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Libre

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Tucked away in Portland’s SE Clinton neighborhood, Libre is a moody, stylish bar that blurs the line between Japanese and Mexican influences. With dim lighting, a hip soundtrack, and a cocktail-forward menu, this is the perfect spot for a date night or a relaxed evening indulging in creative drinks and decadent desserts.

That Portland Life at Libre
What We Ordered

Libre specializes in expertly crafted cocktails and desserts, with a small selection of snacks for those wanting a bite to eat. On this visit, we leaned into the sweets and spirits, trying two inventive desserts and a standout cocktail.

The Oishii was a chocolate lover’s dream. A combination of dark and milk chocolate mousse provided deep richness, while blackberry sorbet cut through with its tartness. The dish also featured black sesame, plum gel, fresh plums, and blackberries, adding layers of flavor and texture. The one element that felt unnecessary? The ramen crunch—while it added a surprising crispy element, it didn’t quite feel like it belonged. Still, the dessert as a whole was indulgent and well-balanced.

Kyoto Lemonade - Libre Portland
Oishii - Libre portland

The Kyoto Lemonade took a completely different approach, leaning into bright, citrusy flavors. The Kyoto lemonade sorbet was incredibly tart on its own, while the green tea panna cotta had a bold, earthy depth. When combined, they created a surprisingly harmonious bite. The dish was topped with Madeira wine, honey smacks crunch, strawberry whipped cream, and flower sugar, adding both sweetness and crunch. For those who enjoy a balance of sharp citrus and creamy textures, this one is a must-try.

To pair with the desserts, we tried the Fantasia—a cocktail featuring blanco tequila, passionfruit, lime, and firewater bitters, finished with a spicy sugar rim. The passionfruit and lime gave it a juicy, tropical punch, while the firewater bitters and spicy rim added just the right amount of heat. It was refreshing, bold, and dangerously easy to drink.

For those looking for a zero-proof option, we also had The Geisha—a non-alcoholic twist on the classic Negroni. This drink features Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo (a locally made aperitif), Root Divino Aperitif Rosso, Seedlip Grove 42, and agave. The result? A balanced, herbaceous, and complex sip that holds its own alongside the boozy cocktails. If you love a bitter-forward drink but want to skip the alcohol, The Geisha is a solid choice.

Ambiance

Libre’s low lighting and intimate vibe make it an excellent setting for a night out, whether you’re on a date or just looking to sip cocktails in a stylish space. The music was upbeat yet unobtrusive, setting the mood without overpowering conversation. The staff was friendly and welcoming, adding to the laid-back yet refined atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on Libre

For those seeking an upscale yet approachable cocktail and dessert experience in Portland, Libre is a standout choice. The creative menu and inviting ambiance make it a perfect place to unwind with a drink in hand and a beautifully plated dessert in front of you. Whether you’re craving something indulgent like the Oishii or prefer the zesty contrast of the Kyoto Lemonade, Libre delivers on both taste and presentation. We will definitely be going back to be trying more of their delectable desserts!

Next time you’re in SE Clinton and in the mood for an elevated night out, Libre is well worth the visit.

Bar Loon

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Bar Loon shines as a sophisticated gem in Portland’s culinary scene, nestled on SE Belmont St. This stylish bar and restaurant redefines neighborhood dining with its fresh approach. The interior blends warm woods and industrial touches, with floral arrangements and sleek brasserie-style globe lights adding to its inviting, upscale ambiance. It’s the perfect spot for an intimate dinner, casual drinks, or a lively evening with friends.

bar loon bar
What We Ordered

Bar Loon’s menu features creative cocktails and elevated small plates, each crafted with precision and care. The bar staff, known for their mixology expertise and warm service, ensures every drink and dish is served to perfection.

To begin our evening, we started with a trio of cocktails that delighted our palates:

  • Pomegranate Spritz: A refreshing and festive drink, this cocktail combines pomegranate’s sweet-tart flavor with the effervescence of sparkling wine.
  • Blackberry Collins: A beautifully balanced vodka-based drink topped with house-made blackberry ginger soda for a hint of spice and sweetness.
  • Little Dirty Martini: A classic done right, this martini was perfectly chilled and had just the right touch of olive brine.
bar loon cocktails
bar loon artichokes

For the food, we sampled an array of dishes that showcased Bar Loon’s inventive approach to flavor:

  • Fried Artichokes with Calabrian Chile Mayo: Crispy, golden-brown artichokes paired with a spicy, creamy mayo made for a perfect starter.
  • Roasted Carrots with Tahini Verde and Za’atar: The standout dish of the night. The carrots were roasted to caramelized perfection and topped with a vibrant tahini verde and aromatic za’atar.
  • Burrata Panzanella Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate: This dish was a symphony of textures. Featuring creamy burrata, sweet delicata squash, crunchy toasted bread, and bursts of pomegranate.
  • Grilled Prawns with Sauce Verte: Juicy prawns, grilled just right, were elevated by a bright and herbaceous sauce verte.
Ambiance

Bar Loon’s ambiance is part of its charm. The intimate, yet lively space feels polished but approachable. Music fills the air, and while the space has a vibrant energy and can get a bit loud, it’s still easy to comfortably converse with friends at your table. The glowing globe lights and thoughtfully arranged décor create an atmosphere that invites you to linger and enjoy. Whether you’re seated at the cozy bar or a candlelit table, every corner feels curated for comfort and style.

Final Thoughts on Bar Loon

Bar Loon is more than just a place to grab a bite or a drink—it’s an experience that combines exceptional food, inventive cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping in for dinner or a full evening out, Bar Loon promises a memorable time. The thoughtful menu, standout dishes like the roasted carrots, and expertly crafted cocktails make it a must-visit destination in Portland.

Visit Bar Loon on SE Belmont Street and immerse yourself in an evening of exceptional food, inventive cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere that won’t disappoint!

Best Bars with Fire-pits

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As the crisp fall air settles in and the days get shorter, there’s nothing better than cozying up around a fire with friends, delicious food, and warm drinks. Portland’s vibrant food and drink scene offers plenty of spots to do just that, making it easy to embrace the season. Whether you’re sipping on a spiced cocktail or enjoying a fall-inspired meal, these local favorites will keep you toasty while enjoying the fresh autumn air. Here are the best places for outdoor fire-pit dining in Portland:

Migration Brewing

The Williams location provides a fantastic outdoor space with a fire-pit, ideal for enjoying a cool fall evening. Grab one of their signature craft beers or seasonal brews and huddle up around the fire with friends. The laid-back atmosphere and hearty fall menu make it a perfect spot for a casual night out.

The Rambler

If you’re looking for a neighborhood hangout with a laid-back vibe, The Rambler has you covered. Nestled in the Overlook neighborhood, this spot is known for its inviting outdoor fire-pit, perfect for cool fall evenings. Pair your evening with a cocktail or cider while catching up with friends under the warm glow of the fire and string lights.

Wayfinder Beer

Located in the Central Eastside, Wayfinder Beer offers a great spot to enjoy hearty brews and a roaring fire. Their outdoor area is spacious and cozy, with plenty of fire-pits to keep you warm. Try their seasonal Oktoberfest beers or a warm pretzel to fully embrace the flavors of fall while the fire flickers in the background.

Radio Room

Radio Room in NE Portland is not only a favorite for its rooftop fire-pit, but also for its vibrant atmosphere. Fall evenings here are magical, as you sip on a hot spiked cider or a warm seasonal cocktail by the fire. With its eclectic style and rooftop views, it’s a fun spot to soak up the season’s beauty.

StormBreaker Brewing

For a more casual, laid-back vibe, StormBreaker Brewing is the place to be. Their multiple fire-pits on the patio make it easy to gather around with friends, while their fall-inspired beers, like pumpkin ales and spiced stouts, make the perfect pairing for a crisp night out.

Richmond Bar

Richmond Bar is the ultimate spot for those who want to stay warm while enjoying some of the best cocktails Portland has to offer. With a cozy outdoor fire-pit, this SE Portland gem is perfect for a night out with friends. Order a fall-themed cocktail and bask in the ambiance as the fire keeps you toasty through the evening.

Holy Ghost

Tucked into the heart of the neighborhood, Holy Ghost is a down-to-earth spot that’s all about good vibes and even better drinks. With a cozy patio shared with two neighboring restaurants, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy one of their standout seasonal cocktails or a refreshing beer. Whether you’re here for the expertly crafted drinks or the laid-back community feel, this small but inviting space is ideal for gathering with friends and soaking in the crisp fall weather by the fire-pit.

The Knock Back

Nestled in the Alberta Arts District, The Knock Back is a true neighborhood hangout. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming vibe, this spot offers a heated patio with a cozy fire-pit, making it an ideal place to unwind with friends. Whether you’re here for the great cocktails, the friendly crowd, or simply to kick back with your pup.

There’s something special about dining or drinking by a fire, especially as the temperatures drop and the leaves change. These spots in Portland offer the perfect blend of warmth and atmosphere, letting you fully embrace the season without sacrificing the outdoor dining experience. Whether you’re sharing laughs with friends over craft beers or enjoying a quiet evening with a spiced cocktail, these firepit spots ensure your fall is cozy, delicious, and filled with good company.

So, grab a sweater and head out to one of these amazing locations for your next night out. The fires are lit, and the autumn air is waiting!

Looking for other Best-of lists? find them HERE

7 Essential Home Maintenance Tips for September

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As summer gradually gives way to fall, it’s time to shift our focus from beach days and barbecues to preparing our homes for the cooler months ahead. September is the perfect time to tackle some essential home maintenance tasks to ensure your abode is in top shape for the autumn and winter. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven crucial home maintenance tips for September.

1. Gutter Cleaning

With the summer months often bringing storms and debris, your gutters and downspouts may have accumulated leaves, twigs, and other debris. Clearing them out now will prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage when the fall leaves start to fall.

2. HVAC Maintenance

As the temperatures drop, your heating system will soon become your best friend. Make sure it’s up to the task by scheduling a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up. Regularly changing or cleaning air filters will also help your system run efficiently throughout the season.

3. Check for Drafts

Drafty doors and windows can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency. Take the time to inspect these areas for gaps and cracks. Seal them with weatherstripping or caulking to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

4. Lawn Care

While your lawn may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about home maintenance, it’s still essential to give it some attention before winter arrives. Aerate and overseed your lawn to promote healthy growth, and continue mowing, watering, and fertilizing as needed.

5. Inspect Roof and Chimney

Your roof takes a beating throughout the year, and it’s crucial to check for any loose or damaged shingles. Address these issues promptly to prevent leaks and further damage. Don’t forget to inspect your chimney for cracks or damage, and make sure your fireplace or stove flue is clean and ready for use.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your safety is paramount. Ensure that all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order by testing them and replacing batteries if needed. It’s a simple yet vital step to protect your home and loved ones.

7. Clean and Store Summer Gear

As summer bids adieu, take some time to clean and properly store your outdoor furniture, BBQ grills, and gardening tools. Store summer clothing and equipment in a dry, safe place to keep them in good condition until next year.

By following these seven essential home maintenance tips for September, you’ll not only keep your home in top shape but also prepare it for the coming fall and winter months. Take these tasks one step at a time, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is ready to weather the changing seasons. Don’t wait; start your September home maintenance checklist today!

Unhappy with doing maintenance on your home? Perhaps it is time for a new one! You can search homes using the button below!

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Splash Pads

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Summer is in full swing, and and we are so excited about this weather! Still, it can be too hot without some relief from the water. Sometimes we don’t have enough time for a full-on beach day or river adventure, so what’s the next best thing? Splash Pads!! This week we sought out Portland’s best splash pads.  The season runs from June 14th – September 6th, and all of these pads are open from 10 am until 8 pm. Parks Sorted by area then alphabetically.

N Portland

Columbia Park and Annex

N Lombard st and N Woolsey Ave

Interactive water feature and play area plus a nature park with Mature trees.

Dawson Park

N Stanton Street and Williams Avenue 

New playground, picnic tables, and a splash pad with 12 historical story boulders

Farragut Park

N Kerby Avenue and Farragut Street

Huge Park remodel started in 2021 saw a new play structure, splash pad, bathroom and basketball court.

Kenton Park

kenton Park

8417 N Brandon Avenue 

Playground, splash pad, soccer field, basketball court.

Northgate Park

northgate park

N Geneva Avenue and Fessenden Street

Playground, baseball field, soccer field, splash pad, tennis court.

Peninsula Park

700 N Rosa Parks Way Portland OR 97217

Rose garden, playground, fountain and splash pad, picnic areas, horseshoe pit and more.

Pier Park

N Lombard Street and Bruce Avenue 

Splash pad, playground, disc golf, skate park, baseball field, soccer field, basketball court.

NE Portland

Fernhill Park

NE 37th Avenue and Ainsworth

Grassy park, splash area, playground and a nature patch.

Gateway Discovery Park

10520 NE Halsey Street

One of Portland’s newest parks with a splash pad, skate park, and nature play area.

Irving Park

NE 7th Avenue and Fremont Street

Playground, splash pad, tennis courts, basketball courts, nature patch.

Khunamokwst Park

5200 NE Alberta St Portland OR 97218

Interactive water feature and play area plus a traditional children’s playground and an innovative “nature play” area with boulders to climb on and a slide on a hillside.

Woodlawn Park

NE 13th Ave & Dekum St Portland OR 972

Park and Splash pad.

SE Portland

Colonel Summers Park

SE 17th Ave & Taylor St Portland OR 97214

Splash pad, playground, and enclosed picnic pavilion.

Earl Boyles Park

SE 107th Avenue and Francis Street 

Splash pad, playground, horseshoe pit, volleyball court.

Essex Park

SE 79th Avenue and Center Street 

Splash pad, playground, baseball field, tennis court, basketball court.

Raymond Park

SE 118th Avenue and Raymond Street 

Splash pad, playground, horseshoe pit, basketball court.

SW Portland

Elizabeth Caruthers Park

3332 SW Spring Garden St Portland OR 97219

Interactive water feature at this nature-themed playground with a signature lookout tower.

Spring Garden Park

3332 SW Spring Garden St Portland OR 97219

Interactive water feature at this nature-themed playground with a signature lookout tower.

If you’re looking for somewhere to hang out for a couple of hours with the family, or if you just want to relax the day away while cooling off, any of these splash pads will have what you’re looking for. So next time you’re trying to beat the heat, look no further! If you prefer to check out one of our interactive fountains, you can find those HERE We also have plenty of Portland Favorites on our blog Here. 

Bluto’s

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This past week we revisited Bluto’s Greek Restaurant. It was opened by the same great minds as Lardo. Seeing as we love Lardo as much as we do (best sandwich in portland) we knew to expect good things from Bluto’s.

Bluto’s is a wood fired greek inspired restaurant, so don’t expect authentic, but do expect char. The restaurant is casual but elevated. The chef calls it “fast casual plus”. He sees it as the way portland is headed, Fine dining food in a casual atmosphere. Time will tell if he is correct.

The have a small but creative cocktail menu. I had the ‘Greek it to me’ which was tequila and cucumber and very refreshing. There are lots of other fun cocktails that I am excited to go back and try. If cocktails aren’t your thing, they also have greek wine and local beers to choose from.

The food

As for the food, it was truly delicious. We tried many of the things on the menu and there was only one thing that we didn’t love. The cauliflower with lentils just didn’t work for me. The dish had lots of potential, but it was too much char for me.

The rest of the things we loved. The biggest standout was absolutely the hummus. It’s silky smooth, super flavorful, and is divine with the house made flatbread. We also loved the beet salad with quinoa, it came with a black tahini sauce that was heavenly. We also tried the chicken, shrimp, and lamb skewers. The chicken was the best for me, tender, flavorful, juicy, I could go on. The lamb was a close second, especially considering lamb is a hard protein to find in Portland.

For dessert we had chocolate soft serve, which takes just like the nostalgic soft serve you are thinking of now, and baklava, which should not be skipped!

I can definitely say that I will be coming back to Bluto’s. Its expensive for counter service, but maybe the chef is onto something with his upscale fast casual theme. Have you been? Let us know what you think!

Be Ready to Buy

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You need to be ready to buy when the market shifts. 

We still have an inventory crisis, and that will keep the market from crashing.  Pricing will continue going down as long as the interest rates continue to climb. As soon as inflation is back under control, they will drop the rates again.  When they do, you want to be ready to buy so you can enjoy the climb and build wealth.  

What do you need to do to be a ready to buy? Here are the 4 things I would focus on to best position yourself for a future purchase. 

Save your money.

You’ll need a downpayment and the more money you can put down, the better the house will be. Set aside a percentage of every paycheck, somewhere you can’t touch it, and let it build up as much as you can. If the bulk of your money is tied up in investments, I’d pull it and hold the cash so the stock market isn’t deciding how large of a downpayment you have. Of course talk with your financial advisor about this strategy, but stocks are also predicted to continue declining.  

Pay down your debts.

Your debt to income ratio is a huge part of being able to buy a house. Start with paying off your smaller debts and then wrap those payments into the larger debts. This will put yourself in as strong a position as possible.  

Work on your credit score.

This will improve naturally as you pay your debts down. You also want to make sure you stay up to date on all your payments and remove any past delinquencies that may still be showing up.  Free credit report sites can give you a quick overview, but for a better look I’d head over to one of the actual reporting agencies.  

Hone what you want to buy.

Once interest rates come back down, there will be a frenzy again because we don’t have any inventory.  Knowing exactly what you want to buy will put you in the best position to immediately jump on it when it comes on the market.  

This market is different than anything we have ever seen before, and as such we are all learning something new everyday.  If it were my money, I’d be buying homes as soon as the interest rates hit 5.5%. If you want to talk about a buying strategy, or what this could mean for you, please reach out!

Want to meet with us? You can schedule with us HERE

Tercet

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Hot Spot of the Week is wonderful prix fixe dining experience, Tercet. If you ever had the pleasure of dining at Roe, you will have a bit of an idea of the stunning presentations and delicately balanced flavors that you can expect at the re-opened and re-imagined Tercet. After our recent dinner here, I can definitely say it’s a contender for the year’s best meal.

One of the stand-out aspects of Tercet is the general experience. There is almost a speakeasy vibe to the manner of entry. Through the building, up some back stairs, and into a dimly lit parlor. Enhancing that feeling, you are greeted at the door with an aperitif to sip while your table is prepared. Once seated in the cozy space, the tables all have full view of the open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the magic happen.

At the time of our visit, the menu at Tercet had 7 courses on offer, presented simply on a card as ‘Egg’ or ‘Salmon’. This did not count the several ‘snacks’ that were little bonus bites at the beginning and end of the meal. The meal opened with one of our favorite of these snacks – fresh oysters two ways. I wish I remembered the exact details of preparations, but suffice it to say that one was chilled, bright, briny, and crisp and the other was warm, rich, and buttery, topped with caviar.

There were too many delicious bites of the evening to talk about them all, but I’ll tell you quickly about two of them. The ‘Morel’ course was one of the best of the night. The wild foraged Oregon morels were grilled so they had a smoky similarity to a skirt steak. Served with hollandaise, and some green onion crepes for wrapping, this was like a crazy delicious taco meets Benedict and I was smitten with it.

Another favorite of mine was the final dessert course of the night ‘Fromage Blanc’. This took the form of little wedges of breaded, rather savory, cheesecakes, paired with shaved rhubarb, and a bright fruity granita. It was one of those food experiences where I thought to myself, “Wow- these ingredients can be used in this way!”

One of my favorite things about Tercet is their use of seasonal, local, and foraged ingredients. And they change their menu seasonally as well, so re-visiting often is a great plan. I, for one, cannot wait to try out their next menu! You can check out their menu and make reservations Here.

Have you been to Tercet? What were your favorite dishes?