If I lived there

The "there" is Portland, Oregon, where I spent some time earlier this month. It's the hippest place I've ever visited, and the people are talented and nice. They're so nice you think they're kidding.

This is bread from Pearl Bakery in an artsy area known at The Pearl. It's a corner storefront so the floor-to-ceiling windows are on two sides, pouring light into the place. The servers should train every other cafe worker in the country. We went every day -- sometimes twice a day -- poured over the newspapers, and sipped coffee and tea. On the morning we were driving out of town, the young man who waited on my husband packed our lunch (terrific sandwiches made on their outstanding, crusty loaves), walked him to the door, then held the door open (my husband was balancing everything including two hot cups). Then the server asked, "Can I help you to the car?"

If we lived in Portland, Oregon, we'd move into Pearl Bakery.