Hello All,

I wanted to start my first blog with a series of welcome posts to local South Waterfront retailers.  First off is Bella Espresso.

Located on the south-west corner of the Meriwether block, this incredible coffee shop offers a unique experience.  Rather than relying on a trendy Seattle-like display, Bella goes for a more classic ambiance, from the renaissance murals on the ceiling, to the lionesque busts at the foot of the stairwell.  The entire affair allows one to feel like they’re living in an Italian villa.

 The owners have really gone above the norm to create a pleasant and social atmosphere.  The staff is friendly and courteous, and they will deliver your order directly to your table.  Chess sets are available to have an engrossing match with your partner.  And WiFi is available, too (by the way, it’s speedy).

So relax.  Enjoy a cappuccino as you can plug in your wireless laptop while sitting in the comfortable sofa by the fireplace mantle.  Try some of the delicious gelato ice cream while browsing the Internet near the windows overlooking the newly constructed Atwater tower.  Or simply stop by for a game of chess while enjoying a freshly grilled chicken panini.

Bella Espresso is an enjoyable experience, and I hope people stop by to welcome them to the neighborhood.

By the way, if you have any comments or suggestions for our friends at Bella, please add your thoughts to this topic.  Looking for something in particular to be added to the menu?  Have something you especially like about the coffee?  Or maybe a constructive criticism…?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

I just stumbled upon this great vegetarian option for lunch. Keep an eye out for The Whole Bowl at SW Curry and Bond; some pretty tasty stuff. It’s somewhere between soup, chili, and bento, but as they say on their site, “The Whole Bowl is a comforting and healthy medley of brown rice, red and black beans, fresh avocado, salsa, black olives, sour cream, Tillamook cheddar, cilantro, Tali Sauce and trace amounts of attitude.”  Check it out for yourself. Willamette Week voted them best lunch cart in the city. More key lunch locations to come.

I’ve been in Portland for several years, and having recently moved to SWF from Beaverton, am still discovering new entertainment venues. The Armory puts on great shows, we saw the Center Stage production of West Side Story last year and were thoroughly impressed. The main theater sits about 600 people and there’s a quaint cafe that serves quintessential fare like paninis and pastries. Another nice outing was our night at the Jazz club on NW 10th and Flanders. Small, intimate tables in an unintimidating atmosphere with quality musicians. Anyone else who’s seen a good show, this is the place to post it.

South Waterfront is growing quickly, and we should take the opportunity to shape its direction to fit our needs and wants. There’s already some great options, what else do we want in our neighborhood? I for one would like to see a Nau store open in the community.

I noticed a lot of new signs in storefront windows today on the way to work. Umpqua Bank will be opening a SWF location at the John Ross in the Fall and I’m sure the opening will be fun. Free food and schwag are sure to follow at other store events, check back soon for more updates.