Photos taken at St. Honore Boulangerie, Portland, Oregon

What’s not to love about a place that serves delicous tea (and soy lattes), yummy pastries and has wifi?  There’s plenty of goodness to go around at Townshend’s Teahouse in Portland, Oregon.

I love to frequent this mellow teahouse to meet friends or just catch a little breather between appointments while I’m in the area.  I went there recently and had a Soy Earl Grey Latte with a Blueberry Teacake.  SO good!  I couldn’t finish the entire cake, so I shared it with my friend.  I was all so delish, and the setting of the place is upbeat, mellow and just plain delightful all at the same time.

Even better?  If you like tea, you too can get in on the fun at their online store here:

Townshend’s Teahouse

I, for one, would like to try the Creme de la Earl Grey.

So, if you’re in the neighborhood do stop by, you won’t be sorry!

I love ramen, and I’m not talking about the instant kind in a cup (although there is a time and place for that too).  When my husband and I travel back to Japan, one of the things we do is frequent ramen shops.  The best ones are usually the corner shops where the owner is in the kitchen, smoking and cooking.  Ahh yes, the local places…

So, let’s go on a journey, a Ramen Fest, if you will.  Why?  Cause it’s yummy!

This is the menu.  Yes, there is only one item.  I was a little confused the first time I went to this restaurant (which is in Morioka, Japan).  Basically you walk in the restaurant and tell them how many you want, and then they serve you…

This is called Shoyu Ramen.  Take a minute to soak it in…

This is a combination of Tonkotsu and Shoyu Ramen.  That meat on top?  It’s called “Chashu” and it’s glorious.  Think pork roast, braised in a ginger, garlic soy sauce type broth.  Oh yeah, it’s good.

This was from a mall in Saitama, outside Tokyo.  A mall?  Yes, a mall.  This is another Shoyu Ramen, and so far, in my Ramen Quest, this is the best.ev.er.

That ends this session of “Ramen Fest”.  You can bet I’ll post again when I have more to share.

Have you had ramen or a recipe to share?  Leave a comment and share the ramen love!