Cyan

My original thought for this blog was to write the entire thing in Spanish.  But my limited Spanish education (Only seven collegiate semesters…very little of which I remember) forced me to stop after the title.  But that will not prevent me from telling you about a wonderful Mexican restaurant in Portland called Por Que No?

If you are looking for fresh and delicious Mexican food, look no further.  Por Que No? makes their own tortilla and chips on site, both of which are to die for.  Honestly, once you have one of these, you will never view tortillas or chips in the same light again.

The “real” food was equally delicious.  I had one a Bryan’s Bowls, a bowl filled with rice, beans, grilled vegetables, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and guacamole.  This bowl came with tortillas on the side so I could make my bowl into tacos but I also had some chips left over to dip into this bowl as well.  There were no negatives about this meal.  At all. Everything was superb and I had no compliants.

Por Que No? is opened seven days a week in two locations in Portland.  3524 N. Mississippi Ave. and 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd.  To learn more about Por Que No? or to view their menu, check out the Por Que No? website.

The inspiration of this post springs from failure.  Earlier today a resident walked in through the door, greeted me and asked, “So what is there to do in the city for the holiday weekend?”  I froze.  After trying to collect myself(FAIL), I mumbled, “Ugh, fireworks over the river?”

After realizing my failure as a concierge I jumped on Google and begin searching away for THE BEST events Portland had to offer to share with all of my wonderful residents(and dedicated readers…).  Here is the summary of my findings:

Best Places to View Fireworks:

Planned firework displays will occur in three locations throughout the city starting about 9:45 at Oaks Park, Waterfront and PGE Park.  Some of the better spots in town to watch the explosions in the sky are: Waterfront park, Sellwood park, Hawthorne Bridge, the West Hills, Departure, Rose City Grill, various roof tops throughout downtown(parking garages are good ones…), and if you have an east facing unit(or a friend…) here at Cyan/PDX you can see phenomenal views of the fireworks.

Fourth of July Events:

Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival
Waterfront Park
July 2-5, opens at 11am on the 4th
Enjoy great blues bands as well as other festival activities at the Waterfront Blues Festival. The entrance fee is $10 or 2 cans of donated food. All proceeds go to the Oregon Food Bank.

Portland Beavers Game
PGE Park
7:05 pm
Watch the Beavers take on the Las Vegas 51’s at PGE park. Enjoy the baseball game and fireworks when the game concludes.

Independence Day at Fort Vancouver presented by Bank of America
Fort Vancouver National Site
Gates open at 8am, Entertainment begins at noon
Enjoy an amazing tradition as the fireworks return to Fort Vancouver. Enjoy live music, food and numerous activities throughout the day until the fireworks finale at night!

Ingredients needed for the 2010 World Cup:

• World Class Athletes
• Soccer Ball
• Goal
• Turf
• Yellow Cards
• Red Cards
• Vuvuzelas
• Plastic Bottles?

You heard right.  Plastic bottles are playing an integral role for some teams in this year’s World Cup.  Teams who are sponsored by Nike, are playing with jerseys that are made from plastic bottles found in landfills.  This is just part of the sustainable movement that companies are utilizing to make their products more eco-friendly.

For more in depth coverage about these plastic bottle jerseys and many other products that are made from recycled material, check out this article from the New York Times.

Sure, Cyan/PDX may just look like another world class luxury apartment building.  With absolutely gorgeous units and a complete slew of amenities (not to mention the very attractive and charming staff that nevet fails to put a smile on your face…) it is easy to assume that we are simply another luxury apartment bulding in Portland, Oregon.

But behind the concrete and steel foundation, the hardwood floors and high efficiency appliances, behind the staff that brightens you day, there is so much more to Cyan/PDX.  The Green Building Pro has written an article to illustrate the other side of Cyan/PDX.

It is true that Cyan is the new Green and this article clear displays why.  Throughout the entire building many sustainable features have been built in to help make Cyan/PDX the Greenest building in Portland.  The ecoroof on our podium stack and the storm water filtration and recirculation system are both two of many components that have earned us the LEED Gold Certification.

For the complete Cyan/PDX story on the sustainable features and their purposes, please visit the Green Building Pro website.

Now here’s where the fun really begins.  Win and you continue on in the competition.  Lose and you’re a bottom feeder with the rest of the other losers.  Who will prevail in search of the Holy Grail of the soccer world?  Let’s find out…

Uruguay vs. Korea Republic

Still confused about which Korean team made it to the elimination round.  I don’t think either have enough talent to get past Uruguay in this elimination.  The Koreans are ousted and sent home (either North or South…) as Uruguay wins this match 2-1.

United States of America vs. Ghana

The Americans are the favorites in the US, Ghana is favored in the host country.  I don’t look at percentages, statistics or anything factual.  I follow my heart.  And as always, my heart is screaming, “USA! USA! USA!”  THE United States of America wins this one 2-0.

Argentina vs. Mexico

Both teams are playing extremely well this entire World Cup Tournament thus far.  While on paper Argentina seems to be the much better team, the difference between the two is neglible at best.  Argentina takes an early lead but Mexico ties it in the second half at 1-1 to force overtime.  In the first overtime Argentina prevails and wins 2-1.

Germany vs. England

One of the most talked about matches in the World Cup Elimination round.  These two have quite the historic rivalry stretching far beyond the soccer world.  Both team came into the World Cup with very high aspirations and both have disappointed in their group game matches.  Whoever wins this battle will certainly gain momentum for the rest of the elimination round.  Both teams make this game a defensive fight with Germany finally breaking through in the second half.  Germany wins 1-0.

Neatherlands vs. Slovakia

The Neatherlands came into this World Cup with a chip on their shoulder.  Each World Cup they arrive with a strong roster and the expectation to perform well, and each time they let themselves and their countries down.  Not this year.  They come out of the elimination gate strong and beat a less talented Slovakia team 3-1.

Brazil vs. Chile

And yet another balanced game in the first round of the elimination round.  The favored Brazil has not nearly been as dominant as everyone had originally thought but they have still gotten the job done.  Chile puts up quite the battle in this one.  In the highest goal scoring game of the first round of elimination, Brazil always stays at least one goal ahead 3-2.

Paraguay vs. Japan

The Japanese are on fire.  Coming off of a phenomenal shooting game against Denmark, Japan continues against Paraguay.  Despite being the higher ratad team, Paraguay really doesn’t stand a chance of this onslaught.  And let’s be honest, if they didn’t come from the loser group, they wouldn’t even be here…  Japan 3-0.

Spain vs. Portugal

Like I’ve said before, Spain is not for real.  One of the favorites for this tournament, Spain has highly disappointed.  Portugal, who began the tournament slow has stepped up its game immensely and is poised to make a run at the cup.  Portugal sets the tone early with a quick goal and stays strong the entire game.  Spain “tries” to make it respectable, but fails.  Portugal 3-1.

I have to be honest with you.  This whole food cart sensation in Portland is a little new to me.  It baffles me how many varities of food that is offered throughout the city in these cart stands.  Waffles, Thai, Indian, Vegan Smokehouse foods.  You name it, PDX has it ready for you in one of these carts. 

Now there is one cart fixture in nearly every major city in America: the hot dog cart.  Found on nearly every corner in big cities, hot dog carts have serving up happiness in the form of hot dogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions… well, you get the picture.

But it just wouldn’t be Portland if it were simply a hot dog stand.  That is too normal, and PDX is anything but normal.  That is why the Beez Neez cart goes above and beyond the simple hot dog cart to serve extrodinary food.  Yes the Beez Neez offers you standard hot dog(well, if you consider a foot long hot dog standard), but there are also a variety of sausages to choose from, including the Alaskan Reindeer Sausage.

We met the Beez Neez owner Bryan at the Schmooze event held here at Cyan/PDX.  It was at this event that he cooked up the Reindeer Sausage for us to try.  To our surprise the sausage did not have the strong gamey taste that generally accompanies reindeer meat.  Additionally, the reindeer sausage was seasoned perfectly so that it had a little hint of heat but didn’t over power then entire meal.

If you would like to taste all that is offered from the Beez Neez, visit the Beez Neez cart on SW 3rd and Oak.

Caitilin Pope-Daum gives you a behind the scenes tour of the Cyan and some of it’s many sustainable features…

See what was discovered here posted on greenbuildingpro.com the other day.

The third and final game of the group matches for the World Cup.  This will determine who advances and who will be sent home packing.  Who’s advancing from each group?  Find out now…

Mexico vs. Uruguay:

Mexico builds off of its beat down against France to win and clinch a spot in elimination.  It doesn’t come easy as Uruguay puts up a battle in hopes to move on as well.  Mexico prevails 2-1.

France vs. South Africa:

France tries its hardest to make a push into the elimination but just like Anelka, the French are sent home.  This game ends up being a defensive duel but no goals are scored.  Draw 0-0.

Nigeria vs. Korea Republic:

In another close battle of teams fighting to advance, Korea Republic takes the narrow victory with a late goal.  Korea Republic 1-0.

Greece vs. Argentina:

After their first World Cup victory ever, the Greeks look to continue their success and win to advance to the elimination round.  Argentina kindly reminds them this is not Dreamland and gives them a dose of reality.  Argentina 3-0.

Slovenia vs. England:

I’ve been sitting here waiting for England to show any signs of life in this tournament.  They have plenty of individual talent but it seems like they cannot bring it all together as a cohesive unit.  I’m still not sold on Slovenia and I feel their opponents have beaten themselves more than they have beaten their opponents.  I don’t think Slovenia can win this game, but I also have zero faith in the Three Lions as well.  I will still go with the Brits in a narrow 1-0 win in a boring game where defense doesn’t prevail, but sloppiness on offense keeps this game this close.

USA vs. Algeria

Plain and simple, if the US wins they move on.  If they don’t, they have to get lucky.  After a stunning and near flawless seond half against Slovenia, I think the USA will continue to play well in this game.  In my mind, defense wins championships and no player has more heart this World Cup than Tim Howard.  Algeria plays way above their talent level but still fall short 1-0.  USA wins and advances to the elimination round.

Ghana vs. Germany

It’s win or go home for the Group D teams.  Germany stumbled in the last game and will not go home early.  Ghana puts up a valiant effort but the favorites will not be denied twice.  Germany wins 3-1.

Australia vs. Serbia

Serbia continues to impress in this years tourney.  Playing for a chance to advance, the Serbians crush the Australians and send them back down under.  Although it doesn’t really look like it, Australia tries to win this game but they just don’t have the skills to make it.  Serbia wins 2-0.

Denmark vs. Japan

In the battle of “Which Team from Group E Will Be Eliminated in the Elimination Round First,” match these two teams battle till the end.  It is Denmark who earns the right to be clobbered in the elimination round while Japan goes home.  Denmark wins 2-1.

Cameroon vs. Netherlands

And Cameroon achieves the rare sweep in this World Cup!  3 matches played all three resulting in…losses.  The Netherlands could have picked 10 people out of the crowd and fielded a better team in this 4-0 massacre.

Slovakia vs. Italy

 In a match up of two teams from the worst group in the World Cup, neither team really looks like it knows what is going on.  They both look lost and cannot pull a string of good offensive plays together if a gun were pointed at their heads.  In result, the two teams tie in a thrilling(snore) match 0-0.

Paraguay vs. New Zealand

Another two teams from the, mediocre at best group, battle for a chance to advance.  If Paraguay wins, they’re in.  If New Zealand wins, they have a shot to get in.  The Kiwis prevail in this one, shocking Paraguay in a close game.  New Zealand wins 2-1.

Portugal vs. Brazil

This might possibly be the best game in the entire World Cup(minus the championship game obviously).  These two teams turn a game into an act of war.  Offensive onslaughts keep the shots a flowing the entire game but the defense rarely breaks.  At half the teams are tied 1-1 and Portugal starts very strong offensively getting many opportunities but never able to hit the back of the net.  But in the end Brazil is the better finisher and is just too strong and too balanced for the full 90 minutes.  Brazil wins 3-1.

Korea DPR vs. Cote d’Ivoire

Another game of inferior teams, and another tie.  And no one seems to care.  Due to apathy, I’ll keep it short: 1-1.

Chile vs. Spain

Like I said earlier, Spain won’t be embarrassed again in this opening round.  They’re saving that for the elimination round.  Chile doesn’t seem like much of a contender and Spain wins 3-1.

Switzerland vs. Honduras

I will also pose a repeat for this one.  The Swiss only get lucky once.  Honduras 1-0.

Ba-gel [bey-guhl] -noun: a round leavened roll made of dough that is boiled and then baked.  More commonly known as: the perfect food.

The O shaped delight has the perfect balance of textures with the excellent crust and the chewy inside.  It’s versatility makes it second to none.  You can simply cut it in half and add your favorite toppings(anything will do really), you can toast it, you can use it as the bread of your favorite sandwiches, they come sweet and the come savory, there is literally nothing wrong with a bagel.

Now that I have you attention and you are salivating at the thought of a bagel, I thought it would be a good idea to suggest you to one of my favorite bagel shops: Kettleman’s Bagels. 

Kettleman’s is located just a few blocks away on the corner SW 4th Avenue and Taylor and has a wide variety of bagels to choose from.  Whether you want the classic plain bagel or something more out of the ordinary like a pumpernickel bagel, Kettleman’s has it.

They have a wide variety of cream cheese schmears and many other toppings such a peanut butter, jelly, egg, veggies and the classic butter to select from to make that bagel even better.

Kettleman’s is opened 7 days a week to fulfill your every bagel craving.  Additionally, if you go near closing they have been known to give away packs of day old bagels to a few select lucky customers…

For more information about Kettleman’s Bagels or to check out all the items they have to offer, visit the Kettleman’s Bagels website.