Nodoguro Twin Peaks Dinner 2

I still go to Nodoguro every couple months, but I don’t always post recaps anymore since I know it is difficult to get into some of the dinners if you don’t follow Nodoguro’s mailing list and social media so you know the exact night tickets for the next month get released (most ticket/reservations sell out within 24 hours). One tip is if you are lucky and are able to be flexible, look for Cancellation Tickets from those who purchased that month by checking their website daily – they will put them back up for sale. I’ve written about Nodoguro so many times it almost felt a little unfair to other dining establishments, but I decided to make an exception for this recent theme for July up to August 4 – which is a return to Twin Peaks!
Nodoguro Twin Peaks Dinner 2 Nodoguro Twin Peaks Dinner 2

This Twin Peaks dinner is a revisit to the cult favorite show that made TV Guide’s 50 Greatest Shows of All Time list. Nodoguro previously did a Twin Peaks theme in 2015 which I also recapped. Don’t worry if you haven’t seen the new third season on Showtime yet: neither have I (I don’t have Showtime) and this dinner still seemed more based on the initial two seasons.
Nodoguro Twin Peaks Dinner 2 place settings Nodoguro Twin Peaks Dinner 2 place setting

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Travel Tuesday: Canon Seattle

A visual visit with me to enjoy cocktails at Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium, “The western hemisphere’s largest spirit collection at 3500 labels and counting.” Located in the trendy Capital Hill neighborhood in Seattle, WA, they have been on my wishlist for a while especially when a few years ago they made the World’s Best 50 Bars (they ranked #6 in 2014, #15 in 2015, and currently they are not on the 2016 list, 2017 list to be announced this fall) and in 2016 they were nominated by Tales of the Cocktail for Best American Cocktail Bar, in 2017 they recently won The World’s Best Spirits Selection.

Behind an unassuming door is a one of the best libraries of liquors you’ll ever see.
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium

If you come during the summer or good weather you may even get a chance to sit on their back patio for al fresco dining, but without the cool atmosphere above with all those bottles although there are still some bottles on display:
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium

You can even find bottles as decor in the restroom, and as a soap dispenser! A radio show with old timey music entertained you as you went about your bio business.
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium

They do serve some food here – about two 1/3 page worth, but meanwhile you will notice there are almost a dozen pages of beverages by the glass/large format for a few, and additional almost a 200 page liquor listing book. So no surprise that this is an establishment with a focus on beverages. In the cocktail section you will notice illustrations of the antique glassware or special serving ware they will use to present the drink.
Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium
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Brunch at Proud Mary

They have only been open since May this year, but the secret was quickly out about Brunch at Proud Mary Coffee. This Melbourne based coffee roaster local chain (well, local in Australia) has selected Portland for its first location outside Australia. At first you may not think that a cafe that so proudly extolls the virtue of coffee and working directly with farmers for 8 years and counting, would put so much effort into the food accompanying its star beverage. But, they have – working with local NW farmers for ingredients just like they work with local farmers for their beans, to offer an impressive food menu in addition to their fine coffee.
Brunch at Proud Mary Coffee in Portland, at 2012 NE Alberta St Brunch at Proud Mary Coffee in Portland, at 2012 NE Alberta St
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Uncle Nearest Whiskey

You may have seen on my Instagram and Instastories that I and several other lucky people were fortunate to take part in the exciting debut release of Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey in Portland in July. This is a new national whiskey brand inspired by “the best whiskey maker the world never knew, Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green'” and which hopes to help get his name and story to more people. If you’re wondering what this is all about, let me share the story and how you can try it – both as a drink, but also in a few other special Portland collaboration products!
Uncle Nearest Whiskey Uncle Nearest Green- the greatest whiskey maker the world never knew now being honored and getting his name to be known via Uncle Nearest Whiskey

The Story Behind Uncle Nearest

First of all, who is Uncle Nearest?
By the Creek behind the Preacher's house, Nearest Green turned water into Gold. Uncle Nearest Whiskey drink cocktail called Tennessee Gold, with Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, Honey, Lemon
By the Creek behind the Preacher’s house, Nearest Green turned water into Gold. Uncle Nearest Whiskey drink cocktail called Tennessee Gold, with Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, Honey, Lemon
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Paella Sundays at Chesa

I mentioned Paella Sundays at Chesa in my recent post about Summer Pop Ups in Portland 2017 where I listed pop ups and special summer series events that didn’t make it into my Eater PDX article Portland’s Hottest Supper Clubs, Summer 2017, but wanted to share even more detail! Purchase tickets and see exact dates ahead of time or you can try your luck at walk ins. The next Paella Sunday by the way, is this Sunday (2nd Sunday, August 13, and next August 27!)
Paella Sundays at Chesa Paella Sundays at Chesa
Yep, Chesa the restaurant may be closed, but there’s still the original restaurant Ataula, churros at 180, and on the 2nd and last Sundays the Chesa space is still being used by sexy and down to earth chef couple extraordinares Jose Chesa and Cristina Baéz for Paella Sundays. These take place on the patio towards the back of Chesa, are family friendly and dog friendly. Paella Sundays at Chesa give you a glimpse of a casually enjoying Spanish food with your Spanish best friend’s family patio.
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