We recently purchased a 2007 Chinook Book, the entertainment-style coupon book filled with local merchants that are, for the most part, green and sustainable. For these dreary winter months, having a reason to trek out for an adventure is necessary, and we are frankly broke so these offers fit two categories. Our first Chinook experience was at New Seasons market in SE Portland. These stores are lush, and we actually have a New Seasons in our area but are always looking for an excuse to check out other 'hoods and the three coupons in the book were voted our best bet for lunch last Saturday. Free pasta of the day turned out to be an outstanding pork ragout that we ate with the free loaf of freshly baked sourdough. The two for one sausage coupon provided for that night's meal along with the rest of the bread and some fresh fennel picked from their produce section. Little did we know they also provide samples all day, steamed vegetables, coconut rice, several indian delights, hot soup and salad. Best place for free lunch in town, and the kids always enjoy grocery shopping in a cart dressed up as a race car.
