1. Visit the cheese experts at Cheese Bar 

The monger’s Cheese Board is a must at this temple to aged dairy. You’ll sample from an always-rotating trio of wedges from around the globe, from sheep cheese to full-bodied Oregon goat cheese. Looking for an easier way to wade into the wide world of fromage? Try the oozing, grilled alpine cheese on levain, or the Cubano sandwich with smoky pork shoulder and ham, brightened with pepperoncini and Dijon. 

2. Score a Friday Flight at Vino Wine Shop

Soak up sun and carefully curated sips in a walled garden patio during Vino’s super-chill Friday tastings (five themed pours for $10!). Grab an excellent to-go plate from Cheese & Crack Snack Shop across the street or BYOCCC (cheese, charcuterie, cookies) to nibble during mid-flight refueling. 

3. Live large for $7 at Bar Mingo’s twice-a-night happy hour

What’s not to love on this deliciously old-school Italian neighborhood spot’s happy hour menu? Choice options include juicy lamb meatballs rolled in bread crumbs, fried in oil, simmered with tomatoes and mint, and topped with pecorino, oregano and more mint. Also: make-your-own bruschetta with goat cheese, spicy tomato sauce and toasted, rustic bread.

4. Take a lunch break at Laurelhurst Market’s grill station

In-the-know eaters regularly visit the East Burnside steakhouse’s excellent sandwich shop and butcher counter mid-day. But this summer, Laurelhurst opened a lunch-only summertime grilling station, serving smoked chicken thigh sandwiches and house sausages with tangy, creamy "white gold" sauce.