When I was growing up, the free summer concerts in Washington Park were a big deal. Back then, people brought out picnic tables and linen and candelabras and dishes and it was a wonderful and delightful fancy dinner in the park while the Portland Symphony serenaded us.  That was 35 plus years ago and while you can leave the linen and silver at home…..the concert series continues. I have to say, each year, I slightly hold my breath—will there be funding and a sponsor or no…will there…won’t there…. For 2010–there is and hats off to Daimler for helping keep this wonderful Portland tradition alive!

Here are my top tips for enjoying the 2010 Washington Park concert series!

• If you are going with a group, have one person get there reasonably early and stake out spots… The steps that create the amphitheater have wide and narrow strips–choose a wide one, then you can totally sit back and relax! You’ll see what I mean when you get there…
• A concert in Washington Park is not an event without a trip to Elephants Delicatessen.  If you bring most of your meal from home–still swing by for a dessert or side salad..you won’t be disappointed.
• Bring a blanket to sit on and a blanket to cover up with—the outdoor theater gets ccccooollld when the sun goes down over the trees.
• Enjoy it–turn off your phone and laptop. Lay back, close your eyes and enjoy the music and the warmth of the summer weather flow over you—it’s a great way to recharge.
• Watch out for bee’s—with all the food (and seriously–check out all the Elephants bags)…the bee’s get hungry too.
• Get there early and walk through one of Portland’s most beautiful neighborhoods–Arlington Heights.
• Bring soccer balls or outdoor games for the kiddo’s….there is lots of room around the stage and as long as the kids are not blocking or interfering with the concert or event–they are very welcome to come and get all their energy out by running around!
• Here’s the link for transit and Tri-met!

Here’s the schedule:

Loving all the free family fun this summer in Portland. Now that we’ve got our weather groove—it’s time to really get out there and enjoy all that Portland Parks and Recreation has to offer! Go to PP&R’s website for PDF info about each location!

• For most events, there are children’s activities that begin at 6pm
• Check the schedule for food vendor info
• Come play in Portland’s beautiful parks!
• Did I say FREE???

While I have a working list of 175 local Portland coffee spots, lately it’s been fun to use my iphone app and see what’s around the particular neighborhood I happen to be in. Today, I pressed the button and came up with Via Delizia in the Pearl District. I haven’t finished writing my blog and already know that I’ll come back! For the photo’s, the color was so beautiful today, I had to keep the photo’s of Via Delizia in color–hope you enjoy them!

Allann Brothers is the local (Albany) coffee roaster used in house–and that’s refreshing. I like Allan Brothers, but rarely see them in Portland coffee spots.

Not only is the interior decor really cool–i.e. there’s an olive ‘tree’ in here….. and it was one of the best cappuccino’s I’ve had in a long time. Well done drink, great presentation–loved it.

Second, as I talked with wonder-server Conner, I found out that the executive chef Moses Sanchez creates all the desserts AND each of the 24 gelato flavors in house. WOW. And they do catering. And they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour 7 days a week.  And…and…and… 

When you are next in the Pearl, stop by and tell owner Alex that Claire sent you….He’s quiet and reserved but incredibly passionate about his coffee….order something with espresso and milk and let him make a delightful treat for you.  When my friend ordered a cappuccino, he waved that away and created an amazing latte. There’s something new: A barista/owner with an attitude…I like it.

• 1105 NW Marshall St., Portland OR 97209
• Free Wifi
• GREAT place for Desserts after concerts, shows, Downtown social events etc.
• Plenty of seating inside and out
• $3.00 eggs and toast…
• Desserts & Gelato all made in-house