🍴 What the NYT gets wrong about Portland food

Reporter Takes a Trip

Reporter Anthony Effinger took the cheapest legal psilocybin trip available in Portland — for $900. Effinger, whose recent bout of COVID triggered his obsessive-compulsive disorder, shares his experiences — and concludes, “There is value in the scripted, legal journey, no matter where it takes you.” [Willamette Week]

• Look out for an upcoming City Cast Portland podcast interview with Effinger next week.

Hospital Losses and Health-Care Cost Increases

Providence has lost money in Oregon in nine of the last 12 quarters. The large hospital system’s problems point to a larger trend: an increase in health care costs that will hit consumers with higher insurance rates and higher medical bills. [Willamette Week]

Schools Face a Substantial Earthquake Risk

In 2007, a state survey found that 138 schools in Portland-area districts had a “high” or “very high” risk of collapse during an earthquake for the area. The Oregonian found that 110 are still operating as schools today and “55 have had no major seismic retrofits since.” [Oregonian 🔒]

I associate September with grapes arriving at farmers markets — a perfect balance of sweet and sour — and incredibly tasty. It’s a reminder of Oregon’s grapes that make fine wine. Before the rain starts, it’s the perfect time for a trip to wine country.

How much do you know about Oregon grapes and wines? (First question links to a longer quiz.)

What National Critics Are Getting Right — and Wrong — About Portland’s Food Scene Today

Portland's award-winning food scene has been all over the national headlines recently: this summer we've caught the attention of food influencer Keith Lee, the New York Times, and even pizza critics all the way out in Italy. But is what outsiders are saying about Portland’s food scene true? Portland Monthly associate editor of food and drink, Alex Frane, breaks down what he thinks they got right and wrong.