Happy January, Loves!
It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to give you some guidance from the stars during our darkest months. This is the start of a new year and rather than set resolutions, set intentions. Let’s all willfully lean in to being kinder, more helpful, and broadly that much more loving of those around us. You never know what kind of light you can bring into someone’s darkness with the simplest act of altruism.
Aries (March 21 – April 19) Ah, Aries! As you charge into January, indulge your fiery spirit with a heaping plate of spicy buffalo wings from a local food truck in Portland. After all, nothing says “I’m ready for action” like a meal that has you sweating! Pair it with a bold Zinfandel — because you don’t do anything halfway. While you’re there, grab a big, hoppy IPA from Bend to keep that adventurous energy flowing, or perhaps a crisp dry cider from a local orchard for a refreshing sprint amidst the heat. And when it’s cocktail time, why not spice things up with a fiery margarita? A “hot mess” night is just your style!
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Oh, Taurus, you indulgent soul! This January, treat yourself to a gourmet charcuterie & cheese board at Division Wines in Southeast Portland. You know life’s too short for anything less than the finest! A smooth Pinot Noir will perfectly complement your cozy evenings, and they always have a special bottle open to enhance the evening. For a little extra warmth, select a rich dark beer from the nearby Little Beast Brewery that matches your steadfast nature.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Hello, Gemini! January is your month to graze, and what better way to do that than at a vibrant food truck pod in Portland? Your curious palate is ready for an international tour of flavors! My favorite place to explore my palate is at the Hawthorne Asylum Foodcart Pod where you can indulge in a waffle sandwich from Smaaken Waffles. Pair your adventure with a craft cocktail from Asylum Spirits that sparks joy in your endless chatter. If the cocktail doesn’t strike your fancy, venture into the world of quirky sour beers, with their unexpected twists — just like your thoughts mid-conversation…
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Dear Cancer, as winter wraps its cozy blanket around us, there’s no place like home! Dive into a comforting bowl of homemade soup using ingredients you purchased from the coast. Barnacle Bill’s Seafood Market has been open since 1949 and will provide the perfect bit of nostalgia and service to make your water driven heart steam. Pair whatever you make with a one of a kind bottling of sparkling wine from the amazing Land Mass Wines which you can find at shops all over the state. If you’re having a dinner party (you totally should,) have one of your guests bring a premade Old Fashioned Cocktail to pair with dessert — you deserve the classic comforts that last, just like your loyalty.
Leo (July 23 – August 22) Leo, don’t despair, Summer will be back before you know! January calls for some heading out into the weather and finding warm places to catch up with yourself or those you love. Strut into the upscale yet unstuffy DaVinci Ristorante in Salem and order the most extravagant dish on the menu. Lean into your lion-like spirit and devour their Wagyu Beef Hanger Steak with a chipotle glaze and pomme frites. You’re the star of the show in the zodiac, so keep your head held high just like the Sun which is your ruling planet! A bold Cabernet that matches your gregarious personality will make toasting to you feel just right. No matter what you do, dress to impress and always make an entrance people will never forget.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22) Ah, pragmatic Virgo, this January, set your sights on a health-conscious cafe in Portland where everything is meticulously prepared just for you. Feral Cafe, on Killingsworth is the perfect vegan spot to plan whatever trips or experiences you’d like to enjoy in 2025. Your taste is as carefully refined as your plans, so order accordingly with the Tortellini in Pear Brodo and pair it with the Buona Notte Mortadella that is on the list. When cocktail hour arrives, enjoy a non-alcoholic cocktail on their menu, because balancing a healthy lifestyle with social fun is your ultimate goal.
Libra (September 23 – October 22) Gracious Libra, this is your month to savor life’s many delights! Dive into a creative experience with some winter faire at Soča in White Salmon, WA, where you can enjoy a little bit of everything. An elegant Gamay Noir from The Color Collector will be your perfect companion, bringing balance to your plate and your conversations. After your balanced meal, go for a walk in the cute town or down by the river to celebrate your innate joy and harmony. Whatever you do, don’t forget how naturally charming you are!
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) Mystical Scorpio, January invites you to embrace your intensity! Start the month with a trip in Ashland to The Noble Fox where you can enjoy something spicy that reflects your dynamic personality like their Seoul Fusion Poutine. Pairing your meal with their Benevolent Red Ale will match your inner thoughts and desires — each pint has a portion of it’s proceeds donated to local schools! Afterwards, make your way out of town (it’s only 2.5 miles from downtown Ashland!) to Jackson Wellsprings for a soak and perhaps even camp there so you can contemplate all of the good you look to put into the world this year.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Adventurous Sagittarius, January is calling for you to explore new things and enjoying the Portland Folk Festival at the Crystal Ballroom on January 18th! Listen closely to any bands that inspire you and use that energy to purchase a travel book from the nearby Powell’s City of Books to plan out a journey to somewhere new this year. Head over to Afuri’s newish Kara Kurenai for one of their signature spicy ramens and cool down your fiery energy (and the heat of the noodles) with their very own Afuri Pilsner. This colder season is where your heat radiates as an inspirational aura to yourself and those around you.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) Capricorn, not everything has to be that serious as January unfolds. This month, it’s time to reward yourself for a job well done after the holiday rush by treating yourself to the hanger steak at Cibo in Portland—because you deserve the best and that classic dose of hard work deserves a night out. Pair it with a robust Chianti or Super Tuscan and reflect on your ambition and drive from the previous year and how you plan on putting all that hard work to good in 2025. For a cozy evening in, consider buying a new game from Guardian Games to play with friends or loved ones and celebrate all that you have created in your community.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) Unique Aquarius, January is your time to experiment! Dive into dishes with unusual flavor combinations at an eclectic restaurant in Portland, because who wants to be ordinary? Top of your list should be Xiao Ye, a restaurant serving the self dubbed, “First Generation American Food.” Cheer your taste buds with a quirky natural wine that complements your innovative spirit. I suggest pairing your meal with a bottle of Monument Wine Company’s, “Memory Palace,” that is on their bottle list. Use this outing to inspire your creative side, and plan yourself an epic birthday party for these winter months!
Pisces (February 19 – March 20) Pisces, embrace the soulful vibes of January and try not to get lost in the very wet and cold winter we experience here in the Pacific Northwest! Relax with a comforting bowl of Phở at the famous Hà VL. Specifically, head there on a Thursday for their Crabflake Noodle Soup, a soup that warms your heart and soul while embracing your water driven personality. After that, head over to Fubonn Shopping Center to shop through the largest Asian shopping center in Oregon. White there, you can buy everything you need to create a feast and set the table for a lovely dinner party you can throw with those in your inner school of familiarity.
