Lavoratti 1938 Opens Their First US Chocolate Shop in Portland

The display at Lavoratti 1938 in Portland.

In downtown Portland, not far from Pioneer Courthouse Square, is the home of the very first Lavoratti 1938 chocolate shop in the United States. They chose Portland over places like New York City and San Francisco, which I think is a big deal. I stopped by the other day to see the shop, try some chocolate samples, and learn more about this cherished Italian chocolate company.

Continue reading “Lavoratti 1938 Opens Their First US Chocolate Shop in Portland”

Gingerbread Masterpiece 2025: Coming Soon To The Benson Hotel in Portland

Gingerbread Masterpiece 2025 will follow this one from 2024.
Last year’s Gingerbread Masterpiece.

The Gingerbread Masterpiece 2025 reveal is just a few weeks away! This fun and creative event, focused on a giant gingerbread structure, is an annual holiday season highlight in Portland. Now in its 54th year, it will continue the tradition of being displayed in the lobby of the The Benson Hotel for all to see during the holidays. Head there in December to see what they’ve come up with this year!

Continue reading “Gingerbread Masterpiece 2025: Coming Soon To The Benson Hotel in Portland”

New Food Cart Pod Planned for 245 SW Salmon Street in Portland

245 SW Salmon Street, which is a parking lot and a big hole where the Hotel Albion used to be. Pictured are buildings, cars, and pavement.
The demolished building’s footprint is where the Jersey barriers are; parking is implemented on the other part of the property. Photo credit: Google.

I recently learned that there are plans for a new food cart pod in downtown Portland. The location is, as indicated in the subject line, 245 SW Salmon Street. Right now it serves mostly as a parking lot but for many years the property was home to the building that housed the Hotel Albion and Lotus Cardroom and Cafe.

Continue reading “New Food Cart Pod Planned for 245 SW Salmon Street in Portland”