Tag: New businesses in Portland

Opening Night for Eris

Dear Liza,

Our new friend Tony Pepe and his new bar Eris had their opening night this past Friday. It was a very warm evening and we were looking for nice cold cocktails. We found them!

Auntie Bridgett had an Armagnac, I had a new creation called the Carmen Sutra, and Grandpa Nelson had a glass of red wine. Mine is the pretty pink one.

There was a lively crowd of happy people, including some of our neighbors, enjoying conversation, music, and Tony’s friendly staff; Cassius, Kyle, and Mitchell.

The decor of Eris really speaks to me.

Sigorney Weaver as Ripley (with her cat) keeps look out from over the bar; homages to Sir Terry Pratchett decorate what we will forever call OUR table, and Vigo from Ghostbusters II haunts the bathroom.

You gotta love a haunted bathroom!

The music was a bit loud for my taste, but I’m 68 and don’t generally care for loud music. I’m sure, as cocktail bars go, it was perfect.

As the summer wears on, I know we will be stopping by Eris for yummy wines and chilled cocktails, clever conversation and tasty snacks.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Moore Coffee, Please!

Dear Liza,

Mostly, when we need groceries, we make small trips and walk the goodies home, but when we are out of soda, ice cream and cat litter all at once, it’s time to bring the big guns.

And since we had the car out, we decided to so some wandering. We drove to Collage Art Supplies on Division and picked up some card stock and watercolors on sale.Then we headed to Artifact, a curated second hand store with really neat stuff. I got a new hat! (That is a story for tomorrow).

Then, worn out and needing sustenance before grocery shopping, we hunted for a new place Auntie Bridgett had heard about, Moore Coffee…. “It’s in a little alley,” she said. And she was right. And such a pleasant alley!

The actual coffee is served out of a tricked out Volkswagen van, and the van is parked in a delightfully comfy and bohemian space between and behind two buildings. There are cozy chairs and yummy food and drink. There is shade from the sun and protection from the rain.

And, the young man told us, on weekdays after lunch, there is beer and wine and sandwiches! (Which means we need to make a return visit).

Pain Au chocolat? Oui, s’il vous plait!

And there was a vintage MAD magazine!

Enjoying the yummy pastry and cooling iced Earl Grey tea while enjoying spoofs on the elections of 1976 was relaxing, delicious and very Portland.

When we finally pulled ourselves out of the old Adirondack chairs and headed for Safeway, we were well prepared. What a lovely day!

Love,

Grandma Judy