There are shops that sell chocolate and then there is the Cacao chocolate shop in Portland. The latter can inspire even the most hardened and cynical among us. When we first heard about the Cacao chocolate shops, it clearly sounded like it was worth our attention. Serious enough to warrant not one, but two reporters for further journalistic investigation. That's when Joanna … [Read more...] about Cacao Chocolate Shop in Portland Oregon
Retailer Reviews
Archives of the various reviews we've done of Portland area retailers
Interview: Steven Smith Teamaker
"Portland is a beverage town," Steve Smith says simply. And his beverage of choice is -- and always has been-- tea. Note: sad to report that Steve Smith died in 2015. However, Steven Smith Teamaker is still in businessBack in the early 1970s, Smith started Stash Tea, which sold teas and herbal infusions to natural food stores. The company grew to the point where it was … [Read more...] about Interview: Steven Smith Teamaker
The Meadow: Singing the Praises of Salt
"Everyone's Lives Would Be So Much Better If They Just Used The Right Salt." Mark Bitterman, Local SelmelierA wonderful thing about Portland is our growing community of small specialty food purveyors. Many of these are based on single obsessions: the perfect latte with foam so pretty and detailed that pictures of it could be framed and hung in a gallery, tiny … [Read more...] about The Meadow: Singing the Praises of Salt
Benessere Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars
Updated: 12/11 - 2nd store.I happened to walk past Benessere yesterday, but I could only take a quick peek, because I had the dog with me. Though the store has been open a month, I never heard about it, so I sent a friend in today to check it out and take some pictures.Benessesre is located downtown at 907 SW 9th Ave. They specialize in a large selection of olive oils … [Read more...] about Benessere Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars
Review: Baker and Spice
By Lizzy Caston. Updated 12.18 - new details, photos, etc.Baker and Spice is nowhere near my house, yet I seem to have developed quite a knack for inventing errands that take me to or near its Hillsdale location. "Ummm… I need to go to Fred Meyer. Yes, the six other Fred Meyer stores closer to home were plumb out of tulip bulbs, so I had to cruise out to the Burlingame … [Read more...] about Review: Baker and Spice