Tidbit #2: I turned thirty! And so we had a lovely potluck dinner. My contribution: meatloaf muffins (yum!) and savory-sweet things in whole wheat phyllo dough. Recipes forthcoming, but in the meantime, here’s a lovely picture of the pretty phyllo dough things.

Tidbit #3: Speaking of phyllo dough, there’s a waitress at a local Greek restaurant who has the most wonderfully nasal accent. Every time I try to remember whether it’s pronounced “FIE-lo” or “FEE-lo,” I think of Angela and remember to say “FEE-lo.”

Tidbit #4: Details magazine has apparently just named Becky’s Diner (“Nothin’ Finah!”) as one of the best breakfast spots in America. I’ve got nothing against Becky’s — the food is good, and cheap, and it’s a good place to take out-of-towners — but there are much better breakfast places in Portland. For inspiration, check out my friend Dan’s regular column, The Breakfast Serial, over at The Bollard.

Tidbit #5: Farmer Justin has opened for business. Support local agriculture! Join a CSA! Better, join his CSA. You’ll be in great company, and you might even see me up at the farm.

I love this place. Ever since I discovered their wireless internet access, I’ve gone there to work at least once a week, sometimes more. It’s homey, with overstuffed couches and a kids’ play area, and the vegetarian-friendly food is simple, fresh, and often comes from local farms. What more could I possibly want?

Oh, right. Friendly staff. Got that too.

This morning: an “everything” spelt bagel with olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, tomato, and avocado. So simple, and so delicious.

And then I stayed after chatting with my friend, and worked through lunch: A huge bowl of beans and and brown rice with red onion, cheddar, tomatoes, and avocado. (I like avocado!)

It’s so funny, you know? They bill themselves as a music cafe, a proper coffeehouse. They even have beer on tap — sip your HSA while enjoying the open mic night. But I’ve never really gone there for any of the shows. This will have to change.