I’m Jake Newman. The Portland Logbook is my love letter to this city: the food worth hunting down, the history that refuses to die, the corners you only find if you’re paying attention.

Snowdrops

It was the one day this week it actually got over 50. I was walking home from dinner with my family. We had been hitting some new spots and showing them around Portland.

On the way home the snowdrops caught my eye. I get so excited when I see them. They were popping up all along the streets. Little white bells nodding away right there in the bits of dirt, grass, and leftover snow between the sidewalk and the road.

They push up through frozen ground with hardened leaf tips that act like little spears. That is how they grab the first light before the trees explode with new growth. Their real name is Galanthus nivalis. A milky white flower of the snow. They love shady spots, old gardens and quiet corners of parks. Once they settle in they naturalize and spread on their own. They come back stronger every year spreading like wildfire.

In Greek myth they are tied to Persephone. While she is gone the world goes dark and cold. When she returns each spring snowdrops come with her. One of the first signs of life pushing back through the barren ground.

If you are out this week keep an eye out for them. Spot a good patch? Tell me. I am always up for a detour.

Deep Dive on SnowDrops

Best Places I Took My Family While They Were Visiting This Week.

I got to bring my family up from Florida to Portland this week. They’re from a small surf town called Jupiter. It’s gorgeous, but not exactly known for food, so I was pretty excited to show them what Portland can actually do.

We hit a few spots that were new for them, and one that was new to me too.

First up was Mr. Tuna. The spicy tuna was the best I’ve ever had. I know it’s the obvious order, but we tried a bunch of maki and it still wasn’t even close. That was the winner. The lemongrass tofu was a sleeper. Fresh bean sprouts, a little vinegar, really clean. And then the ice cream sandwich my friend Billy from East Ender told me to get.

We sat in the window right across from The Honey Paw, which I’m pretty convinced has the best ice cream in Portland. It felt a little wrong sitting there eating a different ice cream sandwich while staring straight at it. Kind of like cheating. Still worth it.

Next up was a classic. Crispy Gai always hits. I keep going back for the Sichuan wings with that spicy ranch, and the pad see ew is chewy, a little smoky, just enough heat.

But the one I can’t shake lately is the pad krapow gai. Ground chicken, basil, long beans, rice, fried egg. It comes out fast, still sizzling, and somehow you’ve finished it before you even notice. One of those dishes you’re still thinking about walking back through the Old Port.

Last stop was something new for me: Mazzat. Easy lunch spot. The lamb shawarma dipped into hummus with the pickled vegetables on the side. Worth dealing with crossing Forest Ave every time.

Some other standout hits they loved, not all food-related: Ramona’s, Strata, Maine & Loire, Tandem, and LB Kitchen.

Showing my family around made me see all of this a little differently. Places I go to all the time felt new again. People are out more. The light’s sticking around longer. The city actually feels like it’s starting to wake up.

If your family’s in town, or you’re just trying to get out this week, go somewhere you actually like. Or tell me where you’ve been going. I’m always up for a new spot or a detour.

What’s your current go-to order at Crispy Gai?

THIS WEEKS CONDITIONS
☀️ SUNRISE: 6:23 AM
🌅 SUNSET: 7:08 PM
✨ Local Openings : Elizabeth
✨ Local Favorite “Shop” of the Week: Cove Street Arts
✨ Local Artist of the Week: Kat Miller Photo

Portside Real Estate Group

Thinking of Moving?

🏡 I write The Portland Logbook, and I also help people buy and sell homes in and around Portland.

If a move is on your mind, I’m always happy to help you think it through.

Work With Me

🐾 Adoptable Buddies of the Week! 🐾

🐶 Bug – 3 yrs
A quiet, slightly shy guy who takes a minute but settles into being right by your side. Best in a calm home as the only dog. House trained, crate trained, and easy in the car.

🐱 Haribo – 1 yr
A shy young cat who just needs time and the right setup. Would do best with a confident cat around and a quieter home. The kind that slowly comes out of his shell.

🐱 Frank – 2 yrs
A bit shy and unsure at first, but there’s something there. Best with another cat and someone patient. Give him space and let him come to you.

🐕 Interested? Check them out here

If the link doesn’t open anymore, it means they’ve already been adopted!