Matutina Cinnamon Concha: Sadly, this post is solely for documentation as Matutina, a Mexican bakery in downtown Portland (about a 5 minute walk from Powell's), is now closed. I was able to try a concha fresh from the oven on the day before they shut their doors, and it was excellent. The bread itself was fluffy, yet had a slightly chewy texture, and the cinnamon crust was on the sweet side but had a lovely spiced flavor reminiscent of breakfast cereal. I hope they're able to open up elsewhere as these baked goods ... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional portland pastry mexican matutina cinnamon concha 4.5
Trader Joe's Yuzu Ripple Coconut Frozen Dessert: This vegan coconut-based "ice cream" is one of the best things I've ever had from Trader Joe's. The coconut base is more neutral than other vegan frozen desserts I've had, making the acidic yuzu ripples the dominant flavor. It seems to be flavored with both yuzu zest as well as marmalade-like yuzu "ripples" that add a satisfying chewy texture. Perfect for hot summer days. 4.5/5.0
exceptional vegan desserts icecream traderjoes yuzu ripple coconut frozen dessert 4.5
wildwonder Peach Ginger Prebiotic and Probiotic Drink: I've had probiotic drinks, but this is my first time (knowingly) consuming a prebiotic drink (consisting of dietary fibers to further facilitate gut health). Though ginger is the first listed ingredient, I didn't find the drink to have as strong of a ginger flavor as I'd prefer. Additionally, even though it contains a mix of fruits (including peach puree and juice, and monk fruit), only 7% of the drink is juice. It tasted like a lot of things combined that didn't quite balance together (i... (read more) 2.5/5.0
drinks fruit wildwonder peach ginger prebiotic probiotic drink 2.5
Tea King Grape Clouds Drink: Normally, bubble tea shops seems to specialize in either milk tea or fruit teas, with few shops being able to produce high quality beverages in both domains. Tea King is a rare exception where you can't seem to go wrong with either option. On my last trip, I got the Grape Clouds, a grape tea slush with a salty cheese foam topping. The fruit is super fresh (you get a healthy dose of grape pulp throughout), and the cheese foam provided a tangy, savory balance. After a long bike ride, it wa... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional drinks seattle tea teaking grape clouds drink 4.5
Chicha San Chen Osmanthus Oolong Tea with Boba: Was recommended this Taiwanese bubble tea chain from multiple people after they opened just their second US location in Bellevue WA (the first is in San Gabriel in LA). It's located in a small strip mall a block away from the Bellevue Square Mall and while it has a tight, busy parking lot, there is some additional parking down the street. The line was ridiculously long and it took about 30 minutes to place our order, and a little over 10 minutes to get our drinks. Overall, the atmosphere ... (read more) 2.5/5.0
bubbletea milktea Bellevue seattle chichasanchen osmanthus oolong tea boba 2.5
Tea Addicts Oolong milk tea with grass jelly: I love the herbal flavor and slippery texture of grass jelly, so I'm especially excited when I find a bubble tea shop that makes it just right (not too firm or sweet). Tea Addict's grass jelly is excellent and generous, and their oolong milk tea (which I purchased at 25% sweetness) was well balanced, tasting first of oolong tea with a creamy, milky finish. Easily one of the best bubble tea shops I've had here in Seattle. 4.0/5.0
recommended drinks seattle teaaddicts oolong milk tea grass jelly 4.0