Great advice!

Made blasted chicken on Monday night--I heard it from Melinda Lee (radio show here in LA) and she said 45 min for a 2.5 lb. bird. So I added 10 minutes per pound (5.5 lbs=1 hour 15 min) and it was PERFECT. I didn't even salt and pepper the bird and it was really good, the juciest bird I'd ever had.

Awesome--thanks so much to both of you! :)

Thanks for the suggestions--we like anything but Indian and we get really good Mexican and sushi home here in LA so looking for pretty much any other cuisines. The breakfast/brunch suggestions are awesome as we will definately check those out. We're staying at Hotel Lucia so I *think* we're close to the Pearl--we'll be sure to check out Deschutes.

Sambamaster--um, thanks?

Going to spend the weekend in Portland and would love to visit a great bar (or two) that serves (good) local beers and great food. We also would love suggestions "must dine" places for dinner.

Thanks!

Yes, the bar is right inside the entrance of the restaurant. When I went, we were specifically going for wine and appetizers so we didn't even bother sitting on the rooftop patio (which is great, by the way).

Hi Lisa,
You are right about the bars--you will probably have to go to a restaurant with a good bar area. The Madison in downtown LB has a great bar area that feels pretty separate from the main restaurant, meaning you don't feel like you are supposed to be waiting for a table. The Observation Bar at the Queen Mary is pretty cool, too (although I haven't been there for a few years, admittedly). Michael's in Naples has great appetizers but I wouldn't call the bar "relaxing" as I didn't think the furniture was very comfortable :) Tantalum has a pretty good bar as well.

Cheers!