With Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl coming up, Lake Oswegans have the opportunity to support local and show some love. The need to continue to do so was brought to my attention recently by a Portland wine bar’s Instagram post that got real and honest with its followers, admitting to how challenging the current market is.

With Covid fatigue about as contagious as the Omicron variant, last year’s message to “save small businesses” has been drowned out. Many of us are so consumed with how this pandemic is affecting us, that we may not be as other-centered as we need to be.

As the Instagram post pointed out, last year the government was able to provide some financial help, many workers were able to collect unemployment and landlords were negotiating rent. Those supports are not in place right now and yet, the Omicron variant has people staying away from discretionary activities like dining in and in-person shopping. So, while your favorite restaurant or shop may occasionally look busy and the social media feeds still look like business is back to normal, it’s very likely that the small businesses you love may be struggling.

Here are a few suggestions to spread the love this Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl Sunday.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Super Bowl Sunday this year is February 13 and no matter what team you’re rooting for, chances are you all have one thing in common—the snacks are as important as the score.

So much so that the USDA proclaimed Super Bowl Sunday as the second largest food consumption day in the United States (second only to Thanksgiving).

And what’s the most popular snack? Chicken wings. According to the National Chicken Council, Americans ate a record 1.42 billion chicken wings during last year’s matchup.

So, in order to have fans cheering in your household no matter what team they’re cheering for, make sure “ordering chicken wings” is part of your game plan.

And to help you be a winner, here are a few Lake Oswego restaurants that can help you score the MVP award for best Super Bowl snack provider of 2022:

Hop n’ Cork. Your order includes about 10 wings served with a choice of two sauces. Buffalo, BBQ, Habanero BBQ, or Sweet Chili. Choice of Ranch or Bleu Cheese. Charge for additional sauces. If beer is also on your menu, you can get that here too, choosing from their extensive tap list. Bring your growler and fill ‘er up! Live sports are also on tap so you just might want to settle in and watch from here! 17450 Lower Boones Ferry Rd., 503.305.5903.

Aji Tram. Google reviewers have a lot of praises to sing of this place, and especially of their wings, described as “the best you’ve ever had,” and “delicious and spicy.” And if you’ve got gluten-intolerant folks in your group, they’ll be happy to hear these are feature a gluten-free tempura batter and General Tso’s glaze. 4477 Lakeview Blvd., 503.342.6249.

Malee’s Thai Kitchen. Enjoy deep-fried chicken wings tossed with caramelized sauce, onion, toasted garlic and black pepper, served with pickled carrot and daikon. 15902 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.636.4384.

Baird’s on B. Chicken wings are on their starter menu here and let you select from hot buffalo, Asian or BBQ sauce and a choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing. 485 Second St., 503.303.4771.

Pho Lavang. Wings here come crispy with fish sauce. 16120 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.697.6253.

Duke’s Public House. This local sports bar serves up jumbo chicken wings tossed in housemade buffalo sauce with carrots, celery and ranch dressing. I imagine the Super Bowl will be playing on one if not all of their flat screen TV’s. 506 A Avenue, 503.387.5771.

Hanko’s Sports Bar and Grill. This neighborhood gathering spot can also provide a side of sports on one of their TVs while you pick up your wings (or choose to stay). They offer six whole chicken wings marinated in their special chipotle rub and served with your choice of sauce: buffalo, BBQ or sweet chili. 4 Monroe Parkway, F, 503.697.7819.  

Stickmen’s Lakeside Smokehouse and Brewery. Prefer your wings smoked? Then Stickmen’s is your spot. Crispy wings are smoked in-house, fried naked with your choice of house BBQ or classic hot sauce. 40 N. State St., 503.344.4449.

VALENTINE’S DAY

Treat your valentine to dinner. Riccardo’s is offering a special four-course menu at $110/person (not including wine, drinks and gratuities). Indoor and outdoor seating is available but limited so best to call and check. 16035 SW Boones Ferry Rd., 503. 636.4104.

Tavern on Kruse.  Owner Kent Lewis will be debuting his new winter menu for the occasion and offering a wine-paired four-course “seasonal sampler” menu Valentine’s evening. Reservations. 4835 Meadows Road, #133. 503.303.5280.  

Find the perfect gift. Visit one of our Lake Oswego shops to find something special for your valentine. Here are a few to include on your list: Lucky Me Boutique, The Grove, The Perfect Piece Gallery and Gifts, City Home PDX, Wishbone Home and Design.

Say “I Love You” with flowers and support a local homegrown florist. Brenna Burnett grew up in Lake Oswego and runs a local floral design business. COVID hit her business hard last year with weddings being cancelled, postponed, or trimmed down. But she has an incredible flair for arranging beautiful bouquets that our family has benefitted from and any of your recipients will too. R. Bloom’s, another homegrown florist, has been making special occasions more beautiful since 1989 and has a Valentine’s Day lineup worth checking out. Your valentine will thank you!

Say “I Love You” with a card and support a local Etsy shop. No need to go out and try to find the perfect valentine’s day card to send to family and friends or give to your housemate. Head over to my wife and daughter’s Etsy shop, Heartspun Printables and select one of their printable card designs. They are sure to have one that fits your needs and that you can access from the safety and comfort of your home.

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