Saint Cupcake

name
Saint Cupcake

website
http://saintcupcake.com

cuisine
Cupcake Speciality Shop

quadrant
NW

where exactly
407 NW 17th Ave.

what's unique
nothing other than the fact that this is a cupcake only place and you better be ready to pay a pretty penny for them

what to order
whatever your sweet tooth desires

fun fact
hmmm...cupcakes are fun...enough said

my short and sweet opinion
i have tried a variety of cupcake specialty shops, and this one is definitely at the top of the list - they do both the cake and the frosting just right

pros
yummy cupcakes in both mini and regular sizes; they also have vegan options

cons
it's easy to miss when you are driving by - it is very pink (you would think this would make it easy to find but it's hidden behind the many trees that line NW streets) and it's on the corner of 17th and Flanders

Mint & 820

name
Mint & 820

website
http://www.mintand820.com

cuisine
Northwest Bistro

quadrant
NoPo

where exactly
816 North Russell

what's unique
Mint is the trendy, yet cozy restaurant, while 820 is the adjacent lounge, connect in the middle and each with their own entrances

what to order
one of their many unique cocktail concoctions

fun fact
owner Lucy Brennan released her book "Hip Sips" containing her unique cocktail recipes for wannabe mixologists to try at home

my short and sweet opinion
upscale, swanky ambiance on the east side of portland, but without the swanky, pretentious attitude

pros
variety of unique cocktails, for McMenamins go-ers there is the White Eagle bar next door, parking is easy

cons
can be crowded, especially in the lounge