Rain or shine, I’m excited about Spring, especially when I get to use it as an excuse to have a dinner party. I partnered with Macy’s Backstage, Macy’s new off-price store within their department store, to redesign space and celebrate spring. We were challenged to create a new space using $200 or less! Challenge accepted. See more from this party and what other bloggers have done with their challenge by searching #MacysBackstage on your favorite social media platform.
Spring Dinner Party featuring Macy’s Backstage
If you’ve ever put together a tablescape then you know that things can add up. Plates, centerpieces, glassware, dinnerware, linens.. the list goes on and on. I have always been an advocate of purchasing good quality, neutral items that can be used in almost any situation. However, every now and again, you want to spruce things up a bit! I wanted to really create a lovely Spring-inspired dining area with my challenge from Macy’s Backstage.
Utilize loved finds in new ways
I had so much fun going through the home decor section of Macy’s Backstage. I really enjoy finding things that can be multi-use items. For this spring dinner party, I knew that while I wanted a spring-like feel I also didn’t want to have to store items that I could only bring out really for the spring and summer. I found really amazing deals on beautiful pots that worked great in my dinner party as a vase, wine cooler, and candle holder… but, I’ll also be able to house some fresh herbs in them or succulents. The large blue pot that is holding the flowers was seriously only $8! AMAZING prices. Oh, and that tablecloth? Yea, it was $15.
Did I meet the challenge?
For sure! Some of the table items/ glassware were ones that I already owned, but I still would have been able to meet the challenge had I supplied everything from Macy’s Backstage. I was also able to get some fun spring attire to wear at my spring dinner party. Check out my total:
Purchased:
2 Pairs of Jeans (they have clothing all the way from babies to plus size!)
3 tops
1 hat (so many fun accessories there as well!)
1 tablecloth
3 pots
1 hurricane candle holder
candles (a few!)
Water dispenser (pictured below… I’m in love.)
Serving Dish
All of that cost me $179 at Macy’s Backstage.
Macy’s Backstage Grand Opening
The Portland location for this new concept from Macy’s is located at the Llyod Center Mall. It is celebrating the grand opening on April 14th starting at 10 AM. The first 200 shoppers get a scratch-off card worth anywhere from $5 to $25 off of their Backstage purchase. Not in Portland? Macy’s Backstage is opening up across the nation in different locations. Check here to find the Macy’s Backstage near you.
More about Macy’s Backstage: The Macy’s Backstage concept was created specifically for the stylish yet cost-conscious shopper. The space features home decor, gifts, entertaining ware, kitchen goods, toys, shoes, children attire, youth attire, men’s attire, women’s attire, plus-size women’s attire, accessories, beauty products, and more.
Giveaway
Macy’s Backstage is offering one of my readers a $100 gift card. I’m giving it away over on my Instagram. Hop on over to enter to win. Giveaway ends on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 11:59 PM. I’ll message the winner on Monday, April 16th.
Suddenly… it’s March. And, in Portland, March means, Portland Dining Month! Portland Dining Month is a time when several Portland restaurants offer up three-course menus for $33. Read on to see my favorite restaurants on the list this year and to win one of two gift cards to experience Portland Dining Month yourself!
This post is written in partnership with Travel Portland and Portland Dining Month.I received compensation in exchange for sharing about Portland Dining Month. However, all opinions are my own. To learn more about my policies on partnerships please visit my sponsorship page.
This year marks the 9th annual Portland Dining Month (PDM) and more than 120 restaurants are participating. In addition to the restaurants that are participating this year several local chefs are offering pop-up dinners at just $33 through Feastly. To make this month even more of a good thing… Portland Dining Month is partnered with Open Table to support the Oregon Food Bank. All you have to do is book your table through the Portland Dining Month website.
Portland Dining Month 2018
You’ll have to visit the PDM website to see ALL the amazing restaurants participating and their delicious menus, but I wanted to share some of my favorites on the list this year. In no particular order… here are my favorites for this month. Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom to enter my giveaway for one of two Portland Dining Month restaurant gift cards!
Favorite Restaurants Participating in Portland Dining Month
Below are some of my go-to restaurants here in Portland that are participating this month.
Acadia – American/ New American/ Southern/ Cajun/ Creole
What I love about Acadia? I’ve eaten at Acadia a few times now and each time it is always a delicious experience. The flavors are fresh, and bright on the tongue. The Southerner in me feels at home here. See my review of Acadia here on the blog.
What to get at Acadia? For sure try the Portland Dining Month menu and I’d highly recommend the Jambalaya, the Smoked Pork Cheeks, or the Crawfish Andouille Mac N Cheese. However, if you are dining off the dining month menu I’d also recommend getting the Louisiana Barbecue Shrimp or the (pictured) Corn-Meal Fried Louisiana Soft Shell Blue Crab. Absolutely try a cocktail there as well!
The Acadia Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course: Field greens salad with creole mustard vinaigrette and crumbled egg
Second course (choose one):
Jambalaya, with house made andouille sausage, smoked chicken and tomato relish
Cornmeal fried catfish with black eyed peas and deviled tasso
Gulf Shrimp Creole with kale, spinach, mushrooms, and white rice
Crawfish Andouille Mac n Cheese
Smoked Pork Cheeks with cheddar grits, apple, red chili honey
Third course:Acadia’s bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce, whipped cream and toasted pecans
Where is it located? NE Portland | 1303 N.E. Fremont St., Portland, OR 97212
What I love about Andina? Oh man… every time I’ve had the opportunity to dine at Andina I’ve fallen more and more in love. I do have to say that I have a special place in my heart for this restaurant because my husband and I chose to celebrate our 10th anniversary with a large party for our nearest and dearest. Working with Andina was a great experience, and the food was delicious as always. See my review of Andina’s food here on the blog.
What to get at Andina? Don’t you love it when the Portland Dining Month Menus have choices? I do! Andina’s selection this year is fantastic and I would highly recommend (and have tried) each of the items. But, if I were selecting for me I’d choose the Causa Morada followed by the Lomo Saltado (pictured) and the Chocolate Andino. If you are going off of the PDM menu I’d recommend trying out one of their amazing Ceviches and for sure getting a cocktail. Check out my Andina cocktail recommendations here on the blog.
Andina’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course (choose one):
Causa Solterito, a classic timbale of fresh, lime-scented Yukon Gold potato with a salad of green beans, fresh corn, cotija cheese and tomatoes
Causa Morada, a classic timbale of fresh, lime-scented purple potato and shredded chicken breast with ají amarillo
Second course (choose one):
Quinotto “Chisaya Mama”: quinoa risotto with Grana Padano cheese, golden beets, local mushrooms and truffle oil
Lomo saltado: wok-fried Cascade Natural beef, onions, tomatoes, oyster sauce, garlic and ají amarillo, served with Yukon Gold papas fritas and garlic rice
Third course (choose one):
Chocolate Andino: a quinoa flour brownie layered with gold-dusted chocolate ganache and accompanied by a seasonal fruit gastrique and avocado crème anglaise
Alfajor: a classic Peruvian cookie, scented with key lime and filled with manjar blanco
Where is it located? Pearl District, NW Portland | 1314 N.W. Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209
What to get at East India Co.? Last year we did the Portland Dining Month menu and then ordered a few things off the pre-selected menu just to give it a try. We loved the Chicken Tiki Masala on the Portland Dining Month menu and the dessert was fantastic! I’d also recommend going off menu for the Tandoori Khumbi which were grilled mushrooms marinated in five herbs, with ginger and lemon and a spicy Tamarind-Date Chutney. Don’t forget to get one of their great cocktails to accompany your meal. The Rangpur Chill, a refreshing and spicy combination of gin, chilis, and cucumber was my favorite!
East India Co. Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course (choose one):
Papdi chaat: mini crispy poori and spiced garbanzo beans topped with curd, tamarind and mint chutney
Bhel Puri: puffed rice with sev, tomato, onion and potato, tossed with a tangy tamarind sauce and green chutney
Second course (choose one):
Navratan korma: vegetable blend of ginger, raisins and creamy cashew gravy, served with saffron rice and tadka dal
Chicken tikka masala: chicken marinated in yogurt and spices with tomato masala sauce
Third course:Kulfi Trio of mango, cardamom and chocolate
Where is East India Co. located? Downtown | 821 S.W. 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97205
Why do I love about Feastly Dinners? I’ve had the extreme pleasure to get to try items from a few Feastly chefs now and each time it has been a great experience. Personally, I’m so excited for the opportunity to try meals crafted by a chef for a pop-up dinner. I’m a little biased as well because a good friend of mine, who is an AMAZING chef, is one of the Feastly chefs.
What do I recommend from Feastly? Again, a tad biased here, but I’d recommend checking out the menus crafted by Chef Shannon Feltus. I recently hired her for an event and she did a great job (post to come soon!). Her St. Patrick’s Day Lunch Menu and 2018 Menu Sampler menus look amazing!
GIVEAWAY: Shannon is giving away two tickets to her upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Lunch on her Facebook page, Urban Farm Foods. Enter to win by Sunday, March 11th!
Where is Feastly Located? The Portland Dining Month meals for Feastly are located at the Inner South East location at: 912 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214.
Why do I love Fogo De Chao? MEAT. Dear lord, good meat is gonna get me every time. See my review of Fogo De Chao here on the blog.
What do I recommend from Fogo De Chao? For sure get the Portland Dining Month menu as it is a crazy good deal down from the normal cost of $52.95. However, because you are getting such great savings there… let me recommend going ahead and getting the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer and the Key Lime Pie for dessert. Don’t forget to get a classic caipirinha cocktail.
Fogo De Chao Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course:Market Table: fresh salads, exotic vegetables and Fogo® feijoada black bean stew, served with rice and seasonal soup
Second course:Brazilian side dishes: Pão de queijo, crispy polenta, mashed potatoes and caramelized bananas
Third course:Tableside service of fire-roasted meats, which include:
Picanha (sirloin): Prime part of the top sirloin, seasoned with sea salt and garlic
Alcatra (top sirloin): One of our largest steaks, tender and thinly sliced
Fraldinha (bottom sirloin): Flavorful cut with strong marbling
Medalhões con bacon: Bacon-wrapped steak with hardwood-smoked, honey-cured bacon
Cordeiro (lamb): Fresh leg of lamb
Lombo (pork): Parmesan-encrusted pork loin filets
Costela de Porco (pork ribs): Marinated and slow-roasted for tenderness
Bisteca de Porco (pork chops): Cured, center-cut and roasted on the bone
Linguiça (pork sausage): Slow-roasted and savory
Frango (chicken): Bacon-wrapped breast or tender legs
Where is Fogo De Chao located? Downtown, SW Portland | 930 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204
Why I love Serratto? I’ve been to Serratto about four times now and each time I’m surprised by the creative, wholesome approach to Italian food. Great ingredients and simple, delicious flavors. See my review of Serratto here on the blog. It has a great date night atmosphere!
What to get at Serratto? The braised Carlton Farms pork cheeks are phenomenal and I’d recommend going that route. However, you can’t go wrong with the fresh spring flavors in the Spaghetti with asparagus and preserved lemon. Whatever you do… pair it with one of the wonderful wines that Serratto serves. Ask your server for a recommendation to pair with your meal.
Serratto’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course (choose one):
House salad: organic baby greens, candied walnuts, Gorgonzola crumbles, and red wine vinaigrette
Cream of fennel soup with grilled spring onion, fennel pollen, and \ chive oil
Second course (choose one):
Braised Carlton Farms pork cheeks with farro, black trumpet mushrooms, pea tendrils, and whole grain mustard cream
Spaghetti with asparagus, preserved lemon, escarole, peppered chèvre, and extra virgin olive oil
Third course:Rum raisin pudding with crème anglaise
Where is Serratto located? NW Portland / Nob Hill, NW Portland | 2112 N.W. Kearney, Portland, OR 97210
Portland Dining Month Must Try List
There are plenty of restaurants on this year’s list that I haven’t had the opportunity to try yet. This list would be super, crazy long… but, I wanted to focus on what was realistic for me to possibly try this year. Here are some of my must-try list for this year.
Why I want to try Ataula? I am obsessed with good Spanish food and have only heard great things about Ataula. The handmade pork sausage and olive oil ice cream sandwich are screaming my name.
Ataula’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course:Remolacha with beets, piquillo-goat cheese cream, crispy quinoa and wine-infused pears
Second course (choose one):
Butifarra with handmade pork sausage and Catalan bean salad
Vegetal with roasted broccolini and Catalan bean salad
Third course:Bocata chocolate cookie and olive oil ice cream sandwich
Where is Ataula located? NW Portland / Nob Hill, NW Portland | 1818 N.W. 23rd Place, Portland, OR 97210
Why I want to try Jacqueline? I really love fresh, delicious seafood. I love that Jacqueline focuses on great seafood and vegetables. I’m so looking forward to my meal here!
Jacqueline’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First Course:Wedge salad with blue cheese, Nueske’s bacon, fried shallots, fines herbs and pickled celerySecond Course:Hama Hama clams and mussels with Rainer, smoked potatoes, carnitas, kale and crème fraîcheThird Course:Buttermilk panna cotta, huckleberries, bee pollen, lemon curd and brown butter
Where is Jacqueline located? Division / Clinton, SE Portland | 2039 S.E. Clinton St., Portland, OR 97202
Why I want to try SouthFork? I’m obsessed with finding great cajun restaurants in Portland and this one has consistently come up in my search. The stuffed pork tenderloin with sunchoke is reason enough to give this place a try!
South Fork’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course: Spicy greens salad with butter-poached spring vegetables, cornbread croutons and soft eggSecond course: Bacon and mushroom stuffed pork tenderloin with sunchoke and potato galette and smokey pork jusThird course: Warm chocolate brownie with smoked maple ice cream and pistachio brittle
Where is Southfork located? NE Portland | 4605 N.E. Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213
Portland Dining Month Giveaway
Don’t you want to try one of these awesome restaurants? I know you do! Well, Travel Portland and the restaurants associated with it has ever so graciously offered up two gift cards to A Well Crafted Party readers. One lucky reader will win a gift card to SouthFork while another will win a gift card to Ataula. To enter, read the below giveaway guidelines and comment with your favorite from the Portland Dining Month menu and whether you prefer to try SouthFork or Ataula! You’ll also need to make sure you enter a correct email address as that is how I will contact the winners.
Giveaway guidelines:
Giveaway is for a gift card to either SouthFork restaurant in Portland or Ataula restaurant in Portland, Oregon. There is no cash value. If the winner is unable to use the gift card, A Well Crafted Party, Travel Portland, nor the restaurants involved are responsible for gift card use. The promotional value of the gift card is based on Portland Dining Month Menu Pricing for two guests (excluding beverages), OR a Portland Dining Month menu for one person with additional food and beverages of your choice. Gratuity is not automatically included in the meal. I encourage you to treat this as any other meal and tip as appropriate for good service. Gift cards are only guaranteed to be valid during Portland Dining Month (March 1-31, 2018) and any balance remaining after the promotion may be forfeit. I encourage making reservations through PortlandDiningMonth.com so that a donation will be made to the Oregon Food Bank and you will be guaranteed your seat! Giveaway entries are accepted from Thursday, March 8th through Sunday, March 11, 2018. The winners will have 24 hours to send back their mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Enter by commenting below!
This Halloween drink post is sponsored by RedVines. #RedVines candy is always fat-free and made without preservatives. It is “made in small batches, using artisanal techniques passed down through five generations, RedVines candy has a rich heritage built on our dedication to consistent quality, flavor and freshness.” All opinions are my own. To learn more about my posting policies regarding sponsored posts please visit my policies page. As always, thank you for reading more about the companies that help support this blog.
(This post contains affiliate links marked with *)
If you haven’t been able to tell from previous Halloween posts… I like vampires. I was the kid dressed in black reading Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles* throughout most of my formative years. It certainly lead right into my love of Halloween. (Check out these fun Halloween Vampire Portrait free printables!) When creating a recipe out of my favorite red licorice it was an easy jump to vampires. I love how the little bite-sized RedVines Twistettes* made perfect little “vampire bites” on the rim of the glasses.
Halloween is an all-ages holiday in my book, so I wanted to make sure that I had a fun non-alcoholic version of the Vampire Bite drink so that the kids could get into the fun.
Halloween Cocktail – Vampire Bite Cocktail with Red Vines
As with all of my cocktail recipes this is intended for people of legal drinking age. Keep scrolling if you’d like to find a fun non-alcoholic version of this drink. As always, practice safe drinking.
Ingredients:
-3/4 oz of Cranberry Juice (or Cranberry Grape Juice)
– 1 and 1/4 ounces of your favorite vodka
– 1 oz of your favorite orange liquor
– 1.5 oz of dry cherry soda (must be a clear soda)
– 1.5 oz of dry blood orange soda (clear soda again)
– RedVine Twistettes to garnish rim
– Shaker with Ice
– Chilled Martini glass that can hold approximately 6-8 oz of liquid (don’t want it too full!)
Directions:
Garnish the chilled martini glass with the RedVines Twistettes about 1.5 inches apart (should be approximately where the canine teeth would go in the mouth).
Pour 3/4 oz of cranberry juice into a chilled martini glass.
In a shaker full of ice pour the orange liquor and vodka. Shake well to chill. Strain into glass.
Top drink with equal parts of blood orange and cherry dry soda.
Enjoy!
Halloween Drink – Vampire Bite Non-Alcoholic Beverage with Red Vines
Sometimes you just don’t want to drink alcohol or you want to give the kiddos a special treat as well. This non-alcoholic versions of the Vampire Bite cocktail is DELICIOUS and pairs perfectly with the little Twistette bites on the rim of the glass.
Ingredients:
– RedVines Twistettes for the rim of the glass
– 2 oz Cranberry Juice or Cranberry Grape Juice
– 3 oz Dry Cherry Soda (must be clear)
– 3 oz Dry Blood Orange Soda (must be clear)
– Glass with ice and a straw
Directions:
Build the drink on ice by first garnishing the glass with RedVines Twistettes to resemble a vampire bite.
Pour in the cranberry juice so that it sinks to the bottom of the glass.
Top with equal parts of Cherry and Blood Orange Dry Soda.
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Spring Dinner Party featuring Macy’s Backstage
