Cider Cocktails for Cider Week!

I am a cider fan.

And now there is a WHOLE week in Portland dedicated to cider. This makes me happy. You know what else makes me happy? Cider cocktails at St. Honore Boulangerie with my girlfriends. With all the incredible ingredients being used in cocktails, the St. Honore team decided to use their creativity to mix up some fun cocktails but without the liquor. It is a great concept if you are an establishment that doesn't have a liquor license.

The Midnight Paradise was my choice and I could have had five of them...no joke. The delicious ingredients are Finnriver Farmstead Cider, Lillet Blanc, sweet orange vinegar, elderflower syrup and orange peel.

We tried these cocktails at the newest location on SE Division and I learned they have a happy hour menu served from 4:00pm - close. St. Honore is a bakery so naturally they have beautifully baked treats and fresh savory breads. Lots to choose from on the menu! Kelsey tried french macaroons for the first time and these little cookies were extra sweet since they are made with real apple cider.

                    

Check out one of their three locations in NW on Thurman Street, in Lake Oswego or on SE Division Street. 

open 7 days a week | 7am - 8pm (or later) 

*this was a hosted event, but all opinions are my own. 

Chowing down in Bend

We joined the crowds and headed to Central Oregon for some Memorial Day Weekend fun in Bend. The great thing about my parents having an RV is the ability to take impromptu trips and this was definitely one of them. It was just four of us this time - my mom, dad, brother and me. 

Bend has grown into really fun town with lots of outdoor activities, restaurants and our family's favorite...breweries. We had every intent to participate in the full Ale Trail but opted to only visit about half them, including 10 Barrel Brewing, Worthy Brewing, Crux Fermentation Project and Good Life Brewing. 

After a weekend of drinking, we decided to soak up the beer by trying a popular brunch spot before the ride home. Chow prides themselves on their simple approach to food by sourcing products locally and practicing sustainability whenever they can. This eclectic converted-house has ample outdoor seating and a small outdoor garden. 

We waited outside with the Sunday brunch crowd but stopped by Backporch Coffee Roasters for lattes and americanos. When it was time to order, we started with a Pumpkin & Ginger Pancake to share and followed with our own entrées. I went with the obvious choice - Eggs Benedict. It was their daily special with pork, blue cheese hollandaise sauce served over brioche. Also, the Chicken Fried Steak exceeded expectation and I was pleasantly surprised at their version with caramelized onions and mushrooms. 

If you find yourself in Bend this summer, stop in at 10 Barrel for a pint of their seasonal sour beer and walk over to Chow for lunch. 

Chow 

1100 NW Newport Ave

Bend Oregon 97701

541.728.0256

open 7 days a week | 7am - close