Newberg: Sprinkles of Joy Bakery

We have a strong interest in supporting local and family businesses. 

Sprinkles of Joy is run by Kelly, Le Cordon Bleu- trained in baking and patisserie, and her mother Karen. That fits the bill.

It is also just a cute place with good vibes and sweet treats; that should send out several beacons to those with a strong interest in baked goods.

I would say that relates most to cookies, of which they have a wide selection.

However I was most intrigued by the cake tops.

You probably know that when backing cakes the top rises rather than staying flat in a way conducive to layering.

That part gets cut off, but is still delicious cake.

What if you took that and some frosting, and made kind of a sandwich? What a good idea!

Flavors available depend on what cakes have been ordered, but keep an eye out for it.

That being said, I think my favorite thing was the cake pop.

Sprinkles of Joy is on 1st Street in downtown Newberg, surrounded by restaurants and near Town Hall and the Hoover-Minthorn House.

COVID: While there is seating inside, it is very easy to purchase while masked and consume the baked goods elsewhere.

Accessibility: Inside seemed pretty navigable, though there could be some difficulty getting in the door. The people are very friendly, so do ask for assistance if needed.

https://www.sprinklesofjoy.net/

PDX: Black History Month Pop-Up Museum

I really wanted to get it reviewed before it ended, but multiple organizations collaborated on a pop-up museum commemorating Black History Month at the Horizon Enterprise Building.

The way February went, I felt lucky to make it all.

That was partly just that it was something that I meant to do, but also I was really impressed with the exhibit.

Perhaps it would be more accurate to say "exhibits".

Different organizations addressed different areas.

This included exhibits by local artists and highlighting Portland's musical history.

My favorite part was was probably the signage put up by Oregon Black Pioneers.

While some names were familiar, there were many that were not and I enjoyed learning more and finding more to learn.

That being said, I know I will be checking out the Albina Music Trust as well after spending some time in their listening room with "Disco Fantasy" playing.

I appreciated that -- with so many different organizations involved -- there was helpful labeling, including QR codes for more information.

This exhibit may have ended, but the exhibitors remain and continue to contribute.

COVID: While masks were not required, they were available. 

Accessibility: While the exhibit occupied two stories, and the first story is not at street level, there was a ramp and also an elevator. 

That was good because those stairs were steep.

In addition, I appreciated that there was good signage and multiple people ready to assist for any questions.

It was all a very positive experience, and needed.

https://www.1803fund.com/news/celebrating-black-black-history-month 

PDX: Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai

Pip's will give you a dozen free doughnuts on your birthday.

Until recently there was a Beaverton location. I intended to visit it on my birthday and try those doughnuts.

There was something else that I wanted to do in NE Portland, so I wasn't going that far only for free doughnuts. There are worse things than traveling for free food.

I had been wanting to try Pip's before that.

When the Portland-based show Grimm premiered in 2011, the debut episode featured a box of Voodoo Doughnuts, but if you followed cast members, when they talked about doughnuts it was always Blue Star, until the Dirty Wu.

Episode 17 of season 1, "Love Sick" had Sergeant Wu, as portrayed by Reggie Lee, falling victim to a spell intended for someone else, getting help, and then coming down with a weird form of pica. This resulted in him eating couch cushion and carpeting, as well as some other things.

The episode aired April 13th, 2012. The newly opened Pip's put some cinnamon-sugar, honey, and Nutella on a doughnut and called it the "Dirty Wu", and that got the Grimm cast's attention. That doughnut is now called the Reggie Lee.

I shared mine, but you will notice is that these are small doughnuts. Maybe not small enough for one person to eat the whole dozen, but small enough to try a few flavors.

That being said, my favorite is the standard. Fried dough with cinnamon and sugar is a great combination. The scent reminds you as soon as you walk in.

Everyone was very friendly. That shows a good energy because the place was hopping and I was not the only birthday in line. They have an enter/exit flow to keep things moving smoothly.

I did not try the chai, but if you are into that they have flights where you can try multiple flavors.

They really were delightful.

COVID: Again, the place was hopping and you will spend some time in line, though there can be options for pre-ordering. It is easy enough to stay masked inside and then eat outside, or transport the doughnuts home.

Accessibility: The spaces seem wide enough for navigation, but remember that there can be many people. Also -- as their site indicates -- there may be allergens. 

 

https://www.pipsoriginalonline.com/