PDX Sites & Eats – Page 3 – Naturally Lindsay

PDX Sites & Eats | Brunch at Harvest at The Bindery

November 18, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 6 Comments

We have wanted to go to Harvest at The Bindery since it opened at the beginning of this year. But, with our lack of date nights, we just hadn’t been able to make it there for a date night dinner. I am not sure how long they have been doing brunch but we stumbled upon it by chance on Saturday. We were out and about Saturday late morning and decided that we should go out for brunch. After perusing Yelp, we saw that Harvest at The Bindery had brunch and Neil and I both squealed a little. Finally we were going to have our chance to give it a try without having to worry about getting a sitter.

We checked out the brunch menu and instantly wanted to order almost everything on the menu. If I could have justified the cost and had three or four stomachs I just might have. But, nevertheless, we only ordered a few things and they were all delicious.

We started off with the biscuit and jam. The biscuit, while a bit dense, was really tasty and the jam was housemade and delicious. Neil and I snagged a few bites but the kids devoured most of it.

Neil and I also shared one of their spicy dilly bloody marys and it was easily the best bloody mary I have had in Portland. We followed this one up with the spicy smoky one to share as well and while it was good the dilly was so flavorful and refreshing and the pickled veggies were amazing.

For one of our mains we shared the hazelnut french toast and it was incredible. There is something about french toast that is made with baguette that I just love. The chocolate hazelnut spread tasted better than nutella and that coconut cream on top was amazing.

On the flip side we also chose one of the savory options, the benedict. For me the true test with a benedict is how good the hollandaise sauce is and in this case it did not disappoint. I was sold just based on that. The kale and the housemade seitan were fantastic. The only thing I didn’t love about the benedict was the butternut squash. I felt like it didn’t add a lot of flavor to the dish and roasted mushrooms or a slice of tomato would have been a better addition.

I didn’t get a photo but we also had one of the herbs hasbrown casserole but compared to everything else it fell flat. It was mushy and bit bland. I wish it had been crispy on the outside but it was essentially a mashed potato patty.

Overall we loved Harvest at The Bindery. I would recommend ordering the french toast, the benny and a spicy bloody mary with the dilly mix.

Now we just need to get a sitter so we can go on a dinner date there!

Have you been to Harvest at the Bindery? What did you think? What is your favorite thing to order out for breakfast/brunch?

Wicked | Portland Broadway

August 10, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 11 Comments

Thursday night I was lucky enough to head downtown to the Keller Auditorium to see Wicked. This is a broadway show that I have had on my bucket list for years and finally I was able to cross it off last week. The show was simply spectacular and I wish that I had time to go see it once more before it leaves Portland (the show is here until 8/23!)

photo credit: Production photos of the national tour of Wicked © Broadway.com

While this show has been on my bucket list I honestly didn’t know much about the actual show beyond the fact that it has to do with the witches from The Wizard of Oz and that everyone I know who has seen it has given it a raving review. Honestly I’m glad I wasn’t familiar with the show because it was wonderful to watch the story unfold for the first time. For those of you who are curious the show tells the back story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. I won’t give anymore away you’ll have to go see it to find out more.

The acting was incredible, the singing beautiful and the set was incredibly impressive. One thing that surprised me about the show was how funny it was. The show flowed perfectly and it had perfect audience cues as to when it was one should laugh or clap. I actually felt like the show just didn’t feel live because it was just so well done. If I wasn’t sitting there watching it myself I would have thought I was watching a movie. Simply amazing.

photo credit: Production photos of the national tour of Wicked © Broadway.com

I am so happy to cross this off my bucket list but I have actually added it again but this time to go as a family once the littles are big enough to sit through a long show. So glad my first Portland Broadway experience was such a positive one and I can’t wait to return for another show.

Don’t worry you can still get tickets to this wonderful show and it is here until August 23, 2015.

Disclaimer: I received two complimentary tickets to this show. I was not required to right a review. As always all opinions are my own and I truly loved this show.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice 2015 | Portland, OR Edition

June 18, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 2 Comments

Summer officially starts this Sunday! Whose excited? I know I am, although I feel like summer has already started and that for some reason it already feels like it is flying by. Here are a few ways to get out and celebrate the Summer Solstice; which is at 9:39am on June 21, 2015 for those who live in PDX.

Looking for a fun way to kick of summer? If you are in Portland the Athleta at Brewery Blocks (and I think Althleta’s across the country – check your local store) is hosting a Summer Solstice event on Sunday 6/21 from 9-11am. Join instructor Jasmine Ziska for an invigorating sun salutations class celebrating the beginning of summer. Greenleaf Juicing Company will be in house sampling fresh juices. Since this is a special day for Dads, bring the kiddos and let them have fun at our Father’s day card making station while you take class! We are camping but are planning to stop in to join the fun and have Edith join in the card making.

Once your done celebrating the Summer Solstice at Athleta grab your bike and head across the river to North Portland for the North Sunday Parkways. Enjoy 9.5 miles of care free (except local traffic) bliss as you bike, walk or roller blade around North Portland. Plan to stop for some free ice cream, a concert in the park or a jump in the bouncy castle or maybe a little disc golf or zumba.

If yoga and biking aren’t your thing than just get out and spend some time in nature. You don’t need to live in Portland to do this but if you do why not head to Forest Park and explore the trails? There are so many beautiful trails and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the start of summer. Might I suggest starting at the Audubon Society and heading up the Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion for beautiful views and if you time it just right you just might be able to fit in a few sun salutations at 9:39am to ring in the Summer Solstice.

Disclaimer: Athleta provided me with a free top and yoga mat in exchange for sharing their event. I think it’s a great event and was happy to share. All other events are ones I chose to share. I received no compensation for this post.

SPRING FAVORITES | Food | Sriracha Almonds, Tidbit Food Farm, Nature’s Bakery

June 17, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 3 Comments

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds

Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds. When I was pregnant with Edith I must have gone through about five bottles (maybe more) or sriracha. I was obsessed with having it on everything and just couldn’t get enough. While it’s almost three years (yes my baby is turning three in three weeks) since I was pregnant with Edith my love for sriracha shines on. To say I was eager to try the new Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds was an understatement and let me tell you they do not disappoint.

These almonds have a nice spice to them without being too over the top and they are bold, savory and have just a bit of a nice vinegar tang. We brought these hiking with us last weekend and between the three of us (Edith included) we finished off 3/4 of the tin. We would have finished off the entire tin but we had to practice a little restraint since we had brunch plans but oh it was hard.

These are a great hiking snack, moving snack – ooo these would be so good tossed into some popcorn with a little vegan butter and nutritional yeast – and these would be great for a cocktail party. Basically these are just good. I know I’m rambling but they are.

Tidbit Food Farm & Gardens. I am embarrassed to say how often we head to this food cart pod (and how many more trips we already have planned) but after the first visit we were hooked. The first time we visited we had vegan waffles, ramen and salad – all were so delicious. On our last trip we got an amazing vegan burger from Earth Burger and oh the fries and the smoothie – they were so good. We also went back for another salad from Garden Monster; a bit on the pricey side but so good (try the vegan ranch). I love the layout of this food pod, all the vegan food options and the location. Tip: If you can’t find a seat grab your food to go and head one block down to the park.

SPRING FAVORITES | Food | Sriracha Almonds, Tidbit Food Farm, Nature's Bakery

Tidbit Food Farm – Earth Burger

Tidbit Food Farm – Salad Monster

Nature’s Bakery. I figured I should end my food favorites with the snack that we don’t leave home without these days. We have been devouring Nature’s Bakery fig bars for the past few months. We received a stock for our snack dates over on Naturally Family and we have been eating them ever since. I have to say I was a fan of these bars before we received samples but we got to sample the soon to be released gluten free bars and OMG they are simply amazing.

The regular whole grain bars are delicious but the gluten free bars are soft and moist and oh so good. I’m thinking I need to go get one to snack on right now just writing about them. They are a fan among everyone in our family and our snack date groups. Just so good.

What foods are you loving right now?

My First Floating Experience | Float On Portland

May 18, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 27 Comments

This past Saturday Neil and I headed to Float On, a sensory deprivation float tank center here in SE Portland, for our very first floating experience. I’ll admit I was pretty excited but I also was feeling pretty anxious as well. The thought of closing myself in a tank, in the dark and just floating there really freaked me out however the benefits which include deep relaxation, stress & pain relief where pretty enticing.

Once we arrived I tried to calm my nerves by reading the Beginners Guide to Floating over and over but after the fifth time I was just making myself more anxious. So I put it down, grabbed a cup of herbal tea (caffeine is not recommended 4-6 hours before floating) and just tried to relax until it was time to float.
Once it was time to float Neil and I were given a little tour of the float rooms. We had rooms 1 and 2– the ocean float rooms which are taller and have a light as well. Neil was lucky and got room #2 the room with the star lights on the ceiling of the tank (see photo below).

Once we were walked through the steps of floating and I realized just how in control of the situation I was I began to feel less anxious. It also helped when I found out the float tank only contained around a foot of water.

Now it’s time to actually float. I put in my ear plugs which transported me back to my childhood when I had tubes and had to wear ear plugs to swim. Anyways moving on.

I showered (check out the lighted shower) and then it was time to hop into the tank. I chose to bring in the neck noodle just in case I wanted to use it to support my neck (and I did).

photo credit http://floathq.com/

I climbed into the tank, closed the door, took a deep breath and turned out the light. I instantly felt super relaxed just floating there. Neil and I both agreed that while floating we felt both heavy and weightless at the same time. Being in the dark wasn’t strange at all, I actually found it completely relaxing and it wasn’t until I started feeling a little stuffy that I really noticed that I was closed in; you really just lose all sense of space. When I started to feel a little stuffy I felt around, grabbed the handle and popped open the door just a crack to let in a whoosh of cool air.

photo credit https://www.facebook.com/floatHQ

So what did I do while I floated? Nothing really. I just floated and I spent some time focusing on my breath. I actually thought that I would spend a lot of time thinking and brainstorming but instead my mind just calmed down and I really didn’t think about much at all. I just completely relaxed. I thought I might fall asleep as well but I didn’t, I just floated there with my eyes wide open until it was time to get out.

As I said above you lose all sense of space (unless you drift towards a wall and touch it) and you also lose all sense of time. I will admit I started to feel a little bit anxious towards the end because my life seems to revolve around the clock. I start my morning trying to help Neil get out of the house in time for work and then the day revolves around nap times and meal times so not knowing how much longer I had made me want to jump out and check my phone -and I almost did. It wasn’t because I wanted to be done but rather because I had no idea how much time had passed. In the end I didn’t jump out to check my phone because seconds later the music came on signaling that my float was over and it was time to get out, shower and be on my way.

The above photo is a perfect image of blissed out Neil. Seriously we both left in a positive state of mind. We were relaxed and just felt absolutely amazing.

Would I float again? YES! I would definitely float again and I think that the next time I will most likely be even more relaxed because all of those (silly) little anxieties I had won’t be there. I think knowing that I could get out of the tank whenever I felt the need (ie. just feeling uneasy, needing to go to the bathroom, get a drink of water, ect.) really made me feel in control and okay to do the float. Once I actually started the float I was kicking myself for not trying it sooner, especially when I was pregnant. I mean seriously what could be better than essentially feeling weightless while pregnant. Plus I truly believe water is a magical thing that just makes life better.

After floating I was thinking about how often I turn to water for therapeutic reasons for myself. I take a shower when I am feeling anxious or frustrated or a bath when I am feeling sore or just need to relax. I give the kids a bath or we do some sort of water play when they are cranky. So really floating is just another level of these things and when I think about it that way it makes so much sense to me why people love to do it.

Have you ever tried floating? Would you like to?

*Disclaimer: Float On provided Neil and I with free floats. I was not required to write a positive review and I received no compensation for this post.

WIAW: Rawdacious | Portland, OR

May 13, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 11 Comments

This week it’s all about the cheesecake; specifically gluten free and vegan cheesecake from Rawdacious here in Portland.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Rawdacious kitchen to see where all the magic happens. Little did I know until about an hour before going that I had actually tried these delicious cheesecakes before at some of my favorite Portland restaurants. So that being said I was even more excited to try some new flavors. When I arrived Jenn, the owner of Rawdacious, presented me with three mini cheesecakes to sample. While we chatted away while I stuffed myself silly with the most insanely delicious gluten free and vegan cheesecakes.

I sampled the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Northwest berries and cream and a chocolate one that I am forgetting the official name of. Of the three the PB one was my favorite but I already knew this because I have enjoyed it before at Sweet Hereafter and The Bye and Bye. I actually had no idea that cheesecakes at these two places where from Rawdacious but now I do and so do you!. My other absolute favorite from Rawdacious is the seasonal pumpkin cheesecake that I had last Fall at Canteen (see photo here).

Anyone want to go in on this Matcha With Coconut Cheesecake?

All of the cheesecakes are naturally vegan and gluten-free without a soy base. The raw base of the cheesecakes is made from organic cashews, homemade organic almond milk and organic coconut oil. The cheesecakes filled with quality organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. You can read more about the cheesecakes here.

These beautiful and delicious handcrafted cheesecakes now come in mini sizes as well and can be found at Alberta Co-op, People’s Coop, Food Front Cooperative and this summer you can find them at the St. John’s Farmers Market. You can also find them at a few other shops and restaurants around town including two of my favorites Prasad and Harlow.

Not interested in venturing out for cheesecake? You could always have Postmates (if you’re lucky enough to live in the radius) deliver a 4-pack of minis or even a whole cake right to your doorstep. Rawdacious also takes special orders and does catering and would be perfect for a wedding or your next party ; Edith has already requested a few mini’s for her birthday (I don’t know who’s more excited me or her). Until then I’ll just have to find excuses to pick up a slice or mini when we are out and about.

Which flavor of Rawdacious cheesecake would you like to try? The Lemon Fig is at the top of my list and the Coffee With Cream & Fudge and ….well all of them really.

*Disclaimer: I was invited to visit the kitchen and sample the cheesecakes. I was not compensated in any way for this post. I just simply can’t tell you enough about how insanely good these cheesecakes are.

Fit In PDX | Therapydia Portland

April 18, 2015 by Lindsay Ingalls 1 Comment

I am registered to run a race in just four weeks, but the truth of the matter is that it’s just not going to happen. I’m feeling pretty disappointed because it was the first race I ran after having Edith and it would have been the first race I ran after having Alder. But alas, my right side just isn’t happy. So, instead of running the race I’ve been going to physical therapy and working on getting stronger so that I will be able to run the six other races that I am registered for (so far) this year.

Honestly, I am kicking myself right now. Despite knowing that I should go and being encouraged by my physical therapist friend, Catherine, it took me months and an invitation from Therapydia Portland before visiting a physical therapist. After just two sessions, I’m already starting to feel stronger. Although these first two sessions were gifted (full disclosure, per FTC rules), Clinical Director Jason Villareal, DPT, ATC and PT Tech Nikki of Therapydia Portland have won me over and I’ve made my third appointment (that I’m fully responsible for).

For my first therapy session, Jason started with an evaluation of my troubled area (my right knee up to my hip) and checked the symmetry and flexibility of both of my legs. Once that was done, Jason got down to work on my knee doing some work on the leg as well as applying some heat therapy. Once my knee and side were warmed up Nikki, the PT Tech, guided me through and had me perform the exercises that are going to help strengthen/”fix” my right side. Below you’ll see Jason kindly modeling what I considered to be the most challenging exercise that I need to do. Basically I need to do a controlled squat with a band around my legs down on to the box and then stand all the way back up and repeat.

Session two involved evaluating my progress over the past week, a running analysis (I’ll blog more specifically about this next week) and going through all of the same exercises again. Honestly, half way into my first session I knew I would be going back and continuing to go back until I am back to regular running. I am already noticing a difference and am learning what I need to work on. Right now there is no running going on just lots of exercises and gliding (fast walking). With the support and help of the Therapydia Portland team I know I’ll be back at it soon and hopefully I won’t just be back to running but I’ll be a much better runner.

Jason and his PT tech Nikki are warm, welcoming and knowledgeable making it an easy decision to go back. Whether you are experiencing a running related injury (like myself) or another injury, sports related or not, this office is worth a visit. Therapydia Portland is centrally located at East Burnside and NE 28th in the Laurelhurst neighborhood. Street parking is easy to get and free. Also the office has early morning and later evening hours meaning you shouldn’t have a problem finding an appointment time that works for you. Learn more about Therapydia here.

Therapydia Portland

2808 E Burnside St

Portland, OR

97214

info@therapydiaportland.com

Phone: 503.477.4802

Fax: 503.477.9395

Hours
Mon: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tue: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thu: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Not in PDX? Head on over to therapydia.com to find an office near you.