Day Trips
- Day Trip: Historic Oregon City - Oregon City is a wonderful place for a walk: a short distance south from Rose Villa on McLoughlin, it features tons of historic homes, a lovely walking path on a […]
- Day Trip: Meldrum Bar Park - This lovely park is about 11 minutes south on River Road, at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers. There are lots of birds to watch and plenty of […]
- Day Trip: Multnomah Falls - Editor’s note: If you have lived in the region for any length of time, you have almost certainly visited Multnomah Falls. But, if you are new to the region, or […]
- Day Trip: Vista House in the Columbia Gorge - Vista House is located on the historic Columbia River highway a few miles east of Portland. The website (vistahouse.com) has plenty of information and directions. My favorite excursion for visitors […]
- Day Trip: Sebright Shade Gardens - reported by Sue McGraw Sebright Gardens 7185 Lakeside Drive NE Salem, OR 97305 The garden is lovely to walk through with lots of shade plants and trees. Also there is a nursery […]
Neighborhood Sights
- Water birds on the Willamette - On our walk today we went up the trail through Kellogg Creek Park along the Willamette and saw lots of birds. I’m attaching some photos: cormorants and geese, and the […]
- The Grange - by Elliot McIntire As you come up the hill from McLaughlin Boulevard on River Road you may have noted a plain building on the right identified as Milwaukie Grange. Unless you […]
- Halloween is in the Air! - Halloween decorations are going up around the neighborhood! Here are a few from our walk this morning (October 18).
- Neighborhood Sight: Trolley Trail Creature/Sculpture - I wanted to call it the Trolley Trail Troll (just for the sake of alliteration), but actually my walking companions (Arlin and Cathy) think it’s a dragon. In any case, […]
Restaurant Reviews
- Restaurant Review: Milwaukie Food Cart Pod - by Pam Duren We just had lunch at the Milwaukee Food carts. The Greek gyros are our favorites. Their lamb is tender and well-seasonedwe always think we should try something […]
- Restaurant Review: Kann - by Walt Schaffer Carol and I with our adult children finally dined at the acclaimed Portland establishment called Kann. The interior design is lovely and the wait staff is very efficient. […]
- Restaurant Review: Yaowarat - by Walt Schaffer Yaowarat opened in late fall and is an amazing blend of Thai/Chinese food. The name derives from the same-named Chinese neighborhood in Bangkok. Reservations are only accepted for […]
- Restaurant Review: Neighborhood Creamery - by Cindy Brown I’m not sure if an ice cream shop should count as a restaurant but this place is so good, I want to make sure everyone knows about […]
- Restaurant Review: Pho 360 - by Elizabeth Hosokawa The other evening Evey Cole and I decided to try the new nearby restaurant, Pho 360, in Milwaukee on McLoughlin, located in a tiny strip mall where […]
- Restaurant Review: Sayler’s Old Country Kitchen - by Bill Rector Recently visited Saylor’s Old Country Kitchen in Gateway . They have a senior’s menu that is quite affordable. A friend and I split a small steak dinner […]
- Restaurant Review: Ohana Hawaiian Cafe - by James Carthel The Cafe is located at 10608 SE Main Street, Milwaukie 97222. (James went the evening of February 4, 2024.) There is also a Portland branch. Good food, […]
- Restaurant Review: Bamboo Grove - By Pam Duren We went to Bamboo Grove in Sellwood for sushi. It used to be a cart. Good food but slow service due to new employees but they were […]
- Restaurant Review: Kachka - by Walt Schaffer I cannot say enough good things about Kachka at 960 SE 11th Avenue. They offer a unique presentation of Russian/Ukrainian fusion food. Early reservations are recommended: it […]
- Restaurant Review: Vida 33 Latin Bistro - by Alice Hardesty Vida 33 Latin Bistro is the best Mexican restaurant I’ve been to in the area. The food is delicious and the prices are super reasonable. I started […]
- Restaurant Review: Jacqueline - by Elliot McIntire Have a yen for oysters, or sea food in general? Try Jacqueline. It’s small, noisy, and a bit pricy, but the food is fantastic, the service was excellent […]
- Restaurant Review: Papa Hayden - by Elliot McIntire Papa Haydn’s has been one of our favorite go-to spots for as long as we’ve lived in Portland, but it has now moved to our skip-it list. […]
- Restaurant Review: Street Disco - by Walt Schaffer We just discovered a food gem not too far from Rose Villa. The restaurant (don’t let the name spook you) is Street Disco, 4144 SE 60th Avenue (near […]
- Restaurant Review: Stone Cliff Inn - by Mary Claire Phelan The Stone Cliff Inn was fabulous. It was nearly straight up a tight switchback drive across from the Clackamus River. It is a rustic log cabin […]
- Restaurant Review: Salty’s (on the Columbia River) - by Mary Claire Phelan I had Saturday brunch at Salty’s on the Columbia River (3839 NE Marine Dr., Portland) during a visit from my brother. The view, service & food […]
- Restaurant Review: Nicholas Restaurant - by Betty Hosokawa Ed and I had lunch at the Nicholas restaurant on Madison (there are also two other locations), and it was excellent! It serves Lebanese and Middle Eastern […]
- Clandestino: Restaurant Review - by Walt Schaffer I want to recommend Clandestino for an over-the-top must-do Mexican meal. This isn’t the normal street fare, but elegantly cooked and served. Last night we had scallops served with […]
- J and R Mexican Food: Restaurant Review - by Pam Duren My son recommended J and R Mexican food and we tried it last night. The carne asada was quite flavorful although street taco size. Reasonable prices. It […]
- Tokyo-Ya: Restaurant Review - By Betty Hosokawa This is a review of a different kind of place. We initially had planned to have lunch today (Sunday) at the excellent HK Cafe- a highly rated […]
- Restaurant Review: Montelupo - by Walt Schaffer Website: https://www.montelupo.co/ 344 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 719-5650 Montelupo is only open for dinner (and coffee during the day plus a cute imported […]
- Restaurant Review: Tidal Raves - by Elliot McIntire If you happen to be over on the coast, I recommend Tidal Raves, in Depoe Bay, halfway between Lincoln City and Newport. The focus is on seafood […]
- Restaurant Review: a Cena - by Elliot McIntire For my birthday we went to a Cena (to the kitchen), 7742 SE 13th in Sellwood. The food, drinks and service were excellent, and I highly recommend […]
- La Provence Patisserie et Boulangerie - by Cindy Brown La Provence is a French bakery and restaurant with eight locations in the Portland area. Arlin and I are most familiar with the one on NE Sandy […]
- Cloud Pine Tea + Culture - by Gail Katagiri Here’s a review of a restaurant I visited recently: Cloud Pine Tea + Culture. Dim sum restaurants are often associated with banquet-size spaces and bustling activity. In […]
- Neighborhood Creamery - by Betty Hosokawa there is a new homemade ice cream place in the neighborhood that is excellent: Neighborhood Creamery, 13735 SE McLoughlin Blvd. It is at the North end of the […]
- Zenbu Lounge - by Cathy Schwabe Zenbu is one of our favorite restaurants, with a lovely outdoor patio with good shading. It is open everyday but Monday starting at 4:30. 8609 SE 17th […]
- Ovation Restaurant Milwaukie - by Jack Duren Ovation is a restaurant in Milwaukie. We’ve been there a couple times and liked it. Last night we took a visiting friend there and they were closed […]
- Restaurant 503 - by Mary Claire Phelan My family took me to Restaurant 503 21900 Willamette Dr, Unit 201, West Linn, OR 97068 https://restaurant503.com/ “New American” cuisine It’s in the front north end […]
- Canard restaurant - by Cindy Brown Canard, at 734 East Burnside, has no atmosphere, rather small portions, and is somewhat expensive. So why go there? Because the food is WONDERFUL! They are open […]
- Papa Haydn in Sellwood - by Inge Angiletta Have you been to “Papa Haydn ” a favorite of mine and my friends? 5824 SE Milwaukie Ave, open 11:30 A.M., TEL (503) 232-9440, call for reservations. […]
- Best Chinese Restaurant: H. K. Cafe! - by Betty Hosokawa (Posted June 26, 2022) Last night we ate at an amazing Chinese restaurant, one of the best we have ever encountered. We had been looking for a […]
- Elka Bee’s Coffee Shop Cafe - by Mary Claire Phelan My daughter, Michelle, just treated me to high tea at Elka Bee’s in Happy Valley. It was delightful in their charming little back room. We were […]
- Cuvee Restaurant - by Walt Schaffer CUVE’E in Carlton is a dining experience after a lovely drive in Oregon’s wine country. Chef Gilbert Henry delivers on his French childhood. The restaurant offers a […]
- Restaurant Review: Campagna - by Walt Schaffer Campana is a true Italian gem reminiscent of an NYC neighborhood family restaurant located in the NE at 901 NE Oneonta. Of note is their Orecchiette, Mushroom […]
- Restaurant Review: Bob’s Red Mill - by Jo Noble I HIGHLY recommend Bob’s Red Mill Restaurant for breakfast or lunch. They serve their breakfast all day (which ends at 3:00). It’s not far from here and […]
- Restaurant Review: Mehri’s Cafe and Bakery - reported by Cindy Brown Arlin and I went to Mehri’s with Cathy Schar a few days ago. It is a modest place and looked like it was functioning with just […]
- Restaurant Review: Willow - reported by Jack Duren I don’t think I’ve ever posted a restaurant review on RVChat before but here goes. Almost a year ago our son gave us a gift certificate […]
- Restaurant Review: Pho Gia - by Gretchen Holden Do you like Vietnamese food? Try Pho Gia, nearby at 4607 SE Boardman Ave., Milwaukie (corner of Boardman and Mclaughlin. Dine in (tables are carefully spread out) […]
- Restaurant Review: Chan’s Steakery - by Dianna Shaffer Chan’s Steakery is located at 10477 SE Main Street in Milwaukie. Dianna says: We recently went to CHAN’S STEAKERY on Main Street in Milwaukie. Chinese and American […]
- Restaurant Review: Arrivederci Wine and Jazz - Located at 17023 SE McLoughlin in Milwaukie, this restaurant features wonderful food, wine, and jazz. Here’s the link to the website: http://www.arrivederciwine.com/ Julia Layden says: “On my birthday we went […]
- Restaurant Review: Milwaukie Greek Food Cart - This food cart is in the pod near the Milwaukie Max station. Betty Hosokawa says: “Ed and I went to the Gyros food cart in Milwaukie for lunch today. I […]
- Restaurant Review: Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels - recommended by Karen Morris. Years ago I went to his first store in SE to buy bagels for the team I was working with at the time. They were handmade […]
- Restaurant Review: Papa Haydn - Editor’s Note: If you lived in the Portland area before moving to Rose Villa, you are familiar with the famous and beloved Papa Haydn on NW 23rd Ave. in Portland […]
- Restaurant Review: Pho Thap Ba - Review by Jean Corn Located at 10574 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie. Do you like pho? This restaurant has lots of choices, as well as some traditional Thai food (pad Thai). […]
Walks
- A Walk to the Dogwood Street Loop Including the Raw Oregon Honey Company - by Arlin Brown and Cathy Schar Distance: A roundtrip walk of 2.2 miles from our North Pocket homes. Walking on Schroeder, we get to see the progress on Phase 3 […]
- Willamette River Walk with Two Short Side Excursions - by Cathy Schar and Arlin Brown Trip length 3.8 miles At River Road head north; turn left on SE Sparrow St. and right on SE 19th ; follow it […]
All Feature Articles
- Restaurant Review: Milwaukie Food Cart Pod - by Pam Duren We just had lunch at the Milwaukee Food carts. The Greek gyros are our favorites. Their lamb is tender and well-seasonedwe always think we should try something […]
- Restaurant Review: Kann - by Walt Schaffer Carol and I with our adult children finally dined at the acclaimed Portland establishment called Kann. The interior design is lovely and the wait staff is very efficient. […]
- Restaurant Review: Yaowarat - by Walt Schaffer Yaowarat opened in late fall and is an amazing blend of Thai/Chinese food. The name derives from the same-named Chinese neighborhood in Bangkok. Reservations are only accepted for […]
- Restaurant Review: Neighborhood Creamery - by Cindy Brown I’m not sure if an ice cream shop should count as a restaurant but this place is so good, I want to make sure everyone knows about […]
- Restaurant Review: Pho 360 - by Elizabeth Hosokawa The other evening Evey Cole and I decided to try the new nearby restaurant, Pho 360, in Milwaukee on McLoughlin, located in a tiny strip mall where […]
- Restaurant Review: Sayler’s Old Country Kitchen - by Bill Rector Recently visited Saylor’s Old Country Kitchen in Gateway . They have a senior’s menu that is quite affordable. A friend and I split a small steak dinner […]
- Restaurant Review: Ohana Hawaiian Cafe - by James Carthel The Cafe is located at 10608 SE Main Street, Milwaukie 97222. (James went the evening of February 4, 2024.) There is also a Portland branch. Good food, […]
- Restaurant Review: Bamboo Grove - By Pam Duren We went to Bamboo Grove in Sellwood for sushi. It used to be a cart. Good food but slow service due to new employees but they were […]
- Restaurant Review: Kachka - by Walt Schaffer I cannot say enough good things about Kachka at 960 SE 11th Avenue. They offer a unique presentation of Russian/Ukrainian fusion food. Early reservations are recommended: it […]
- Restaurant Review: Vida 33 Latin Bistro - by Alice Hardesty Vida 33 Latin Bistro is the best Mexican restaurant I’ve been to in the area. The food is delicious and the prices are super reasonable. I started […]
- Restaurant Review: Jacqueline - by Elliot McIntire Have a yen for oysters, or sea food in general? Try Jacqueline. It’s small, noisy, and a bit pricy, but the food is fantastic, the service was excellent […]
- Restaurant Review: Papa Hayden - by Elliot McIntire Papa Haydn’s has been one of our favorite go-to spots for as long as we’ve lived in Portland, but it has now moved to our skip-it list. […]
- Restaurant Review: Street Disco - by Walt Schaffer We just discovered a food gem not too far from Rose Villa. The restaurant (don’t let the name spook you) is Street Disco, 4144 SE 60th Avenue (near […]
- Restaurant Review: Stone Cliff Inn - by Mary Claire Phelan The Stone Cliff Inn was fabulous. It was nearly straight up a tight switchback drive across from the Clackamus River. It is a rustic log cabin […]
- Restaurant Review: Salty’s (on the Columbia River) - by Mary Claire Phelan I had Saturday brunch at Salty’s on the Columbia River (3839 NE Marine Dr., Portland) during a visit from my brother. The view, service & food […]
- Restaurant Review: Nicholas Restaurant - by Betty Hosokawa Ed and I had lunch at the Nicholas restaurant on Madison (there are also two other locations), and it was excellent! It serves Lebanese and Middle Eastern […]
- Clandestino: Restaurant Review - by Walt Schaffer I want to recommend Clandestino for an over-the-top must-do Mexican meal. This isn’t the normal street fare, but elegantly cooked and served. Last night we had scallops served with […]
- J and R Mexican Food: Restaurant Review - by Pam Duren My son recommended J and R Mexican food and we tried it last night. The carne asada was quite flavorful although street taco size. Reasonable prices. It […]
- Tokyo-Ya: Restaurant Review - By Betty Hosokawa This is a review of a different kind of place. We initially had planned to have lunch today (Sunday) at the excellent HK Cafe- a highly rated […]
- Restaurant Review: Montelupo - by Walt Schaffer Website: https://www.montelupo.co/ 344 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 719-5650 Montelupo is only open for dinner (and coffee during the day plus a cute imported […]
- Video and Documents on CCRCs - North Star-a Resident perspective Download this background document at this link. Questions for the Rose Villa Board Questions suggested at the 11-30-2022 resident meeting can be downloaded here. CCRC Governance […]
- Resident Council Candidate Interviews - Here are interviews with the candidates for Council positions running for election in Fall 2022. Many thanks to Marilyn Gottschall and Cathy Schar for organizing these interviews and recording them. […]
- Restaurant Review: Tidal Raves - by Elliot McIntire If you happen to be over on the coast, I recommend Tidal Raves, in Depoe Bay, halfway between Lincoln City and Newport. The focus is on seafood […]
- Restaurant Review: a Cena - by Elliot McIntire For my birthday we went to a Cena (to the kitchen), 7742 SE 13th in Sellwood. The food, drinks and service were excellent, and I highly recommend […]
- La Provence Patisserie et Boulangerie - by Cindy Brown La Provence is a French bakery and restaurant with eight locations in the Portland area. Arlin and I are most familiar with the one on NE Sandy […]
- Cloud Pine Tea + Culture - by Gail Katagiri Here’s a review of a restaurant I visited recently: Cloud Pine Tea + Culture. Dim sum restaurants are often associated with banquet-size spaces and bustling activity. In […]
- Neighborhood Creamery - by Betty Hosokawa there is a new homemade ice cream place in the neighborhood that is excellent: Neighborhood Creamery, 13735 SE McLoughlin Blvd. It is at the North end of the […]
- Zenbu Lounge - by Cathy Schwabe Zenbu is one of our favorite restaurants, with a lovely outdoor patio with good shading. It is open everyday but Monday starting at 4:30. 8609 SE 17th […]
- Ovation Restaurant Milwaukie - by Jack Duren Ovation is a restaurant in Milwaukie. We’ve been there a couple times and liked it. Last night we took a visiting friend there and they were closed […]
- Restaurant 503 - by Mary Claire Phelan My family took me to Restaurant 503 21900 Willamette Dr, Unit 201, West Linn, OR 97068 https://restaurant503.com/ “New American” cuisine It’s in the front north end […]
- Canard restaurant - by Cindy Brown Canard, at 734 East Burnside, has no atmosphere, rather small portions, and is somewhat expensive. So why go there? Because the food is WONDERFUL! They are open […]
- Papa Haydn in Sellwood - by Inge Angiletta Have you been to “Papa Haydn ” a favorite of mine and my friends? 5824 SE Milwaukie Ave, open 11:30 A.M., TEL (503) 232-9440, call for reservations. […]
- Best Chinese Restaurant: H. K. Cafe! - by Betty Hosokawa (Posted June 26, 2022) Last night we ate at an amazing Chinese restaurant, one of the best we have ever encountered. We had been looking for a […]
- Dragon Boat Race 2022! - The Rose Villa Vikings competed in the Rose Festival Dragon Boat races June 11 and 12. On Friday, June 10, the Vikings held a pep rally with the full Rex […]
- Elka Bee’s Coffee Shop Cafe - by Mary Claire Phelan My daughter, Michelle, just treated me to high tea at Elka Bee’s in Happy Valley. It was delightful in their charming little back room. We were […]
- Marbling Class - On April 30, 2022, Dianna Schaffer taught a class on creating marbled paper designs at the Pavilion. Eight residents had a marvelous (marbleous?) time creating works of art using the […]
- Cuvee Restaurant - by Walt Schaffer CUVE’E in Carlton is a dining experience after a lovely drive in Oregon’s wine country. Chef Gilbert Henry delivers on his French childhood. The restaurant offers a […]
- Restaurant Review: Campagna - by Walt Schaffer Campana is a true Italian gem reminiscent of an NYC neighborhood family restaurant located in the NE at 901 NE Oneonta. Of note is their Orecchiette, Mushroom […]
- Treasure House Tidings: Jan 16, 2022 - By Judie Hansen and We are happy to announce that four residents worked at the Treasure House on Saturday, learning the drill on our system of sorting and displaying donations. […]
- Restaurant Review: Bob’s Red Mill - by Jo Noble I HIGHLY recommend Bob’s Red Mill Restaurant for breakfast or lunch. They serve their breakfast all day (which ends at 3:00). It’s not far from here and […]
- Treasure House Update: Back in Business! - By Judie Hansen and Jennifer Allen The Treasure House had a few challenges last week due to an A/C compressor that lost its mind and decided to self destruct. Thanks […]
- The Treasure House: A great 2021! - by Judie Hansen and Jennifer Allen (Co-Managers) Things were very busy in the Treasure House during December, and we added a two day Sneak Peek sale and an Attic Treasures […]
- What’s in a name? - By Elliot McIntire Editor’s note: Elliot has collected some interesting statistics about the Rose Villa resident population. This is an example. The most common given names of the 2000 people […]
- Water birds on the Willamette - On our walk today we went up the trail through Kellogg Creek Park along the Willamette and saw lots of birds. I’m attaching some photos: cormorants and geese, and the […]
- The Grange - by Elliot McIntire As you come up the hill from McLaughlin Boulevard on River Road you may have noted a plain building on the right identified as Milwaukie Grange. Unless you […]
- Restaurant Review: Mehri’s Cafe and Bakery - reported by Cindy Brown Arlin and I went to Mehri’s with Cathy Schar a few days ago. It is a modest place and looked like it was functioning with just […]
- Restaurant Review: Willow - reported by Jack Duren I don’t think I’ve ever posted a restaurant review on RVChat before but here goes. Almost a year ago our son gave us a gift certificate […]
- Jean Lusk is 100!! - reported by Carol Brownlow Mimi Chitty and Larry Sager, neighbors of Jean Lusk, decorated her door in honor of her 100th birthday.
- Halloween is in the Air! - Halloween decorations are going up around the neighborhood! Here are a few from our walk this morning (October 18).
- Fragrance Safety Concerns - Reported by Jo Noble “Up to 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum and coal tar.” Thus begins a well-researched article written by Lynn Tondat […]