiques mixed with a few national chains. Fall can be a rainy time in Portland and this particular Saturday went from sunny to downpours in a 10 minute period. We nixed our plans to head over to Forest Park and the Rose Gardens and walked (umbrella in hand) to the Ace Hotel for a cup o’ joe and hot chocolate at the trendy Stumptown Cafe.
From there, cross the street to Powell’s Books, one of the largest and most successful independent bookstores in the world (with multiple locations, Powell’s City of Books takes up a whole city block!). A bibliophile’s heaven, peruse the nine color coded rooms and 3,500 different sections housing thousands of used and new books. My favorite part was the rare books room—who new an Advanced Reading Copy of Twilight is currently going for $500?!
Afternoon:
Head over to Portland’s Mississippi Arts District for a walk in The Meadow, a purveyor of exotic table salt, the world’s best chocolate (which I am now convinced is Valrhona; try their Recolte 2008 from Venezuela—indescribably devine), wine, flowers and fine art. Ever since my husband’s aunt (you know the one who makes her own salt—she actually does do other things!), first told me about this darling little treasure chest, I have been dying to attend one of their Cooking with Salt classes. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a class the weekend I was there, so do yourself a favor and plan your trip around it. I have every reason to believe it would be worth it.
Evening:
Dinner at Le Pigeon. Regrettably, I chose a different establishment, and it just didn’t live up to my high expectations. Next time I’m in town, I can’t wait to try what Concierge.com calls this “tiny gem…with seriously satisfying, soul-reviving, lick-your-plate-clean food.”
SUNDAY
Morning:
Before departing, a leisurely breakfast at Urban Farmer and dive head first into the modern culinary movement. You’ll feel like you stepped into a chic restored farmhouse (notice the wall of colorful canned pickled vegetables), but the “farmer” here moonlighted as an interior designer—it’s tres chic. The decor isn’t the only thing worth writing home about—the food, what I’m coining country fusion, will have you yee-hawing.
High above Macy’s in Portland’s Pioneer Square lies a chic, luxurious dwelling, where those who appreciate art, design and Tiffany Blue can immerse themselves in this cultural epicenter. It was our five year anniversary, and as always, I was looking for something extraordinary to harbor our romantic getaway. Arriving at dusk, we rounded the corner to a street lined with lit up trees and that hustle and bustle energy usually only found at Christmas in the city. Welcome to The Nines. It is worthy.
Walking the corridor to our room built my excitement—like being handed one perfectly elegant blue box (you know the one) with that classic silk ribbon. As we opened the door (outlined in that same infamous blue), we were enveloped in what can only be described as getting to spend the night inside Tiffany’s—only so much better. The dazzling decor managed to combine modern vintage with crisp, plush and cushy, creating a room perfect for cuddling up in front of the TV or devouring homemade cookies and milk on the velvet chaise (a sweet surprise from dear friends).
We had a few hours to kill on our first night before our dinner reservations in the Hawthorne district, so we headed up to Departure, the hotel’s booming rooftop restaurant and lounge. It proved to be the ideal place to to begin our adventure, presenting us with a birds eye view of the twinkling cityscape below.
The next day, as predicted, the rain set in, but we didn’t let that stop our fun. In between outings we dropped by Urban Farmer, the “modern steakhouse” located on the lobby level and gave their Bloody Mary bar a try. Though a tad spicy for my taste, I could have devoured every last pickled garnish available. We liked the ambiance so much that we came back for breakfast on our last morning. The chef gets points for creativity–Fried Green Tomato Benedict (my choice), Avocado Benedict (Dave’s choice), Mini Pancakes with Nutella Ice-Cream (what I’ll try next time).
A toast to my wonderful husband for five remarkable years. And a toast to The Nines for helping us celebrate in style. Pfgh. Breakfast at Tiffany’s…you have been one upped.
The Nines. 525 SW Morrison Street. Portland, OR. 877-229-9995
