Pat and I took a short trip this past Christmas to Portland, where I grew up, and where my parents still live. Every time I go to Portland, I’m astonished by how creative the Portland scene is. Don’t get me wrong – I love the Bay Area, and the specialty food/small business scene here. There is nowhere better on Earth to start a tiny business like mine.

But Portland is amazing. Good food and art, incredible coffee, and super cheap rent. What more could you want from life? (Oh, and did I mention that there’s parking everywhere?)

Here’s my top six:

Zenbu | 7909 13th Street in Sellwood. Sushi, from a CART? Seriously. Delicious. The tuna jalapeno poppers are killer. Most rolls/entrees are under $6.

Bagdad Theater & Pub (McMenamins) | 3702 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Second run releases are $3 a pop, with a (semi) full McMenamins menu. Cajun tater tots & a microbrew. There’s no better way to watch a movie.

Portland Ketchup Company | I scored a bottle of this at New Seasons & brought it back with me. Best ketchup on Earth. Not too sweet, not too tomato-y.

Knit Purl | 1101 SW Alder Street. Luscious yarns, wooden needles, and super cute accessories. Two words: knitting heaven.

Flutter | 3948 N Mississippi Ave. A perfect meeting of an apothecary, bookstore, and clothing boutique. Flutter has done that magical thing where they carry perfumes, without smelling (too) perfume-y.

Cacao Drink Portland | 414 SW 13th Ave. Fantastic chocolate bars, books, and accessories. Incredible drinking chocolate.