"Tasting Portland" By Crystal

Bamboo Sushi

Friday nights Bamboo Sushi is a happening spot. We had to wait 20 minutes to be seated at the first certified, sustainable sushi restaurant in the world…but it was worth it. We sat at the bar that was tended by Shawn, a friendly fun guy, whose drink special was the Blueberry Bramble. Delicious!

The atmosphere was low key, modern with warm wood and exposed beams. Kind of a hipster hang out, but there was a diverse vibe. Located on 28th between Stark and Burnside, this neighborhood is busy most nights, and most especially on the weekends.

Their varied menu offers sushi, nigiri or sashimi. Believe me it was hard to decide what to order. I had the okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese savory pancake with shrimp and mushrooms, topped with fried oysters and drizzled with aioli and eel sauce. It was amazing. The texture of the oysters, the sweetness of the sauce and the crunch of the pancake. The northwest Philly roll, made up of wild Alaskan salmon, cream cheese and avocado, tempura fried and finished with eel sauce was super nummy! Everything was so fresh.

When you eat something so good for dinner you have to order dessert. I had the chocolate egg rolls rolled in sugar and served with candied gingered ice-cream. So good! Especially, the ice cream, which they make from scratch. My friend had the gingersnap and salted caramel powder with chai ice cream and caramel sauce. It looked really good, but had nuts which I was allergic to, so I didn’t get to taste it.

There were options for non-sushi lovers, but I’m not sure why you would go here and not eat sushi.

We did have to wait a bit for the food, but service was attentive and friendly.

I would recommend making reservations. You can find more info by visiting bamboosushi.com<http://bamboosushi.com>, or call 503-232-5255.

a taste of the vibe: cookies!

Our latest dip into the tastes of the vibe is a real treat: our famous cookies!

Fresh-made by our savvy re:fuel masters-of-the-eats, they're sweet, soft, and energizing---just like an aloft Portland stay :D Their price is right (our new three-cookie bundle is quickly becoming legendary), and they're delicious day or night! So, swing by the cookie jar sometime, check out the variety of styles, and indulge in a little comfort :)

Insider tip: pop one in the nearby microwave for melty chocolate awesomeness...

a taste of the vibe: clif bar

It's time for another taste of the vibe, and today's is a real cliffhanger!

The organic and all-natural Clif Bars (named after the founder's Sierra Nevada-trekking father) are a longtime energy bar staple, and their natural energy fits the aloft vibe perfectly---we're an on-the-go space with a fresh, liberating style. Aloft's a great place to catch that go-get'-'em spirit; our fitness center isn't called re:charge for nothing! And nothing will feed your beasts better before a workout with our state-of-the-art equipment than the health-conscious boost of a Clif Bar :)

So bring your gym sweats next time you're here, pick up a few Clif Bars, and get ready to take on all we (and Portland's nearby natural wonder; everything from the Columbia to Mt. Hood) have to offer!

a taste of the vibe: charleston chew

For the latest taste of the vibe, we have a look at a classic confectionary---Charleston Chew!

Created in 1922 (and named after the popular Charleston dance of the time, itself named after Charleston, SC), the Chews have endured across generations to join the future of hospitality here at the Aloft :) As fresh and progressive as our vibe is, the Chews represent one of the finer, classic touches we have here to help you feel right at home.

A lot of guests are amazed to see the Charleston Chews again, so if they're an old favorite, swing by and grab one for old time's sake; and if you haven't tried one, come by and try one to see what all the fuss is about! :)

a taste of the vibe: CoGo Organic

The aloft vibe is an organic one, and today's Taste the Vibe spotlights a way we represent that in our re:fuel snack attack selections:

Local and organic, Columbia Gorge Organic taps into both the spirit of Oregon and into the taste buds of our health-minded guests. Great right before a run in re:charge (our hip 24/7 workout facility), these popular drinks get the natural power of the Columbia flowing through you :)

a taste of the vibe: kettle brand potato chips

Welcome to the first in a recurring feature here at the Party Blog---Tastes of the Vibe!

Here at aloft Portland, we embrace our Northwestern home by going local with our products whenever possible, and that spirit is most vibrant in our food selections. We are also in tune with the green pulse of Portland, favoring sustainable options at every turn.

A leading example of both spirits are the Kettle Brand potato chips we offer in re:fuel. A sustainable Oregon staple from Salem, Kettle not only uses natural ingredients for its snacks, they commit to green savvy across the board---wind power, biodiesel, green building, solar power...

With their green spirit, Kettle is a natural fit for aloft (and for you!), in more ways than one :)