Celebrating at Castagna

Happy new year!

Where in the world could Jen be? Hopefully she isn't doing anything boring! We are missing her at Oregon Wines on Broadway!

A spread fit for a princess, catered by Nicolas'. Lamb kebabs, kafka, falafel, and spankthepita. And baklavaklavak.
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There she is, the hostess herself. In the bar, of course.
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Michelle has a party!

Arriving at Michelle's for her annual Christmas party, which had to be postponed until after Christmas due to Arctic Blast '08.
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Merry Christmas

Tabletalkportland was VERY good this year...Santa brought us oysters and a magnum of cava.
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Shucking Christmas oysters

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Merry Christmas!
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Christmas Tea carnage.
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This spread is brilliant, good job Philippe Boulot and team!
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The eats are here! Attack!!
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And Jen is filled with champagne.

Actually, Jen is filled with Segura Viudas cava, which is her favorite everyday table sparkly. So if you haven't gotten her Christmas present yet because you weren't sure whether to get her a bottle of bubbly, diamonds, or a small bulldog, consider yourself informed.
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Michelle is filled with holiday cheer.
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The Heathman's historic Tea Court halls are decked with holly.
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The only thing better than a milk mustache

Is a Cacao drinking chocolate mustache.
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Cacao

We just finished learning important lessons at Portland Center Stage's production of A Christmas Carol. Now we are pondering our newfound insights on life at Cacao over small cups of drinking chocolate, while we wait for our Christmas Tea to begin in the Heathman drawing room.
This drinking chocolate is the stuff dreams are made of--a spicy, sinfully scintillating concoction of 72% arriba dark chocolate infused with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and ginger, and blended with milk, cream, and coconut milk. Only $2 a shot, and one shot of this stuff will put enough theobromine in your system to keep you on a chocolate high until 2010. Bottoms up! -J
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Jen and Michelle Got Mail!

Sometimes, when one of our readers is in dire need of a restaurant recommendation, or is snowbound and really bored, we get mail here at TableTalkPortland. If we happen to be sober when we read it, we usually reply, otherwise we tend to forget we ever read it. Sorry. Anyhow, we thought it would be fun to start a new segment called "Jen and Michelle Got Mail!" Here is a random sampling of mail we've received this month.

To: Jen & Michelle
Date: Fri, Dec 5, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Subject: Where to go tonight?

Hey Michelle and Jen,

We have 7:30 pm tickets for the Christmas Carol at Portland Center Stage, and it's Adam's 11th birthday. We're looking for a place that's good, not too expensive, has burgers and breaded chicken strips (for Adam), where the hubby and I can get a decent meal, and is close to the venue?

Any ideas?

Janine

Hi there Janine!

Have you tried Deschutes Brewpub? It's a block from the Armory and has a lively vibe, not to mention quite a few burgers. Plus, they do not give children snotty looks or try to lure them into the kitchen with turkish sweets and bake them into pies, which is nice.

Here is a link to the menu: www.deschutesbrewery.com/brewery/brew-pubs/portland-pub/pdx-pub-menu/default.aspx

Tell Adam Happy Birthday from TableTalk!

Graciously,
Jen

To: Jen & Michelle
Date: Sat, Dec 20, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Subject: How do I get to do what you do?

Dear Jen and Michelle,

After stumbling upon and watching your daily adventures as chronicled on your blog now for several months, I have to ask: how on earth are the two of you able to (1) do anything but eat and drink all day, (2) pay for it and (3) go without taking a day, a week, or a month off? I am sincerely yours, sitting eating frozen pizza and watching day 24 of storm coverage with no life of my own,

Steve B

(that’s not exactly true, I just got done updating my wine inventory and ordering four bottles of a St. Emilion Grand Cru so I exaggerate a bit)

Dear Steve,

Wow, that's a lot of questions, Michelle hasn't had to endure an inquisition like that since she was pulled over for the third time for driving with no front license plate, which was, let's see...yesterday!

We'll try though. Here goes:

1)We actually DON'T do anything but eat and drink all day. But if we did, I would be a princess and Michelle would be a super nice traffic cop who never, ever gave people tickets for not having a front license plate. Or, I would be a writer and Michelle would be a CFO, which is sort of what we do when we aren't eating and drinking.

2)In times like these, who hasn't had to sell an organ or two to afford dinner out? Really though Steve, affording our lifestyle is all about priorities. For example, I find that electricity is completely overrated, and Michelle just let her housekeeper go and makes Mom clean her house instead. See? Priorities.

3)We are just driven girls, I guess. Kind of like our bff Madonna (you can see our beautiful friendship evolve starting here: http://tabletalkportland.blogspot.com/2008/10/just-hanging-out-with-madonna.html), we have an incredibly tenacious work ethic when it comes to our "art". We don't have very big biceps though.

Now we have some questions for you, Steve. It's only fair.

1. What kind of frozen pizza? Better be frozen Apizza Scholls or Ken's leftovers, Mister. Which you should never freeze, btw. It's best fresh.

2. Mom used to date Jacques Hebrard and every Christmas he has a case of Chateau Cheval Blanc St. Emilion Grand Cru delivered to her house on the back of a winged golden stag. So, where did you get yours?

3. That is not actually true. I'm sorry I lied. Are you still going to invite us to your tasting party? We love parties!

Thanks so much for your letter Steve, and stay warm and dry, drinking your St. Emilion Grand Cru by the fireplace! Hopefully you have a fireplace, it seems only appropriate.

Cordially,
Jen

To: Jen
Date: Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Subject: Bring me lunch

Sis,

I just woke up. I'm hungover from my pub crawl down Belmont last night. Bring me lunch now.

Michelle

Dear Sis,

No way. Not until you agree to let Guinevere, my highly anticipated Christmas bulldog, live at your house since my apartment building doesn't allow dogs.

Resolutely,
Jen

And that concludes the first edition of Jen and Michelle Got Mail! If you have any questions or comments of your own, please write us at tabletalkportland@gmail.com. FYI, pre-happy hour inquiries are the most likely to be answered.

Keeping warm at Side Street off Belmont

Free Burgers at Morton's TONIGHT!

So there's a light dusting of snow outside and it's a little chilly...quit whining, put on your snowshoes, and get down to Morton's for FREE MINI-CHEESEBURGERS TONIGHT!

As part of Morton's celebration of their 30 years as the nation’s largest owned and operated steakhouse company, and 10 years as a successful steakhouse in Portland, today only, from 5-6 pm, all locations are offering COMPLIMENTARY mini-cheeseburgers at the bar. Yes, that's right--free cheeseburgers, and all you have to do is blow in the door and shake the snow off your boots to get some.

Morton's is located at 213 S.W. Clay Street in downtown Portland. No reservations are necessary for the "birthday burger" celebration in the bar, however, you might want to book a seat for a leisurely supper and take advantage of Morton's 30th Anniversary Menu, which is offering a prix fixe steak-and-seafood meal for $49.50 per person (through Dec. 28...details at www.mortons.com/steak.)

The weather outside is frightful, but free burgers are delightful, so take a break from shopping/wrapping/drinking too many hot toddys/staring morosely out the window at your totally snowbound CR-V, and get to Morton's!

-J

Wine and pommes frites at muu muu's

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It's bring your own bar snacks at m bar.
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Staying cozy at m Bar

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Baby it's COLD... but braised pork and homemade pasta, and red wine at Castagna keep us warm!

At the vault

With a B-52 and a Tattooed Lady. Yep, that's right, Michelle is inked.
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Calamari frites
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Patanegra!

Check out our small plate. Ho ho ho
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Bubbles & Bivalves TONIGHT at Square Deal Wine Co.

Baby it's cold outside...and if you're staring out the window at the snowflakes, dreaming of a snuggly Friday night in with your honey, we've got just the after-work event to kick off your amorous evening: Square Deal Wine Company's 4th Annual Oyster Feed and Sparkling Wine tasting, aka Bubbles & Bivalves, from 5-8 pm tonight at Square Deal (2321 NW Thurman St).

Taste six different sparkling wines (including a few champagnes) for a $20 tasting fee, which Square Deal will waive should you decide to buy a case of wine for later (nudge nudge). Eat as many freshly shucked oysters as you can for $1 each. Square Deal brings in 4-5 different varieties and usually ends up shucking around 1000 oysters for this event, so there's alotta love flowing around the wine shop tonight. In fact, if you don't have a sweetie to bring to this, come alone, because you're likely to leave with one. (Note: This is by no means guaranteed, but if you can't get a date at an oyster and champagne feed...whoa.)

And since you'll be hanging out in Square Deal, home of hundreds of spanking good wine buys as well as the illustrious Steve's Cheese, you can wrap up your holiday shopping with a little something for your favorite wine and cheese fetishists.

Reservations are required and you can get one by calling 503.226.9463. We just called a minute ago--they've still got room, so hurry and grab a spot if you want to get lucky tonight, er, want to attend Bubbles & Bivalves tonight!

-J

Last Farmer's Market of 2008 CANCELED

If you hear a sharp cracking sound, it's not your windshield finally giving up the farm in protest of this rubbish weather, but rather my little heart shattering upon hearing the dismal news--in protest of this rubbish weather, Portland's Saturday Farmer's Market will not hold its final market of the year.

Here's the official skinny, right from the PFM:

Portland Farmers Market has canceled the market for this Saturday, December 20, 2008 due to the weather. Frozen, snow covered fields have made it impossible for the farmers to harvest and the forecast indicates more inclement weather is on the way this weekend. In the interest of vendor and shopper safety, we have regretfully decided to cancel our last market.

Please join us on March 21, 2009 to welcome the 19th season of Portland Farmers Market!

Bah humbug, Jack Frost! Now look what you've done!

We were slightly cheered however, to hear an exciting rumor: 2009 will bring the addition of a fifth Farmer's Market--a Sunday market, purportedly located in NE Portland at King Elementary School (NE 7th & Wygant). Neat-o. The more markets the merrier!

-J

The line at bunk sandwiches

There is a lot of buzz surrounding 'The Elvis'-peanut butter, bacon and banana!
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The bar is hopping at sexy tuesdays

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SEXY TUESDAYS TONIGHT AT NEW DEAL VODKA!

Beast, Castagna, Toro Bravo, Pok Pok, Clyde Common and Miss Zumstein's are donating the food.

Teardrop Lounge, Mint/820 Lounge and Vault Martini Bar passed on cocktail recipes.

Beth Willis (www.bethwillismusic.com) will fill the New Deal Distillery with her lovely voice.

I squeezed 40 pounds of lemons and limes for this last night.

You better be there, and you better be sexy, dammit.

-J

The lemons just keep coming!
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Sexy Tuesdays Tomorrow at New Deal Vodka!

Jen is juicing lemons for the cosmos. A lot of lemons. Jen is sick of juicing lemons.
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Bacon pepper cheeseburger

And chicken strips. We worked up an appetite wrestling michelle's massive tree into her living room tonight.
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At the Hawthorne Burgerville

Using our free Chocolate Hazelnut shake coupons.
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Brunch at Cha

$4 bloody marys and mimosas all day on Sundays
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I can't decide which Mint cocktail is my favorite, the avocado daquiri or the Velvet.
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Avocado daquiri make Shelli happy!
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Mint bartender Steven makes Mint's famous avocado daquiri.
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Happy Hour at Mint

Spicy Caesar salad, calamari, and guava cosmos...
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My $6 Ikea Lunch

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Merry Christmas From Burgerville

The latest 'n greatest Burgerville shake coupon.

Don't say we didn't give you anything for Christmas.

-J

Andina

Andina is packed tonight, and the drum player is loud. I have stuffed sugar cane in my ears and we are watching the kitchen while waiting for our table.
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Beast: course lv

Michelle went to the bathroom, so I took her chestnut and Armagnac souffle with whipped creme fraiche and praline and added it to my collection. I also drank her vin Santo. Ho ho ho
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Watching the kitchen prep dessert.
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Beast: course lll

Braised local rabbit, whole grain mustard creme fraiche, egg noodles, roasted baby carrots and Brussels sprouts.
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Michelle has quail egg in her hair but I am not going to tell her.
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Beast: course ll

Charcuterie plate: foie gras bon bon with sauternes gelee, steak tartare and quail egg toast, chicken liver mousse with cassis house cracker, pork liver and prune and green peppercorn house pate.
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