Kells, Cutie T & I went on a girls weekend getaway to Portland Oregon, earlier this year (pre-pandemic times). As it was Cutie’s first time, we wanted it to be extra special. We stayed at the ritzy Hotel Monaco.

One evening we chose to dine at Bamboo Sushi (downtown location). They’ve got 3 locations in The PDX.

Kells has had Bamboo Sushi before.

But, it was mine & Cutie T’s first time. Bonus: it was right around the corner from our hotel.

Our order

Garden of Eden roll – Micro crunch, tart, slight sweet,

Chasing the Dragon roll – tempura shrimp, tart at first, soft spicy flavour, chewy rice, elevated dynamite

Soft shell crab bao – soft tempura crunch salt, heaven

Friday the 13th -taste the sweet salt then slow spicy heat (delayed). Table fave.

Kimono -elevated cali roll, complicated, starts apple then sweet crab, chewy rice, salty goodness.

Ocean Farmer Roll-garlic butter with seared salmon, “delicious”, starts soft smoke then rice then fresh.

Itame Roll -Special, cilantro, light flavour, fresh, ideal for those starting to eat raw fish.

Considerations

Parking: on the street or find a lot.

Pricing: it’s not cheap but it is cheery.

Ambience: Pimped-Up Casual.

Recommendation

Yes! Go stuff your gobs with this fabulous food!

(We do mean after the pandemic precautions have lifted. Also, bring a cigarette cuz you’ll need after you finish this sexy sushi.)

It was our friend Cutie T’s first time in the PDX so we wanted to stay in a central area, park then walk everywhere. We chose Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland

The entrance is magnificent

As you can see, the hotel’s entry is elegant from the outside and… magnificently opulent inside. It reminds us of old gallant hotels for the rich riches but not gaudy or tacky.

The staff and service

Everyone was warm and friendly. Check-in was fairly quick, as we were pre-paid.

As soon as we got to our room, the front desk texted us to say if we needed anything, just let them know. We needed extra pillows, blankets, a straightening iron, suggestions for a night out… and they got back to us!

To the room…

Elevator and walk to to the room was delightful.

… And beyond

This King Suite was sumptuous!

Seating areas

Yes lots of areas to park your sweet booty.

Bathroom

Large, airy, light. Shower, tub, lots of counterspace.

Sleeping areas

The king bed had a sliding door with a huge TV, dresser, comfy chair, night tables with lamps and plenty o’ plug ins. The bed was fabulous firm. I didn’t feel Kells move around at all. In the evenings, the three us snuggled up with snacks and the TV.

Cutie T preferred to sleep solo on the sofa bed. She had her own TV. Mattress looked a bit thin but Cutie T slept fine curled up in the mountain of blankets and pillows.

Lighting & Space

King bed had large windows with sheets and blackout curtains. There were some floor ceiling and table lamps. Seemed a bit dark in the foyer but who cares.

Room felt very airy, due to the vaulted ceilings.

In-room amenities

Mini bar, intimacy kits, snack items and room service are available for additional costs.

Included in-room are animal print robes, landline, basic drinking glasses, bar fridge, hair dryer & delicious toiletries. Other things available upon request (such as Keurig, tea, cutlery and coffee pods).

In-room entertainment

There were 2 TVs. TVs don’t have internet or bluetooth capabilities. There is cable with pay-per-view options.

Hotel amenities and entertainment

With resort fees, you can use the fitness room.

Coffee, tea, swanky hot chocolate in lobby in the mornings.

Wine, beer, amuse bouche are available every evening 5-7 pm for all hotel guests. They also have live music in the lobby.

Concierge service also available by text.

Transportation

Valet parking was included in our package. But we were close enough to walk everywhere downtown.

Recommendation

Yes we absolutely recommend it.

And of course we had to pop in to sample a bit of somethin’ somethin’ at the infamous Voodoo Donuts.

We got there around 9 pm. The lineup was only about 20 minutes. Warning that it can be as long as 2 hours. Since they’re open 24 hours, we suggest checking in on the lineups… and go later if it’s nutso.

We got:
-guava colada: kapow guava in centre and soft coconut donut surrounds.
-mango tango: yep it’s mango jelly and is fluffier.
-dirty old bastard: PB&C have joined forces, firmer texture like a fritter.
-portland cream: like the Boston cream but not custard. It was an indescribable flavour. We’d skip this.
-maple bacon: yep exactly like it sounds. This will be your jam if you enjoy maple syrup waffles with a side o’ pig strips.
-apple fritter: classic and a goodie.

K&I have healthy appetites. But one Voodoo donut could easily feed 2 or 3 folks.

Go check them out!