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Seattle and Portland

Seattle and Portland

Home to coffee and yoga-loving liberals, Seattle and neighbouring Portland have a lot to offer the casual visitor and counterculture connoisseur alike.

There may be 150 miles seperating Seattle and Portland, but the similarities between the two cities can't be denied. Both harbor a population of eco-conscious, cultured, informed liberals, both support a buoyant arts and music scene and both are culinary centers home to pioneering young Chefs and restauranteurs. Yet, Portland has long been known as 'the other Seattle'. A smaller, less authentic version of its big sister, however, times are a-changin' and, though Portland is by no means eclipsing Seattle, it is definitely starting to hold its own.

SEATTLE

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is surrounded on all sides by the windswept waters of Puget Sound. For those that were living under a rock during the early 90s, you may have missed the massively influential grunge music scene that was spawned in Seattle, placing the city on the global pop culture map. Bands including the likes of Nirvana and Pearl Jam found fame thanks to the city's nurturing artistic community. Today, though the popularity of grunge may have waned, the spirit that founded the musical movement is well and truly alive.

Much of the scene revolves (as it did then) around the trendy Capitol Hill area, which next to Belltown, is the second most populated neighbourhood in the city. A stylish, eclectic, and artistic neighborhood since the 80s, 'the Hill' sees high-powered office workers share the sidewalks with punks, fashion poseurs and dressed-down, earnest musical types. Now the music scene is much more diverse and a variety of genres are represented.

Like grunge, Seattle's other major export has touched every corner of the world, although - depending on your point of view - whether this is a good thing or not is a matter of debate. I'm referring of course to the coffee behemoth that is Starbucks. The historic Pike Place Market is home to the original coffee shop and you can combine your pilgrimage to the home of overpriced, overcomplicated coffee-based beverages with a wander among the 100-year old bustling marketplace.

An array of stalls selling everything from organic produce and handicrafts to homemade beauty products jostle for space with slew of restaurants. The smell of fish wafts from all directions and a visit to the market isn't complete until you've seen at least one flying fish (fish stall-holders display their fish throwing abilities for crowds of onlookers at intermittent periods).

The defining landmark of Seattle is undoubtedly the Space Needle building, which dominates the skyline. Looking like something out of the Jetsons cartoon, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 World Expo and offers unparalleled views across the city - for a price. Avoid paying for a ticket and simply head to the revolving restaurant for a drink at the bar instead.



PORTLAND

Situated on the northern border of Oregon, straddling the Willamette River, urban Portland isn't the prettiest of cities but what it lacks in aesthetic appeal, it makes up for with well-defined neighbourhoods and a harmonious, laid-back pace. And, thanks to its 30-year legacy of smart urban growth and planning, it has been voted the most green city in the US.

Forget New York, Portland is quickly developing a reputation as America's newest culinary center. Yes, the city still has more Vegan, organic, live food than you can shake a stick at, but now drinking and eating in Portland have evolved into a culinary adventure for both locals and visitors alike. The city's famous food carts (more than 400 in total) are a veritable united nations of cuisine - Thai, Mongolian, Japanese, Lebanese, Vietnamese, the list is endless. And, in addition to being the go-to venues for hungry office workers and tourists the city over, these carts also offer innovative new chefs a low-cost platform to showcase their culinary skills.

And it in't only food. Portland is known as the motherland of microbrews and its popularity continues to grow. With more breweries (28 in total), than any other city in the US - if not the world - its reputation is justified. Even downtown male grooming lounge Hair M, serves complimentary brews to customers (from one of the city's microbreweries, natch). What better excuse for indulging in a traditional shave, massage or pedicure, all the while reclining in a plush leather chair, TV remote in one hand and a complimentary beer in the other.

'The Pearl', as locals call it, is the newest neighbourhood du jour in the city and a focal point for the arts community. Not so long ago, the area was all derelict warehouses and empty industrial space, today the Pearl is the stalking ground for the Portland cognoscenti. Pricey condos jostle for space next to stylish boutiques, posh high-rises, trendy restaurants and an array of yoga studios and art galleries. The Pearl District is also home to the famous Powell's Books, which is the largest independent used and new bookstore in the world.

Following in Seattle's footsteps, the music scene in Portland is burgeoning with over 50 live music venues playing host to huge national acts and small underground groups (and everything in between). Pundits are even tagging the city as the 'indie rock capital' of the US. Whether it will achieve the same recognition as Seattle's grunge movement remains to be seen.

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Seattle
In the heart of Seattle's downtown, the Hotel Max is the go-to hotel for art-lovers and culture vultures. Providing a platform for both emerging and established Seattle artists and photographers, more than 350 original paintings and photographs are displayed throughout the hotel lobby.

Portand
Even Portland's best hotels are 'micro' and Hotel Lucia with its central location is one of the best. Boasting a funky-ass lobby, gorgeous interiors and a personalised service, this is a hotel where style and comfort converge.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

Seattle

Red Fin
The latest restaurant from Seattle chef, Jun Hong, Red Fin is serves some of city’s freshest and finest contemporary sushi and Asian-fusion creations, including a selection of delectable tapas-style dishes.

Six Seven
Inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine is crafted with local ingredients, at this waterfront fine dining venue. Floor-to-ceiling windows provides breathtaking, panoramic views of Seattle’s Elliott Bay.

Portland

Typhoon
Blending classic Thai hospitality with contemporary style, Typhoon's menu is inspired by traditional Thai street food. Expect traditional staples from curries to noodle dishes mixed with cutting-edge nouvelle Thai cuisine.

Heathman Restaurant
Live jazz accompanies dinner at this old-school Portland hotspot. The menu changes frequently following the seasons, though always exemplifying the best of the Pacific Northwest using seasonal ingredients inspired by the flavors and cuisine of France.

23 Hoyt
Borrowing from the British gastro-pub concept, 23 Hoyt combines bar menu favorites, like grilled burgers with comforting Pacific Northwest classics such as grilled wild salmon. Good food at affordable prices, plus extensive outdoor seating make this a popular venue year round.

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