Kim O’Donnel writes the A Mighty Appetite blog for the Washington Post website. She’s also the creator and host of the long running weekly chat program What’s Cooking.
Her most recent blog post is Portland: It Really Grows on You
The post is an account of her recent visit to Portland. Of course she comments on the usual suspects; how the city is civilized and livable, the street car, how nice people are, and how there are bikes and restaurants everywhere. But this is the first time I can recall Portland being compared to the City of Light:
You know how people talk about eating their way through Paris? Well, Portland has become that kind of town. There are that many choices for eats and drinks.
It was a quick trip; she only had time to visit Besaw’s, Clyde Common, and Ken’s Artisan Bakery. But she says she’ll be visiting again soon.
Portland is definitely growing on me the more I read your blog — now there are comparisons to Paris? Why is this fabulous city such a well-kept secret? Or is it? Maybe I’m the only one who never knew of all its attributes…
XUP – Portland’s been getting a lot of attention last few years. In the 80s it was Minneapolis, then Seattle in the early 90s, then Athens, Georgia and Austin. It’s Portland’s turn!
Portland could never be accused of being cosmopolitan or hip until the last decade or so. As a native, it’s been an interesting/fun experience to observe the changes and recognition the city’s been garnering lately.