These photos are from my neighborhood in north west Portland, where I live. I’ve never lived in an American city before. For the 9 years I’ve been in this country, I’ve always lived in the suburbs (MD, DC/VA). I love living in Portland – it’s a small, quirky, friendly city, its very walkable and the public transport is great.
Let’s get one thing out of the way – yes, it rains a lot in Portland.( I’ve been told you get used to it). But all this rain means the fruits and vegetables here are the freshest and most gorgeous I’ve ever seen. That combined with the superb vegetarian food scene here makes me a very happy girl.
Portlanders are so laid back and friendly. And the local movement here means tons of charming little individual, non-chain stores. Mom and pop restaurants, food co-ops, family owned small businesses, and individual stores are everywhere. Everything is small, green and local.
My local grocery store is the Food Front Co-op. It carries great organic fruits and vegetables, and has a nice little deli. A little more expensive than what I’m used to, but I enjoy browsing the aisles and discovering new ‘west coast things’.
I’m off to pack for my upcoming India, Jordan, Israel, Dubai trip. (I’ll post photos and recipes from there!). I leave you with photos from my neighborhood..
Oh…that’s good and sweet post from you. How I enjoyed your pics here. Loved all autumn-y bright colours from Portland. Thanks for sharing. Good luck and Bon Voyage!
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Beautiful scenes! I’d love to visit Portland.
Cheers,
Rosa
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beautiful captures.. seems just like seattle! in my 11 years here, i tried living in the smaller city dowtown in washington,, which is pretty much a suburb and i couldnt… i am a downtown or high activity neighborhood girl!
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Lovely, beautiful pics!
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Stunning pictures! I wish I could visit n-o-w. I especially love the picture with purple leaves on the mossy steps.
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Wow St Honore is in your neighborhood? Paint me insanely jealous!
When you get a chance you should check out brunch at Broder for delish Scandinavian eggs and fresh bread.
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Beautiful Pics Sala!!
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Very charming neighbourhood indeed…
Have a great trip Sala.
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Portland is pretty great! I live in north Portland, and being a native, I really don’t think it rains here nearly as much as it used to! Love your photos!
Have a lovely trip!
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It looks SO charming – I love that dog park shot! And the leaves…
You guys are just down the coast from us so I guess it’s no surprise, but it really reminds me of suburban Vancouver.
Have a great trip!
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Your picture compositions are simply breathtaking.. Its a treat to see these photographs!
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Lovely! I wish I could visit Portland! Thanks for the virtual journey:)
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Sala,
I’m so tempted to pack my bags and hop on the next flight available.. Love your neighborhood!
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Hi,
nice pics. But i really hate weather here now ,thought it looks soo good in photos. Well i’m fond of sunshine..
. Miss it
Have you tried this restaurant yet! Sweet tomatoes.. Have good veg options and tastes yummy.
-Laks
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Wow. I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest (except for a work trip this past spring to Vancouver). It looks so charming.
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LINDO, LINDO!!! Beautiful!!!!!_/\_
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Beautiful photos. You really are a world away from Scotland. I am going to have another look and dream!
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Sala @ Veggie Belly Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:18 am
aaaah! how i love scotland!
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Hey Sala. You are so lucky to have moved from one beautiful locale to another!! :0) I grew up in Dubai, btw, and implore you to try the Chilli Garlic Pizza and Hummus Pizzas in Aroma Garden, and the Zaatar and ‘Spicy Tomato’ Manakish at Al Reef Bakery. Don’t forget to try some authentic Foul at any of the many small Sudanese cafes, and some Falafel at any place that sells ONLY Falafel. Also, you can get some wicked Pani Puri at Mithaas in Sharjah. :0) Have fun!! :0)
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Sala @ Veggie Belly Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 9:17 am
thanks for the yummy tips!
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Thank you for sharing the beauty of city.
I’m headed in town from my burb today and you’ve made me aware to look for its splendid. I’m taking my camera.
Safe travels!
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You always have such good photos and have taught me a few tricks about taking food photos. Enjoy your trip. Sounds like you might be gone quite a while.
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Stunning pictures, so colorful and bright. Love your site. Following u.
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Sala, when did you move to Portland??? I’m dreadfully behind in reading my favorite blogs, as usual. We are only three hours apart!
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Sala @ Veggie Belly Reply:
December 22nd, 2011 at 1:35 am
i know!! we should meet up!
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Portland, OR? To think I was there just 5 days back on a quick trip from Seattle… well, next time maybe, Sala?
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Nice! Looking forward to seeing your trip report for India and Israel and Dubai etc.
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Just found you via Pinterest, and I quite like your blog. So many tasty looking dishes. I have lived here in Portland in the SW side for the last couple years and I also love it. Maybe one day we will see each other in passing
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I love, love, love Portland. I still live in Oregon (Bend) where it is sunnier but as a foodie there is no better place in this country to choose than Portland. With New York’s seeming love affair with Portland and some recent restaurants from here opening up over there, it just goes to show what a wonderful place for people and food it really is. Great blog! Miss you Portland and hope to see you soon…..
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Can you recommend some tasty vegetarian or vegetarian friendly restaurants in Portland? I’d like to go visit there sometime soon and prefer eating vegetarian.
Thanks!
Carrie
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Sala @ Veggie Belly Reply:
March 12th, 2012 at 4:09 am
you’ll have no trouble finding vegetarian food in Portland! most restaurants are very veg. friendly and many have vegetarian menus. jade teahouse and red onion are great.
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