Though my recent trip to Portland was short, I managed to pack in enough adventure to highlight a few things Portland is best known for.
A tiny home with giant Sunflower stalks. I want.
I’m fortunate to live just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Portland which makes the 3 hour drive doable without much notice. I’d been spending a lot of time in Seattle lately, and needed a change of scenery.
Can anyone guess where I stopped first upon arrival? After spending 3 hours in my car (with at least 4 bathroom stops) I needed a pick me up.
On my last trip to Portland I was given this card for a free coffee because they forgot my moms bagel. I decided to cash it in, but because it was after 1pm I went with decaf. I told you in my last post what happens if I drink coffee after noon.
I almost got a regular coffee, but these tasting notes were perfect.
In true Brittany fashion, I needed something to pair with my coffee.
What I’m about to say next requires no explanation because I feel no need to justify my decision, however a brief glance into my thoughts might help clarify why I paired my coffee with a non vegan donut.
I’ve been having a lot of issues with food lately, as regular readers will know. It had come to the point where I felt like I had no control over what I was able to eat, and I was feeling immensely restricted and fearful of anything that I put into my mouth. I have my safe foods, which I enjoy, but after a while they get a bit old.
Traditional vegan donuts are full of junk (well, I suppose most donuts are) that my body doesn’t like and my usual go-to’s for donuts are now off the table. Sure, I can make my own, and I plan to in the future, but after walking past Blue Star Donuts and reading their statement on simple, whole food based ingredients I knew I had to go in.
They had one vegan option, but I had been lusting over one specific donut ever since I saw it online a few months ago. Blueberry bourbon basil. If that doesn’t catch your attention I don’t know what will. When I first adapted a plant based diet I always said when I traveled I’d become a “vegan with benefits,” and with French based recipes consisting of whole foods, I benefited that day.
I was caught trying to take a photo of my donut and coffee when someone asked if I wanted my picture taken with them.
So there you have it, I ate a donut that had NO soy, no nuts, no unrecognizable ingredients, but had eggs. I regret nothing. Will this happen again? Not anytime soon, and not unless I’m in Italy because you better believe I’m eating all the pizza.
I don’t quite know why I had the urge to eat this donut, but my mind told me to eat it and I did. Plus, when the ingredients are locally sourced and I know the animals aren’t being harmed for their products, my morals aren’t compromised.
I no longer feel restricted and the donut did its job. Moving on.
Donut and coffee in one hand. Skillz.
Oh and the verdict? Light, fluffy, but the flavor wasn’t what I was expecting. It was delicious, but I was hoping to feel like I took a bite of blueberry pizza (basil) with a swig of throat burning bourbon. It just tasted like an airy donut.
I didn’t feel sick after so that was a win. It also paired beautifully with the caramel and buttery notes in my coffee. Total taste-bud harmonization.
Post donut and coffee consumption, wandering was required. Powell’s bookstore is always a good time, mentally stimulating on so many levels. I’ve been in the market for a new pillow and almost purchased one I saw while perusing the store.
I decided against the giant cat pillow after considering how my main man would react. He tends to get jealous, and these days I try to put others needs before my own.
Even though he was busted ripping things off my wall so that he could lay on them, but I digress.
“I do what I want”
Next I ventured down to the water to soak up the last bit of the sun. I passed some solid cathedrals on my way there, and I’m a sucker for gorgeous architecture.
The only thing that would have made my trip to Portland better would have been a solid hike, and a trip to Multnomah Falls. The falls are on my bucket list, and next time I intend to stare at them until my eyes hurt.
My next trip to Portland will be mid January for round two of Gregory Alan Isakov, but this time with the Portland symphony. Does this make me a groupie?
Not sure a visit to the falls will be a good idea when it’s freezing out in January, but nothing is off the table in my world.
- Coffee scene – check
- Foodie scene – check
- Food trucks – check
- Listening to street musicians – check
- Tattoo’s everywhere – check
- Exploration – check
Portland in a nutshell.
Q: How was your weekend? I have one more day of freedom, and today I’m off to Mount Rainier!
Blissfulbritt 
