My plan to enjoying the Portland Art Museum’s “Family Free Day” didn’t go quite as well as I had hoped. I wanted to get downtown early so there would be plenty of time to wait in line and still walk through the museum at my own leisurely pace. I woke up early just like I wanted to, except that I had a backache.

“Bah!” I said with a grimace as I rolled out of bed. I was determined to get my free day at the museum so; I shuffled into a scalding hot shower and popped some ibuprofen.

I injured my back a few years ago. It’s been a little wonky ever since and every once and a while it cramps up. The pain goes from the base of my skull, down my neck, across my shoulder out to the elbow and down my spine to about the middle of my back forming a nice triangle of pain.

Because of my stiffness, Taryn, the girlfriend, and I didn’t get downtown until almost noon. While driving around looking for parking we passed the line to get into the museum. The line went down the block. Apparently Family Free Day was a huge success.

I was still in pain, grumpy and being a bit of a baby when we saw the line. Taryn and I decided to forget it and go home. Actually, it was more like I decide and Taryn was kind enough to agree with me. I was just in no mood to stand in a long line.

When we were almost home Taryn suggested we stop at SohBet. SohBet is a new coffee shop on Killingsworth and it is wonderful. Cozy and cheery with a friendly staff and a nice menu with lots of options, including “Baby Café”, a kids only menu, and vegan pastries for freaks like me. They use Stumptown coffee and the mocha Taryn ordered was delicious. One more bit of praise, the ceramic mugs, saucers, bowls and plates they use are beautiful, simple, elegant and designed by the owner of the coffee shop.

So, my day at the museum was a bust. Now, I will have to wait until March 16th to view the art there, but I did discover the art of SohBet coffee house. I will be back there again well before the next Family Free Day at the Portland Art Museum.

You can discover SohBet for yourself at: 2710 N. Killingsworth Portland, OR 97217 (503)-735-3446

Welcome to the neighborhood SohBet.