The Story of the Curious Oysters

Unbeknownst to me, oysters on the open flame are amazingly easy and delicious! After a couple years working at a seafood restaurant, shucking oysters in a hurry became another skill tucked into my toolbelt that rarely gets exercise. I was pleased to learn I've still got it!

My buddy from back home who is living in Seattle now, drove down this weekend to join my friends and I camping on the Oregon Coast for the holiday weekend. I rounded up the extra spicy cocktail sauce, lemons, and started shucking! Dave had the idea to throw them on the grill, and surprised us all when they started popping open, ready to eat.

I enjoyed their gently cooked plumpness. The black ringed edges frilled up like a lovely skirt. Next time I'll report back with proper food porn.

See the cute little baby barnacles attached to the oyster shell? We also took a little day trip down to Seal Rock state park, to wander in the tide pools and make new friends with anenome, starfish, and dozens of other tiny creatures!


I don't think I will be making any more trips to the coast without picking up a couple pounds of oysters... way too easy and delicious to pass up for a quick camping appetizer!

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Tutus on Parade

Pedalpalooza (2+ weeks of bikey fun including the WNBR) has begun.

Tonight, is a ride that speaks dearly to my heart. 

Tutu Food Cart Ride

Whyyyyy do I not own a tutu?! Has the 20-something (how many more years do I get to say that??) Alice lost touch with the 4 year old Alice? She would not overlook such an integral part of a lady's wardrobe.

 Adorable food carts, bikes, silly people... what else do you need in a Portland afternoon??

Perhaps skates?

images: tutu * food cart

date night

Last week Travis and I ventured up to Alberta street for an evening stroll together. without plans or expectations, just a rumbly in our tummies. We found a charming Italian restaurant with crystal chandeliers and a happy hour that lasts until 8pm! There was only room at the bar, but we are fans of making friends with bartenders/sushi chefs while munching on deliciousness. The kitchen was wide open with meat sizzling as we walked by. The cooks would hand our small plates over the small divider between the bar and the kitchen, hand served, piping hot! Best calamari I have had to date, and its one of my favorite dishes.

Fried Fresh Monterrey Calamari / Capers / Lemon Aioli
Spaghetti Bolognese / Meatballs
Roasted Beets / Feta
Lamb / Sausage Patty over Mashed Potatoes

We didn't make it to dessert, but everything was so enticing.

*All images via Ciao Vito

2203 NE Alberta
Portland, OR 97211
503-282-5522