cupcake wars

Lauren decided that on my last day in Portland, it would be most important for me to try 2 of the more notable cupcake places in the city and compare them. We went to Cupcake Jones first, which was in the Pearl and had nowhere to sit. I got a mini Chocolate/Chocolate cupcake. The frosting was a fudge frosting, which was amazing, but the cupcake itself was pretty dry. Not my thing.

On to Saint Cupcake. This is probably the most famous place in Portland for cupcakes. They have a big seating area, and are located in NW Portland. They also served mini cupcakes, so we got 6 total, 3 each, of all different kinds. I of course got chocolate/chocolate, chocolate/hot fudge, and carrot cake. Lauren got a coconut thing, some turtle thing and a big top? Yea..who knows! The chocolate fudge was good. the ratio was off since the fudge was put on hot, so it was more of a glaze, but the cake here was perfect. The buttercream frosting on the other chocolate cake was not my fav. I preferred the frosting at Cupcake Jones. And I LOVE frosting, i couldn't even eat it all. The carrot cake was perfectly spicy, and the cream cheese frosting was perfection. Saint Cupcake: You win!!!

Muu Muu's

I first went here with Susie for a drink and snack after work. It's 2 blocks away from my store, and right in front of my bus stop, so it's really convenient. Although, I'd come here even if it wasn't. The happy hour is great, and the small plates menu is available anytime, and has enough awesome choices, that I tend to just eat off that! They are known for their Muu Muu Burger: sirloin burger, american cheese, and french fries all smashed into a french roll. Makes me want to eat meat. Honestly- 95% of the time I get the hummus plate. It reminds me SO much of the Abbaye, and as you all know- that's my favorite bar in Philly. They have a pretty decent rotating tap, and I've had some good beers here. The servers are all incredibly nice as well. Anyway, (ahem) Last Sunday 10 of us met up for brunch, and enjoyed a lovely meal. Mimosa's here: awesome and not $$$. I got an omelet, same ole same ole, and everything else on the table looked as good as mine tasted. Delicious! Our waitress even split our check 7 ways without even asking. perfect. one minor note..the coffee is not delicious.

Besaw's

I ride by this place on the bus everyday on my way to work, and it a)looks so cute and b)is open early. We all know how much I love breakfast, so any place I can make dates for before work is a-ok in my book. I looked up their website today to see if it would be friendly for a lunch date today with another vegetarian friend of mine, emily.

This place was opened in the early 1900's, and was granted the first liquor license in Oregon! Financed by Henry Weinhard, a couple of gentlemen made this a local's favorite. I can see why!!

I ordered a breakfast sandwich (served until 3) which had 2 eggs over hard, veggie sausage, avocado, sun dried tomato pesto and goat cheese. It came with rosemary garlic roasted potatoes on the side. Em got the pecan veggie burger, which was AMAZING. Its adorable in there, and I wanted to eat EVERYTHING on the menu. Def coming back here!!

Siobhan- Gluten free pancakes!!!