September 14th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Is it Art? Is it Science? Perhaps it’s both? Whatever it is, Live Laugh Love Glass is pretty cool.
There’s a new kid in town in Oregon’s Washington County, and this one will have you glowing with glee. Live Laugh Love Glass is a new glass-blowing studio, which opened last May in downtown Tigard. But this is no ordinary studio; it’s a large space allowing for individuals or groups to watch or participating in the scientific experiment of creating personalized creations and works of art from glass.
Under the guidance of a teacher, pieces of ice-cube glass and colored metals combine (that’s the science part) and become vivid, colorful creations of art.
This innovative studio offers more than classes. Curious onlookers can view the classes in action (trust me, it’s very fascinating to watch), purchase a finished work of art–most pieces made in the studio–or attend a dinner party and “hot shop” show, a one-of-a-kind, dinner-theater type experience where guests can participate in the creation of a glass art piece.
In the short time Live Laugh Love Glass has been open, travelers from throughout the globe have visited the shop, according to owners Brett and Natalie Vinsant. Visitors can take home a piece of their experience, whether it’s their own creation or an ornament previously hand-crafted in the studio.
Although it is difficult to put into words (you have to see it to believe it), it truly is an amazing experience, and the memories will be cherished for years to come.
Live Laugh Love Glass
12230 SW Main St. #B
Tigard, Oregon 97224
800.913.7015 (toll free) or 503.244.7811 (local)
Tags: art, art classes, art studios, dinner theater, food, glass blowing, hands-on activities, live laugh love glass, new attraction, Oregon, Oregon's Washington County, quirky, Shopping, things to do, tigard, washington county
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August 26th, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Travel Oregon’s “Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast” runs through November 30th
Each fall, Travel Oregon puts out all of the stops for its “Oregon Bounty” statewide promotion, which highlights unique travel experiences, fall events and the state’s myriad culinary artisans. Last year, the promotion centered on “Cuisinternships,” allowing winners to spend a week shadowing an Oregon culinary expert.
This year, our friends at Travel Oregon have served up their latest creation, the “Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast.”
What on earth is an Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast? It’s a term the folks at Travel Oregon created to describe what it’s like to spend the harvest season following your tastebuds on a quest to procure the best of Oregon’s flavors at their peak. This 10-week promotion features Oregon’s finest epicurean products, from wine and cheese to spirits and nuts, and so many delicacies in between.
You, too, can join in the chase for 10 weeks of foodie bliss. Enter to win your very own Wanderfeast at TravelOregon.com/bounty. You and three friends could be sampling the bounty of Oregon in a four-day/three-night, all-inclusive culinary escape that explores Oregon’s many flavors of fall.
Watch the \”Win an Oregon Wanderfeast\” Video
Tags: cheese, contest, fish, food, nuts, Oregon, Portland, Travel Oregon, Washingotn County, washington county oregon, wine
Posted in Food & Drink, Seasonal Fun | No Comments »
April 3rd, 2009 by Greg Coyle
Although the calendar says it’s Spring, the weather outside say otherwise, making this a perfect time for comfort food. Our intrepid blogger, Greg Coyle, set out to introduce you to two places where you can fill your belly for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Black Bear Diner is the exception to the rule: a chain restaurant that feels like a one-off. It has the same sort of look as many of the breakfast joints we’re all used to, but they go out of their way to go beyond your expectations.
We first discovered the Black Bear Diner in Bend on ski trips. In fact, after a time I wondered sometimes if we continued to make the trips just so we could make that obligatory stop. You laugh, but have you had their bear claws?
The menu is all fresh, hearty breakfast fare, including the usuals, plus a few standouts like Portuguese linguica and eggs, sweet cream pancakes. Lunch offers great burgers, plenty of salad options and delicious homemade shakes.
The food is always comforting and tasty, but what really stands out is the service. You’re greeted with a smile and served as though you really mattered, which of course you do.
Cue the oompah band, hoist up your lederhosen lift up your tankard. And Gustav’s is the best place this side of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to do it.
If you’re from Portland, chances are pretty good you’ve been to original location in NE Portland. But these days the Rheinescher Sauerbraten isn’t just for the eastsiders. Those of us on the other side of the river have our very own Gustav’s near Washington Square.
A roomy, beautifully decorated spot (with plenty of parking, at that), it’s a great spot for a special occasion or just to satisfy that hankering for stellar German fare like schnitzel, homemade sausages, fondue, rotisserie meats, potato pancakes. You’ll go back for the potato pancakes.
Head over from 3-6pm or 9-close for one of the best Happy Hours going. The fondue is only about five bucks, and good for dipping the crispy chicken schnitzel strips into.
Tags: beaverton, black bear diner, breakfast, comfort food, dinner, food, german, gustavs, lunch, tigard
Posted in Food & Drink | No Comments »
There’s a new kid in town in Oregon’s Washington County, and this one will have you glowing with glee. Live Laugh Love Glass is a new glass-blowing studio, which opened last May in downtown Tigard. But this is no ordinary studio; it’s a large space allowing for individuals or groups to watch or participating in the scientific experiment of creating personalized creations and works of art from glass.