marathon of eating

I can't stop looking up food options for Portland.

In fact, at this very moment, I have not one, but two reservations for our pre-race dinner. I couldn't decide between Nostrana (a Chowhound favorite and all-around foodie mecca) and Ristorante Roma (much more casual and not as high-profile, but seems to have bigger portions -- a plus for carbo-loading -- and more vegetarian options), so I booked both. At this point, I'm leaning toward Roma. It doesn't seem as interesting as Nostrana, but to be honest, experimentation and rich foods aren't exactly the best choice on the eve of 26.2 miles. My primary marathon goal remains the tried-and-true "Do not crap in pants." (Followed closely by "Do not barf." Also "Do not die.")

Other spots that look exciting: Clyde Common (dear god, the photos on their site are like food porn -- I'm thinking this is the place to go for an all-out post-race fancy dinner -- presuming we actually all cross the finish line in one piece and can walk afterward), Pok Pok and its neighboring Whiskey Soda Lounge, Food Fight Grocery (all vegan!), Tasty n Sons (this place has brunch written all over it), Whole Bowl (though I worry it won't be open while we're in town -- looks like more of a weekday spot) and Beaker & Flask.

And of course, there are the places I went to last time that I'd love to revisit. Horse Brass was awesome -- so jealous that it's someone else's neighborhood pub. (Dear Portland: Can you adopt me?) And even though it's kitschy and touristy, I want to take Laura to Voodoo Doughnut (where the skeleton in my photo, above, resides) for a maple bacon bar. (Does this make me hypocritical as a vegetarian? I won't eat the bacon, but I'll readily take someone else to go eat it. Hmmm.)

So many options! Seriously, I wish I had a million stomachs and more time in the City of Roses.