GETTING OUR GROOVE BACK

It’s always hard after a big trip.

First off, there’s the inevitable let-down after a dream desired is reached– and then shelved for archival memories.

Secondly, there’s that pesky jet-lag and the hard reality of laundry, busy schedules, and each of us going our separate ways throughout the week.

But we Klines aren’t ones to go lightly into the (school year) light — and we just throw as much fun and good food at it that we can.

For one, there’s comfort in returning to old favorites, like Lardo with a small crowd.

We had Doubleburgers with Porkstrami

and a bevy of sandwiches  — Korean Pork Shoulder with Kimchi as well as Porchetta with Caper Mayo.

Man, Lardo’s sandwiches are top-notch.

Always.

We also had their Kale Caesar Salad and deliciously garlicky fries.

So so good.

There’s also been Thai food ordered (I love me some green curry) and stops at one of our favorite morning spots, Jim and Patty’s.

The coffee’s always good — and their breakfast offerings are always homey and satisfying.

It’s not Paris, but Portland treats have their own particular charms.

This’ll do. Definitely.

And sometimes there’s only one thing that’ll help bridge the gap between vacation and work-time.

A waffle.

Every so often we hit The Waffle Window on Alberta and it’s always bangin’ — especially when covered with a warm peanut butter sauce, a Valrhona chocolate drizzle and vanilla ice cream.

Waffles + family = Good times.

And because I really missed my kitchen, there’s been a lot of cooking.

For one thing, I cooked up a seven pound pork shoulder in a 275 oven for 8 hours– until it was flaky and impossibly tender (with a quick broil to crisp up the edges).

This enabled us to eat burrito bowls and tacos for a few days — and share our bounty with others.

Then there’s the huge piece of Chinook salmon I roasted — and then enjoyed on its own alongside roasted Yukon Golds and summer squash.

Those leftovers were the star in these sandwiches (nothing like a tasty Salmon BLT)

and this salad I brought to our Annual Block Party.

So lots of cooking and good eats around here.

I’ve been dropping off treats to friends — and enjoying those that are dropped off to me.

Pals who leave bagels, tomatoes and schmear on your doorstep unexpectedly are the best kind of friend you could ever have.

I’ve also been hitting the farmers markets (which are, dare I say, even better than the ones in Paris!)

and then enjoying a little time in my beloved hammock with my spoils.

So yes, I am missing my beloved Paris, but as long as I remember to stop and appreciate all that’s around me

I’ll be just fine.

Happy Labor Day! What are  you all cooking?