By Tarra McCurdy
The sun's rays beamed down on the pink cherry blossoms, highlighting each delicate petal. Students occupied the freshly cut green grass, lying out on colorful blankets, attempting to complete some homework while soaking in the sun's warmth, while others ventured off-campus to grab a bite to eat.
Sophomore Colin Dorwart and junior Samantha Riofta strolled through the residential area surrounding the University of Portland, journeying for nearly a mile before reaching their destination on North Lombard Street on a sunny April afternoon. They were on a mission to the Little Red Bike Café.
This local café first opened in August 2007 by Ali and Evan Dohrmann, and over the past two years, it has grown in popularity, especially among UP students.
"The Little Red Bike Café on Lombard Street is probably one of the most amazing food spots ever," Dorwart said. "I'm not sure who first introduced me to the place, but I fell in love right away."
Dorwart has become a regular customer, visiting the shop "anywhere from three times a week to twice a day."
He typically brings along a friend or two to share his love for LRBC. He introduced Riofta to the restaurant in January.
"The ambiance is so great," Riofta said. "I love it when it's sunny because you can sit outside. Plus, they bring your food to you."
Tables and chairs line the sidewalk on a sunny day, filled with folks devouring the food of LRBC, which serves a wide range of unique creations for breakfast and lunch.
They have simple dishes like "2+2+2," which is a basic breakfast dish of "two eggs, two pieces of bacon and two slices of buttered toast with homemade jam." Hazel Biag, who visited UP from San Diego, tried this dish during her first visit to LRBC. Dorwart and Riofta accompanied her.
"The eggs tasted like real home cooked eggs instead of something that was made in a mass batch. The bread deliciously buttered with homemade jam to go with it. I also enjoyed the fruit," Biag said.
As for lunch items, they have a variety of sandwiches, including "The Messenger," which combines "fried egg, applewood smoked bacon, gorgonzola spread, and homemade apple butter on fresh bake ciabatta," according to their menu.
"Apple butter? Yeah, not something you would normally put on a sandwich, but these people know what flavors work in a person's mouth," Dorwart said.
Another sandwich they offer is "Rip City Turkey," which piles turkey, bacon, granny-smith apple slices, cheddar cheese and roasted red onion mayo on ciabatta. It looks daunting at first because of the odd combination of flavors, but they "make your taste buds click," according to Dorwart.
The menu fluctuates every day with different daily specials available. For instance, on April 5, the Dohrmanns served two creative dishes, including, "Hawaiian French Toast" and "Green Eggs and Ham."
Their "Green Eggs and Ham" dish strayed away from green food coloring, popularized by Dr. Seuss' book of the same title. Fresh pesto was scrambled with the eggs, which was served with prosciutto, caramelized onions, goat cheese and toast.
"I want to have my eggs made that way now," senior Benjamin Taketa said. "They were amazing."
They serve breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as desserts , milkshakes and coffee drinks. On some of their coffee drinks, a unique design is etched on the surface of the liquid.
"One time a heart was drawn," Riofta said. "It's now the wallpaper on my cell phone." ?
Everyone, particularly Dorwart and Riofta, agree that the food at LRBC is "amazing," but it is also the impression that Little Red Bike Café offers that brings them back so often.
"The atmosphere and vibe that the building gives off is so elegant and unique at the same time," Dorwart said. "It's quirky but in a cool way."
Biag agrees, remembering her first time in the store. "Once I walked in, I was greeted with a friendly aura and smiles," Biag said. "Although I'm not from the area, I wouldn't mind coming back."
Whatever it is, the Little Red Bike Café works wonders, gaining new customers every day as friends tell friends about the "delicious" food and "unique" atmosphere that it presents.
Riofta has brought her housemates, and now they are going to LRBC more often. Dorwart continues to advocate for LRBC, suggesting it to everyone as "one of the most amazing food spots ever."
"No matter if it's sunny or rainy I could sit there with a sandwich, some coffee, or tea, and just be content about the world and my life," Dorwart said.
Visit the Little Red Bike Café at 4823 N. Lombard Street in Portland, Ore., from Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, visit their blog: http://blog.littleredbikecafe.com.
Tarra McCurdy is a junior communication studies major and history minor
