Travel Tuesday: Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco

October 24, 2017 by 5 Comments

If you have seen my Instagram posts, you know I’m still a little giddy from my visit to the Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco with my mom (who normally lives in in hometown of Chicago) and my sister who lives in San Rafael. Both my sisters and my mom had also visited the Museum of Ice Cream in Los Angeles, but I hadn’t been able to join in, so I was happy to hear that they were opening up a second location of this pop up museum in San Fran.
Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco
Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco, cotton candy
The tickets sold out in a flash but I was super lucky in not only getting into the website but getting the perfect weekend when my mom would be in town and one of a few weekends my sister didn’t already have booked until 2018 (seriously, her schedule…). And, we got tickets for the first entrance at 11 AM (they are timed tickets) which incredibly let our group of the first 12 ticket holders in line be the first into every room and almost felt like a private visit since other groups didn’t catch up to us.
Museum of Ice Cream in San Franciso

If you haven’t heard of the Museum of Ice Cream (or MOIC) before, it started out its initial incarnation in New York, and then closed and opened up in Los Angeles. While the Los Angeles run is still going on in LA after several extensions, a second location in San Francisco also opened, and is the newest incarnation. Each location is a little different, though the theme always includes lots of samples of ice creams and a sprinkle pool. When it comes to each individual room themes and how they are set up and what sweet artwork they feature though, they may vary.
Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco

Here’s a look at the rooms in the San Francisco version. Be aware that if you come, you must already have purchased tickets ahead of time (none are available at the door). There is only one restroom area and it’s in the middle of the museum, and when you go through the museums you can only go forward, not back to any rooms you have previously left.
Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco

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Feast 2015 Brunch Village Recap

May 6, 2016 by 5 Comments

This weekend is Mother’s Day, which for many people means enjoying brunch. For me, it makes me think of the annual best brunch event ever in Portland, the brunch at Feast Brunch Village. In a mere 2 weeks the schedule for Feast Portland 2016 will go live on May 19 9 AM PST, and I hope Brunch Village makes its 2016 return as a marquee event. If you’re not sure whether Brunch Village is for you, here’s a Feast 2015 Brunch Village Recap so you know how the deliciousness went down last year.

As always, for one price all your food and drink are covered essentially for all you can eat during the time of the event. Last year, this included

Chef Offerings

Whenever I see Rick Gencarelli of Lardo and Grassa at an event I make a beeline because he always has a crowd pleaser dish. This time was no different, delivering with Brisket Benedict with Sunny Quail Eggs and Smoked Hollandaise on a House English Muffin. I mean how adorable is that with the little egg, and how Rick makes sure to lovingly plate each one for you.
At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Rick Gencarelli of Lardo pleased the crowds with Brisket Benedict - Sunny Quail Eggs, Smoked Hollandaise, House English Muffin At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Rick Gencarelli of Lardo pleased the crowds with Brisket Benedict - Sunny Quail Eggs, Smoked Hollandaise, House English Muffin At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Rick Gencarelli of Lardo pleased the crowds with Brisket Benedict - Sunny Quail Eggs, Smoked Hollandaise, House English Muffin

Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde from New York offered Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and showed how chefs have no feeling in their fingers anymore and can cook with their bare hands, ha ha.
Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde from New York offered Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde from New York offered Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde from New York offered Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Fingers that feel no pain are demonstrated also by the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder as they turned fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam
Brunch Village Feast 2015 the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder Café offered fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam Brunch Village Feast 2015 the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder Café offered fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam Fingers that feel no pain are demonstrated at Brunch Village Feast 2015 by the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder Café as they turned fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam Brunch Village Feast 2015 the team lead by Daniel N Oseas of Broder Café offered fresh made Aebleskiver with Lingonberry Jam

Patrick Fleming of Boke Bowl prepared Spicy Black Bean Pork, Turnip Cake, Small Egg, Berry Bean Bao which delivered on a lot of flavor.
Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Patrick Fleming of Boke Bowl prepared Spicy Black Bean Pork, Turnip Cake, Small Egg, Berry Bean Bao Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Patrick Fleming of Boke Bowl prepared Spicy Black Bean Pork, Turnip Cake, Small Egg, Berry Bean Bao Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Patrick Fleming of Boke Bowl prepared Spicy Black Bean Pork, Turnip Cake, Small Egg, Berry Bean Bao

Also representing Portland chefs at Brunch Village was Jason French of Ned Ludd who created Pork Tenderloin Ham on a Cheesy Corn Cake with Fermented Green Tomato and Cured Egg Yolk.
At Brunch Village Feast 2015, Jason French of Ned Ludd created Pork Tenderloin Ham, Cheesy Corn Cake, Fermented Green Tomato, Cured Egg Yolk At Brunch Village Feast 2015, Jason French of Ned Ludd created Pork Tenderloin Ham, Cheesy Corn Cake, Fermented Green Tomato, Cured Egg Yolk At Brunch Village Feast 2015, Jason French of Ned Ludd created Pork Tenderloin Ham, Cheesy Corn Cake, Fermented Green Tomato, Cured Egg Yolk

Longest line of the Brunch Village 2015 was for Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York who impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin how many hundreds of eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish Eggs served with bread to dip. I mean look how many eggs are in that circulator! This was my favorite dish for 2015 Brunch Village.
At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Brad Farmerie of Saxon + Parole from New York impressed (and so did his heroic sous, crackin eggs the entire event) to offer the adoring crowds Turkish eggs

I also loved the freshly fried chicken by Simpatica who was rocking it like a well oiled (stainleess steel) machine making their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup. As you can sorta see I went back maybe a couple times… they ran out of waffles but not fried chicken and I can’t complain about a little tray of multiple morsels of fried chicken.
At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup At Brunch Village for Feast 2015 Simpatica pleased the crowd with their Fried Chicken and Waffles with Green Tomato Syrup

Ben Ford of Ford’s Filling Station from Los Angeles offered Lamb Rillettes, goat cheese, chile, mint
At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Ben Ford of Ford's Filling Station from Los Angeles offered Lamb Rillettes, goats cheese, chile, mint At Brunch Village for Feast 2015, Ben Ford of Ford's Filling Station from Los Angeles offered Lamb Rillettes, goats cheese, chile, mint

Sarah Schafer of Irving Street Kitchen, always a big supporter of the fight against hunger, made Smoked Bison Brisket Tamales
During Brunch Village at Feast 2015, Sarah Schafer of Irving Street Kitchen, always a big supporter of the fight against hunger, made Smoked Bison Brisket Tamales During Brunch Village at Feast 2015, Sarah Schafer of Irving Street Kitchen, always a big supporter of the fight against hunger, made Smoked Bison Brisket Tamales

Alissa Frice of Frice Pastry brought various kind of Madeleines, including these Biscuits & Gravy Madeleines,  Steak and Egg Madeleines, and also Banana Chocolate Chip Pancake Madeleines.
For Brunch Village Feast 2015, Alissa Frice of Frice Pastry brought various kind of Madeleines, including these Biscuits & Gravy Madeleines For Brunch Village Feast 2015, Alissa Frice of Frice Pastry brought various kind of Madeleines, including these Steak and Egg Madeleines as well as Biscuits & Gravy Madeleines and Banana Chocolate Chip Pancake Madeleines

Nate Snell of Pip’s Original Doughnuts brought his mobile cart to hand out Raw Honey & Sea Salt and Blackberry Lavender mini doughnuts along with Handcrafted Chai. Meanwhile, Jackie Ellis of Beaucoup Bakery from Vancouver BC, Canada offered Petit Chocolate Almond Croissants.
At Feast 2015 Brunch Village Nate Snell of Pip's Original Doughnuts brought his adorable little mobile cart to hand out Raw Honey & Sea Salt and Blackberry Lavender mini doughnuts along with Handcrafted Chai Brunch Village at Feast 2015 - Jackie Ellis of Beaucoup Bakery from Vancouver BC, Canada offered Petit Chocolate Almond Croissant

More Bites and Sips by Participating Sponsors

USA Pears, one of the participating sponsors, really brought their A game with their Creamy Coconut and Star Anise Poached Pears and a Pear Shrub with Sparkling Prosecco or Soda Water
At Feast Brunch Village 2015, USA Pears, one of the participating sponsors, really brought their A game with their Creamy Coconut and Star Anise Poached Pears and a Pear Shrub with Sparkling Prosecco or Soda Water At Feast Brunch Village 2015, USA Pears, one of the participating sponsors, really brought their A game with their Creamy Coconut and Star Anise Poached Pears and a Pear Shrub with Sparkling Prosecco or Soda Water

Titled sponsor of Brunch Village Tillamook brought what they dubbed Pine State’s Tillatart A La Mode with bourbon apple butter and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar
Sponsor at Brunch Village Feast 2015 Tillamook brought what they dubbed Pine State's Tillatart A La Mode with bourbon apple butter and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar Sponsor at Brunch Village Feast 2015 Tillamook brought what they dubbed Pine State's Tillatart A La Mode with bourbon apple butter and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar

Participating Sponsor Whole Foods Market gave us a bit of health with a Balancing Act Smoothie
Participating Sponsor Whole Foods Market at Brunch Village during Feast 2015 gave us a bit of health with a Balancing Act Smoothie Participating Sponsor Whole Foods Market at Brunch Village during Feast 2015 gave us a bit of health with a Balancing Act Smoothie Participating Sponsor Whole Foods Market at Brunch Village during Feast 2015 gave us a bit of health with a Balancing Act Smoothie

Travel Oregon had a booth area where during Feast they had visiting restaurants from Oregon show off dishes from all over the state. This included Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant from Albany, OR who offered Hungarian Meatballs and Red Cabbage for another ethnic take on brunchy food while Sammich of Ashland, OR brought House-Cured Pastrami with Double R Brisket on Light Rye with Swiss, Slaw, and Housemade Russian dressing.
Novak's Hungarian Restaurant from Albany, OR offered Hungarian Meatballs and Red Cabbage for another ethnic take on brunchy food at Brunch Village, Feast 2015 Sammich of Ashland, OR brought House-Cured Pastrami with Double R Brisket on Light Rye with Swiss, Slaw, and Housemade Russian dressing at Brunch Village, Feast 2015 Sammich of Ashland, OR brought House-Cured Pastrami with Double R Brisket on Light Rye with Swiss, Slaw, and Housemade Russian dressing at Brunch Village, Feast 2015

I was also super pumped to see a Nuvrei booth at Brunch Village I adore their croissants and macaroons. Particularly I go for the savory Sesame Thyme or Ham and Cheese croissants instead of the chocolate ones – I always have passed them up for the macaroons but this was my chance to get them! They generously gave each guest a choice a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant. I picked the Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant.
Nuvrei gave you a choice at Feast 2015 Brunch Village between a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant Nuvrei gave you a choice at Feast 2015 Brunch Village between a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant Nuvrei gave you a choice at Feast 2015 Brunch Village between a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant Nuvrei gave you a choice at Feast 2015 Brunch Village between a little bagged to take home Matcha Chocolate Crosisant, Chewy Chocolate Cookie, Mini-Canele, Chocolate Croissant, or Matcha Chocolate Almond Croissant

What is your favorite brunch place in Portland? What of these brunch bites sounds good to you? Are you doing a Mother’s Day brunch?

Are you thinking of going to Feast Portland this year? Will you be with me at 9 AM on May 19 carefully reading the schedule and prioritizing which events you want to go to, and buying tickets on May 20?

 

Disclosure: I was granted a Blogger Pass for Feast Portland 2015 for blog post and social media coverage but I am not otherwise being compensated. I also purchased my own Feast event ticket to the Aaron Franklin Stumptown Coffee Cookout.  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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Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage

March 7, 2016 by Leave a Comment

When I saw last year that Stupid F***ing Bird was on the list for Portland Center Stage‘s season, I was pretty excited. Around this time last year I attended the PCS production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike which was a fun modern take with references to famous Russian playwright and short story writer Anton Chekhov as well as a bit of meta mocking and mashup of theater and modern times. I really enjoyed the production. Stupid F***ing Bird is similar, but focuses specifically on having fun with Chekhov’s The Seagull. Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage is running now until March 27.

Art by Julia McNamara poster for Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage. By Aaron Posner Directed by Howard Shalwitz
Art by Julia McNamara presenting Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage. By Aaron Posner Directed by Howard Shalwitz

You don’t have to know anything at all about Chekhov to enjoy Stupid F***ing Bird. It addresses things we can all relate to as a human being- loving someone and wanting to be loved back, wanting to be meaningful, wondering about the point of life. And as you can tell right away from the title, it does so in a cheeky way that doesn’t hold back from expletives and strength of feelings.

If you want to know a little background though, Chekhov spotlights how the everyday includes opposite moods and emotions occurring simultaneously.  Overall, his works reflect that life is comedic and maddening and fascinating in being sorta terrible. I believe Chekhov inspired Leo Tolstoy in showing how unhappy families are all unhappy in their own way.

Kate Eastwood Norris as Emma Arkadina, Ian Holcomb as Conrad Arkadina, Charles Leggett as Eugene Sorn and Cody Nickell as Doyle Trigorin in Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage
(l-r): Kate Eastwood Norris as Emma Arkadina, Ian Holcomb as Conrad Arkadina, Charles Leggett as Eugene Sorn and Cody Nickell as Doyle Trigorin in Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage. Photo by Patrick Weishampel/blankeye.tv

Similar to The Seagull, in  Stupid F***ing Bird not a lot of action happens onstage – instead, the audience experiences the conversations and observations that lead before and in the aftermath of those offstage events – and this script follows suit. You are an observer of a group of people and their relationships to each other because drama is people in the everyday, rather than big events. Thankfully, Stupid F***ing Bird trims down the original play to a manageable number of people and acts, and their names are a lot more normal to make it a lean and more effective and clear story.  It doesn’t follow the The Seagull directly but more takes inspiration by carrying forward all the intended sentiments but into more current times, and distills it into bigger emotions.

The play brings the weight of the inner turmoils and longings within each of its characters quickly and succinctly – each of the actors and actresses were perfect in completely embodying who they are even without words. Each person is complex – with a positive trait as well as a negative trait that helps you empathize but at the same time shake your head a little.

Con, played by actor Ian Holcomb is the energy that propels the people through the story with his desperation for love and meaning. I don’t know how as an actor he digs in every night to find the emotional energy to pour into portraying the brash ambitions of that kind of young man so well. He really makes it real, helping everyone feel for his “I want to change the world” hopes while also feeling exhausted as he takes himself so seriously. You can relate to the bemusement, patience, and exasperation reactions of the other characters to him.

Meanwhile, you can understand his obsession with the radiant Nina played by Katie deBuys whose presence is like a breath of fresh air compared to all the glass half empty viewpoints everyone else has. She does a wonderful job of presenting that lightness at the start that contrasts sharply as she hardens, with a great assist from wardrobe from floaty ethereal garments to being all wrapped up in layers from coldness at the end.

Katie deBuys as Nina, Cody Nickell as Doyle Trigorin, Kate Eastwood Norris as Emma Arkadina, Charles Leggett as Eugene Sorn, Darius Pierce as Dev and Kimberly Gilbert as Mash in Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage
(l-r): Katie deBuys as Nina, Cody Nickell as Doyle Trigorin, Kate Eastwood Norris as Emma Arkadina, Charles Leggett as Eugene Sorn, Darius Pierce as Dev and Kimberly Gilbert as Mash in Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage. Photo by Patrick Weishampel/blankeye.tv

I most fell in love with Kimberly Gilbert’s Mash through her brilliant physical presentation with her body language, fully taking advantage of stage presence. While Con and Nina may be the center of the story, it’s the tragedy and comedy as represented by Nina, or the perfect timing of observations by Charles Leggett as Sorn, that I think are the heart of the play. They experience a quieter, parallel addressing of Con’s and Nina’s yearning for love and meaning, and I think Masha and Sorn serve as the author and audience surrogate. The script also breaks the fourth wall immediately, including us the audience as observers that those on the stage are conscious of and sometimes directly address and interact with at times, and getting meta with it’s source material as well as theater in general and us!

After the play, it’s interesting to chat with others who have seen the play on your order of who you liked the most to least, in order. I won’t give away the end, but it’s one that leaves it open to us and ensuing conversation to decide what it all means, if anything at all…

There is some mature language and sexuality so PCS recommends it for ages 16+.  The play notes that “Contains mature language (surprise!) and content, fleeting nudity, fog, loaded guns and theater people.”

Stupid F***ing Bird at Portland Center Stage run until March 27. The performance runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15 minute intermission. All performances are at the Armory (128 NW 11th Avenue, in the Pearl District) on the U.S. Bank Main Stage. See more details and other ticket specials for groups, students, military, or learn about rush tickets here.

  • Tuesday – Sunday 7:30 PM. ($25-64 for adults Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun, $25-70 for the Fri-Sat evening performances)
  • Saturday and Sundays at 2 PM and Thursdays at noon  ($25-53 for adults)

You can enjoy $10 off select tickets to Stupid &?@#!*% Bird using promo code “SOCIAL”. Note that the promotional code valid only on seating areas 1-3 and is not valid on previously purchased tickets, student tickets or in combination with other discounts and is subject to availability.

As a special for March, PCS is hosting a special March series of Social Hour events featuring local performance companies Hand2Mouth, Performance Works NW, PETE and Shaking the Tree. These are events that allow you to connect with Portland artists prior to a performance on all Thursdays in March from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (includes a beer or glass of wine on PCS) and all Sunday’s in March from 1 to 2 p.m. (includes a complimentary mimosa on PCS)!

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production, 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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Cyrano at Portland Center Stage

April 11, 2015 by 4 Comments

I was excited to see that a production of Cyrano would be at Portland Center Stage from April 4 — May 3, 2015 on the U.S. Bank Main Stage, with Opening Night last night on April 10, which I attended. You may be already familiar with the story of Cyrano via the fun modern adaption in the Steve Martin/Daryl Hannah movie Roxanne (which I confess I saw many times as a kid and still love) or more traditional Cyrano de Bergerac lavish French movie for which Gérard Depardieu was nominated for an Oscar even though it was non-English speaking (among many other 33 nominations and 20 awards the actors and movie were nominated and won). The version at Portland Center Stage (PCS) is a translation and interpretation by Michael Hollinger and Aaron Posner, and directed by Jane Jones, of the original play by Edmund Rostand (1868 – 1918) .

The PCS production of Cyrano straddles both those lines of fun and traditional, providing the lush 17th century setting in France and costumes of the original (same time period as the Three Musketeers) and flowy poetic prose, but also adapting the French romance and injecting comedy to modern sensibilities. It has both heart and humor.
Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano poster, Art by Michael Buchino
Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano poster, Art by Michael Buchino

At a high level, Cyrano is a story about a man (who actually existed in real life) who you would traditionally see as a hero- he’s a swashbuckling swordfighter, well-read and articulate enough to be witty in banter and poetic in writing, the character of Cyrano is literally the definition of panache. But, although he’s brave outwardly to everyone who perceive him, even reckless, Cyrano’s weakness is that he is not brave in love because of his own insecurity and self doubts about his looks, specifically his large nose.
Andrew McGinn as Cyrano in Portland Center Stage's new adaptation of the classic romantic comedy. Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano, photo by Patrick Weishampel/http://blankeye.tv
Andrew McGinn as Cyrano. From Portland Center Stage’s new adaptation of the classic romantic comedy, both photos by Patrick Weishampel

All of this comes to a head when the woman he loves, Roxanne, tells him she has a crush on a handsome new man in town named Christian. When Cyrano learns Christian returns that attraction, he becomes the ultimate wingman of all time to help Christian romance her.  Exciting battles and laughs but also romantic dialogue and tugging at our heartstrings follow.
(L-R) Damon Kupper, Andrew McGinn and Chris Harder in Portland Center Stage's new adaptation of the classic romantic comedy Cyrano, photo by Patrick Weishampel/http://blankeye.tv
(L-R) Damon Kupper, Andrew McGinn and Chris Harder // (L-R) Leif Norby and Jenn Taylor. From Portland Center Stage’s new adaptation of the classic romantic comedy, both photos by Patrick Weishampel

Performance Times and Prices (Rush tickets are $20, youth/student tickets $25. See more details and other ticket specials for groups or military here):

  • Evenings at 7:30 PM: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun ($36-63) and Fri or Sat ($36-$69)
  • Matinees: 2 PM on Saturday and Sundays or Noon on Thursdays ($36-52)

The run time of the play is about 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission. Cyrano is recommended for ages 10+, children under 6 are not permitted at any PCS production.

If you don’t know the story, some thoughts to consider after watching the story are that I might suggest over cocktails or dinner include,

  1. Does Cyrano help Christian woo Roxane because he selflessly wants her to be happy? Or is he being selfish or prideful because he risks his life easily but won’t take the risk of the truth?
  2. The other men admire Cyrano for living a life where he does and says what he wants, whenever he wants, being true to himself. But that’s not true with Roxane. What part of Cyrano’s life do you think is the truth and what is the charade?
  3. Is Roxane worthy of the love of Christian and Cyrano?

As always, the Armory Cafe is always open before, during and after performances so if you want to grab a bite and a cocktail before the show,as they are always open 1.5 hours before the show, and you can take your beverage (with a lid) to enjoy during the show. Did you know you can also avoid the long lines at intermission by before going in to enjoy the first act, pre-order and pay for your drink to be ready for you at intermission with a sign at intermission? Seriously genius.

As always, they have a few themed cocktails invented based on the current shows. I enjoyed the Roxane with Campo Viejo Cava Brut Rose, St Germaine Elderflower Liqueur,  and Peychaud’s Bitters sugar cube and also the Mon Panache with Monopolowa Vodka, vanilla simple and pear nectar.
Cocktail of Roxane with Campo Viejo Cava Brut Rose, St Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, and Peychaud's Bitters sugar cube at the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano Cocktail of the Mon Panache with Monopolowa Vodka, vanilla simple and pear nectar at the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano. You can pay for your order before the first act and during intermission, it will be waiting for you with a sign so you don't have to wait in the long line You can bring your drink into the Portland Center Stage theater if you enjoy it with a lid and a straw...

If you want to continue to a meal with a French theme after the show, I would also recommend Little Bird, a French Bistro located only less than half a mile away and open until midnight everyday (and bonus, 10 PM -midnight is their late happy hour). Other nearby French options might be Brasserie Montmartre or if you are looking at eats before a matinee or after the Tuesday early show, Nuvrei or Le Bouchon.

If you are interested, there is also a special FREE event PCS will be hosting on Sunday April 26 from 4 – 7:30 PM, the La Fête de Rostand. In the Armory lobby between the matinee and evening performances of Cyrano (4:30-7 PM) they are holding a celebration in honor of the playwright of Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmund Rostand and all things French. During that time PCS will have specialty cocktails, French press coffee, champagne and pastries from the Armory Café and local musicians performing music in French.

Because I attended on Opening Night, I had a chance to enjoy a few extras, including the always fun centerpieces they have upstairs to reflect the production (Roses with Noses here for Cyrano). After the show there were some themed appetizers such as “French cheese platters”, some sort of pastry cylinder filled with ratatouille, two types of tartines, and mini galettes (galettes are mentioned in the play, as well as several other baked goods and food in 2 difference scenes!). And they had some people making balloon swords!
Beer and red and white wines flowing on Opening Night at Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano (as hinted by that centerpiece with roses and large noses) Fun centerpieces at the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano Opening Night Fun centerpieces at the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano Opening Night Some of the fun French themed appetizers at Opening Night of the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano, including tartines, mini galettes, and French cheese platters and some sort of pastry filled with ratatouille Opening Night the Portland Center Stage production of Cyrano included balloon swords, ha ha

Are you familiar with the Cyrano story, from reading it in school, the movies/plays? What are your thoughts on the idea of a character/person like Cyrano?

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production, 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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Feast Sandwich Invitational 2014 Recap

September 22, 2014 by 9 Comments

Here is my Feast Sandwich Invitational 2014 Recap. Just like when I attended (and recapped)  last year, it was the first big event for Feast Portland. This year it was held on Thursday September 18th from 6-9:00 PM at Directors Park.
Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014

Overall, the Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave’s Killer Bread offered 14 sandwiches competing for a People’s Choice award and also a Judge’s Choice award, as well as free-flowing Widmer beer, wines from Columbia Crest, Columbia Winery, Erath, Hawks View Cellars, Northstar and Union Wine Co as well as vodka cocktails from Reyka Vodka and some bonus grilled cheese sandwiches courtesy of Tillamook Cheese.

Like all of the Feast events, the net proceeds of the Sandwich Invitational go towards ending childhood hunger in Oregon through Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Share Our Strength. In it’s first two years, Feast has been able to raise $99,000 so far so the price of admission is not only all inclusive of all this food and drink, it’s also for a worthy and important cause.

But let’s get to the food porn photos right? The 14 sandwiches!

  • Hugh Acheson of Empire State South (Atlanta, GA). Nothing but love for his sweet goofyness and for bringing Pimento Cheese sandwiches, though I would have wanted much bigger smears of pimento cheese and more pimento or hot sauce. Yes,  maybe I thought photographing Hugh was of critical importance versus the sandwich.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Hugh Acheson of Empire State South (Atlanta, GA). Nothing but love for his sweet goofyness and for bringing pimento cheese. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Hugh Acheson of Empire State South (Atlanta, GA). Nothing but love for his sweet goofyness and for bringing pimento cheese.
  • Dustin Clark of upcoming restaurant The Oddfellow Social (Portland, OR) and known for having been the chef behind what was Wildwood created one of my favorite sandwiches of the night, a Pressed Water Buffalo Short Rib and Sichuan Pickled Cucumber Sandwich.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Dustin Clark of upcoming restaurant The Oddfellow Social (Portland, OR) and known for having been the chef behind what was Wildwood created one of my favorite sandwiches of the night, a Pressed Water Buffalo Short Rib and Sichuan Pickled Cucumber Sandwich. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Dustin Clark of upcoming restaurant The Oddfellow Social (Portland, OR) and known for having been the chef behind what was Wildwood created one of my favorite sandwiches of the night, a Pressed Water Buffalo Short Rib and Sichuan Pickled Cucumber Sandwich. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Dustin Clark of upcoming restaurant The Oddfellow Social (Portland, OR) and known for having been the chef behind what was Wildwood created one of my favorite sandwiches of the night, a Pressed Water Buffalo Short Rib and Sichuan Pickled Cucumber Sandwich.
  • Chris Cosentino of the upcoming restaurant Cockscomb (San Francisco, CA) and I could not pry any information/detail of what it will have decided to have a little fun by calling his sandwich the “Cicciolina” in honor of the Italian porn star/former politician famous for exposing her breasts in parliament and founder of Democracy, Nature and Love Party (DNA) which besides promoting same sex marriage and minimum wage for youths, also wanted to make it legal to open brothels. I guess I have to thank Chris for making me google and learn about her, even though I wonder if he was partially motivated by being able to have a sandwich sign that had nipples. Ahem. Anyway, I believe the Cicciolina was composed of porchetta, pork liver spread, pâté de champagne, mortadella, pickled carrot, basil, radish, red Fresno and fish sauce. It so happens that another of his sandwiches is currently at Lardo as one of the Chefwich series sandwiches. You can get this month at Lardo right now the chefwich called The Yardbird with chicken liver, crispy chicken skin, butter lettuce, heirloom tomato, pickled red onion,toasted birdseed pullman, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Michael J Fox Foundation
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Chris Cosentino, of upcoming Cockscomb in San Francisco CA decided to have a little fun by calling his sandwich the Cicciolina in honor of the Italian porn star/former politician Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Chris Cosentino, of upcoming Cockscomb in San Francisco CA decided to have a little fun by calling his sandwich the Cicciolina in honor of the Italian porn star/former politician
  • Scott Dolich of The Bent Brick (Portland, OR) had my vote for the best sandwich of the night with his BBQ Goat Frybread. If you are drooling like I am just looking at the pics, I believe on their happy hour menu at the Bent Brick they offer a BBQ Lamb Frybread version, which is even better only in that you will get to enjoy 1 or more of bar manager Michelle’s cocktails along with it then!
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Scott Dolich of The Bent Brick (Portland, OR) had my vote for the best sandwich of the nite with his BBQ Goat Frybread Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Scott Dolich of The Bent Brick (Portland, OR) had my vote for the best sandwich of the nite with his BBQ Goat Frybread Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Scott Dolich of The Bent Brick (Portland, OR) had my vote for the best sandwich of the nite with his BBQ Goat Frybread Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Scott Dolich of The Bent Brick (Portland, OR) had my vote for the best sandwich of the nite with his BBQ Goat Frybread Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Scott Dolich of The Bent Brick (Portland, OR) had my vote for the best sandwich of the nite with his BBQ Goat Frybread Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Scott Dolich of The Bent Brick (Portland, OR) had my vote for the best sandwich of the nite with his BBQ Goat Frybread
  • Rick Gencarelli of Lardo (Portland, OR) presented a smokey pork burger with dirty mustard, peach, American cheese, and arugula that ended up being one of the two longest lines for sandwiches of the festival. It does make for a beautiful little slider, though since I’ve had the Lardo burger along with their Dirty Fries on more than one occasion, this slider though filling just is not as awesome as what you can get normally at Lardo. So if you feel like you missed out, get yourself to one of the two locations of Lardo right now and get their burger, because I think it’s even better than this was!
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Rick Gencarelli of Lardo (Portland, OR) presented a smokey pork burger with dirty mustard, peach, American cheese, and arugula that ended up being one of the two longest lines for sandwiches of the festival Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Rick Gencarelli of Lardo (Portland, OR) presented a smokey pork burger with dirty mustard, peach, American cheese, and arugula that ended up being one of the two longest lines for sandwiches of the festival Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Rick Gencarelli of Lardo (Portland, OR) presented a smokey pork burger with dirty mustard, peach, American cheese, and arugula that ended up being one of the two longest lines for sandwiches of the festival
  • Tommy Habetz of Bunk Sandwiches (Portland, OR) not only was killing it with their slow roasted duck and foie banh mi with duck liver and fois gras pate, jalapeno, cilantro, basil, daikon and carrot pickles, but they even upped the ante from the mariachi band of last year to a a one man hot dog band. I am only sorry I was too short to take a good photo when in the gathered audience of the hot dog band. Thankfully you can get this tasty sandwich at Bunk Sandwiches now on their menu at their Water Avenue location.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Tommy Habetz of Bunk Sandwiches (Portland, OR) not only was killing it with their slow roasted duck and foie banh mi with uck liver and fois gras pate, jalapeno, cilantro, basil, daikon and carrot pickles, but they even upped the ante from the mariachi band of last year to a a one man hot dog band. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Tommy Habetz of Bunk Sandwiches (Portland, OR) not only was killing it with their slow roasted duck and foie banh mi with uck liver and fois gras pate, jalapeno, cilantro, basil, daikon and carrot pickles, but they even upped the ante from the mariachi band of last year to a a one man hot dog band. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Tommy Habetz of Bunk Sandwiches (Portland, OR) not only was killing it with their slow roasted duck and foie banh mi with uck liver and fois gras pate, jalapeno, cilantro, basil, daikon and carrot pickles, but they even upped the ante from the mariachi band of last year to a a one man hot dog band.
  • Derek Hanson of Broder Nord (Portland, OR) was not afraid of the chicken skin with his offering of Gravlax, Skyr, Pickled Cucumber, Crispy Chicken Skin on Rye Bread. I was happy to see the Skyr, which is a that yogurty spread you see on the bread with the gravlax as they are such an iconic Norwegian/Swedish/Icelandic ingredients. My rye was pretty dry, unfortunately, which could have been forgiven with more chicken skin or gravlax.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Derek Hanson of Broder Nord (Portland, OR) was not afraid of the chicken skin with his offering of Gravlax, Skyr, Pickled Cucumber, Crispy Chicken Skin on Rye Bread Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Derek Hanson of Broder Nord (Portland, OR) was not afraid of the chicken skin with his offering of Gravlax, Skyr, Pickled Cucumber, Crispy Chicken Skin on Rye Bread
  • Eric Joppie of  Bar Avignon (Portland, OR) really pushed what is a sandwich with his 2 croutons with his offering of a deconstructed Cubano. Still, the pork that I saw being cut right from the whole pig I saw behind the booth was moist, tender, full of flavor so it was enjoyable.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Eric Joppie of Bar Avignon really pushed what is a sandwich with his 2 croutons with his offering of a deconstructed Cubano. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Eric Joppie of Bar Avignon really pushed what is a sandwich with his 2 croutons with his offering of a deconstructed Cubano. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Eric Joppie of Bar Avignon really pushed what is a sandwich with his 2 croutons with his offering of a deconstructed Cubano.
  • Paul Kahan representing The Publican (Chicago, IL) got me excited when I saw his selected hashtag of #Boom and the ingredients of his Return of The Gyro included pork, eggplant, yogurt, fun, fenugreek, and flavor. Also he had claws with marker scrawl of “Bear Down” and proclaiming this the official sandwich of the Chicago Blackhawks, bring out all my Chicago sports team pride. The result was also a sandwich that was very well balanced and tasted lighter than so many of the fattier meat sandwiches that were being offered. So it’s ok I ate two right? This was one of my favorite sandwiches of the night.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Paul Kahan representing The Publican (Chicago, IL) Return of The Gyro included pork, eggplant, yogurt, fun, fenugreek, and flavor. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Paul Kahan representing The Publican (Chicago, IL) Return of The Gyro included pork, eggplant, yogurt, fun, fenugreek, and flavor. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Paul Kahan representing The Publican (Chicago, IL) Return of The Gyro included pork, eggplant, yogurt, fun, fenugreek, and flavor. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Paul Kahan representing The Publican (Chicago, IL) Return of The Gyro included pork, eggplant, yogurt, fun, fenugreek, and flavor.
  • Stephanie Pearl Kimmel of  Marché (Eugene, OR) presented a sandwich that I had towards the end of the night, a Moroccan lamb pocket bread of harissa aioli, cilantro pesto and side of root vegetable slaw and apparently forgot to photograph. Oops! I do remember eating it, and really enjoying the slaw! The Oregonian did get a photo of it in their article.
  • Tyler Malek of  Salt & Straw (Portland, OR) was the People’s Choice winner with the only sweet and dessert offering of the evening, a PB&J ice cream sandwich an open face stack with grilled bread, marionberry jam and peanut butter ice cream and whipped cream topped with peanut butter Captain Crunch. Everyone had this sandwich I think- it had the longest line of the night!
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Tyler Malek of Salt & Straw (Portland, OR) was the People's Choice winner with the only sweet and dessert offering of the evening, a PB&J ice cream sandwich Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Tyler Malek of Salt & Straw (Portland, OR) was the People's Choice winner with the only sweet and dessert offering of the evening, a PB&J ice cream sandwich Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Tyler Malek of Salt & Straw (Portland, OR) was the People's Choice winner with the only sweet and dessert offering of the evening, a PB&J ice cream sandwich
  • Matt McCallister of FT33 (Dallas, TX) also brought pimento cheese, but upped it by making it a Bologna and Pimento Cheese Sandwich.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Matt McCallister of FT33 (Dallas, TX) also brought pimento cheese, but upped it by making it a Bologna and Pimento Cheese Sandwich. Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Matt McCallister of FT33 (Dallas, TX) also brought pimento cheese, but upped it by making it a Bologna and Pimento Cheese Sandwich.
  • Bonnie Morales of Kachka (Portland, OR) earned the Judge’s Choice award with her Smoked Sprats, Egg, Smetana on Butter Fried Toasts. If you want to give it a try, she has a similar option under appetizers at her Kachka restaurant under cold zakuski, Baltic Sprat Buterbrodi.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Bonnie Morales of Kachka (Portland, OR) earned the Judge's Choice award with her Smoked Sprats, Egg, Smetana on Butter Fried Toasts Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Bonnie Morales of Kachka (Portland, OR) earned the Judge's Choice award with her Smoked Sprats, Egg, Smetana on Butter Fried Toasts Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Bonnie Morales of Kachka (Portland, OR) earned the Judge's Choice award with her Smoked Sprats, Egg, Smetana on Butter Fried Toasts
  • Cathy Whims of Nostrana (Portland, OR) was still giving out a relaxed vibe from her return from Hawaii as she presented her sandwich of Peach Whim Smoked Lamb Ham, Cresenze Cheese, Watercress, Tomato, and Spicy Onion Relish which was paired with the Widmer Portlandic Porter, my favorite sandwich and Widmer beer pairing of the night.
    Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Cathy Whims of Nostrana (Portland, OR) was still giving out a relaxed vibe from her return from Hawaii as she presented her sandwich of Peach Whim Smoked Lamb Ham, Cresenze Cheese, WAtercress, Tomato, and Spicy Onion Relish which was paired with the Widmer Portlandic Porter, my favorite sandwich and Widmer beer pairing of the night Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Cathy Whims of Nostrana (Portland, OR) was still giving out a relaxed vibe from her return from Hawaii as she presented her sandwich of Peach Whim Smoked Lamb Ham, Cresenze Cheese, WAtercress, Tomato, and Spicy Onion Relish which was paired with the Widmer Portlandic Porter, my favorite sandwich and Widmer beer pairing of the night Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational presented by Dave's Killer Bread, Feast 2014. Cathy Whims of Nostrana (Portland, OR) was still giving out a relaxed vibe from her return from Hawaii as she presented her sandwich of Peach Whim Smoked Lamb Ham, Cresenze Cheese, WAtercress, Tomato, and Spicy Onion Relish which was paired with the Widmer Portlandic Porter, my favorite sandwich and Widmer beer pairing of the night

For more gorgeous photos from this year’s Feast Sandwich Invitational 2014, check out fellow bloggers armed with real cameras instead of my smartphone and also with an incredible photographic eye, Michelle of Hummingbird High and her photo essay or Irvin of Eat The Love, back for his second round of Feast with his Photo Essay: Feast Portland 2014, Day 1.

There are also some photos available at the Oregonian’s The Three Best Bites from the Sandwich Invitational article .

This is my second recap: my first was for the Oregon Grand Bounty Tasting on Friday and Saturday. My next recap will be for a Feast dinner!

Disclosure: I was granted a Blogger Pass for Feast Portland 2014 for blog post and social media coverage but I am not otherwise being compensated. 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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