PDX Memorandum

My distain for corporate-food America grew tremendously today. I was craving a burger so I went to an establishment called Coal Burger. I proceeded to spend $14.79, without tip, on a burger, fries, and water that was mediocre at best. The bun was from a package, the burger thin and compressed, and the fries to big and flash fried. The flavors were skeptical and tasted like mass production. What does mass production taste like? Dull. Boring. Dry. Plastic-'ey'. My lunch today made me miss Portland, OR. It made me miss Killer Burger on NE 46th and Sandy on the East Side where you can't spend more then $10 if you tried and you get a burger that is made fresh with characteristics so controversial they allure you in like an arcades Bright Neon Lighting (which can be found just down the road on Belmont and 19th at the Avalon Arcade!!! Check it out if you haven't!!!) I miss PDX. I miss 23 Hoyt at 10:00pm on a Tuesday night where I could go grub on a Burger and shoestring fries, where the burger is topped with Avocado, tomato, lettuce, onion, bacon, and an Egg over easy for $10 during their Happy Hour times which so conveniently were 4:00 to 6:30 and 9:00 to close! So basically, don't be an idiot and go during the 2 1/2 hr gap they they are open for those with endless pockets. PS...this is a perfect burger to consume after a great late afternoon and early evening of drinking with friends. Mow down this burger at 23 Hoyt and your what would be headache and cloudy mind the next morning is non existent. Despite missing local eateries, I miss much more than just the food. I miss the people making the food. I miss the mindset behind local companies. I miss the moral and way of living life that those in the Pacific Northwest portray so elegantly, yet humble. It's a paradox. Portland is a paradox that I find tough even in this current moment to properly explain. I can't and I won't try. Just go. Experience it for yourself, you will love it as long as you let it love you. Open your mind, go in with no expectations, and ride the city like your making love to her! Allow her beauty to penetrate your taste-buds, your heart, your ears, your eyes, and your soul.

I woke up this morning to rain. That is a rarity in Arizona. I loved it. I still am loving it. It is still raining. It is actually humorous watching people run with their umbrellas frantically outside as I sit in Press Coffee and type. Anywho. I'm over writing for today. I distain Corporate America. I'm an advocate for Local impression no matter the business venture. I miss PDX and all that it embodies. And I miss the people. The people I met behind the bars. The people that actually cared about cooking the burger for me. The people who treated everyone as equal. The people I shared life with, you know who you are. We will be re-united. We will love together again and laugh together again. I miss VanRon Yards. I miss the Gorge. I miss RonToms. I miss Barista. I miss Pumpkin Ridge. I miss the Portland Towers. I miss 21st St. I miss Paper Source. I miss Paradox. I miss Washington Park. I miss Pine State Biscuits. I miss her. I miss her beauty. I miss her allure. I miss her energy. I miss you Portland, OR. Until we meet again, I wait in high anticipation! Much love to all my people who share this love and still currently embrace it daily. Take care of her, for we all know that she takes great care of all who live amongst her!