HAWTHORNE & BELMONT N NW SW
NE SE
By Amber Nobe
Cli c k o n the se a ds to v i sit t h e ir we b s it e
NOT YOUR AVERAGE MUSIC HALL
You don’t have to be a vinyl junkie to dig Hall of Records (3342 SE Belmont St.). Though the music shop and bar opened several months ago, it recently embraced a defined role of evening/ night venue and waded into the world of cocktails. With vintage funk, soul and jazz blasting on the speakers, this cozy spot packs in a lot without overreaching. There’s a wall of albums straight from the golden age of records, listening stations, a DJ booth (you can spin your own collection on weekends), a caféstyle menu, beer, wine, and now, hard alcohol. See nightly specials and events at www.hallofrecordspdx.com.
lasting for hours. This spring, chefs David Anderson and Daniel Mondok experimented with a weeknight prix fixe menu—to rave reviews. It was so popular, the Tues/Weds/Thurs offering of three courses for $40 will stick around indefinitely. “It allows us to reach a larger audience without compromising the experience,” Anderson said. The regular menus are always available, but for those on a budget (money or time), the prix fixe option is faster and easier on the pocketbook but still very fine dining. Call 503-238-1464 for reservations.
Satisfy your craving for summer adventure with the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby, barreling down Mount Tabor on Saturday, Aug. 13. Beginning at 10am, 42 outrageously themed cars take to the tracks, and scores of spectators enjoy the thrills and spills while imbibing on wine and beer. It’s too late to sign up a car of your own, but you can volunteer or just enjoy the show. Stake your spot at the mountain park entrance at SE 60th and Salmon. As the organizers say, “Thank our beloved volcano for allowing us to tickle her spine.” Check www.soapboxracer.com for a race map. Portland’s hot food scene attracts national attention. It also attracted Francis and Kim Stanton, who recently snatched up the space formerly occupied by Fin and opened Otto Restaurant and Bar (1852 SE Hawthorne Blvd.) The couple moved from Michigan, where they operated three eateries, but now they focus on interesting local ingredients for entrees priced $20 and under. Francis describes Otto as casual with a modern neighborhood feel—and no pretense. “It’s comfortable and fresh,” he said. “Have a drink and relax.” Call 503-5177770 for details.
TAKE TO THE STREETS
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COMIN’ ROUND THE MOUNTAIN
DINING WITHOUT PRETENSE
PRIX FIXE: THAT’S AMORE!
Legendary Italian eatery Genoa (2832 SE Belmont St.) made its name with extravagant multi-course meals
and 47th. The fair coincides with the city’s Sunday Parkways event, which closes down vehicle traffic for bikers and walkers, who will cross Hawthorne at SE 32nd and at 45th. A special area for children’s activities is set aside near Kids at Heart on SE 35th St. For more details, visit www.thinkhawthorne.com.
The annual Hawthorne Street Fair is slated for Sunday, Aug. 28, from 10am to 5pm—a tradition in the district since 1982. The affair highlights all this hip neighborhood has to offer, with sidewalk sales, vendor booths, art, clothing and crafts, plus music at SE 34th, 41st
CHRISTMAS IN JULY During the month of July, many local merchants are participating in the Portland Metro Toy Drive fundraiser. Check out www.PortlandMetroToyDrive. com for a list of local businesses that are accepting donations. The toys are donated to needy local children and children’s charities who serve the underprivileged.
BELMONT AREA STREET FAIR On September 10th, the ‘downtown core’ of Belmont from SE 34th to 37th will be closed to vehicle traffic, but open to everything else: thousands of visitors, over 100 craft booths, 4 music performance areas, a food festival, children’s fun center and alternative transportation expo.