News and Trends from International Quilt Market

APRIL - MAY

 

 

Photo credit: www.oregonmetro.gov/

IN AND AROUND PORTLAND

 

Are you joining us for spring Quilt Market in Portland? We’ve put together a handy-dandy guide to help you navigate the food, drink (including lots of coffee!), and entertainment options near the convention center and around the city.

 

Lloyd District

 

A short and sweet geography lesson: The Lloyd District is home to the Oregon Convention Center where Quilt Market will be held for spring 2018. We know Market days can be long, so we’ve provided restaurant options in the nearby neighborhood for easy access and excellent food.

 

A taste of Northwest China in the Pacific Northwest? We’ll take it! The famous Frank’s Noodle House makes their noodles fresh, stretching and folding the dough into strands, then dropping them immediately into boiling water (a process you can watch from your table!). Frank’s has a great selection of items on the menu outside of noodles, and serves only fresh, homemade cuisine.

 

If you’re searching for Southern food in the Northwest, Pine State Biscuits can grant your wish. Founded by three North Carolinians, Pine State Biscuits was created to bring the taste of the South to the North. The menu features biscuit sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and even an option to build your own biscuit, just the way you like it. Though biscuits are what they’re famous for, there’s more to their menu that’s worth trying!

 

(Photo Right: Pine State Biscuits - The Reggie)

 

Olympia Provisions has extensive menus, serving brunch, lunch, mid-day meals, dinner, dessert, wine and drinks, and charcuterie. Their meat is raved about in Portland’s food articles, and their charcuterie boards (a must try), are said to be some of the best in Portland.

 

 

 

Across the River

 

While the Lloyd District has plenty to offer, a trip to Portland isn’t complete without a visit downtown. Food options are limitless just across the river!

 

Being so close to the Oregon coast, dining on seafood is a necessity. Murata has a quiet atmosphere and serves authentic, tasty sushi. The chef pays particular attention to presentation for a true Japanese style experience.

 

If you’re on the search for French food, Little Bird Bistro is the place to go. They serve a creative menu, ranging from Roasted Marrow Bones to Seared Foie Gras (both of which are rumored to be fantastic). On the weekends, they’re open only for dinner, so it’s best to schedule a reservation. Their sister restaurant, Le Pigeon, is also open for dinner every night of the week.

 

Lardo is a pork centric, Portland staple. The Pork Belly Reuben and Dirty Fries are menu items you can’t miss. Every sandwich is packed with flavor.

 

Pok Pok’s Fish Sauce Chicken Wings are raved about on just about every Portland food website. Visitors swear by the wings, the flavors, and the experience. If you try Pok Pok and have a wait, Imperial Bottle Shop and Taproom is right down the street with delicious drinks to pass the time.

 

(Photo Left: Pok Pok)

 

 

 

 

 

What you can’t miss!

 

It’s hard to believe you could go wrong with any coffee shop in a place like Portland, but with so many to choose from across the city, we’ve compiled a list of the best of the best to make your selection a little easier.

 

DISCLAIMER: each place on this list claimed to brew “the best coffee in Portland” on multiple review sites!

 

COFFEE

The inviting Courier Coffee Roasters is said to have amazing coffee and second-to-none baked goods. -If you visit and fall in love with their coffee, you can choose your favorite beans and take them home.

 

Stumptown Coffee Roasters has five locations around the Portland area, with the closest (and largest) location to the Oregon Convention Center located downtown at 128 SW 3rd Avenue. Stumptown Coffee offers a full espresso bar, drip coffee, brew-by-the-cup offerings, and more.

 

(Photo Right: Stumptown Coffee Roasters)

 

Originally an espresso catering company, Case Study Coffee now focuses on small batch-roasted coffee and house-made syrups and offers a great selection of the best baked goods. The coffee is described as smooth, rich, and creamy… aka everything you could want in a cup of joe!

 

Not only do people rave about the coffee at Heart Coffee Roasters, they also rave about their milk.  Heart Coffee Roasters makes their own walnut almond milk in-house and aims to create an exceptional coffee experience for each customer.

 

Nossa Familia, Portuguese for “Our Family,” was founded by Brazilian native Augusto Carneiro. He formed the company to bring his family’s coffee to Portland, beginning by importing directly from his family’s farms in Brazil. Visitors rave about their Mocha, drip coffee, and whipped cream!

 

 

Sweet Treats

 

DONUTS

If you’re on the hunt for a unique, but quality donut in Portland, you’re in luck!

 

The famous Voodoo Donut has two locations, one downtown and one on the east side. Word on the street is that you should always expect to wait in line, especially during the day. The donut shop is open 24 hours and accepts cash only.

 

Bluestar Donuts has seven locations to treat the Portland area, with each location serving unique, local flavors tailored to each community, alongside their staples at each shop. They’re known for their gourmet donuts crafted from scratch, with fresh fruits, herbs, spices, and even liqueurs! Bluestar’s coffee is even designed to perfectly pair with their assortment of donuts.

 

(Photo Left: Bluestar - Creme Brulee)

 

For another special take on donuts in Portland, stop by Pip’s Original Donuts and Chai. Located on the east side of town, Pip’s serves fresh, made to order cake mini-doughnuts and features five flavors of house-crafted chai (they even offer a chai flight if you want to try them all!). If you happen to be at Quilt Market on your birthday (or within seven days of it) Pip’s will give you a special birthday surprise…a dozen donuts for free!

 

ICE CREAM

At Tart Berry, their slogan is “Where Kindness and Laughter Translate to Any Language.” This frozen dessert shop offers over 15 different flavors in a variety of frozen dessert choices, ranging from yogurt to ice cream, and gelato to custard. Tart Berry provides lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.

 

Eb & Bean is located in the Lloyd District, conveniently near the convention center for easy access during a Quilt Market lunch break! Eb & Bean boasts redefining frozen yogurt with their organic, probiotic-rich dairy (and non-dairy) deliciousness. They create and serve handmade flavors and top-notch toppings.

 

Salt & Straw offers nothing short of a unique, Portland experience, with flavors like Chocolate Caramel Potato Chip Cupcake, Arbequina Olive Oil, and Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper (no joke!). The shop offers unlimited sampling, so you can make sure you’ll love what you get before you purchase.

 

(Photo Right: Salt & Straw)

 

 

 

 

 

Sanctuary in the City

 

If you're looking for a break from the busy Quilt Market floor, check out any of the city's serene gardens.

 

(Photo Top: Lan Su Chinese Garden)

 

Lan Su Chinese Garden is known to be an oasis in the middle of a busy city. In 1980, Suzhou, China, and Portland became sister cities in an effort to construct a Chinese garden in the city. Designed by Kuang Zhen, and built by 65 artisans from Suzhou, ground was broken in July of 1999. The garden is home to an authentic tea house, over 500 species of Chinese plants. To learn more about the garden, visit the Oregon Encyclopedia and for events, check their May calendar.

 

The Elk Rock Garden is described by visitors as a hidden gem. It provides a path for meandering among the trees and plant life and allows for a beautiful view of the river. Admission into Elk Rock Garden is free, but donations are accepted.

 

 

 

Bars Around Portland

 

Though the Pacific Northwest has a reputation for rain, May temperatures in Portland historically range mid-60’s to 70’s during the day. If sunshine breaks through during our stay for Quilt Market, Altabira City Tavern’s patio would be the place to go. The Tavern is located on the top floor of Hotel Eastlund and serves American beer-centric food and drink, featuring 16 tap handles of local craft beers. Rain or shine, warm or cool, their spacious patio has windbreaks, heaters, and fire pits, and one of the best views in Portland.

 

Across the street from the convention center, the sports bar Spirit of 77 serves upscale bar fare, craft beers, and cocktails. The bar features one huge screen and arcade games for a fun night out after a day at Market.

 

Noble Rot, voted Best Portland Wine Bar last year by Willamette Week, will be celebrating its 16th anniversary during the month of Quilt Market! Located on the fourth floor, Noble Rot’s tagline promises “Wine | Booze | Food | View.”

 

(Photo Right: Noble Rot)

 

A Portland favorite for over 40 years, Produce Row Café serves an impressive list of food, cocktails, wine, and beer and whiskey pairings. The beer list is updated every week, and you can take a sneak peek at the latest menu before your visit.

 

 

 

Getting Around

 

Navigating your way around the beautiful city of Portland is made easy with their public transportation system, TriMet. The downtown Portland area is serviced by Bus Lines and the Max Light Rail.

 

Both the Bus System and the Max Light Rail System run every 15 minutes or better for most of the day, every day.

 

Fares for adults are $2.50 for a 2.5 hour pass, and $5 for a day pass. If you are 65+, have Medicare, or disability, tickets are $1.25 for a 2.5 hour pass, and $2.50 for a day pass.

 

The city also offers a reloadable transportation card called Hop. To see if this pass is right for you, watch this informative video.

 

For schedules, route information, and general information on the Bus System, click here.

 

For schedules, line information, and general information on the Max Light Rail, click here.

 

To stay up to date news on TriMet’s transportation systems, visit their Twitter.

 

 

 

Seeing Portland by Water

 

You can certainly see much of what Portland has to offer on foot or by riding their public transportation, but another way to experience the city is by water! Willamette Jetboat Excursions offers a two-hour scenic tour, passing through scenic downtown, wildlife, and down to the majestic Willamette Falls. The Portland Spirit Salmon Street Springs offers a downtown dinner cruise.

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

2018

International Quilt Market/Portland

May 18-20
Classes begin May 17

Oregon Convention Center

Portland, Oregon, USA

 

International Quilt Market/Houston

November 3-5 (NOTE: LATER DATES)

Classes begin November 1

George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston, Texas, USA

 

 

 

 

 

International Quilt Market/Kansas City

May 17-19
Classes begin May 16

Kansas City Convention Center

Kansas City, Missouri, USA

 

International Quilt Market/Houston

October 26-28

Classes begin October 25

George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston, Texas, USA

 

 

NOTE: Quilt Market is a credentialed
trade show only, and not open to
the public.


For information on these or any other Quilts, Inc. shows, visit www.quilts.com

 

2019

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Houston, Texas 77063

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Telephone (1) 713.781.6864

Fax (1) 713.781.8182

e-mail: shows@quilts.com

News and Trends from International Quilt Market