The final year of the first decade in this new millennium is nearing its end. Adios 2019, hello 2020. Over the last 12 months I've been fortunate to soak in my new surroundings, aka Oregon. My new home has introduced me to great people, delicious food, engaging events, weekend bike rides, and wondrous natural beauty. Whether we're kicking it in Rip City, taking journeys, swimming in rivers, or escaping to the coast, 2019 exemplified how a big change in life, can bring about new life.
In the past I've primarily highlighted my favorite live shows or events of each year. Snapshots that serve as reminders. Life's way more interesting when you collect memories and experiences, rather than possessions or objects. Food and travel appear to me to be far more valuable than stuff. Experiences tend to be priceless; perhaps the truthful food for our soul. I am grateful to do so many things that feel invaluable. I also get to do these things with my best friend. We are after all partners in crime.
The lists below look a bit different this year; far less live music and a bit more diversity in terms of pop culture and food. The new year is an opportunity for change and growth. I'd like to think we valued that which we could change, while embracing who we are. The tenth installment of the Besty's is below. Tis the season...
Best Live Events
Design Week PDX | Screen Printing @ PNCA | April 6-13
Game 4 WCF | Warriors @ Blazers | Moda Center | May 20
Astoria Beer & Food Walk | Astoria CO-OP, Fort George, Buoy | June 23
Port Orford | July 4th Jubilee w/ Parade, Keg Toss, Equestrian Events, Pickle Ball Tourney | July 4-7
Sneaker Week | Party PDX & The Gallery Experience w/ Music by Jazz Cats | August 10-17
PDX Adult Soap Box Derby | Mt. Tabor | August 17
Hood to Coast | Mother of All Relays | Timberline Lodge | August 23
Blazers Bike Ride w/ Bill Walton | Celebrating 50 Years & Retracing the 1977 Parade Route | Music @ Terry Schrunk Plaza w/ Garcia Birthday Band | August 25
Live Jazz @ 1905 | Two Jazz Ensembles | Fall Season (x2)
Nacho Week | PDX Restaurants | Liberty Glass & Oregon Public House | October 10-14
Rise Up, Young One | Live Performance feat. Song, Dance and Stage Adaptation | Wasatch School | Salt Lake City, UT | November 14
Julia Jacklin | Crushing Tour | Aladdin Theater | November 20
Best Films
1. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (Hollywood Theater on 35mm)
2. Ad Astra (Bagdad Theater)
3. Joker (Laurelhurst Theater)
Best Meals
Ava Gene's | PDX (M's Birthday Dinner)
Screen Door | PDX (Southern Style)
Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen | Aurora, OR (Hop Harvest Brunch)
Avenues Bistro on Third | SLC (Fresh & French Inspired)
Providore Fine Foods | PDX | (Sunday Oysters, French Pastries, Salads & Rosé)
Special Shout Outs: Liberty Glass (Old Fashions & Burgers), Life of Pie (Margherita w/ Kale & Arugula Salad), Lauretta Jean's (Pie & Irish Coffee), Fort George (Cast Iron Cookie & Beer), Grand Army Tavern (Cocktails & Italian)
As you can see, 2019 was pretty damn good to us. In addition to these great events, happenings and celebrations, we also had a best friend move to Portland. Lucky us. Here's to 2020, the year of the rat. Ring in the new year safely.
Cheers,
80choices