About Food Carts Portland documents and tells the story of the food carts and trucks in Portland OR. Check us out if you are looking for an alternative to the standard lunch fare. We’re at foodcartsportland.com Twitter: @pdxfoodcarts
A whimsical introduction to a popular Food Noshery here in Portland, this is a single, continuous shot, which I edited with music, sound FX, graphic overlays, fast-forwards and freeze-frames.
This is the third of three takes we filmed the afternoon of June 2nd, 2011. The original, unedited footage is 4:30:04. I shot the video with my Droid™ phone (Droid™ Does. Just sayin’), and edited with iMovie 11.
In the video, we meet many of the charming D-Street gang:
My book, Mego 8″ Super-Heroes: World’s Greatest Toys! (TwoMorrows Publishing, 2007) has achieved out-of-print/Sold Out status. To celebrate, I am making some of my personal copies available for a limited time.
Unsigned copies: $45.00 + $6.95 s/h
Signed or Signed & Personalized* copies: $50.00 + $6.95 s/h (includes a Bonus Gift)
To purchase, please use the PayPal “Buy Now” link shown at right.
*If you would like me to Personalize your Signed Edition, please advise (along with your shipping information) to whom you would like the book signed.
Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions.
I created this video for my wife, Chelsea… a memorial with movement, a Photo Album of cherished Memories for her sweet, elegant Black Labrador. Divadavoo: 1998-2011
In Marketing and Social Media (“So-Me”) circles, there is a lot of talk about ‘authenticity’ in messaging. With the relatively new ability to engage our guests and customers one-on-one, authenticity is increasingly vital. Message ‘Broadcasting’ – i.e. casting the widest possible net – is no longer ideal. And in some cases, it can be downright detrimental to your business.
Today, I received an Email from a new Business-to-Business Web site, whom I won’t reward with name promotion:
When I first opened the message, I went on a quick, emotional roller coaster: “Hey, this Heather person discovered me based on my experience as a professional graphic designer and Creative Director,” I thought. About half-way through reading it, the realization, “Hey, she has no idea who I am,” followed by a deflating feeling, “Waitaminnit. this is SPAM.”
Despite her claim of being “excited to find” me and, she does not know me. “I think you’re a perfect fit!” she assured me. But this is just fake personalization; Merge-fields and Email templates, with a casual salutation (“Hey”) thrown in to suggest an existing friendship. And I felt manipulated.
How fast do you think I clicked the UNSUBSCRIBE link? This Web site lost me as a customer before they even had me.
In his brilliant second book, The Thank You Economy (pictured at right, available on Amazon.com), author Gary Vaynerchuk reminds us there is always a “C” in “B-to-B.” Even if you’re reaching out to a business, one must remember there is always a customer on the other end.
So how does one ensure authenticity in one’s Marketing messages?
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of experiencing my first “Coffee Cupping” at Kobos Coffee in Portland. The “practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee,” (Wiki) Coffee Cupping is a professional practice, generally done by professionals known as “Master Tasters”.
The friendly Master Tasters at Kobos Coffee – including co-owner Brian Dibble, his son Kevin and venerable Coffee expert Ed Menashe – are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about all things Coffee. Excitement caused by the ritualistic act of Cupping transcends caffeine intoxication; this is an experience!
I won’t reveal the entire affair, as Coffee Cupping truly should be experienced in person, but the Kobos aficionados lay out an impressive (immersive!) spread, and clearly enjoy themselves… even with a Noobie like me.
Founded in 1973 by David and Susan Kobos, Kobos Coffee has enjoyed a long and fascinating history in regional Roasting and community involvement. Kobos’ staff really is a family, one who clearly love each other, coffee… and Portland. Guests are invited to visit the retail store at 2355 NW Vaughn, or stop by the Market Street shop (200 SW Market). I visited their NW Vaughn location, and enjoyed shopping their high-end kitchen and coffee wares.
From institutional food service and Private Label roasting to wholesale services, Kobos Coffee encompasses nearly the entire gamut of caffeinating Portlanders and all Pacific Northwesterners. One may enjoy Kobos Coffee at Hawthorne Street Café, at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center, or hundreds of other local destinations.
I encourage one and all to experience this exquisitely roasted coffee, and (if you’re so inclined) consider requesting your own Coffee Cupping. I guarantee it is a Foodie experience you won’t forget. Visit:
Kobos Coffee NW Vaughn (Google Maps)
2355 NW Vaughn Street
Portland OR 97210
(503) 222-2302
OR:
Kobos Coffee Market Street (Google Maps)
200 SW Market Street
Portland OR 97201
(503) 221-0418
I love me some Stumptown Coffee, but this town has a serious reputation for coffee excellence. So, since my wife and I are new to PDX, I used Twitter to ask some seasoned Portlanders for their opinions of must-try baristas. Here are the cafés my friends and colleagues Tweeted back:
Jeffrey was quick to point out there are “many other good coffee shops in PDX.” I cannot wait to try them all! What other Casas De Caffeine are we missing? Please Tweet me your faves!
– Benjamin
Updated Monday April 25, 2011
This morning, some Twitter Pals sent in a few more great PDX Coffee places to add to the list:
Kobos Coffee (www.kobos.com) shouted, “Heard u were looking for the best coffee in Portland, why not try one of the first!” And try it I will. 🙂
Twitter: @KobosCoffee
2355 NW Vaughn St.
Portland, OR 97210
Marcus Hecht (@cosmos503) threw out some great additions:
Marcus added, “Try beans from Batdorf & Bronson and Trailhead Coffee Roasters.” While Batdorf Coffee appears to be from Olympia, Washington, I will keep my eyes peeled for their products in Portland, Marcus. Thanks for the great tips! Here’s the 411 on these roastin’ recommendations:
*According to their Facebook page, Trailhead Coffee and Espresso is available at: Warehouse Cafe (3434 SE Milwaukie Ave), Florio Bakery (Rosa Parks/MLK) and Cafe Velo (W Burnside/Broadway). Whole Bean Coffee is available at Whole Foods, Food Front, Market of Choice, Pastaworks & New Seasons (I love this store!).