Petunia's

Vegan ice cream and sweet lovers unite!

Though I feel like Back To Eden Bakery is most talked about around these vegan-prominent parts, the new(ish) and growing Petunia's Pies and Pastries gives them a run for their money, no doubt. Located downtown with dreamy pastel walls, exposed brick, a fancy feel and fresh flower + candle centerpieces, I would like nothing more than to live here.

I'm not a huge sweets fan, but when it comes to ice cream, let me have at it! My last visit to Petunia's I discovered their build-your-own-sundae menu (Brûléed banana split, yes please!) and I definitely built my dream sundae...then devoured it.

1. Choose your ice cream: three scoops of vanilla coconut bliss
2. Choose your sauces: caramel
3. Choose your toppings: cookie dough and marshmallows




salted caramel cookie bar


two slices of turtle cheesecake


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Petunia's also offers more than just ice cream; be sure to try one of their cookies, bars, whoopie pies, cupcakes, layer cakes, cobblers, pies, tarts, sticky buns, doughnuts, even some savory soups, sandwiches and salads, of course washing it all down with a signature cocktail, (gluten-free) beer, wine or coffee and tea.

Location: 610 SW 12th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97205
Neighborhood: Downtown

My heart belongs in Portland

I've been toying with the idea of moving since my recent trip to Portland and last week I took a short trip to scout some spots to live and search for potential jobs/transfers. My main goal is to be up North by Halloween, but the realistic side of me is only hoping it all falls into place before years end. So, hello my fellow Northwesterners.



Dove Vivi eggplant pizza: mozzarella, blue cheese, roasted eggplant, basil and fresh tomatoes on a cornmeal crust



trout pytt i panna (swedish hash) from Broder Cafe

vegan voodoo doughnut

El Nutri soyrizo and potato chimichangas

the adorable Albina Press

Besaw's salmon and cream cheese scramble with incredible potatoes and toast

sea salt with caramel ribbon ice cream from Salt & Straw

beach day at Cannon Beach!





vegan burger and fries from Boogie's Burgers



floor punch from The Bye and Bye

eastern bowl

some fun with Anthony's hasselblad

the best soda there ever was, butterscotch beer

delicious breakfast burritos from Whole Foods

job hunting

mac-no-cheese from Homegrown food cart... the best vegan mac n cheeze

two popeye rolls and more vegan sushi from Yuki



Ty's Big Breakfast from Jam on Hawthorne: two eggs over veggie sausage patties on an open faced english muffin and smothered in a vegetarian sausage gravy with hash browns on the side

Petunia's vegan salted chocolate chunk cookie-- the softest and most delicious

Foodie Friday: Fortune Cookie Factory

Hands down, my favorite part of my most recent trip to San Francisco was seeing the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Even though a part of me felt a little bad (like I was taking pictures of a cookie sweatshop), it was something I couldn't miss.

Nestled in a small alley on the busy streets of Chinatown, you can smell the aroma of fresh cookies as you walk by. Within a few steps of entering you're immediately greeted with a flat, unshaped cookie hot off the press. A few more steps in and you can see fortune cookies being made right in front of you! Each soft, hot cookie is pressed, a fortune is placed inside and folded over a carved out metal sheet that shapes the cookies... all done by hand!

No one speaks English and you must pay $0.50 to take pictures. Cesar and I emptied our entire pockets into their bucket and snapped a few. I bought a bag of cookies and after which the cutest little old man gave us each a piping hot, freshest made fortune cookie.













annnnnd a little video I found on YouTube, so cool!

Foodie Friday: Birthday Cake Oreos

These babies are 3 weeks overdue for a well deserved shout out on my part!

Oreos 100th Birthday was on March 6th and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than cramming what tastes like funfetti cupcakes (my favorite!) into America's favorite cookie. Since these are limited edition, I'm not sure how long they will be available in stores, so be a fat kid like me and stock up on an ungodly amount of bags before they are gone. I've searched six or seven stores, but only found them thus far at Target and CVS.





Don't be alarmed when you open the bag and it smells like you are in heaven, you aren't dead....yet. Maybe after you and your coworker eat an entire bag in just a few short hours, but I made it out alive. Don't judge me.



I would like to give Nabisco my stamp of approval for exceeding my high expectations and not just coloring the cream like they seem to do with every other festive Oreo cookie. Well done.

edit // tonight I stumbled across this magical concoction at the grocery store, can't wait to try it, though I'm sure it will be nothing short of amazing!

Foodie Friday: Cardamom Cafe and Bakery

I pass Cardamom Cafe and Bakery frequently and the bright colors on the building and colorful patio furniture always catch my eye. At first I thought it was a coffee shop with a case of baked goods, but after stopping in for a visit I was pleasantly surprised that they offer a full breakfast menu and plenty of seating, inside and out.

One thing I really love about going out for breakfast is the array of different "hash browns" you'll find. Cardamom serves home fries deliciously seasoned with rosemary. Another thing I love? Diner butter. Toast always tastes better when you get it from a cafe or diner.



Before visiting Cardamom I yelped them as per usual and came across a picture of a caramel cream cookie, which I had to have. Definitely sweet and made from pure sugar, but adorable nonetheless.





Location: 2977 Upas St. San Diego, California 92104
Neighborhood: North Park (between Dale and 30th St.)

Holy Hiatus!

I am terribly sorry for my leave of absence. Foodie Fridays will be back on schedule tomorrow, but in the meantime my best friend was in town and I want to share some of our adventures and my haps as of late!



For the first 10 days this lil lady was kind enough to only allow me to sleep 1-4 hours per night. Rough times for stressed kitties, but luckily is almost back on track and spooning with her mama throughout the night.



Jen is my favorite sushi date so once she landed it was our first stop.



Why are deep fried rolls so good?



Strolling Sherman Heights on the way to a book signing/art gallery.



Guys! This was my first time trying Pho!



Sad panda. Any suggestions? Shoe glue?!



Eating pretzels the size of your face!



For all the Halloween + kitty lovers like myself! Crate and Barrel.



Newfound favorite fish tacos from South Beach Bar and Grille.



My good friend Susan's baby shower was too adorable. So. Many. Babies. I left with baby fever.







Cutest wrapping papers, ever.



Instagramming.



Old Town.



My kind of mug.



Virgin margarita.



+ fish and potato tacos.



Cake batter + graham cracker pie crust.



This dip from the Hillcrest Farmers Market.



So happy Bridesmaids is out on DVD! Go pick up a copy!



Hash House quesadilla as a final au revoir!