Live Oregon

thomas shahan, macrophotography, jay mather

The Beauty of Bugs

Thomas Shahan is the master of bugs, using macro photography to capture their beauty in unbelievable detail.

bees, honey, eugene pavlov, tricia louvar

Pollinator Plight

Writer Tricia Louvar researches the conversation around the state of bees, talking with honey producers, backyard beekeepers and scientists.

Sing for the Underrepresented

Natasha Kmeto’s R&B beats and thoughtful lyrics bring forward underrepresented identities.

julie lee, portland, hot dogs

The (Hot) Dog Days of Summer

written by Julie Lee | featured photo courtesy of Spike’s Hot Dogs Summer wouldn’t be complete without a hot dog on a bun and, luckily, Portland has an array of options. Gourmet (and good ole’ American) hot dog joints have popped up all over this sunny city. Here are some new, and some iconic, faves.   Spike’s Hot Dogs Spike’s Hot Dogs is where beef and pork franks go to get dressed up for the party. Centrally located in Portland’s downtown Galleria building, Spike’s uses Pacific NW grass-fed cuts of beef and pork from Hill Meat Company in Pendleton. It also offers a baker’s dozen of customized dogs to choose from, including a monthly regional special (think Chicago or Kansas City style). A 20-foot condiment island then becomes dog heaven, with house made magic mustard sauce and beer barrel mustard, alongside thirty-seven other toppings. This is an old-school-meets-high-end culinary spot…

Six Favorite Restaurants in Salem

While Portland is often seen as Oregon’s food hub, a growing number of restaurants in Salem are quietly and quickly shaping the state’s capital into an alluring culinary destination.