According to Chinese Medicine there are five seasons per year, unlike the Western view of four. Fall, winter, spring and summer are the same, with an additional late summer season. Each season is associated with one of the five major organs in the body. As we are in late summer now, the coordinating organ is the spleen which includes the stomach. For each of these different season/organ pair, there is also an associated flavor, i.e., pungent (acrid), sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Sweet is the coordinating flavor for late summer.

In Chinese medicine, it is beneficial at this time of year to eat foods that are sweet. This doesn’t exactly mean frosted cakes and pies, but instead fruits, beans and some other selections that wouldn’t obviously be perceived as sweet. Here are a few other: clam, crab, grapefruit, lettuce, persimmon, sugar cane, water chestnut, cucumber, barley, millet, tofu, chicken egg white, marjoram, oyster, peppermint, yogurt, cauliflower, corn, tomatoes, and several warming spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, dried ginger and orange peel.

Take a look at our menus. You’ll find we have many adequate late summer season foods for your delight and fancy. We have outdoor seating and welcome your little well behaved pooches to accompany you outside.

 We will be observing Labor Day weekend and will not have performer on September 3, 2011.

September 10, 2011: Carol Rossio
Come to West Cafe and enjoy jazz with a French flair

West Cafe is proud to present Portland recording artist and performer Carol Rossio. Carol is a shining light on the Pacific Northwest jazz scene, performing jazz and pop with French flair – ooh-la-la! Her vocal stylings conjure visions of a perfect Parisian café night – filled with the joys and sorrow of love discovered and lost. Working in an intimate combo setting, Carol’s live shows enchant audiences with her range and charisma. For more info on Carol and her various projects, please visit www.carolrossio.com.

Date: Saturdayday, September 10, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

David Brothers

September 17, 2011: David Brothers
West Cafe presents down-home folk and blues in downtown Portland

West Cafe is happy to host the always captivating David Brothers and his award-winning urban folk and blues. Schooled in multiple disciplines, David artfully incorporates bebop, Latin jazz, gypsy swing, blues, Americana, and solo concert guitar into his compositions and playing.
He typically packs the house and we expect the cafe to be jumping. Please stop by and unwind at our cozy bar with excellent company, breathtaking music and top-notch aperitifs and appetizers.


Date: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

Mary Kadderly

September 24, 2011: Mary Kadderly
West Cafe hosts a distinctive voice in downtown Portland

Mary Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London. More information can be found at www.marykadderly.com.

Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

West Cafe always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz. Contact us at eat@westcafepdx.com or (503) 227-8189.

Labor Day started in New York City in 1882 as part of the Central Labor Union. It is believed by some that Peter J. McGuire, labor activist, suggested the holiday in reverence to those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” More than 100 years later we are still celebrating the holiday by taking time off work and hopefully to reflect on all our accomplishments.

We will be closed Friday, September 2, 2011 and re-opening the doors for service on Monday September 5, 2011. We’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend!

~Westcafe

Summer is winding down, vacations are coming to a close and people are returning to the city and to work. This doesn’t mean you can’t relax and get away in a lesser fashion. Westcafe is here as your get-away sanctuary. All day long you can enjoy happy hour pricing. We have a cool lounge you can kick back in and work away on your computer, catch up wih a friend or just gaze out the window. Aside from this we also have a large dining area perfect for all occasions ranging from casual to formal.

If you’re looking for a weekend outing, every Saturday we entertain our guests with free live jazz by some of the best artists. If you haven’t ever been here we encourage you to stop by. Even if you have, stop by and say hi to us.

We hope you enjoy the late summer season and look forward to serving you the best!

Xavier Tavera

August 6, 2011: Xavier Tavera
Get your hips swaying and shoulders shimmying to the rich melodies of the Caribbean Islands

Xavier’s Classic Band heats it up at West Cafe. They have created a new sound from the Bolero, Cuban and traditional Latin ballad rhythms that were big in the 1940′s and 50′s. Woven together and sprinkled with Xavier’s special energy, the band’s vibes will uplift your spirit and get your body swaying.

Date: Saturday, August 27, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

August 13, 2011: Carol Rossio
Come to West Cafe and enjoy jazz with a French flair

West Cafe is proud to present Portland recording artist and performer Carol Rossio. Carol is a shining light on the Pacific Northwest jazz scene, performing jazz and pop with French flair – ooh-la-la! Her vocal stylings conjure visions of a perfect Parisian café night – filled with the joys and sorrow of love discovered and lost. Working in an intimate combo setting, Carol’s live shows enchant audiences with her range and charisma. For more info on Carol and her various projects, please visit www.carolrossio.com.

Date: Saturdayday, August 6, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

David Brothers

August 20, 2011: David Brothers
West Cafe presents down-home folk and blues in downtown Portland

West Cafe is happy to host the always captivating David Brothers and his award-winning urban folk and blues. Schooled in multiple disciplines, David artfully incorporates bebop, Latin jazz, gypsy swing, blues, Americana, and solo concert guitar into his compositions and playing.
He typically packs the house and we expect the cafe to be jumping. Please stop by and unwind at our cozy bar with excellent company, breathtaking music and top-notch aperitifs and appetizers.


Date: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

Mary Kadderly

August 27, 2011: Mary Kadderly
West Cafe hosts a distinctive voice in downtown Portland

Mary Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London. More information can be found at www.marykadderly.com.

Date: Saturday, August 13, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

West Cafe always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz. Contact us at eat@westcafepdx.com or (503) 227-8189.

Sorry for any inconvenience; we’ve lost our recent blog posts in a web host fiasco. If you are searching for a specific blog you can always contact us for more information.

Cheers,

Westcafe

Mike Metzner

April 02, 2011: Mike Metzner with Steve Cleveland
West Cafe brings intimate Portland jazz standards downtown

West Cafe is always pleased to present Northwest jazz singer Mike Metzner and accompanist Steve Cleveland.  Mike “Scheckie” Metzner’s musical experiences cover miles of ground – with stints in bands such as The Crackpots, Mas Y Mas and the Latin band, Los Comatosos. Mike’s musical travels also extend to England, Ireland and Spain. He and acclaimed pianist Steve Cleveland will be performing standards from the 20s, 30s and 40s in our warm and intimate bar. Come enjoy the best songs of the 20th century while dining in our restaurant or simply relax at the bar with a perfect glass of wine and our always delicious appetizers. Our jazz performances are typically free.

Date: Saturday, April 02, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

April 12, 2011: Carol Rossio
Come to West Cafe and enjoy jazz with a French flair

West Cafe is proud to present Portland recording artist and performer Carol Rossio. Carol is a shining light on the Pacific Northwest jazz scene, performing jazz and pop with French flair – ooh-la-la! Her vocal stylings conjure visions of a perfect Parisian café night – filled with the joys and sorrow of love discovered and lost. Working in an intimate combo setting, Carol’s live shows enchant audiences with her range and charisma. For more info on Carol and her various projects, please visit www.carolrossio.com.

Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Time: 7-10PM
  

Mary Kadderly

April 16, 2011: Mary Kadderly
West Cafe hosts a distinctive voice in downtown Portland

Mary Kadderly’s smoky vocals recall Natalie Cole in her “Unforgettable” phase, though she can get sassy and coy like Kay Starr, be as coolly detached as Sade, and ooze overt sensuality like Julie London. More information can be found at www.marykadderly.com.

Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

David Brothers

April 23, 2011: David Brothers
West Cafe presents down-home folk and blues in downtown Portland

West Cafe is happy to host the always captivating David Brothers and his award-winning urban folk and blues. Schooled in multiple disciplines, David artfully incorporates bebop, Latin jazz, gypsy swing, blues, Americana, and solo concert guitar into his compositions and playing.
He typically packs the house and we expect the cafe to be jumping. Please stop by and unwind at our cozy bar with excellent company, breathtaking music and top-notch aperitifs and appetizers.


Date: Saturday, April 23, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

Xavier Tavera

April 30, 2011: Xavier Tavera
Get your hips swaying and shoulders shimmying to the rich melodies of the Caribbean Islands

Xavier’s Classic Band heats it up at West Cafe. They have created a new sound from the Bolero, Cuban and traditional Latin ballad rhythms that were big in the 1940′s and 50′s. Woven together and sprinkled with Xavier’s special energy, the band’s vibes will uplift your spirit and get your body swaying.

Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time: 7-10PM

West Cafe always has a cozy seat reserved for you. So come on in and dine, drink, unwind and enjoy the jazz. Contact us at eat@westcafepdx.com or (503) 227-8189.

lthough we haven’t quite reached the spring equinox, there are blooms on the trees, the daffodils have risen, and the grey clouds are thinning, spring is on it’s way!

While you’re out and about, shopping and experiencing these wonderfully longer days, stop in for a rest in our lounge area. Revive yourself with any one of our healthy appetizers such as the corn and Dungeness crab fritters with mango mustard drizzle or one of our fresh soups prepared daily.

We’ll put a hop back into your step with our spring deal. Right now glasses of wine are 50% off before 5 pm any day of the week! Take advantage of this deal throughout the month of March. You can also enjoy happy hour all night long at West Café!

Spring break is upon us. Get back together with old friends over dessert or retreat from the spring showers and dry off by the fire. We’ve got desserts that will appease any sweet-tooth, chocoholic or connoisseur.

Whether the sun is shining or it’s too rainy to enjoy Spring from the outside, stop into West Café where the atmosphere and fare are simply inspired.

With spring in the air and St. Patrick’s Day around the corner March makes out to be a very green month. In this spirit, West Café would like to point out what we are doing to keep our business green.

Here at West Café we make every effort to remain as environmentally friendly as possible. We started our green efforts during construction using recycled products such as paperstone, kirei board and marmoleum in the bar area, throughout the floors, for the wine rack and the in barista station.

We continue our efforts everyday by recycling, composting, and using recycled products including our to-go containers, straws and bamboo skewers. Our intention is to start using compostable to-go lids for hot and cold cups as well. Portland Roasters is working with us to make that happen. We are always looking for green and compostable alternatives as we are committed to reducing our landfill footprint.

At home we have completely switched to wind power. It’s such a great feeling that we are pushing our commercial building to do the same.

We’d like to thank all our fans and customers for their ‘green’ efforts. Green is the way to go!

Here at West Cafe in downtown Portland, we are excited to be offering another wine tasting and dinner sampling event. We will be serving five small plate courses uniquely paired with a compatible wine selection.

You don’t need to be a wine buff to attend; this is a great way to learn about wines and how they interact and mingle with particular flavors and dishes, not to mention an exquisite meal and great for date-night!

This event starts at 7pm on February 22, 2011. Dinner is $35 per person and 10% will be donated to St. Stephen’s to provide food for needy families. we recommend making your reservation today.  We’ll see you there!

Check out our unique and specialized menu for the evening:

Course 1
2009 Torres Vina Esmerelda (dry Muscat/Gewurztraminer), Penedes, Spain – Spanish Rice Cake with tomato coulis & black olive tapanade garnish

Course 2
2009 d’Arenburg Hermit Crab Marsanne/Viognier, Adelaide, AUS – A White Fish Stew with leeks, shrimp, Dungeness crab & white wine broth

Course 3
2008 Man o’ War Merlot / Cab Franc, Waihekie Island, NZ – Marion berry Glazed Duck Breast with brown rice pilaf & roasted broccolini spear

Course 4
2003 Roddolo Barbera, Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont, IT –Chicken Mole Tart, chicken braised on chilis & chocolate served in a pastry cup with mashed potatoes & green beans

Course 5
2006 Santa Ema Amplus (Carmenere blend), Colchagua Valley, Chile – Valrhona’s Dark Chocolate Ganache torte with salted chocolate cookie crust & cashew garnish