Walker and I have been together 8 years, which actually reminds me that this blog is about that old as well! Happy blogiversary! As an early celebration, we skipped away from the family for a night alone in Portland two weeks ago. Portland is one of my favorite small cities, whose cobbles and local shops mirror Brooklyn, but whose buoys and coastal island views far surpass our garbage barges and skyscraper vista.

We had planned to stay elsewhere, but in a moment of inspiration, I checked online right before our trip and found a slightly better rate at the spanking new AC Hotel Portland. I'd stayed at an AC in SanFran for work, and this one was similarly designed, right on the water. The design was sleek, service friendly, and they even had a Mercedes to shuttle around town for free.

For dinner, we tried Vinland, which focuses on hyper-local food (no olive oil because it's not local!), and everything is blissfully gluten free. The food honestly blew us away. Everything we had from a sprouted oatcake to butter-poached lobster was stunning.  

I was coming down with a migraine, so the evening and next morning were a bit groggy for me. But Walker got coffee from his old standby, Bard coffee, and sat by the water.

Portland feels more comfortable each year, and each year I realize how much more there is to explore. We made it to Eventide Oyster Co for brunch, and the food was very delicious, despite my suspicion of the endless lines there. Highlights were the brown butter lobster roll and the coconut lobster stew. And after that, I pretty much couldn't handle any more lobster. Next year, I'd like to try Drifter's Wife and Honey Paw. 

We did manage a pop-in at old favorite shops like Portland Dry Goods and Judith. My parents took me to the delicious Duckfat for dinner. Everything is fried in you-guessed-it and the fries with aioli are mmmmgood. 

We often take the Casco Bay Ferry Mailboat run, but didn't have time this year. Always lovely, Portland. You are so good for my gluten free, salt-air loving soul.