posted
03/21/10 12:20 PM
|
updated
03/21/10 12:21 PM
Featured Post! |
Views:
783
|
Comments :
28
|
About Us
Editorial Meeting
|
Cool
|
|
|
I too am very anxious to hear about the Bob White Theater and hope that maybe some comments/point of views from other theater owners like The Academy Theater people or McMenamins. Not sure what there would be to write on grocery stores as we are severely lacking. Maybe the article shouldn't be on what we have, but what we don't have. That seems negative and even a little depressing, but I know what we do have (not much), but would love to know the chances of getting our own little version of a People's Co-Op or a New Seasons or Market of Choice. Here are some answers on Powell Butte - http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action= and the requested map - http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action= |
|
|
Comment by
KimJSCP
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
RE: Cool
|
|
|
Thanks so much for the MAP of Powell Butte, KimJSCP! I'll bundle that with some pics for a full (easy to find) story for the front page. As for the Bob White: JT, I agree, we should consolidate your (great) research into one post. I will do that later this week, unless you want to. :) I can verify what you have found so far as being the rumors that are flying around. I have heard them from other neighbors, as well as the peeps at Bar Carlo. (Not sure I've ever met Mr. Night Shift, but he sounds awesome.) Everyone wants to match McMinnamins with this space-- I wonder if they've responded to that idea officially? I'll dig around for their PR contact when the time opens in my schedule. JT-- you say they're not interested, which is a shame. MattSE60th--GO! I would love to publish your review of Foster Burger--thanks for stepping up! Thanks, y'all, for taking my call for an editorial meeting to heart. |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
Foster Burger
|
|
| I've been meaning to post a review of Foster Burger. I ate there recently, and even took a couple snapshots. I'll take that on if nobody beats me to the punch. | |
|
Comment by
MattSE60th
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
RE: Foster Burger
|
|
|
Hi MattSE60th! I mean, Matt. (We've met face-to-face, yes?) Please do go ahead and write that review for Foster Burger. It doesn't have to be perfect--just get your thoughts out there. (I know that, as a writer, I use the perfection excuse to procrastinate...) The reason I'm prompted to encourage you is that we had yet another search for "Foster Burger" yesterday. Here's some help: http://www.fosterburger.com/ (Link to this in your review) I looked at Flicrk's Creative Commons for a free image to use, but to no avail. Perhaps you happen to have a photo of their burger goodness? It's cool if not. |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
No Real News on Bob White
|
|
|
Hi y'all -- just to let you know I've been listening, but no new news on the Bob White has surfaced. I do have several *rumors* courtesy of the night shift guy at Bar Carlo, whose name I sadly forgot: * "someone" is interested in turning it into a performance space (could this be the "foundation" Tom D. mentioned?) * the owners of the Academy have made enquiries * McMenamin's is not interested I stress these are just rumors, but they're what I've heard so far since my postings to the previous thread (Colleen, maybe we could consolidate those into a new thread?). Mr. Bar Carlo Night Shift emphasized that the inside is pretty thrashed and it would need a lot of work to be a usable commercial space again. On the same night we stopped in at Bar Carlo for coffee, we had dinner at Foster Burger, and we thought it was fantastic. Not cheap, but good. I liked Cava, but this place is really good, and actually has a better beer selection, for those of us who care more about beer than wine. And it was SRO at dinner hour. --JT |
|
|
Comment by
Jeremy T.
5 months ago
|
(
+1
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
RE: No Real News on Bob White
|
|
|
Hey Jeremy, What's going on with Bob White theater? Have you been inside? Is the "apartment" part of the deal? Are the seats still there? the organ parts? Is the Academy still interested in the space? I'm fascinated by the history of this place. Long live the Mighty Werlizer! Squish Wy'east Pizza |
|
|
Comment by
Squish
3 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
RE: No Real News on Bob White
|
|
|
I was born in SE Portland and have lived here for most of my life, and I used to take the Holgate bus up to see movies at the Bob White Theater beginning in the early sixties when I was in third grade. I remember when it closed and I cried. They never used the organ any of the time I was there, and I never saw it, though I was there many, many times. I remember after it closed, there was a handwritten sign in the window for a long time that said it was not for sale, it was a private residence, and that the theater part had been dismantled. I have always thought it would be great to have it back and running in the neighborhood again. We could walk to the movies and not go anywhere near the 82! Tami SE Holgate |
|
|
Comment by
Tami Landers
3 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
re: fopo blog
|
|
|
Does anyone know the latest on the neighborhood association website update? Samuel from Pdxwebdr.com was taking the lead. The reason I ask is that I would love to see some kind of neighborhood calendar, whether it's here or there. I get things of that sort crossing my desk all the time and it'd be great to have a good place to post them. In general, we ought to try to integrate your blog with the website. Maybe we could embed a feed from your site into that homepage, so the newest headlines would show up there too? I'll try to put together something more substantial for your blog too. No lack of stuff to talk about. John |
|
|
Comment by
John Mulvey
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
FoPo Assoc Website
|
|
|
Hi John! Thanks for the offer to write... I know you have great stuff bouncing around in your brain! I originally volunteered to be a part of the committee to improve FosterPowell.org, but then I flaked out, and then I decided that I already have enough on my plate with this site. So, I don't have an update for you, but I really like the idea of having a direct feed to the NA site. Not sure how that would work... let me check with my tech guys. (I have several items piling up for them.) Just FYI, this site does have a calendar feature on the front page, and done properly, like at http://blog.capitolhillseattle.com/events, it works great. So, until we get the link between the sites, please feel free to use the one here. (That's an invite for the whole FosterPowellPDX.com community.) Yay, FoPo! The 'hood got a great review in the neighborhood issue of Portland Monthly... I've been meaning to write a story about it, so keep yer eyes out (or write it yourself, if you like.) ~Colleen :) |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
Neighborhood Writings
|
|
|
Hello All, I'm new to the Foster-Powell community (arrived just last weekend). I've already met many of my new neighbors on their evening walks and stops by my house. I was told about the neighborhood association and I'm looking forward to attending and getting to know folks. I also love to write and would relish the notion of putting together something for the community. Since I'm a nature lover, may I contribute some information about Powell Butte? Tonya |
|
|
Comment by
Tonya
5 months ago
|
(
+1
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
RE: Neighborhood Writings--Kelly Butte
|
|
|
Hi Tonya! Welcome! May I ask whereabouts you were previously? As for loving nature, I think you came to the right 'hood. We're all gardeners and hippies, judging by my own walks (and all the pesticide free ladybug signs). Feel free to post whatever stories you'd like. Photos of Powell Butte would be great... but I just searched the PPR page for nearby nature areas and came up with this list: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?ShowRes I see Kelly Butte there, which I didn't even know existed. How would you feel about taking on this assignment, Tonya? The site for the park (at http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=) says there's hiking; maybe you could snap a few photos and write up a short description of your hike, along with a review for our neighbors? :) Welcome to FoPo! Glad to have you. :) ~Colleen |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
Neighborhood Writings take two
|
|
|
Oops, just read that someone has already tracked down info for Powell-Butte. Perhaps another topic then! Tonya |
|
|
Comment by
Tonya
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
A few other n'hood places to consider
|
|
|
In addition to all the top favorites (Coffee Lovers, Bar Carlo, Slingshot, Foster Burger, Sweetness, Guapo Comics, Speedboat Coffee), just wanted to add a few other businesses that I've liked in the neighborhood or that I've been meaning to investigate: For food: Ichidai Restaurant - A great, unpretentious Japanese restaurant with really, really good sushi and authentic traditional dishes. I feel like this place has been my little FoPo secret. Rudy's Pizza - Technically outside the hood but totally my favorite pizza place in town. The Mediterranean (particularly with tomato sauce instead of pesto) is THE BEST. Amor Lounge - Good selection of tap beers. Decent Greek food for really cheap. Dark bar kind of atmosphere but totally friendly and works for a casual dinner because the folks there are so nice. For groceries: Yesenia's Market - For all your authentic Mexican cooking and they have a variety of dried chilies in bulk. Oh the many salsa possibilities... Portland Fruit Company - So incredibly cheap. Bags full of fresh fruit and veg for a third of what they cost at Fred Meyer's across the street. Only drawback is that only occasionally are there local or organic products. But 10 limes for a dollar ?! or 19 cents/lb for bananas?! come on! They also sell stuff by the case for all your canning projects. International Meat & Sausage - This might sound a bit crazy but if you want a variety of dried meats for your Russian dinner night, this is the place. They'll give you samples. For all the fellow DIY folks out there: A-Boy - A Portland chain, but I think our hood has the friendliest one. The folks here have gone above and beyond to help us with our bathroom remodel. Mt. Scott Fuel - Thank goodness for nearby piles of gravel and bark mulch. Powell Paint - A great paint store. They have very helpful staff and even design consultants to help choose colors. Dennis' Seven Dees - This place runs the best bargain in town: Planscaper. Commit to buying a certain amount of plants here and the most plant-knowledgeable, talented garden designer in town (you know who you are M.M.) will help you figure out a design for your yard. They give you a discount, a plants list and you can even borrow a wagon to walk your plants home. We even go to a local dentist: Dr. Nappy Lam - a great little practice within walking distance of our house. For cheap art supplies: I've Been Framed - Aisles of canvas for your artistic visions. Here's my list of places yet to be investigated. Anyone want to add/recommend anything? Mojo Salon (just opened on Foster) An Xuyen bakery (I hear good things about their sandwiches) Busy Bee Cleaners Day's Theater (nice renovation, what goes on here?) Meticon Bikes (Same as Metro Bikes?) Salsa Dance place by Laurelwood Park Foster Fitness Steakadelphia on Powell Da Hui on Foster (a restaurant or bar or both?) I also wish we had a movie theater and that Cava would come back in one of those cool old abandoned buildings on Foster. |
|
|
Comment by
nakedneighbor
5 months ago
|
(
+1
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
AGREED! 100%...
|
|
|
Hi NakedNeighbor (great handle, BTW), I totally agree with you... where is the Ichidia? I'm partial to the Koji Osakaya in the Fubon shopping center. In fact, that's our favorite date place. <3 It's quiet, the service is great, and the food never fails to delight. Rudy's rox. I think there's a review up already for that one, but feel free to write another, or add on to the existing story. Good to know re: Portland Fruit Co... I've always wondered, but never been in. Sounds like a good place to save some $ over New Squeezin's... er, Seasons. A-boy is my favorite hardware place, too. They always help me with my questions. It's really more like a DIY school in that way. Okay, I won't comment on everything, but I love the list you came up with. I hope we can keep updating this page, or start new editorial meetings if need be. Here are my responses to your story leads: Mojo-- *review needed* Au Xuyen-- *review needed* (This one was listed in WW Cheap eats...) Busy Bee Cleaners-- I think I've met them before, but still, *review needed* Day's Theater-- I am just as curious as you are... I think they offer yoga and other movement classes. I need to check this one out personally, but it's up for as many reviews as we can get, according to how many classes they offer. Meticon Bikes-- I can review this one, and we can add to it as we go. Steakadelphia-- *review needed* Da Hui-- *review needed* (I think it's both?) Movie theater: YES!!! How's about the Bob White building next to Bar Carlo? Jeremy is investigating this for us. And although McMinnamin's has (apparently) turned down the idea, I'm still pitching the idea to every McMinnamin's employee I know. (Namely Ben. :)) Speaking of COOL ABANDONED BUILDINGS... while walking to Coffee Lover's the other day, I noticed a red "U" sign on the doors of the triangular building I love on Foster. (That's the brick one... we have a pic somewhere on this site.) This is the City's mark, as far as I know. (I wonder if that means that it belongs to each of us as Portlanders?) This is a story that I have been meaning to investigate for some time, since it's my fave building in the 'hood, but I'm so busy that I can't take it on now. Anyone want to dive in and find out what the City has planned for that space? Or is it just a part of the Foster streetscape/ URA money? Whoa, I love long comments! ~C |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
The curved-facade brick building...
|
|
|
... (you mean the one at the corner of 67th, on the north side of Foster, right?) ... is the old Phoenix Drugs building. It is owned by Buck, who owns Buck's Stove Palace just a few doors down. Here is a link to an article in The Oregonian from September (so, six months old) that is about Buck, and mentions the building in the last paragraph. Buck wants to turn it into a wood stove museum. http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/09/recessi I know from first-hand observation and talking to Bar Carlo Night Shift Guy that at least part of that building is currently being used by Buck as a warehouse. So unless something has changed recently and dramatically, I don't think the City is doing anything to it. --JT |
|
|
Comment by
Jeremy T.
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
Yup-- Curvy-Bricky Goodness
|
|
|
JT, You're fast on the response! I like your hustle. :) Dang, that's what I had heard so far, too. I thought maybe the red "U" sign was a sign of a shift. Here's a link to the pic we have of this beautiful building: http://fosterpowellpdx.com/2008/12/29/i-heart-bridge-city/fa I have an email in to the city on what this sign means, so I'll report back (or write a new story) when I find out more. Go FoPo writers, go! ~C |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
Reference for Writers
|
|
|
Hi Guys, So while I was surfing the Neighborlogs site, I came across a handy reference for all you would-be writers. (Neighborlogs are the peeps who do all our tech/programming. They're totally awesome. To see this for yourself, check out one of the flagship sites in the Neighborlogs system, http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/). This reference decribes what to keep off the main page. Not that you can control that; I approve all stories at this point. (I'll be working toward immediate publishing status with the most prolific writers here.) Even so, it's a good idea to read what social media experts like the folks at Neighborlogs recommend for neighborhood writing. Here's the link: 4 posts to keep off a neighborhood site homepage http://www.neighborlogs.com/2008/12/29/4-posts-to-keep-off-a ~C |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
reviews
|
|
|
Here's a couple purely biased reviews: Ichidai - Great neighborhood sushi place, fish is very fresh. The location is terrible, though. I'm convinced that they could double their size in a better spot. A nice clean, bright storefront on Foster and there'd be lines around the block. Busy Bee Cleaners - Tried them once or twice. My best charcoal suit now has a dime-sized hole in it. You've been warned. (I know some people are saying: "John owns a suit?") Rudy's Pizza - Everyone probably has an opinion on what makes a good pizza place. Some displaced Californians seem to like pizza piled high with stuff like Broccoli and Gorgonzola. Many of our neighbors apparently have learned to like the $5 cardboard Little Caesar's variety, which looks to have displaced the Chalupa as the staple food for low-income folks around these parts. But if you like your pizza of the east coast type --ie, fresh light crust, chewy cheese, zingy sauce, sufficient grease -- Rudy's is terrific. The free delivery is the fastest in Fo-Po. (Really... don't be surprised if they're at your house within 15 minutes.) Calzones too. Steakadelphia - My first job as a teenager was making cheese steaks in New Jersey. I wasn't going to get into it with the folks at Steakadelphia --let's face it, Philadelphians are crazy -- but I don't think the rolls are right. Meticon Bikes - Am I really the first one to give them a review? Meticon is awesome. If you don't have a car, it's difficult to drag your broken bike across town for repairs, so routine stuff like fixing flats and getting things lubed or adjusted becomes a big chore. Just having Meticon in the neighborhood is a big part of why I could discard the car and go to biking full time, year-round, as I did three years ago --right about when Seth opened the store. Other things: (1) He makes a point of showing even the most inept customers (like me) what he's fixing and educates and encourages them to get better at doing it themselves; (2) Every year on Foster Street Fair Day he has a free bike clinic out on the sidewalk. Probably the first time I stopped by there was at the street fair three summers ago when he trued my wheel for nothing; (3) Seth is active in the Foster-Area Business Assoc and the FoPo NA, and was a great help as a member of the PDC Transportation Committee that recently got $2M earmarked for Foster improvements; and (4) Biking's totally cool, recent teaparty-esque bike backlash notwithstanding. International Meat & Sausage - I'm a meatatarian, but I still can never get past the ghastly smell of this place. I cross the street so I don't have to walk past it. -John |
|
|
Comment by
John Mulvey
5 months ago
|
(
+1
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
RE: reviews
|
|
|
John, thanks for stepping up!! I'd like to take two of the longer reviews and put them as separate posts, would that be cool with you? Thx! ~C |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
RE: reviews
|
|
| Sadly, I must agree that Busy Bee just doesn't cut it. My clothes were definitely not clean when I picked them up...just somewhat less dirty. | |
|
Comment by
greg
5 months ago
|
(
+1
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
RE: reviews
|
|
|
greg, thank you for your response. I plan on taking these reviews over to the reviews page, one at a time. I've posted the Meticon review so far, so that people can respond there. I'll go on to Busy Bee eventually. The Meticon Review (basically just what John M. wrote, plus the hours, location, etc.) is at: http://fosterpowellpdx.com/locations/united-states/oregon/mu |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
|
|
Grow your own co-op workshop: Tues at People's
|
|
|
Hey all, I'm going to this workshop tomorrow evening at People's Food Co-op at 6pm. Anyone interested in going, sounds like a great topic ?? I think it's free. Here is a link to the facebook page. Co-ops 101 & How to Start a Co-op Grow your own co-op. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=251894445024&ref=mf I'm moving back to Fo-Po next month, and ready to get more involved in the hood this time, since I'm done with school !!! I'd be into doing some writing, but can't commit immediately. Thx, Sally Bo Bally |
|
|
Comment by
Sally Bo Bally
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
Main Page Stories!
|
|
|
Hi Y'all, So I really love the love that this post is getting! The reviews and new stories are excellent! However, this isn't the best place for them. Here's how I envision these things playing out: Reviews: Post them under "Reviews." This is an option that drops down when you hover on "Post." Events: Sally Bo, that sounds toooootally cool. And very in-line with this site. However, more people will see it if you post it as an event (also a hover option) or as a story (you got it... hover). For now, I approve all stories, so you might shoot me an email at ColleenWelch "at" gmail "dot" com to let me know that you've put one up. Ok, awesome! Go team! ~C PS I have so many stories to post... I found out what the mysterious red "U" sign means, so I'll write about that latah. Also: I must say that this place is awesome at 4 in the morning (couldn't sleep). Train whistles are the only thing disturbing the silence. If you listen carefully, you can hear the I-405 traffic, which sounds like the ocean from this distance. |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
re. stories!
|
|
| Sure Colleen, feel free to rejigger my post however you'd like. -J | |
|
Comment by
John Mulvey
5 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
Wy'east Pizza food cart
|
|
|
As a resident of FoPo (Mt. Scott) I am up and down Foster freqently. I'm amazed at the changes that are happening and am also interested in continueing my business in/around outer SE. The business of which I speak is Wy'east Pizza. Currently we are a camper trailer set up just outside FoPo @ 50th and Kelly in the "Weave" parking lot (near Planned Parenthood). We have been there since July of 2009 and have a loyal following thus far, and offer discounts for neighbors biking/walking. We have gotten local and national attention for our pizzas! Our dream for the future is to have a brick and morter in outer SE, our neighborhood (Foster??) I'm very interested in existing restaurant space on Foster (do not want to build a kitchen). Thanks for all the info. here. Stop by Wy'east Pizza! www.wyeastpizza.com Squish |
|
|
Comment by
Squish
3 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
Pizza cart on Foster?
|
|
|
Hi Squish, Thanks for the comments. I have seen your cart but have never stopped in... I hope to soon. I love the discounts for biking or walking-- the yoga studio where I teach (CorePower Yoga on SE 9th & Morrison) lets people use mats for free if they bike/walk/bus. Two ideas: 1) If you're interested in moving to Foster-Powell, you could set up a cart in the 'hood? Might be a good sort of transition/expansion... sounds like you're doing well! 2) Consider supporting this site with advertising. We get about 1000 hits/day, most of which are very local. ("Hyperlocal" in blog-ese.) Just FYI, you can set up advertising yourself... I can also help. Email me at ColleenWelch "at" gmail "dot" com if you like. Glad to see some biz owners on the site! ~C |
|
|
Comment by
Co in So Fo Po
3 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
Grandma's Funky Furniture
|
|
|
I've been in there twice, just happened to be passing by when they were open, and the furniture and items painted on the outside are in reality much cooler than what they actually have in the shop. Yes, some old-ish furniture, but it was fairly worn and not all that funky. Some of it looked like generic ex-hotel furniture. Numerous knick-knacks and thingamabobs, used clothing, rusty old bikes (70's 10-speeds and such). More like a resale shop than a retro shop. Both times I visited, the guy working there had the music turned up to 11. I've heard of folks finding some good stuff in there so perhaps they have a lot of turnover and you have to be there on the right day. |
|
|
Comment by
DLJ
3 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|
|
RE: Bob White Theater
|
|
|
hi Squish -- no, no new news. I keep waiting to hear from the Music News guy (Tom D.) but haven't... plus I got busier and haven't been nosing around like I was. I'll write Tom and see if he's dug anything up. I walk / drive / bike past it all the time, and the sign's still there. I do know from previous research the answers to some of your questions, or at least what the answers were a month ago, or at least have some vague guesses... 1. Is the "apartment" part of the deal? Yes, and the warehouse space too. And there's a duplex in the parking lot, but I think that's a separate property. 2. Are the seats still there? My understanding (watch Tom D.'s video again) is that most of the seats were still there, but not in good shape. 3. the organ parts? Yes, supposedly. I don't know anything about if the Academy is still interested or not, sorry! I'd love to know myself, of course... I agree, it's a totally fascinating space. --JT |
|
|
Comment by
Jeremy T.
3 months ago
|
(
0
votes
)
(
report abuse
)
(
reply
)
|