So as of right now, crafty people from all over the world are pouring into Portland for the 2013 Spring Quilt Market! I am lucky enough to have snagged a ticket through my girl Bex (its a trade show, so not open to the general public). I’ll be taking about a million pictures and sharing here and on instagram ( I’m goldwillow there too). Let me know in the comments if there’s a special collection you’d love to see more of! I’m going to see and possibly meet some of my crafty heroes. To say that I am excited is a WEEEEEEE bit of an understatment 🙂
Now, as Portland is known for its culinary scene, I thought I would take a few minutes to do a round up of some of my fav Portland shops, eateries and general weirdness. This is just a list off the top of my head, I’ve visited each of these places at least twice. Add more suggestions in the comments! I can’t wait to meet everyone!!!!!
Culinary
Frank’s Noodle House Only the best dumplings and hand pulled noodles EVER
Podnah’s Pit awesome BBQ. Not a spot for vegans or vegetarians
Township and Range down home style. Southern meets PNW flavor
The Screen Door best southern in Portland. Good brunch. Get here early, lines get crazy
Nong’s Khao man gai The most delicious chicken and rice ever, a perfected version of thai street cuisine. Cart location downtown, brick and mortar in South East. Buy a bottle of the sauce.
Blue Star Donuts Forget Voodoo. Their donuts are garbage compared to these masterpieces. Best ever. followed closely by Tonalli’s (esp. their buttermilk donut)
Toro Bravo good tapas. Fun drinks in the joint upstairs
Boke Bowl Portland style Ramen
Little T American Bakers Very good pastries and sandwiches.
Laurelhurst Market OMG so good. Love their steak frites.
Wayfu PDX Ramen!!!! Very nice broth
Nostrana Italian. Excellent food and drinks
Pok Pok funky and delicious Thai
Tasty n Sons
Grain and Gristle makes a damn good burger
Salt and Straw the best ice cream EVERRRRR
Irving Street Kitchen
Ken’s Artisan bakery and Pizza
Apizza Scholls amazing pizza. get here early
Pine State Biscuits So good, but plan for a food coma, you will leave here very stuffed
Kenny and Zukes good sandwiches. Good latkes
Ristretto Roasters good espresso
Nossa Familia the makers of my very FAVORITE espresso. I do not bestow this honor lightly
Random Order Coffee good coffee, excellent pie and egg sandwiches
Olympic Provisions
Luce Italian. delightful
Porque no? really good tacos and margaritas.
Fire on the Mountain Many types of wings, with a rotating sauce selection. The “soon to be famous spicy peanut sauce is a personal fav. Ben like the atomic raspberry habanero sauce, even if he gets hiccups!
Nuestra Cocina excellent authentic mexican (my personal favorite cuisine)
Ava Gene’s New down the street from my house, haven’t personally eaten here yet, but have heard really positive things from trusted sources
Acanto Genoa’s sister spot next door. Worked with the pastry chef there. Dude is gifted
Since there are more carts than you can shake a stick at here’s a few places to check those out, and a few websites dedicated solely to eating your way through the city.
Food Carts Portland
Portland Food.org
Portland Food and Drink
Fabric and crafty:
Cool Cottons my personal favorite
Modern Domestic
Bolt Fabric Boutique
Collage PDX so many supplies
Fabric Depot because you have to see this place to believe it
Mill end Store
Josephine’s Dry Goods
Button Emporium
Pendleton Woolen Mills
Golden Willow Quilts 
I’ll be there Friday, Ale!
I’d love to see pics of whatever Anna has to offer – but I know you’ll be on top of that! 🙂 Also, give her a hug for me. hehe. Otherwise I want to see you smiling next to everyone! To me it’s more about the people than the fabric… go say hi to Erin from Pellon. She’s cool. 🙂 Have fun!!
On it!!!!! I’m thinking Anna probably won’t be there as she’s about to have a baby, but you can bet I’ll be snapping up a a storm!!!!! I cleaned and charged my big camera just for the occasion!
You know what, I’m very much inlniced to agree.
Last time i was at Market, I met Kaffe Fassett, Tula Pink, Brandon Mably and Amy Butler. Tula Pink and Brandon Mably are really neat to chat with if you get to meet them…Kaffe is much more aloof, to an extent that borderlines rude. I’ll be there this year too and I’m hoping to meet a few more….I hope you get to meet your favorite designers as well!