Nostrana is very good... I need to go back a couple more times to really get into the menu, but considering I had the dessert of my life and the ambiance is maybe the best I have experienced in Portland... I can support the Oregonian's pick on this place.  Worth the price of admission.  Can't wait to go back.  I loved my steak.

We went the other night for our anniversary.  It was packed with people bouncing off the walls.  Watching the kitchen was amazing.  The meat selections we had were unreal!  The tastes, spices, textures, etc. were making my mouth sing.  We hadn't been in some time and upon going back the place has just escalated itself to another level (it was good before).  I really haven't had food in sometime that has been so carefully prepped and thought out.  The ambiance is great!  The bar is great!  The location is great!  I would say without hesitation that this is one of Portland's top five restaurants.  I can't imagine not including it in that list.

I can't say enough good things about Garden Fever.  The place is beautiful!  The prices ironically are great and the staff is so so nice!  I also love the fact that they bake cookies on the weekends for all their customers!

"As thorough as they come" is how I would describe Matt of Hopkins Home Inspections.  I have had the opportunity to work with Matt on a handful of home inspections recently and I have been nothing but impressed.  Having been present for over 150 home inspections during the last 8 years I have seen a lot.  I have seen a number of different reports, explanations for why things should be repaired or not, styles for interpreting building codes, etc.  In all that time I would say Matt Hopkins has not only proven to be the most thorough and diligent inspector I have worked with, but his reports (reporting format) and his client-side demeanor has been the best.  He draws context for clients appropriately, understands the trades better than I would expect and is spot on professional from the moment he pulls up to the home to the moment he carries his equipment away.  Matt Hopkins of Hopkins Home Inspections has my strongest recommendation for a home inspector here in Portland.  All my clients have been incredibly happy with his service.

First time to Laurehurst Market this Friday.   Yes it took a year for us to get there, but we got there nonetheless.  The Steak Frites was my choice, the Halibut (on special) was my wife's.  Both were spot on!  I have had better fries, but not too many steaks have beat the one I wolfed down last night.  The service was great, the ambiance was nice (nothing too fancy, but open with open beamed ceilings (not like Nostrana, but still open beamed) and a nice bar space to the west of the dining area.  I liked the meat locker/case when you walk in... a nice tough given that they pride themselves on serving carnivores.

We have friends who seem to like the lessons there.  I know it is heavily used so that must say something.  I would also consider the lessons offered at the RAC which are more one on one in nature.

I think it runs till 9.

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!  Love their bagels!

Loved the old Produce Row.... I will need to check out the new remodel and report back!  I saw them working on things, but haven't been in since completion.  Thanks for the heads up!

ditto!  the light rail across the broadway bridge is going to blow indefinitely...  painful for someone who works, lives and travels to the Pearl often.