Red

After what has been a very difficult few weeks, we had reason to actually go out in public - DT's college roommate, Red, is in town from Chicago for a few days on business.

We met Red downtown Portland for a cocktail at The Nines. I realize it is February and I realize I live in Oregon, but it was such a beautiful day - hipsters were actually enjoying their cocktails outside on the roof-top deck of the hotel bar!

Rooftop bar at The Nines (photo courtesy of Travel & Leisure)

Keeping with my all-things-Oregon and all-things-Organic philosophy mantra one-woman Chamber of Commerce belief, we chose to dine at Wildwood in NW Portland. Wildwood features local produce, meat, fish and game and is owned by Portland-native Cory Schreiber.

Plus, Wildwood offers a fine selection of Oregon wines.

Beef Short Ribs from Wildwood Restaurant in Portland, Oregon

The boys ordered Red Wine Braised Cascade Natural Beef Short Ribs, with balsamic braised radicchio risotto, gorgonzola and crushed walnuts.

You may recognize Red from my posts during the Rose Bowl. He joined us in Pasadena for the weekend.

Lamb Shank from Wildwood Restaurant in Portland, Oregon

Dainty little eater me? I ordered the Confit of Cattail Creek Lamb Shank with Ayers Creek Tarbais Beans, slow cooked kale and creamed wild mushrooms. Tarbais Beans are a large white bean (similar to a cannellini bean) that are uniquely trained to climb up amongst the stalks in a corn field! Who knew!

It was a wonderful evening.

Until my next update, I remain, well-fed correspondent.