Posts Tagged ‘tigard’

Comfort Food in the Comfort of a Restaurant

January 25th, 2012 by Angie Marsh

Lately there’s lots of talk about a favorite winter pastime here: eating. Specifically, eating comfort food. Lucky for visitors, these are items found on menus throughout the area. Here are the top picks that we here at the Washington County Visitors Association have sampled–and thought we’d share:

Raiza Dottin, Administrative Assistant:
My favorite go-to dish is the Teriyaki Beef at Roxy’s Island Grill in Beaverton. There was a line out the door to order last time I was there, which is a good indicator of their yummy food. The service is quick, too. I always get this dish because the barbecue sauce is the perfect mixture of sweet and salty.

As a close runner-up, I like the Mushroom Soup at The South Store Café in Hillsboro; it’s just the right thickness and pairs well with sandwich of the day, which, last time I was there, was turkey with brie and apples. The apples made the sandwich unique. The soups are house-made daily and served with focaccia bread.

Marie Prins, Visitor Information Specialist:
I could make a meal of just the Polenta Fries with Gorgonzola Butter at decarli restaurant in downtown Beaverton. Also, I’ve enjoyed the Braised Beef Shortribs served with spaetzle–yum!
Allison George, Stakeholder Development Manager:
The decarli Burger at decarli restaurant is juicy and gourmet. You won’t look pretty eating it, but you won’t care what anybody thinks after your first bite.

Taco plate at La Superior Restaurant. Photo by Gary S.

Angie Marsh, Communications Associate:
The Fondue at Gustav’s in Tigard is the perfect recipe of melted swiss, served with cute skewers and two kinds of bread for easy dipping.
Another comfort-in-a-bowl I like is the Ph at Pho Van Beaverton. The lean brisket is perfectly cooked, and works well with the rice noodles in broth, and I add the sides; a few bean sprouts, all the jalapenos and a few sprigs of the Asian basil.

Melissa Hay, Online & Interactive Coordinator:
I like the Fish Taco at La Superior in Beaverton–it’s fresh, not “fishy.”

Another favorite is at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse in Hillsboro: the Communication Breakdown Burger, which has cheddar, mushrooms, onion and bell peppers–the perfect combo. It comes with a choice of fries, tots, soup or salad, so I mix up by choosing a different side each time.

Christopher Glawe, Graphic Designer:
If you’re looking to eat homestyle Mexican food, Pepper’s Mexican Grill in Hillsboro is the place–especially the Carne Asada. The steak is grilled to perfection and the homemade tortillas are delicious. Try the sample plates to see how everything has a good, fresh taste. Pepper’s also has the best Chile Relleno I’ve ever tasted. Try to leave room for dessert; they have tasty flan.

A close second is the BBQ Pork Tamale at The Tamale House in Tigard. I had never really cared for tamales; I found them to be dry and often bland. Then I discovered this place, where the tamales are homemade by the family. I also tried the tacos with homemade corn tortillas–Delicious!

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Where to do the Superbowl Shuffle

January 20th, 2012 by Angie Marsh

There’s sure to be a place in Washington County that suits your game-viewing tastes for Superbowl XLVI. In fact, with a little planning, you could watch it all–the game, commercials and Madonna’s halftime show–on a massive high-definition screen while enjoying food and/or drink specials. Game day is Sunday, Feb. 5 with kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

We’ve seen lines to claim prime viewing seats start as early as 10 a.m. at Big Al’s, so be sure to scope out your spot before kickoff at your venue of choice! And designated drivers are always a good idea.
Here are the places we’ve heard about for game-watching:

In Beaverton:

People often up at Big Al's at 9 a.m. to reserve their tables!

People often line up at Big Al's at 9 a.m. to reserve their tables on game day!

Big Al’s Beaverton – To describe their viewing area as massive TV screens is an understatement. We’d venture to guess that the screens rival the span of a football field–all the better for seeing every detail of the big showdown.
14950 SW Barrows Rd.
503-748-6118

Cinetopia – This is a prime Superbowl event this year: included is a prime rib buffet and a choice of viewing in either the plush Living Room Theater ($50) or watching on the GXL giant 70′ screen ($30). If you go big, you’ll be watching the game “on the largest screen in the Northwest.”

Malone’s Ale House – View the game on two 73″ HD TVs while enjoying a tap special and super nachos, as well as free peanuts.
1175 NW 185th
503-439-0630

In Tigard:

Blitz Sports Pub – 99W – There are 30 TVs in this latest addition to Washington County sports pubs!
10935 SW 68th Pkwy.
503-719-5157

Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill – Game-day specials abound. Choose from the 52 beers on tap as well.
10205 SW Washington Square Rd.
503-352-4030

Whichever option you choose, enjoy!

 

*McMenamins Grand Lodge (3505 Pacific Avenue) will be presenting the game in the Compass Room Theatre. Admission is free and minors are welcome with a parent or guardian. http://www.mcmenamins.com/events/85562-Tostitos-Bowl-Championship-Series-Oregon-Vs-Auburn.

*Grendel’s (2004 Main Street) will be offering special beer and appetizer options during the game.

*Ballad Town Billiards (2036 Pacific Avenue) has Monday beer and taco specials along with a special hourly pool table rental rate for anyone wearing Ducks gear!

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Discover Discount Shopping

January 11th, 2012 by Angie Marsh

Winter is what we call “shopping season” in Washington County. What better time to comb through racks of retail deals, and find what you’re looking for while still keeping within your budget and never–ever–paying sales tax or paying for parking.

Even better, many stores here aren’t found elsewhere in the Portland area:

There are deals to be had in Washington County. Photo by Lynn Friedman.

Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th

This gem of a store, located in Bridgeport Village, is currently the only Saks 5th Avenue OFF 5TH north of San Francisco. Open in this location since Fall 2010, you can expect to find brand names ranging from DKNY to Calvin Klein, with designated sections of the store for men’s, women’s, children’s clothing; and footwear and accessories as well. Bargains can especially be had on off-season wear.

TJ Maxx

With two Washington County locations–Beaverton and Tualatin–this renowned discounter offers affordable fashion, much of which is brand name. Their stores are divided into sections, including activewear, women’s plus and baby–thereby giving shoppers the chance to find all sorts of retail items for less than the suggested retail prices.

Marshalls

Three of the four Marshall’s stores in the Portland-Metro area are in Washington County; specifically, in Beaverton, Hillsboro and Tigard, making one accessible around every turn here.

Nordstrom Rack

This shiny store is new to the county and not far from the freeway with ample parking, so it’s a must-see for many travelers. The discounted clothes, shoes and more are all from Nordstrom stores. With 450,000 square feet of shopping, there are deals to be had!

 

In addition, visitors from out-of-area can also enjoy the perks of a free coupon book for use at Washington Square, offering savings at dozens of participating retailers and select dining: details. Happy shopping!

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It’s Tea Time!

December 2nd, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

The Lavender Tea House

As a child living in England, I adored tea time. My childhood memories of having a spot of tea (with milk, of course), scones with a dab of lemon curd, and cucumber sandwiches remain among the fondest, and now I can relive those days of yore at the quaint English-style tea houses located here in Oregon’s Washington County.

The Lavender Tea House (16227 SW 1st. St., Sherwood) is housed inside a Queen Anne Victorian, originally built in 1896, located in the heart of Old Town Sherwood. Enjoy a lovely selection of freshly made sandwiches, scones and a variety of teas with all the accompaniments. Reservations are recommended.

Tea’s Me (1601 B SE River Road, Hillsboro) has a themed menu that changes monthly, complete with a wide variety of all-natural and organic teas, freshly baked scones served with traditional English curd and cream, plus finger sandwiches and more. Tea’s Me also is a gift shop, offering tea pots, sets, cups and accessories. Reservations are recommended.

Tea Thyme and Lavender (12675 SW 1st St., Beaverton) is part antique shop, part tea house. Located in downtown Beaverton, walking into this quaint shop is like going back in time.  Tea Thyme offers a variety of teas, sweets, sandwiches and more, plus loose-leaf tea may be purchased by the package. Throughout December, a “Christmas Tea” is available, featuring soup, sandwiches and sweets for $25 per person.  Reservations are required.

And, of course, no conversation about tea in Oregon’s Washington County is complete without mentioning the Stash Tea Retail Store (7250 SW Durham Road, Tigard). While not a tea house, per se, this retail shop of the popular tea brand sells more than 200 varieties of loose-leaf and 80 varieties of bagged teas, as well as tea gifts, pots, cups and accessories. Plus, there’s always a hot pot of tea available to taste-test their signature teas (complimentary tastings).

If English tea time is your, well, cup of tea, you’re bound to find a spot that will allow you a jolly good time, without all of the pomp and circumstance.  Cheers!

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Santa & Mrs. Claus Appearances

November 28th, 2011 by Angie Marsh

Santa has a busy schedule in Washington County this holiday season. At some events, Mrs. Claus will be joining him as well. To catch a glimpse–and maybe even a photo–of Santa, plan to attend one of these many festivities:

There are ample opportunities to see Santa nearby this season!

Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Al’s Garden Center – Sherwood

Mrs. Claus and some of the elves will read Christmas stories to kids of all ages. This event is free, and is at 1o:30 a.m. on the following days: Saturday, Dec. 3; Saturday, Dec. 10; Tuesday, Dec. 13; Thursday, Dec. 15; and Saturday, Dec. 17.

Storybook Lane/Christmas in Dairyville
Alpenrose Dairy – Portland

The popular Storybook Lane is back, complete with holiday trees, lights and Santa. Storybook Lane and Santa’s House are open weekends in December–11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Santa’s Pizza Party
John’s Incredible Pizza Company – Beaverton

Santa, Mrs. Claus and John’s ‘Incredibear’ will join in the fun of eating pizza for breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Santa Sing-Along
Broadway Rose New Stage Auditorium – Tigard

Santa presents a lively sing-along and storytelling event for all ages. Broadway Rose Theater Guild performers will lead the singing of favorite carols along with live accompaniment, followed by stories read by Santa. This one-time event is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Santa Helicopter Fly-in
Sherwood Plaza

Santa arrives in style via helicopter on Saturday, Dec. 3 at noon and will visit until 4 p.m. Photos with Santa are $5 or two cans of food, all of which benefits a food bank.

Victorian Christmas Celebration
John Tigard House – Tigard

Santa will be on hand Saturday, Dec. 3 as part of the Tigard Historical Association’s annual Victorian Christmas Celebration. Santa will be chatting and handing out candy canes, as well as enjoying the free hot cider and cookies, from noon to 3 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa
Loch Lolly Christmas Forest – North Plains

Enjoy breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. alongside Santa. Reservations recommended.

Santa will also be in his antique sleigh on weekends (Dec. 3,4, 10 and 11) waiting for the children to come visit with him. His reindeer will also be on hand through Dec. 4.

Santa Visit
Hagg’s Tree Farm – Hillsboro

Santa visits the farm on Saturday, Dec.3; Sunday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 10; and Sunday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa at Community Tree Lighting Celebrations
Friday, Dec. 2 :
Santa & Mrs. Claus at Beaverton Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 3:
Santa at the Tualatin Commons, 7:30ish p.m.
Santa at “Holly Days” Hillsboro Market, 2 p.m.
Santa at the Sherwood Winter Festival (arriving via helicopter, as noted above)
Details

Breakfast with Santa
Grand Lodge – Forest Grove on Saturday, Dec. 10 & Sunday, Dec. 11
Cornelius Pass Roadhouse – Hillsboro on Saturday, Dec. 17 & Sunday, Dec. 18

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with all the fixins, and a personal meeting with Santa. Choose either 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. on the weekend days listed above. Advance tickets are recommended.

Santa at Local Shopping Centers
Santa is also making scheduled appearances at the following locations:

Washington Square – All day, every day through 6 p.m. on December 24
Cedar Hills Crossing – Hours every day in his festive cottage
Bridgeport Village – Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 3, 10 and 17

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Navigating Oregon’s Washington County this Thanksgiving Weekend

November 21st, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan

Visiting Oregon’s Washington County this Thanksgiving and looking for ways to celebrate a weekend of gratitude? Are you a local seeking out things to do with your family and/or out-of-town guests? Look no further, we have some suggestions on how you can navigate this weekend with your wallet–and sanity–intact.

Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner Without All the Work

Several local restaurants will be serving traditional turkey dinner, with a local twist. Great meals, service and company will ensure a memorable Thanksgiving. Some restaurants include:

  • Thirsty Lion at Washington Square (10205 SW Washington Square Road, Tigard) will be serving turkey dinner from 12-8 p.m. this Thursday. Dinner is $18.95, kids are $9.95. Reservations requested: 503-352-4030.
  • McCormick & Schmick’s Fish House and Bar (9945 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton) and M&S Grill at Bridgeport Village (17015 SW 72nd Ave., Tigard) offer a three-course dinner with the trimmings for $23.95. Reservations requested: 503-643-1322 (Beaverton location)/503:684-5490 (Tigard location).
  • Hale’s Restaurant (2755 SE Tualatin Valley Highway, Hillsboro) is putting a twist on the traditional by offering hot turkey sandwiches with homemade stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce.

See a complete list of restaurants in Oregon’s Washington County.

Tackle Black Friday with Tax-Free Shopping

Save some serious cash this season with tax-free shopping at two of the area’s premier retail centers, Washington Square (9585 SW Washington Square, Tigard) and Bridgeport Village (7455 SW Bridgeport Road, Tigard). Both offer free and ample parking and center-wide sales.

Support Small, Local Retailers on Small Business Saturday

Locally owned shops and boutiques are located throughout Oregon’s Washington County, featuring everything from clothing, artisan jewelry, art, gourmet food products and more. Here are a few suggestions to get your Thanksgiving Saturday started, all while supporting small, local retailers.

  • Buy gifts, candles, gourmet food and locally produced jams, jellies and other goodies at Smith Berry Barn (24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro).
  • Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Sleighbells of Sherwood (23855 SW 195th Place, Sherwood), a holiday store filled with collectibles, ornaments, decor and treats, and celebrates the magic of the season year-round.
  • Stash Tea‘s only retail store (7250 SW Durham Road, Tigard) is located right here in Oregon’s Washington County, and has a huge selection of 200+ loose-leaf and bagged teas and tea gift sets.
  • Everything old is new again at the many antique shops that dot the region. Many antique shops–as well as a range of specialty shops–are located on Main Street in the cities of Sherwood, Hillsboro and Forest Grove.

View a list of malls, boutiques, antique shops and other retailers in Oregon’s Washington County.

Sip Locally Produced Wines on Sunday

Thanksgiving weekend is a magical time in Oregon Wine Country. Most of Washington County’s wineries are open during Thanksgiving weekend (Friday-Sunday), offering tastings, pairings and other festivities. Another thing to be thankful for? Tasting fees range from $5-15, making it the most affordable wine country destination in the northern Willamette Valley! Learn more.

No matter where you celebrate this season’s weekend of gratitude, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Planning a last minute trip to Oregon’s Washington County? Check out our Hot Deals.

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Turkey Trot Runs

November 16th, 2011 by Angie Marsh

There is fun to be had–and calories to be burned ahead of the big meal–on Thanksgiving day (and two days before) in the area. These runs are arranged in order according to start time, so choose a run that suits your holiday early morning schedule.

Tuesday, Nov. 22

Hillsboro Youth Turkey Trot
Hillsboro Parks & Rec – Hare Field (Elden Kellar Track)

This free fun run is open to boys and girls, pre-k through 8th grade. Winners in each age category take home a turkey. Pre-registration is not necessary. This is a rain or shine event that begins at 3:30 p.m. Details.

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 24


Turkey Trot at the Zoo

World Forestry Center/Zoo parking lot

Oregon Road Runners Club presents this fun run. Runners start at 8 a.m., walkers at 8:15 a.m., and strollers and anyone coming late at 8:30 a.m. Run or walk the four miles, or opt for the Tot Trot 1/2 miler. Details.

Oak Hills Turkey Trot in Beaverton
Oak Hillls Elementary School

This neighborhood event offers a kids 1/2 mile run at 8:30 a.m. and a run/walk (two or five miles) at 9 a.m. Register the day of the race starting at 8 a.m.; cost is $2 each plus two non-perishable food items. Proceeds go to the Beaverton Elks food basket drive and the Beaverton School District Clothes Closet. Details.

Sherwood Give ‘n’ Gobble 5 or 10k
Sherwood High School

Join about 1,000 others for this run/walk, which begins at 9 a.m. (registration begins at 7:30 a.m.) and helps raise funds and food for the Oregon Food Bank.  Details.

Tigard Turkeython
Cook Park/Tigard High School

All registrants in this run get a pie! What a great incentive to make it to the finish line. The 10k and 5k start at 9:30 a.m., and the kids 1k at 11 a.m. Participants are asked to bring two cans of food for a local Eagle Scout’s food drive. Details.

 

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Art Shows, Studios and Showcase Events

October 20th, 2011 by Angie Marsh

The talent of local artists is being curated on walls throughout Washington County galleries and at related events:

 

 

The work of Barbara Forrest is one of many featured at "Art in the Burbs."

“Out of the Fire” Ceramic Art Show
Wednesday, Nov. 2 – Wednesday, Nov. 30
West Hills Unitarian, Portland

The Delores Gardener Gallery in the West Hills Unitarian Fellowship is exhibiting ceramic art pieces. More info.

Visual Arts Showcase
Saturday, Nov. 5 – Sunday, Nov. 13
Beaverton Library

The Beaverton Arts Commission presents its 29th annual Visual Arts Showcase, which includes juried works in varied mediums from 100 Oregon artists. Musical performances are offered on Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. More info.

“Delights of Oregon” Show
Friday, Nov. 11 – Sunday, Nov. 20
Valley Art Association Gallery, Forest Grove

This annual artist event highlights local talent, and includes the following special events at the gallery:
Nov. 13: Meet the Artists – From 2 to 4 p.m., several artists will be on hand to talk about their pieces
Nov. 14: ARtTWEET Party -  From 5 to 7 p.m., bring your smartphone for this interactive event that will have food as well as prizes
Nov. 16: Community Night – From 5 to 8 p.m., come and enjoy live music, prizes, food by Stecchino’s and wine tasting
Nov. 20: Family Day – From noon to 4 p.m., it’s family day–enjoy hands-on art projects, prizes, food and entertainment
More info

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A Hands-On Approach to Glass Blowing

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.

See the slideshow

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)


 

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Appearing On Stage

September 9th, 2011 by Angie Marsh

It’s a chock-full fall performance season in Oregon’s Washington County, with four plays opening this month. With so much talent showcasing onstage, you have your pick of performances. But be warned: Local productions do sell out, so getting tickets in advance is advised. I remember hearing people voice regret about not buying tickets to “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” that Broadway Rose sold out last spring. It pays to plan!

Here are this month’s openers, sorted by opening date:

Bag&Baggage presents entertaining performances

Blithe Spirit
Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre
now through Sept. 18
Charles Condomine, a happily married man, doing research for a book he intends to write, invites the eccentric Madame Arcati to hold a séance at his home. She unwittingly calls back the ghost of his first wife making Mr. Condomine into a sort of  “astral bigamist”. Noel Coward’s acerbic wit, in this love triangle that spans the world of the living and “the other side,” makes for a charming, classic comedy. More info.

Crimes of the Heart
Bag&Baggage Productions – Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro
Sept. 21 – Oct. 9
This is a twangy Southern story of the three Magrath sisters loving, feuding and fussing through a very bad day. How bad? Well, Babe has just shot her husband, Meg is fresh from the loony bin, and poor Lenny celebrates her 30th birthday alone in the kitchen by sticking a candle in a cookie and making wish after desperate wish. Her horse has been struck by lightning, and Grandpa, who raised the girls after their mother’s sensational suicide (she hung the family cat as well as herself), is laid up in the hospital, possibly forever. Beth Henley’s 1981 Pulitzer Prize-winning black comedy is equal parts prickly emotional thickets and Dixie-style gallows humor. More info.

I Love You Because
Broadway Rose New Stage – Tigard
Sept. 22 – Oct. 16
It’s New York City, and Austin has just discovered the woman he planned to spend his life with has other 
plans. His brother, Jeff, decides it’s time to get back into the dating 
scene and arranges dates for them both
 through an online dating service. Jeff and Diana hit it off straight away – after 
all, they’re only after a bit of fun. Things don’t go as smoothly for free-spirited Marcy and
 straight-laced Austin. Full of mishaps, misunderstandings, and mistakes, I Love You Because is a fun, contemporary, romantic comedy. More info.

Three Murders and It’s Only Monday!
Beaverton Civic Theatre
Sept. 23 – Oct. 9
Private eye Harry Monday investigates three murders at the Peaceful Pines Sanitarium, in this spoof on old-style private-eye movies. Who killed an old sea captain? The lawyer? More info.

 

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