Azi & Josh
Things To Do
Portland Japanese Garden
One of the most beautiful Botanical Japanese Gardens in US. It is tranquil and meticulous. We haven't been there since the expansion in 2017 and can't wait to go see it. If you have a moment, stop by the cafe and have a bite to eat.
Multnomah Falls
In the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, it is one of the most iconic Northwest Landmarks.
Cannon Beach
About an hour and half from Portland, and worth the drive. We adored this beach every time we went there. Take sandwiches from Grand Central Bakery and bottle of rose and enjoy your day and hopefully you may catch sunset! Take layers of clothing, after all it is Oregon Coast.
Hug Point
5 miles south of cannon beach, hidden gem. If you are lucky and get there when the tide is low, you will be able to see caves and waterfall. It is breathtaking!!
Trillium Lake
Located at the top of Mt Hood with an incredible view of the snow capped peak, Lake Trillium is a perfect spot to spend a warm day going for a swim, paddle boarding, or just relaxing by the lake.
Grand Central Bakery
Best place for sandwiches, their BLT is only served in the summer so they can use the best available heirloom tomatoes. You can't go wrong ordering any of their delicious sandwiches and pastries.
Paley's Place Bistro & Bar
23 years strong, Paley's Place set the bar for service & cuisine in Portland. Opened by a husband & wife team, Vitaly & Kimberly Paley, they serve French cuisine focusing on local Northwest ingredients. Over the past couple years, the menu has moved in a Franco-Russian direction, honoring Chef Vitaly's homeland of Belarus. Paley's Place has been an incubator for some of the best talent in the industry. This is the restaurant that Joshua managed for 5 years. The Chef de Cuisine, Luis Cabanas, will be the Chef for our Wedding
Sam's Saj
Portland is known across the country for it's amazing Food Cart scene. A good friend of ours, Sami, moved from New York to Portland to open his own. After graduating one of the most prestigious Hospitality schools in Switzerland, he travelled, gaining experience in restaurants around the world, eventually ending up in Michellin starred restaurants in New York City. After working at Paley's Place in Portland, he opened Sam's Saj, a Lebanese food cart celebrating the cuisine of his heritage.
Boke Bowl
Quick, casual, delicious, asian inspired food. Known for their ramen, but we used to frequent there for their Brussels Sprouts & Citrus Salad, or the Mushroom Steam Buns. Great vegetarian or vegan options, but the Fried Chicken Steam Buns are also incredibly popular.
Tasty n Alder
Solid, fast paced, tapas inspired Brunch spot. Serving brunch everyday of the week, opened by one of the most successful restaurateurs in Portland, it is located right in the heart of downtown. Brunch is considered a serious sport in Portland, and this is where we took our out of town guests to experience what the city has to offer. The other location, the original, is located in a cool neighborhood on the East side.
Yuzu
Tucked into a strip mall in Beaverton, with no sign, Yuzu is a traditional izakaya with quite possibly some of the best Ramen in the U.S. Hands down one of our favorite places.
Little Bird Bistro
The casual sister restaurant of Le Pigeon, it is classic French Bistro food focusing on seasonal, local ingredients. This was a favorite after work spot when we wanted to treat ourselves. They have great wine, beer & spirit selections, professional service, and a great late night happy hour from 10:00 pm till midnight.
Renata
Opened by a couple from San Francisco, they serve upscale Italian cuisine. Great ambience, fresh pasta, wood-oven fired pizzas, great outdoor seating, & a cool selection of Italian wines. Call ahead to get a better seat.
Arden Wine Bar & Kitchen
Opened by a former coworker from Paley's Place, Kelsey Glasser, Arden is a wine-centric spot in the Pearl District offering a cool, eclectic selection of wines and a handful of small plates. But you can also splurge a little and reserve one of their coveted tables for their 4 course menu created by an ex San Francisco, Michelin starred Chef.
Lovely's Fifty Fifty
Hands down some of the best pizza in town. They also make incredible house made ice cream. Best of both worlds. Located in the Mississippi neighborhood, one of the coolest in Portland.
Salt & Straw
If you like ice cream, don't leave town without a visit to Salt & Straw. Exotic flavors & the highest quality ingredients. Don't be discouraged by the long line.
Teardrop Lounge
One of our favorite craft cocktail spots in Portland. Also, one of the first for the city, it set a really high bar for those who followed. An incredible selection of drinks with a glossary of terms on the back of the menu for the uninitiated.
Multnomah Whiskey Library
An experience unlike any other. You have to put your name down on the list to get in, but well worth the wait. They have a bible of spirits, incredible bar food, and a literal wall of whiskey.
Hale Pele
Considered one of the top ten Tiki Bars in the country. Transport yourself to a tropical paradise. Prepare for the hangover.
The Rookery
Imagine you have a multimillionaire relative...this is what the bar in their home might look like. On the 3rd floor of a refurbished, historic building, it has a pool table, super comfy couches, and live music between 6 - 8 pm. Don't be fooled by the restaurant on the first level, Raven & Rose. It is not recommended.