Trip to Crema and the Neighborhood

I heard about the Portland coffee/ bakery cafe , Crema, listening to the NPR radio show Splendid Table when Jane and Michael Stern shared their love of the great coffee and pastry in one of their favorite towns. Michael liked their cheddar corn biscuit and Spanish latte. I thought I might order it until I saw other choices. I got there early and managed to get a table for the four women taking part in Septembers Exploring Portland. It is a place to return to many times. Too bad it is on the east side of the river making none too handy.

Sue had the Sour Cream Streusel coffee cake with peaches.

Julie Skinner had the Cherry Apricot Muffin. I sampled it and recommend it.


I had the Mushroom and Manchego (sheep cheese) Biscuit. I liked it.

I gave Linda a sample and she liked it so much she ordered one.My skinny decaf latte. It is a coffee place, after all.

Once we left Crema, we walked around the neighborhood and discovered restaurants and shops. Most of the restaurants hadn't opened up yet. Even stores on Burnside weren't scheduled to open until noon, but we had luck getting into stores on the side streets.
Across the street is an excellent wild and crazy Mexican restaurant Esparzas.


Right next door to Crema is Noble Rot, where once we celebrated one of Lee Ann's birthdays with some of her friends.

Navarre is one of the many eating spots in the area.

A well-knows Mexican restaurant, Taqueria Nueve, went out of business and in its place will be Tapalaya that has "New Orleans Small Plates". It will be worth checking out once it opens in November.

Alma Chocolate at 140 NE 28th St has more than chocolate, such as artwork and bags made of magazines.



Butterscotch was a fun shop to poke around in. Cards, baby gifts and clothes, fun decorations, currently for Halloween.
I loved these chandeliers.












Tabla wasn't open yet. One of many restaurants along the area. Here is a fairly recent review from a great restaurant review blog.


Artemisia (right across from Crema) has an inside and outside area for plants. We spent more time outside....



I liked this plant. Likes shade and water. Could work at the beach.