Wholesome Blends, Russell Street BBQ, Got Pho?
I’ve known for a long time that the overpriced coffee from [overbearing chain that shall not be mentioned] isn’t worth it, but a visit to nearly any locally owned coffee house drives the point home that much further. My friends and family would be shocked to hear that I caved in on Christmas Eve and purchased Starwhores coffee because it was located next to the grocery store and we were so
a) frustrated with the commerce-mad crowds
b) ready to go home
c) desperate for caffeine
d) all of the above
Big mistake. Big. Huge! We’re talking convenience store dispenser grade crap. No body to it. Barely any flavor. We honestly would have been better off getting our coffee from the (less crowded) quickie mart down the street.
As a consumer I have a choice, and on Friday I chose poorly. Thank the deities that I have many other options with all the wonderful locally-owned caffeine joints in town.
Wholesome Blends on Sandy in the Hollywood neighborhood is high on my list of favorite local spots. They serve delectable Stumptown brew, offer a comfortable seating area so you can hang out with the neighborhoodies, and have a charming and personable staff. Bonus points for their supply of Buddha Belly Bakery goodies. If you want an attitude problem with your coffee, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Situated in a former filling station, there’s a very convenient parking area for those who need their coffee on the go. It’s also a great place to stop before a wander through the neighborhood shops on a weekend morning.
Wholesome Blends
4615 NE Sandy Blvd
(503) 281-2579
With the decline of a former favorite southern cooking spot on Woodstock, I’ve been on the prowl for a place that can satisfy my cravings for homemade mac and cheese. Call off the dogs! The hunt is over.
Russell Street BBQ dishes up a stellar mac and cheese, but that’s not all! Melt in your mouth, meat falling right off the bone ribs in a zesty sauce are one of their specialties. Collard greens that are too tasty for words. I used my fingers to get the last traces of pimento cheese spread out of the serving dish. Paired with garlic cheese toast, this stuff is heavenly! I only wish we’d saved room for the fried chocolate pies or the spicy gingerbread cake. There was a really yummy flavored vinegar available on the tables, and after we paid our check I found myself bashfully asking the chef if I could buy some to take home. She smiled and dashed back into the kitchen to get me some. Such a great staff. If you can’t make it to their dining room, hook up with the folks at Delivered Dish and have it delivered to *your* dining room.
Russell Street Barbecue
325 NE Russell Street
503.528.8224
Got Pho? I actually hadn’t tried Pho before I checked out this neighborhood eatery, but I am so very glad that I did. Reasonably priced bowls of steaming flavorful broth and lots of goodies such as noodles, meat and veggies. Even more important, they have my beloved Vietnamese sandwiches! We’re talking bliss on a bun here. Grilled meat, marinated carrots and cucumbers, cilantro, the works. Amazingly friendly staff who pride themselves on their healthy menu. They do take-out, too!
Got Pho?
3634 NE Sandy Blvd.
(503) 235-4411