Roman Style Pizza Bianca

November 14, 2016 by 9 Comments

Meatless Monday drool fest with Roman Candle Baking Company, which offers a Roman style Pizza Bianca. This style pizza is simple and showcases just good ingredients. This is available during their lunch service (they are open only for breakfast – end of lunch, 7 AM – 4 PM) with lunch service starting at 11 AM. Roman Candle Baking Company is located at 3377 Southeast Division Street – it’s a bit of a pain finding parking here sometimes, but you can also call ahead and order all of these to go via (971) 302-6605 or delivery via Caviar.

Here is the Roman Candle Roman style pizza slice of Pomodoro with Tomato, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt.
Roman Candle Baking Company offers a Roman style Pizza Bianca- here is Pomodoro with Tomato, oregano, xvoo, sea salt Roman Candle Baking Company offers a Roman style Pizza Bianca- here is Pomodoro with Tomato, oregano, xvoo, sea salt

The entire point is this think fluffy inside with a lil crunch flatbread that is a bit reminiscent of foccacia
Roman Candle Baking Company offers a Roman style Pizza Bianca- here is Pomodoro with Tomato, oregano, xvoo, sea salt Roman Candle Baking Company offers a Roman style Pizza Bianca- here is Pomodoro with Tomato, oregano, xvoo, sea salt

My preference is for getting a slice of Blanca with Mozzarella, ricotta, basil, pickled peppers. That creamy cheese with the pickled peppers is divine.
Roman Candle Baking Company offers a Roman style Plaza Bianca- here is a slice of Blanca with Mozzarella, ricotta, basil, pickled peppers Roman Candle Baking Company offers a Roman style Plaza Bianca- here is a slice of Blanca with Mozzarella, ricotta, basil, pickled peppers

The other two types, which are not pictured here, are the Margherita (with tomato, mozzarella, and basil) and the only one with meat, Pepperoni (with tomato, mozzarella, and pepperoni). If you come between 11 AM – 1 PM, that is when breakfast and lunch overlap (breakfast menu is 7 AM – 1 PM) so you can also get a breakfast bun!
Roman Candle Baking Company breakfast fun with their breakfast bun, an Everything Bun, available 7 AM - 1 PM Roman Candle Baking Company breakfast fun with their breakfast bun, an Everything Bun, available 7 AM - 1 PM

Have you been to Roman Candle Baking Company before? Have you had Roman style pizza? Which of these would you pick to eat?

Roman Candle Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Han Oak Dinner

November 11, 2016 by 1 Comment

Earlier this year, Peter Cho transformed a hidden space between The Ocean microrestaurants and Providore Fine Foods store into a prix fixe restaurant Han Oak. They are only open a few days a week and are reservation only. I’ve covered their Sundays only brunch before which provide you with a tray of multiple goodies so you only have to worry about your beverages and everything else is set. This time, I wanted to show you a Han Oak Dinner.

Head this way towards the brown/orange doors to enter the Han Oak space
The door to the secret garden of Han Oak – it’ll be to your right through a huge tall door after this. Of course when you visit for dinner it will be dark – this photo is from the day. Look for it between the doors of Pie Spot and 24th ad Meatballs on NE 24th between Sandy and Glisan

The seating is communal (unless you have a big party that takes up a whole table…) either at communal tables with benches on the main floor or up a few steps by the counter and high backed stools overlooking the open kitchen.

The Han Oak Dinner is by reservation only Fri and Sat night with seatings at various time 6 – 9 PM. They offer 3 courses for $35 plus any additional drinks and dishes you can order a la carte.
Han Oak Dinner, by reservation only Fri and Sat night 3 courses for $35 and Bo Ssam with additional snacks and drinks extra and a la carte Han Oak Dinner, by reservation only Fri and Sat night 3 courses for $35 and Bo Ssam with additional snacks and drinks extra and a la carte

You will already have a menu at your seat – peruse to see what additional dishes you want to try. I always get the Soondae, or blood cake here because I love how they serve it in a square that is crispy on the outside and the grains are tightly packed and dense, here topped with a big duck egg. Maybe it sounds scary, but its like a dense meat version of a potato cake.
Han Oak dinner service snack of blood cake: soondae, duck fat fried egg Han Oak dinner service snack of blood cake: soondae, duck fat fried egg

I also highly recommend the ddukboki, a chewy (almost like long gnocchi sized that is the texture of al dente pasta) dish of rice cakes in a gravy with bulgogi (marinated tender thin slices of beef), padron peppers and onions.
Han Oak dinner service snack of ddukboki: rice cake, bulgogi, padron peppers and onions

Meanwhile Mama Cho is hand making those pork and chive dumplings in a black vinegar broth with ginger. If you need more vegetables, there’s another option in the snacks, a korean fried cauliflower with spicy gochujang and tamarind glaze (a bit of sweet and sour and sticky).
Mama Cho making pork and chive dumplings for Han Oak dinner by hand Mama Cho making pork and chive dumplings for Han Oak dinner by hand

They start you off with Banchan – small side dishes of food that are accompaniments during the first and second course. They inevitably include a little spicy sour kimchis (cabbage, cucumber, radish, etc.) and seasoned vegetables of some sort. You eat from the various dishes in between and even with your savory dishes.
Han Oak two snacks of ddukboki: rice cake, bulgogi, padron peppers and onions and of blood cake: soondae, duck fat fried egg along with Banchan

During my visit, the banchan included four dishes

  • napa cabbage and daikon kimchee and cucumber and radish quick-chi
    Han Oak Dinner Banchan of napa cabbage and daikon kimchee and cucumber and radish quick-chi
  • wilted bitter greens with oyster mushrooms, whipped tofu, tsuyu, and bonito
    Han Oak Dinner Banchan of wilted bitter greens with oyster mushrooms, whipped tofu, tsuyu, and bonito
  • roasted carrots, delicata squash, cress, toasted seeds and rice
    Han Oak Dinner Banchan of roasted carrots, delicata squash, cress, toasted seeds and rice
  • sweet and sour new potatoes
    Han Oak Dinner Banchan of sweet and sour new potatoes

Starter of Kalgooksu, hand cut wheat noodles in an egg drop chicken broth with poached chicken, scallion soy dressing, and nori. You can see in the kitchen the noodles being created and cut fresh!
Han Oak starter of Kalgooksu, hand cut wheat noodles which are made fresh as you can see just looking at the kitchen Han Oak starter of Kalgooksu, hand cut wheat noodles in an egg drop chicken broth with poached chicken, scallion soy dressing, nori
Again, don’t feel compelled to necessarily finish off all your banchan – I like having the kimchee especially as a bit of a palate cleanser between bites of the ssam. And oh, that delicious ssam. You will get two meats as part of your ssam, which is a course of meat and stuff you wrap either in greens or noodle sheets. One will be the Ember Smoked Hanger Steak with lettuces, perilla, chrysanthemum, cabbage slaw, and ssam-jang. Then there is also the Koji Marinated Slow Roasted Pork Belly and Coppa with rice noodle sheets, pickled daikon, and scallion salad. Don’t make me choose which ssam is better because they are both incredible in different ways.
Han Oak Dinner Ssam course with Ember Smoked Hanger Steak with lettuces, perilla, chrysanthemum, cabbage slaw, and ssam-jang and then Koji Marinated Slow Roasted Pork Belly and Coppa with rice noodle sheets, pickled daikon, and scallion salad Han Oak Dinner Ssam course with Ember Smoked Hanger Steak with lettuces, perilla, chrysanthemum, cabbage slaw, and ssam-jang and then Koji Marinated Slow Roasted Pork Belly and Coppa with rice noodle sheets, pickled daikon, and scallion salad Han Oak Dinner Ssam course with Ember Smoked Hanger Steak with lettuces, perilla, chrysanthemum, cabbage slaw, and ssam-jang Han Oak Dinner Ssam course with Koji Marinated Slow Roasted Pork Belly and Coppa with rice noodle sheets, pickled daikon, and scallion salad

The dessert course is the one that seems like it varies, unlike the ssam, sides, and general format of the banchan – for this time it was chilled fruit on ice, the fruit here was Rubinette apples, Crimson Crisp, 20th Century Asian Pears.
Han Oak dinner dessert course of chilled fruit on ice with Rubinette apples, Crimson Crisp, 20th Century Asian Pears

There are multiple beverages you can choose from varying from the exquisite cocktails curated by Michele Ruocco (ok I’m biased here), but also great wine and beer and non alcoholic drinks. The cocktails change seasonally and probably change the most if you return for multiple visits. For instance, there’s the cocktail Seoul Structure with gin, cucumber, celery, lime, togarashi
Han Oak cocktail Seoul Structure curated by Michele Ruocco: gin, cucumber, celery, lime, togarashi Han Oak cocktail Seoul Structure curated by Michele Ruocco: gin, cucumber, celery, lime, togarashi

Another option was this cocktail Gone ‘Til November created with brandy pear, cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, served warm.
Han Oak dinner cocktail Gone 'Til November: brandy pear, cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, served warm along with two snacks of ddukboki: rice cake, bulgogi, padron peppers and onions and of blood cake: soondae, duck fat fried egg

This dinner is sooo good – with my favorite parts being the snacks, ssam, and cocktails. I would definitely recommend for a full dinner experience you need to order a snack for every 2 people – I saw the dumplings and rice cakes particularly as easy wins for any dining party. Have you had ssam before, what catches your eye during this Han Oak dinner?

Han Oak Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Bowery Bagels #SchmearCampaign 2016 Victory Party

November 10, 2016 by 1 Comment

Last week I highlighted the #SchmearCampaign 2016 being held by Bowery Bagels which I think has the best cream cheese flavors in town – I shared some of my favorite sandwiches and all the various bagel flavors and schmears, including vegan ones. I also highlighted the SchmearCampaign where the public nominated flavors and then gets to vote in final nominees. Previously, the first Schmear Campaign winning flavor has become one of their best sellers – The BOM.com, a delicious bacon, onion, mushroom schmear. The winner of the 2016 is one I helped suggest:

Blue Cheese Walnut Honey Schmear, with Danish buttermilk blue cheese, toasted Oregon walnuts, Oregon clover honey, and a little toasted walnut oil
Bowery Bagels #SchmearCampaign 2016 winner Blue Cheese Walnut Honey Schmear, with Danish buttermilk blue cheese, toasted Oregon walnuts, Oregon clover honey, and a little toasted walnut oil

It was a close call: it won by just two votes! Don’t be scared of the blue cheese – Danish buttermilk blue cheese is super creamy and buttery and that bit of blue cheese tang will probably be balanced well by nuttiness and honey.

To celebrate, you can visit the FREE open to the public, family friendly Bowery Bagels #SchmearCampaign 2016 Victory Party on Monday November 14th from 3 – 6 PM at their location on 310 NW Broadway. They will be celebrating the new Blue Cheese Honey Walnut Schmear, as well as have light refreshments and bagels and schmear for sampling.

Unfortunately I am out of town for work so won’t be at the victory party, but hope to stop by Bowery and grab some on Sunday so that I can try them that day and then on my wayyy early (before dawn) flight on Monday as I’m flying away cutting up some fruit and making my blue cheese walnut honey pear/apple sandwich! Bowery Bagels will have the winning new schmear on their menu beginning Friday (tomorrow!).

Here are the details again in case you want to stop by!

#SchmearCampaign Victory Party

  • When: Monday November 14th from 3 -6 PM
  • Where: Bowery Bagels at 310 NW Broadway, Portland
  • What: FREE, public, family friendly. Enjoy light refreshments and bagel and schmear sampling

Bowery Bagels - assorted bagels with vegan cashew spread conveniently cut into quarters so we can try multiple types of bagels, SO perfect!

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Food at Saraveza

November 7, 2016 by 1 Comment

Have you been to Saraveza before? The name comes from the owner, Sarah Pederson (yes! This is a woman owned bar!) and the spanish word for beer (cerveza). This beer bar in North Portland with ten rotating taps and literally a couple hundred beers by the bottle has been a mecca of Oregon beer and Midwest hospitality and community since 2008. For their 8th anniversary, Saraveza gave itself and us as its patrons a birthday present of an updated menu that now takes advantage of a new deep fryer! Here’s a closer look at Saraveza and the food at Saraveza.
Front of Saraveza at 1004 N. Killingsworth St, Portland, OR Beer at Saraveza at 1004 N. Killingsworth St, Portland, OR
Second photo above of beer glass courtesy of Saraveza, all other photos on this blog post are mine

When you walk through that door, you immediately feel a bit like you’re in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls. That, and you’ll notice the large cooler areas of all the beer bottles which are grouped by type. I always check first in their “New and Seasonal” section and the “Cellar and Vintage” but if you are feeling like an IPA, stout, or sour they have sections for you too.
When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating taps When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating tapsWhen you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating taps

If you want to drink beer from a bottle, select one and bring it right to where the Schlitz hand is pointing where they’ll open it up and give you glassware. Or, approach the bar to read the chalkboard beer menu of the ten rotating taps. One of the beers is always their light sessionable house beer of Breakside Wisco Tavern Beer.
When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating taps When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating taps

The walls are covered with the vintage beer goodies on the walls all around the booths, on the way to the bathroom and even inside the restrooms. You’ll notice here and there a nod to Sara’s Wisconsin roots and how Saraveza is a Packers Bar. The beer capped patterned tables double as a game to see if you can recognize where all the beer caps come from. Believe it or not, this is actually less stuff on display then used to be there: it looks like they curated it slightly more than before to help the pieces stand out more.
When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the wallsHopefully on your visit to Saraveza you will find a happy medium between the two art pieces on the upper left - the guy in the corner who has possibly had too much and the super cheerful guy with all the food and making sure you don't forget beer...   When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls even on the way to the restrooms -one portion is a nod to owner Sarah's Wisconsin upbringing and how this is a Packers bar When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls even on the way to the restrooms -one portion is a nod to owner Sarah's Wisconsin upbringing and how this is a Packers bar When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls, including even in the bathroom

Ok, let’s get to the food. Don’t miss one of the biggest reasons the fryer made it into the Saraveza kitchen: fried cheese curds. These are lightly battered so that the dough is not too thick and the cheese a perfect melted gooeyness. Cheese is always a perfect pairing with beer, as is fried food, so this is the best of both worlds!
Example Food at Saraveza <strong>Fried Cheese Curds</strong>, a perfect pairing with beer every time Example Food at Saraveza Fried Cheese Curds, a perfect pairing with beer every time Example Food at Saraveza Fried Cheese Curds, a perfect pairing with beer every time Example Food at Saraveza Fried Cheese Curds, a perfect pairing with beer every time

Another new appetizer to go with your beer making use of that new deep fryer are their fried oysters with remoulade. You can get this in sandwich form via from their main section a Fried Oyster Po’ Boy that adds to the remoulade also iceberg, tomato, and crystal hot sauce.
Example Food at Saraveza fried oysters with remoulade Example Food at Saraveza fried oysters with remoulade

I really liked their starter (ok, second place after the curds) of the  lamb meatballs with tomato sauce, yogurt, and sunny egg because of the rich flavors in the meatballs balanced by that yogurt.
Example Food at Saraveza lamb meatballs with tomato sauce, yogurt, and sunny egg Example Food at Saraveza lamb meatballs with tomato sauce, yogurt, and sunny egg

For a healthier option but still with flavor punch to go well with beer, check out the Radicchio salad with sherry dressing, Parmesan, olive, and breadcrumb (I think their best salad). Or for a smaller portion for one person, the Butter lettuce salad with green goddess dressing, soft boiled egg, bacon, and red onion pickle. There’s also a Mixed Greens salad with candied hazelnuts, chevre, and champagne vinaigrette.
Example Food at Saraveza Radicchio salad with sherry dressing, Parmesan, olive, and breadcrumb Example Food at Saraveza Butter lettuce salad with green goddess dressing, soft boiled egg, bacon, and red onion pickle

A main dish option if you’re looking for dinner is they now offer a buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and braised chard and tarragon gravy. It’s at the expense of the mac and cheese which is no longer on their menu, but I think it’s a fair trade in terms of swapping that comfort dish for this one since there’s so many mac and cheeses on brewpub menus but not everyone can offer fried chicken with mashed, and this is a more filling comfort dish.
Example Food at Saraveza buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and braised chard and tarragon gravy Example Food at Saraveza buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and braised chard and tarragon gravy

Also new are Manila Clams with house bacon, herbs, beer, cream and baguette (another always perfect beer and food pairing besides cheese). Or fancy it up with Bavette Steak with celery root puree, broccoli rabe, cipollino onion and demi glaze. Or keep it casual with your beef and beer with this Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pimento cheese, red onion pickle, and arugula. Look at that big piece of brisket sticking out of the sandwich! Usually it comes with your choice of a salad or potato salad but I passed on both to enjoy the side snack of Potato Melt with cheddar, scallion and ranch dressing which are a little reminiscent of thick cut wedge potatoes.
Example Food at Saraveza Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pimento cheese, red onion pickle, and arugula Example Food at Saraveza Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pimento cheese, red onion pickle, and arugula Example Food at Saraveza Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pimento cheese, red onion pickle, and arugula Saraveza appetizer of Potato Melt with cheddar, scallion and ranch dressing

Don’t worry, they still have their classic trademark pasties that they have been serving since they opened. The meat pie of the Pasty of the Day has fillings which vary based on the day, this one happens to be ham and cheese.
Example Food at Saraveza trademark pasty, a meat pie of which fillings vary based on the day (this was ham and cheese) Example Food at Saraveza trademark pasty, a meat pie of which fillings vary based on the day (this was ham and cheese)

Although not listed on the menu, they still have their goblet of Chex Mix if you ask nicely. Other classics from their original menu still here are their boards of cheese, charcuterie or smoked trout and their appetizers of pickled eggs, deviled eggs, soft pretzels, pickle plate, and soup of the day (a great pairing with the pasty of the day for a meal). On the mains section of the menu the Bratwurst survives served with potato salad and sauerkraut.

Thankfully they have more for vegetarians and vegans now with additions to the menu of a vegetable section that includes for instance broccoli rabe or roasted cauliflower, now the ho hum hummus has been replaced by a more hearty Vegan Bowl with delicata squash, cauliflower, chard, and quinoa.

If you sit at a booth, here’s how to read the Saraveza printed beer menu (which represents what is on the chalkboard above the bar only – you have to visit the coolers to see the bottles. You can order whatever is listed on the left side in the column for On Tap, unless it’s crossed out and there’s an arrow showing what in the On Deck column has replaced it on tap.
If you sit at a booth, here's how to read the Saraveza printed beer menu (which represents what is on the chalkboard above the bar only - you have to visit the coolers to see the bottles. You can order whatever is listed on the left side in the column for On Tap, unless it's crossed out and there's an arrow showing what in the On Deck column has replaced it on tap. If you sit at a booth, here's how to read the Saraveza printed beer menu (which represents what is on the chalkboard above the bar only - you have to visit the coolers to see the bottles. You can order whatever is listed on the left side in the column for On Tap, unless it's crossed out and there's an arrow showing what in the On Deck column has replaced it on tap.

Besides going to visit soon to try the new menu and latest beers, you might also consider going specifically on this upcoming Saturday November 12. That’s because Saraveza is hosting one if its many special beer events, and this one is Fire and Brimstone 2016. All day on November 12, Fire and Brimstone festival means Saraveza will be offering ten specially curated beers that contain smoke, chili, or are both smoky and spicy! You will be able to order full pours or 5 ounce pours of the beers. I’ve attended this festival for multiple years and it’s among my top five favorite all year in Portland.

For the festival they will bring back their special edition “Smokin’ Bamberg Onion Plate”, a traditional Rauch beer meal served with Schlenkerla smoked beers. The dish is composed of Bamburg Onion filled with pork braised in Aecht Schlenkerla Urbock beer and served with mashed potatoes w/ Rauchbier gravy. Ok, it may not be the most beautiful plate, but it is a wonderful mouthful of smokey savoryness with a bit of creaminess from the gravy and crunch from the onion that pairs so well with the beers of this festival.

Saraveza's Flight of Five Chili and Smoked Beers for Fire & Brimstone... Burnside Sweet Heat always glows in the glass it seems (front right) Saraveza Fire & Brimstone 2012 food pairing of the Smokin' Bamberg Onion Plate, a traditional Rauch beer meal, that consisted of a Bamburg Onion, Mashed Potatoes w/ Schlenkerla gravy, salad, side of vegetables and a Sugar Pimp Peach-chili dessert
Photos of what I had at a previous Fire and Brimstone year

You might also consider checking out their event calendar not only for other beer events, but also for when you might walk in and the whole bar is full of patrons in green and gold. Other events are when they host live music (first Sunday every month) and every Tuesday is Geeks Who Drink Quiz night in their event space the Bad Habit Room next door.

Saraveza is located at 1004 N Killingsworth St (an easy 5 block walk from the yellow line N Killingsworth Max station) and open everyday 11am to midnight.

Have you heard of Saraveza before, did anything I mention pique your interest?

Saraveza Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: I attended a free media event where I was able to try some of the dishes, but also returned on my own to try other new dishes on my own dime, and I’ve been visiting Saraveza before this and after this post so already am a fan. I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

Hopefully on your visit to Saraveza you will find a happy medium between the two art pieces on the upper left - the guy in the corner who has possibly had too much and the super cheerful guy with all the food and making sure you don't forget beer...
Hopefully on your visit you will find a happy medium between the two art pieces on the upper left – the guy in the corner who has possibly had too much and the super cheerful guy with all the food and making sure you don’t forget beer…

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Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail

November 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

The latest play to hit the US Bank Main stage at Portland Center Stage is the October 29 – November 20 2016 run of The Oregon Trail. Here’s my thoughts as well as listings of how you can make a ticket to Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail a full date by taking advantage of free discussions, happy hours, DJs playing music and board games.
Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail By Bekah Brunstetter Directed by Rose Riordan Art by Mikey Mann October 29 - November 20 2016
Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail At Portland Center Stage October 29 – November 20 2016. By Bekah Brunstetter Directed by Rose Riordan Art by Mikey Mann

The description for The Oregon Trail play reads

You have died of dysentery! For those who grew up playing “The Oregon Trail” computer game, dysentery was serious business. In this fresh and funny retelling of our history, two Janes traverse The Oregon Trail. “Now Jane” is playing the computer game in 1997; “Then Jane” is in a covered wagon in 1848. A judgey game show narrator, a domineering sister and two oxen try to corral the two Janes. Fate maneuvers them both to a conclusion that changes their lives and sends them to the end of the trail.

Besides the nod the The Oregon Trail, there are multiple nostalgic nods to the 90s peppered through the play, varying from floppy disks to Teen Spirit to more prominently, music that somehow crosses over between Now Jane and Then Jane to hilarious effect. I loved the staging of the entire production with the screens framing the world of Then Jane in slight sepia toned lighting while in front, Now Jane passes through middle school to her mid 20s in cool white lighting or in darkened lighting illuminated by the glow of a computer screen. A turntable is used wonderfully during a ford the river scene, and a tumbleweed doubles down on conveying the environment around the wagon.

Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail By Bekah Brunstetter Directed by Rose Riordan Art (L-R) Sarah Baskin as Now Jane and Alex Leigh Ramirez as Then Jane At The Armory October 29 through November 20, 2016. Photo by Patrick Weishampel/blankeye.tv
Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail Sarah Baskin as Now Jane (front) and Alex Leigh Ramirez as Then Jane in Bekah Brunstetter’s “The Oregon Trail,” running at The Armory October 29 through November 20, 2016. Photo by Patrick Weishampel/blankeye.tv.

The journey that both Janes are on is more internal despite that Then Jane is physically traveling in her story. Both women suffer from “a melancholy” – Then Jane from the loss of her mother and home, Now Jane from it seems depression. Then Jane is forced to travel daily along the trail to Oregon, and her heart aches as every step takes her farther away from what has been left behind. Meanwhile, Now Jane is in a state of inertia: friendless, feeling unimportant so as to be left waiting at school, and then later wallowing in an unemployed rut.

Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail By Bekah Brunstetter Directed by Rose Riordan Art Sarah Baskin as Now Jane (front) and Alex Leigh Ramirez as Then Jane At The Armory October 29 through November 20, 2016. Photo by Patrick Weishampel/blankeye.tv.
Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail Sarah Baskin as Now Jane (front) and Alex Leigh Ramirez as Then Jane in Bekah Brunstetter’s “The Oregon Trail,” running at The Armory October 29 through November 20, 2016. Photo by Patrick Weishampel/blankeye.tv.

Both women also have to contend with a seemingly perfect older sister (both played by the same actress in both time periods) who can’t understand why her sister Jane can’t just get up and move forward. You’ve wasted your privilege and have a bad attitude, the judgey game/life narrotor thunders mockingly to Now Jane, and her sister similarly tells her there are others who have had it much worse and can be sad but Now Jane’s life hasn’t been traumatic enough to be this way. It’s a painful reality for people who face depression: people who think depression can be controlled, or fixed.

I didn’t expect everything to be wrapped up in a happy ending, though I was still surprised at how to me the play seemed to end suddenly. I still am thinking about it since I saw it last night, wondering what do I want from the end that would have closed the story better. If you see the play, what do you think of the ending?

I do recognize that part of the message was about accepting depression and sadness as part of oneself, and that you are not alone. And I greatly appreciate that this is a play not about events that are happening, but the voices of internal struggle within that too often, we hide and don’t talk about when the most helpful thing is to be vulnerable and express it and be listened to.

People are afraid of themselves, of their own reality; their feelings most of all. People talk about how great love is, but that’s bullshit. Love hurts. Feelings are disturbing. People are taught that pain is evil and dangerous. How can they deal with love if they’re afraid to feel? Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they’re wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It’s all in how you carry it. That’s what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you’re letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain. ~Jim Morrison

This October 29 – November 20 2016 run of Portland Center Stage The Oregon Trail is on the US Bank Main Stage. The performance runs for approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. All performances are at the Armory (128 NW 11th Avenue, in the Pearl District). See more details and other ticket specials for groups, students, military, or learn about rush tickets here.

  • Tuesday – Sunday 7:30 PM. ($25-60 for adults Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun, $25-70 for the Fri-Sat evening performances)
  • Saturday and Sundays at 2 PM and Thursdays at noon  ($25-55 for adults)

The Oregon Trail at The Armory of Portland Center Stage

As always, PCS is hosting special events so you can explore more about the play or something about the play’s theme, which in this case is gaming! You can enjoy $10 off select tickets using promo codes especially for some of the events below to make it more than just seeing a play – enjoy happy hour, music, board games, and food and drink and get a discounted ticket! Also be sure to like Portland Center Stage on Facebook as there are additional promotions that are often listed there.

Happy Hour: The Oregon Trail

There are several opportunities for happy hour and discussions related to Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail before the show.

  • November 5 – Hang with Playwrights. Join Bekah Brunstetter, playwright of The Oregon Trail, and local playwright group Playwrights West for an informal happy hour with conversations about playwriting. November 5 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Mezzanine | FREE, complimentary snacks and drink | Use the Promo Code “PWEST” for $10 off your ticket to The Oregon Trail!
  • November 9 – Music and Board Games Join The Armory and Stumptown DJs with ’90s music for a pre-show happy hour with board games before The Oregon Trail show on Wednesday night. Say “Bye, Bye, Bye” to all your worries and “MMMBop” your way to some good times before the show and enjoy snacks a complimentary drink provided by the Armory Café. There will also be a collection of board games, including The Oregon Trail Card Game and the original Oregon Trail video game may make an appearance as well! November 9 | 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Mezzanine | FREE, complimentary snacks and drink | Use the Promo Code “CAPSTONE” for $10 off your ticket to The Oregon Trail!
  • November 13 – Music and Play Independent Games Play games developed by independent Portland game creators PIGSquad and Oregon Games Association while DJ Scotty D plays video-game inspired tunes and enjoy complimentary snacks and drink specials. Try out a new board game prototype or never-before tested video game. November 13 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Main Lobby | FREE, complimentary snacks and drinks | Use the Promo Code “PIGSQUAD” for $10 off your ticket to The Oregon Trail!

Post-show Perspectives Series for The Oregon Trail 

Take part in discussions after the show! These are post-show discussions developed in partnership with PIGSquad, Rose City Games and the Oregon Games Organization following these Sunday matinee performances of The Oregon Trail.

November 6, 12 and 13 | 3:30 p.m. | U.S. Bank Main Stage | FREE | Use the Promo Code “PIGSQUAD” for $10 off your ticket to The Oregon Trail!

  • November 6 – With Paul Culp, CEO of SuperGenius and P. Renee Shimek, gamer and Ph.D. candidate in Psychology, moderated by Kelsey Tyler
  • November 12 – With Corey Warning, co-founder of Rose City Games, and Mo Cohen, founder of Queermo Games, moderated by P. Renee Shimek
  • November 13 – With Will Lewis, co-founder of Rose City Games, and Peter Lund, COO of SuperGenius, moderated by P. Renee Shimek

Movie Night with Girl, Interrupted

November 7 – This is a new kind of event – a movie night?! PCS is offering a chance to get ready for the coming-of-age travails in The Oregon Trail with a screening of Girl, Interrupted which is a brilliant pairing before or after you see this play. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. to enjoy complimentary Sizzle Pie pizza and soda before the movie! November 7 | 7:30 p.m. showtime; 7:00 p.m. pizza | Ellyn Bye Studio | FREE | Use the Promo Code “MOVIENIGHT” for $10 off your ticket to Oregon Trail

As always, the Armory Bar before the show (since there is no intermission) has interesting specialty cocktail choices to select from featuring local ingredients and themed to match the show for your consideration. Don’t feel the pressure to drink it all before going to your seat – you can bring it in with you if it’s in a plastic cup with a lid!
Specialty cocktails for The Oregon Trail at Portland Center Stage

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production of Portland Center Stage: The Oregon Trail, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

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