! Hashcapades

50 Cities 50 Hashes: Brandie Kajino at Petite Provence in Portland!

There are hashes, and there are Hashes. If I had to pick one place on earth to have corned beed or smoked salmon hash, it’s going to be at Petite Provence. They know how to do it right, and they deliver every time. Even better, it’s one of several hasha-licious locations – La Provence is the original restaurant, followed by it’s little (hence, “petite”) offspring. They are glorious and give a french spin on the tasty tasty bistro and bakery. The smell alone will send you into a food coma.

Clark (aka Mr. Hashcapades) and I have had some good times together, even making hash in my own kitchen not long ago (below). So, when the opportunity presented itself to go and host a Hashcapade in my town (which, incidentally, is in the same Metro area as Clark), I was alllll over that. Food? Meetup? People? Fun? Snarky comments? Yeah, count me IN.

I’ve been to several Hashcapades, all of which have been on the weekend. I wanted to do something a lil’ different with this adventure. Maybe it’s because I work from home (as does my husband), but I wanted a mid-week hash adventure. I mean, who doesn’t need a break on a Thursday afternoon to meet up with friends and eat yummy food. Right?

I choose my beloved Petite Provence, in NE Portland, Oregon. This location is nestled in an area that was once a place you didn’t want to go in. In recent years, it’s experienced a renaissance of sorts, with all kinds of funky eateries, coffee shops and world famous fare. It’s very Portlandia in it’s own rite, I happen to love it, and frequent the area’s many food destinations.

Gimme hash. But, Look! Shiny!

I walked into Petite Provence for the first time in a few months, and I was stricken by the stunning new wooodwork which had been installed. As in, the entire pastry case, coffee bar, and front reception area were completely renovated. I could not believe how absolutely gorgeous it was! In a nod to the French-ness (is that a word?) of the place, there were wine crates incorporated into the bar. Oh sweet baby Jane, it’s so beautiful. Do you think we could do this at MY house?

And then the food.

We arrived at the restaurant on a hot and muggy day. The roll-up doors were wide open and fresh (did I mention it was muggy?) air was winding it’s way around the tables. As we gathered around our table, laughing, ordering cocktails (does the term “one martini lunch” ring a bell?), I was so blissfully happy. Good friends, good food, and good fun.

Petite Provence is absolutely known for their flaky pastries and, if you are so inclined, the croissants are amazing. Normally a croissant ends up hiding in the folds of your attire for the day (croissant = messy featherweight flaky goodness), however, these layers of buttery pastry are different. Crisp and buttery on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, which means more in your mouth. They are served with a fresh, bright red raspberry freezer jam that just might make you cry. Tears, people, as it is so tasty. For reals. *swoon*

Many hashes, and other tasty plates.

All of us ordered different things around the table. Smoked salmon hash is one of my favorites, and it was as delicious as I remembered – succulent smoked salmon, perfectly poached egg, onions, shredded potatoes and a fabulous cream sauce on top. Off. The. Hook.

We also had Risotto cakes, the “Day Breaker” (my son’s favorite) egg + bacon + hash browned potatoes, Chicken Mediterranean Salad, and a Monte Carlo sandwich. There were also various drinks around the table including Mimosa, and my Marionberry Mojito – a very fresh Northwest twist on a classic. (And so pretty too!)

Tasty food + great company = A weekday lunch to remember.

Hashcapades are certainly about food, but they are also about community. I can go there by myself and enjoy the food. And yet, somehow the company and laughter-infused conversation make it even more worth the trip. Witty and inappropriate comments are also included because that’s what friends are for… as well as mooching off your neighbor’s mimosa.

Brandie Kajino describes herself as “Writer, Speaker,  Entrepreneur.  Dining Out, Home Cooking and Coffee. I use humor & eye-blinding enthusiasm to connect, teach & guide others. I love to help busy home cooks make delicious food from scratch, with “it’s easier than you think” tips and recipes. Recipes, artisan products, copper cookware, farmers’ markets and creamy lattes with friends are the spice of life.” Brandie’s “eye-blinding” exploits can be be found on her site, Spoon & Saucer, and on Twitter @spoonandsaucer..