My newest interesting Portland discovery is NE Alberta Street (aka Alberta Arts District), a funky, artsy neighbourhood with myriad cafes, art supply stores, bookstores, boutiques... and Tin Shed Garden Cafe. We had breakfast there, and despite the long wait for a table and super-slow service, it was fantastic!
The Tin Shed is at 1438 NE Alberta Street. You can't miss it - it's covered in corrugated tin and there's probably always a line up outside. We got there at 8:15 on Sunday morning and there was already a 20 minute wait for a table!
They have a serve-yourself coffee bar with their own Tin Shed blend and decaf for us wussies, which you're welcome to use even when you're waiting for a table. That makes the wait a little more bearable, although it also means if you want a refill after you're seated, chances are you're going to have to get up and get it yourself.
An okay selection of condiments on the table, and a super-cool drink menu with hand-decorated wooden covers. Each one was unique.
I had the "Tim Curry" and this photo absolutely does not do it justice! It was tofu, yam, zucchini, mushroom & onion in a coconut-curry sauce, served over a bed of spinach & topped with roasted peanuts & avocado, with potato patties on the side. It also comes with raisins, but I had it without. It was sooo delicious!
Mum had a half order of the "Belly Pleaser" - rice pudding made with jasmine rice, coconut milk, ginger & vanilla and topped with fresh mango & cinnamon - and a fruit salad. Although the fruit salad was good, she wishes she got the full order of "Belly Pleaser", as it was heavenly. She has a lower tolerance for slow service than I do, and even she thought it was worth the wait!
All in all, NE Alberta Street is a cool neighbourhood, and Tin Shed is a great place to eat. Check it out next time you're in Portland.
We went to the Tin Shack too. Loved it. The coffee whilst you're waiting is such a good idea. I agree about the service being a little bit slow but we had a lovely waitress. I ordered a tofu scramble with grits as I wanted to try them and she advised on half grits and half hashbrown as I was getting the vegan version. She was right, I much preferred the hash brown but was glad to have tried the grits. I liked that they have film nights too in the outdoor covered area.
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