Anyone who knows me knows I need to eat dead animals to survive. Although I love tofu and quinoa and Amazake and homemade tempeh, I do not get actual usable energy from these protein rich items.
My body would like me to believe that I can survive on caffeine and pastries though, or fruit and ice cream, or raw vegetables and cheese. But I can not. And the DT's are rough.
The caffeine tastes so good here in Portland, though. And there are enough stellar pastries to keep me afloat for hours and hours. Because most of my stamina comes from restaurant work where there's no time to pee, eat or sit, I can go on fumes for longer than 
the average human. I can go on the excitement of finding the next bakery, the next bread, the next find.
So tonight I am happy to report I will be eating at Le Pigeon, and then desserting at clarklewis. (The ownership and management is completely different at cl since the last time I was in PDX.) I will need a big, fatty meal to keep me fueled for my trip down to California tomorrow. I am actually looking forward to the long drive. All that thinking, all that looking. And all that listening.
My iPod is stocked with Sleater-Kinney, Otis Redding, Slick Rick, Iron & Wine, The Be Good Tanyas, Joni Mitchell, D'Angelo, Missy Elliott, Dave Brubeck, Operation Ivy, Chemical Brothers, and DJ Krush, to name a few.
Thanks for coming along on my Pacific Northwest adventure.
Next stop, Chicago. A city I have never been before!
You are going to just die when you see Chicago - the architechture is stunning, to say the least. But I now know what you mean about Portland: what is there NOT to love? Driving westbound and coming over that last little hill in the highway before the city seems to languidly uncurl its stretched limbs towards the sky in a split second... What a happy little city! It makes me smile just thinking about it. Safe travels home, Shuna - and cheers to new beginnings! =)
Posted by: devon | 19 July 2007 at 12:20 AM
You're going to be in Chicago?! When and for how long? It's only 3 hours from Madison... If you could only make it up here for Saturday market, you wouldn't be sorry! Probably not this trip, I know. I've been doing a little scheming of my own to figure out a way to get you here to teach. Can you send me an email with how many people I'd need to round up to make it feasible? Thanks!
Posted by: lee | 19 July 2007 at 08:30 AM
chicago is a great town, esp in the spring when everyone comes out of hiding. i miss it. my fondest food memories from there are of beakfast.... have fun!
melissa xo
Posted by: melissa | 19 July 2007 at 11:20 AM
Breakfast at Bongo Room. Dessert at Hot Chocolate.
Posted by: sugarbuzz | 19 July 2007 at 09:51 PM
You are coming to Chicago???!!! Welcome!! (in advance!) Like many Chicagoans, I sure love this place and the food you can find here (Enough to justify all the exclamation points!!).
If there is anything I can help you with during your visit, please let me know.
Posted by: Anna | 19 July 2007 at 09:58 PM
I'd like to suggest a restaurant in Chicago.
Try to get a table at Schwa. Even if they answer the phone, they're booked for weeks, so walk over there and try to talk to them in the morning.
Here's a typical review:
http://tammystastings.blogspot.com/2006/10/schwa.html
Posted by: Bruce F | 20 July 2007 at 10:08 AM
And if you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, check out Sai Cafe on Sheffield or Rise near Southport. Both excellent sushi restaurants. Enjoy our lovely city!
Posted by: Jim | 20 July 2007 at 01:14 PM
Chicago Comments & Suggestions:
Thank you thank you thank you!
These are fantastic.
I will attempt to eat out in your fine city as much as time and expense will allow. I will not have a car and I will not be driving, but besides that nothing can stop me from exploring your fine & famous city.
Keep 'em coming...
Posted by: shuna fish lydon | 21 July 2007 at 03:19 AM