Month: September 2014

Shopping for Comics in Portland

/ Stephanie Paris / Leave a comment

One of the best jobs I ever had was during my brief stint of Southern California living when I worked at a locally-owned comic book shop in San Diego called Comics-N-Stuff. My co-workers were great, the clientele was fun and interesting, and the excitement of receiving each week’s shipment of new comics for the shop brought out the kid in me that my young adult self was so desperately trying to leave behind.

Now that I’m firmly in adulthood, I see the value of never letting go of those things that make you feel young, alive, and inspired. For some, that may be comic books. And although comics were never a big part of my life after I left that job, there were a few that really resonated with me. My own children definitely love their age-appropriate comics, but I’ve learned that most comics today actually have a target audience of teens through grown adults. If you’re not familiar with comic books other than the superhero blockbusters of your youth, I encourage you to check out the seemingly endless variety of modern comics. Many have interesting, complex concepts and themes, a myriad of styles of artwork,  and there are many genres to choose from (not just humor as their name suggests). If you don’t know where to start, just ask one of the knowledgeable employees at any of these amazing Portland comic book shops and they’ll be more than happy to help. For the rest of you that already know what you want and love, what are you waiting for?! Hop on a bus and get yourself to one of Portland’s many comic book shops.

Websites for each location are listed below and should be referenced for store hours and further details on each shop’s specialty. Also listed are the nearest TriMet stops to each shop. For further trip planning assistance, visit TriMet.org and enter your starting location and the location of your desired shop for a detailed trip itinerary.

Bridge City Comics

3725 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227, (503) 282-5484

BridgeCityPhoto by Marie Richie on flickr

“Bridge City Comics is dedicated to fulfilling the needs of comic book enthusiasts in Portland, Oregon! We are firmly committed to expanding the market and educating people about the fun and excitement that goes along with enjoying comic books and graphic novels.”

Visit bridgecitycomics.com

Accessibility:

 

Cosmic Monkey Comics Inc

5335 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213, (503) 517-9050

CosmicComicShopPhoto by Janet Lackey on flickr

“We carry a full selection of new comics, back issues, graphic novels and supplies. Whether it’s that elusive hot new title or obscure back issue from the vaults, we can find it for you. We delight in filling special orders and searching for the issues you need to fill those empty holes in your collection and your soul.”

Visit cosmicmonkeycomics.com

Accessibility:

Excalibur Books & Comics

2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, (503) 231-7351

Photo by Christopher Sohler on flickr

“Excalibur comics is the oldest comic book shop in Portland, OR. Excalibur boasts the largest back-stock inventory in the Pacific Northwest, including an impressive collection of Golden and Silver Age comics as well as literally millions of current issues that we diligently keep organized and accessible to our patrons. We also have a wide selection of trade paperbacks, graphic novels, manga, and more!”

Visit excaliburcomics.net

Accessibility:

Floating World Comics

400 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209, (503) 241-0227

FloatingWorldPhoto by Joshin Yamada on flickr

“Floating World Comics is a store for people who still like going to stores. We’re a bookstore that just happens to carry the coolest books of all – comics. But also art books, international art magazines, graphic design, illustration, animation, music and movie related items, anything that might serve as inspiration for creative people looking for something new.”

Visit floatingworldcomics.com

Accessibility:

Future Dreams

1847 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, (503) 231-8311

FutureDreamsPhoto by Christopher Sohler on flickr

“We have been a full service Science Fiction and Comic Book Specialty Bookstore for over 35 years. We carry a full line of new items in the field. We also have an extensive supply of back issue comics and magazines, pre-owned paperback and hardcover novels, collectible paperbacks, prints, posters and portfolios, graphic novels, statues and much more.”

Visit futuredreamsbooks.com

Accessibility:

Things From Another World

Portland Store: 2916 NE Broadway St., Portland, OR 97232(503) 284-4693

Milwaukie store: 10977 SE Main St., Milwaukie, OR 97222, (503) 652-2752

ThingsPhoto by Joshin Yamada on flickr

“If you’ve been looking for comic book stores, look no further. Things From Another World is the premier comic book store in the world. Visit one of our four local comic book shops in Oregon and California, or order online and we’ll carefully pack and ship your comics and graphic novels right to your door! No matter what you’re into, TFAW.com is the online comic book store that has just the thing for your collection!”

Visit tfaw.com

Accessiblity to Portland store:

Accessibility to Milwaukie store:

 

Article by Stephanie Paris

Cover photo by Sam Howzit on flickr

Restaurants on the Route: Bus Line 15 – Belmont/NW 23rd

/ Stephanie Paris / 6 Comments

The TriMet line 15-Belmont/NW 23rd connects Gateway, SE Portland, Portland City Center, and Nob Hill. The route continues to connect Nob Hill to NW Gordon, or to connect Montgomery Park and the NW Industrial neighborhood. On such a long route, there is no shortage of great eateries. These are just a few of my personal favorites.

1. Meriwether’s Restaurant & Skyline Farm 2601 NW Vaughn St, Portland, OR 97210

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPhoto by Adam Sawyer

4 Stars on Yelp. $$$

“One way to make sure you’re cooking with the freshest ingredients is to grow them yourself. Meriwether’s grows the produce it serves at its own Skyline Farm and is proud to be among only a handful of truly farm-to-table restaurants across the country.” ~Meriwether’s Restaurant & Skyline Farm

Nearest Line 15 bus stops:

Click here to read my feature post on Meriwether’s.

 

2. St. Honoré Bakery 2335 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPhoto by Adam Sawyer

4 Stars on Yelp. $$

“From the selection of our quality ingredients to our traditional baking techniques, our menu reflects the French baking tradition in combination with the flavors of the season. In addition to honoring traditional methods, we encourage our production staff to expose their creative talents and develop their own recipes.” ~St Honoré

Nearest Line 15 bus stops:

Click here to read my feature post on St Honoré.

 

3. Huber’s Cafe 411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Photo by drburtoni on Flickr

4 Stars on Yelp. $$

“Specializing in a traditional turkey dinner Huber’s also serves Certified Angus Beef, fresh seafood, entrée salads and a variety of pasta dishes. Their signature drink is Spanish Coffee prepared tableside with great flair.” ~Huber’s Cafe

Nearest line 15 bus stops:

Click here to read my feature post on Huber’s Cafe.

 

4. Cascade Brewing 939 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214

CascadePhoto by Christopher Murphy on flickr

4 Stars on Yelp. $$

“Tart, barrel-aged beers are the emerging beer style and Cascade Brewing is a pioneer of the NW style sour beer movement. We are, by nature, the definition of artisanal brewing: we’re not bound by stylistic guidelines, just our own imagination and the ingredients we can access.” ~Cascade Brewing

Nearest line 15 bus stops:

Click here to read my feature post on Cascade Brewing.

 

5. The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar 7937 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPhoto by Adam Sawyer

4 Stars on Yelp. $$

“At The Country Cat Dinner House & Bar, American craft cooking is truly at its prime. The seasonally-focused menu represents the best local offerings from surrounding markets; in fact, 65 percent of their produce is hand-picked from the farmer’s market.” ~The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar

Nearest line 15 bus stops:

Click here to read my feature post on The Country Cat.

 

6. Miyamoto Sushi 420 SE 81st Ave, Portland, OR 97215

MiyamotoPhoto by Stephanie Paris

4 Stars on Yelp. $$

“Amazing Sushi on the corner of 81st and Stark.” ~Miyamoto Sushi

Nearest line 15 bus stops:

Click here to read my feature post on Miyamoto Sushi.

Article by Stephanie Paris

Cover photo by Adam Sawyer

Miyamoto Sushi on Line 15

/ Stephanie Paris / 1 Comment

Miyamoto Sushi 420 SE 81st Ave, Portland, OR 97215

MiyamotoPhoto by Stephanie Paris

I’m no expert on Japanese culture, but I do know that making sushi is considered an art. The presentation on the plate is as important as how it tastes, and enhances the overall experience of the meal. Miyamoto Sushi seems to have mastered the art of creating beautifully plated dishes with some of the most fresh, complex flavors that I’ve been lucky enough to have dance across my palate. It’s exactly what you want a sushi restaurant to be. The fish is super fresh, the produce is vibrant, and the flavors are exceptionally dynamic. My go-to item on the menu is the the “Monkey Brain” appetizer. It’s a whole avocado stuffed with spicy tuna, crab, and seaweed salad topped with tobiko, green onions, eel sauce, and spicy sauce. Another of my favorites is the Crazy Roll from their specialty rolls menu: spicy tuna, salmon, cream cheese, and avacodo, “flash fried” and topped with spicy sauce & eel sauce. 4 Stars on Yelp. $$

Nearest line 15 bus stops:

Click here to check out the complete list of recommended restaurants on bus line 15.

Article by Stephanie Paris

The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar on Line 15

/ Stephanie Paris / 1 Comment

The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar 7937 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPhoto by Adam Sawyer

It’s easy to get excited about the culinary scene in Portland, and it’s establishments like The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar that make my excitement so distinct. Country Cat serves brunch as well as lunch and dinner, however on our visit it was a memorable dish from their brunch menu that got my attention: an Eggs Benedict comprised of a sweet cream biscuit with smoked Steelhead, caramelized onions, preserved lemon hollandaise, wilted greens & home fries. It was very good. So good in fact that we returned for lunch on another day to further explore the menu, this time with the Caramelized Tomato, Farro & Kale soup, with Parsley Pesto and Parmesan Cheese. The soup was a joy; an exquisite culmination of Chef Adam Sappington’s culinary sensibilities and interpretation of Northwest approach. Chef Adam creates simple, authentically American dishes. His southern roots are evident, and they highlight a menu that has been filtered through Northwest influence. It’s no wonder he has received a semi-finalist nomination for Best Chef Northwest in 2012, 2013, and 2014. 4 Stars on Yelp. $$

Nearest line 15 bus stops:

Click here to check out the complete list of recommended restaurants on bus line 15.

Article by Stephanie Paris and Adam Sawyer