BBQ in Oregon? Apple Valley BBQ. Unexpected but solid BBQ so, if you are doing the Fruit Loop, keep it in mind. They advertise themselves as NW style BBQ but...

Dinner with amazing views: Departure. Go here if for no other reason but the views from this restaurant located on the 15th floor of the Nines Hotel in downtown Portland....

Have some ice cream: Apple Valley Country Store. On the Fruit Loop and their claim to fame are their milkshakes. You know they will be good……Tillamook ice cream makes up...

Coffee and a pastry: Pearl Bakery. Very nice open space with typical offerings. Somewhat limited pastry choices but it is all very good…..give the pain aux raisin a try….delicious. Visit...

Cider in Hood River: Fox Tail Cider. Looked interesting so we stopped by while doing the Fruit Loop. Nice cidery with a friendly staff. Try the tasting flight to get...

French in the Pearl: Måurice. This is a small place and an interesting dining experience….described as a pastry luncheonette. So, you should expect a mix of sweet and savory pastries...

“BBQ” in Seattle: Brileys. Hard to find great BBQ in this town but finally visited this place after it was suggested to me by a friend some months ago. It...

Coffee fix: Blue Bottle Coffee. One of several locations in the Bay Area this one is in the Ferry Building. They have espresso down to an art but also offer, not only...

Frenetic Mexican: La Taqueria. You need to visit this place just to watch what goes on at lunch or dinner. The line is out the door and the seating is...

In the Ferry Building: Fog Hollow Farm. Need a quick fix…..pastry, soup, sandwich, coffee or farm to table fruits?…..then this is a good option. It’s basically a take away place...

At Hotel Griffon: Perry’s. One of 2 locations in the city, this one fronts the Embarcadero. The alfresco area on a nice day would be a show stopper. Just had...

Vietnamese in the Ferry Terminal: The Slanted Door. I tried this place a few years ago and don’t remember coming away impressed despite its renown. This visit was more to...

Drinks anyone? Wayfare Tavern. Stopped by for a drink and some light appetizers before dinner. This is a very popular spot for…….you didn’t guess it…..fried chicken! We’ll have to try...

Return visit: Bar Cantinetta. Our prior visit was for a wine tasting menu and I wasn’t that impressed with the food but I thought we should give it another try……I...

Meeting at SeaTac: The Conference Center at SEA. I gotta quit eating like this….at another meeting. Nice space for a smaller meeting and convenient via the Link Light Rail. Otherwise,...

Bakery near the convention center: The French Bakery. Had a meeting at the Bellevue Convention Center and needed a quick bite to eat before sitting in a room all day...