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12/28/2025 0 Comments Firewood 101: Lake Oswego's Guid to Best Woods, Best Stacks, Biggest Mistakes (and how to avoid them) Josh Davies, owner of firewood delivery business "Josh the Firewood Guy" stands on a pile of inventory at his Oregon warehouse Baby, it’s cold outside. As Lake Oswego heads into our historically iciest season, Lake O sat down with second-generation Oregon firewood business owner and expert Josh Davies, aka “Josh the Firewood Guy,” for the no-fluff guide to seasoned firewood, the best local woods for fireplaces and wood stoves, and the most common firewood mistakes (and how to avoid them). Lake O Magazine: What types of wood do you usually deliver around Lake Oswego? JOSH: I try to use locally available firewood's like Alder, Cherry, Douglas Fir, and Maple which I can buy in bulk and keep available all season. I do collect smaller quantities of other species such as Madrone, Ash, and Walnut, but they do not typically last long in my inventory. Lake O Magazine: Which woods are best for heat versus a long, steady burn? JOSH: Typically the heat of your fire comes down to how seasoned the firewood is while the duration of that heat varies based on species. Sometimes it's better to combine a lighter wood such as Douglas Fir or Alder with a denser firewood such as Black Locust or Oak in order to make your fire easy to start and simple to maintain once it's going. Lake O Magazine: How do you season your wood, and how long does it take before it’s ready? JOSH: I receive loads of kiln-dried firewood in bulk during the summer which I stack under my barn immediately. Seasoned and green log loads arrive and are cut to length and stacked on pallets. The rule of thumb when it comes to seasoned firewood is softwood takes one year to cure and hardwood takes two years. This process can be sped up or slowed down depending on how much sunlight is reaching the stack and how well it is covered. Wind also helps firewood dry extra fast.  A 3rd generation in training: Josh's sweet kiddo and the family fur-baby inspecting inventory Lake O Magazine: How can a homeowner tell if their firewood is properly seasoned? JOSH: The biggest give away for green wood is smoke or hissing. If you see too much smoke or moisture bubbling out the side of a burning piece then you know you have excessive moisture. If every piece in the load you receive has bark I would also consider this a sign that the wood is not properly seasoned. Also, if bark shows no signs of detaching from the wood it is still green. Excessive sap on Douglas fir or other conifer woods is also a give away. Try banging two flat pieces together. If you hear a dull "thud" instead of a sharp "clink" then the wood is either wet or green. Keep in mind that while wet firewood is not ideal, it is certainly better than green firewood. Lake O Magazine: What’s the best way to stack and store firewood so it stays dry and pest-free? JOSH: Keep space between the wood and the ground so bugs and rain doesn't seep into the pieces from below. If you are stacking on concrete, this isn't too much of a problem. Keep a small gap between the wood and your house so you can put a tarp over it and properly tuck it down the back of the stack. This also keeps the wood from making a mold mark on your house if you stack a freshly cut green tree or wood with a lot of rain/moisture in it. Covering the wood with a good water proof tarp is hands down the best way to preserve the integrity of your pile. Lake O Magazine:What are the most common mistakes you see people make with their firewood? JOSH: Not properly storing your wood before weeks of rain can erase a summer’s worth of drying and make your life harder. A simple $10 tarp can save you a lot of heartache. Another common mistake is buying a large quantity of the densest firewood possible without a lighter firewood to accompany it. Newer firewood burners can have a difficult time lighting the densest hardwoods from scratch. Lake O Magazine: Have you noticed any new trends—like people buying wood for fire pits or pizza ovens? JOSH: Covid really seemed to spark a heightened trend of outdoor pit burning. It makes sense as this was one of the few socially distanced activities available at the time. I often notice the areas that were hit hardest by the previous year’s storms call me early the next season as they have bad memories of getting trapped in their home with no power or firewood for heat. People buying “cook wood” are few and far between, currently.  Neatly stacked bundles of wood stay clean and dry in Josh's large Forest Grove warehouse. Lake O Magazine: What’s your best “pro tip” for someone new to burning wood this winter? JOSH: My best advice is get your supply squared away early before the weather gets wet and store it properly with a tarp. Get a mix of lighter wood to get the fire going and a harder wood to keep it going. Always use the coals from your previous fire to help get the next one started or use a big piece at the end of your night in the hopes it will still be smoldering in the morning. Lake O Magazine: How can people contact you if they’re interested in ordering firewood? JOSH: Texting or calling me at 503-853-6542 or visiting my Facebook business page at is the fastest way to get a response. Text or Facebook message typically works best as I can pin our conversation in my phone which helps keep track of my orders. Josh "the Firewood Guy" delivers and stacks pre-bundled firewood in a range of qualities to Lake Oswego and neighboring areas. Contact him to find out what woods are currently available and to schedule delivery.
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Where Lake Oswego feels just a little bit more like Italy's Lake Como Step in from the Lake Oswego drizzle and through the doors of Nicoletta’s Table & Marketplace and it feels like you’ve ducked off a busy piazza into a neighborhood trattoria somewhere in Italy—only this one happens to be tucked into a shopping area in Lake Oswego. By day, Nicoletta’s is part Italian café, part gourmet market, part gathering spot. By night—especially during the holidays—it’s warm lights, clinking glasses, and the kind of convivial buzz that makes you want to linger over one more course.
A seat for every mood One of the charms of Nicoletta’s is that it has a space for every mood. There’s the lively marketplace side, with its wood-burning oven, bar seating, and a front-row view of pizzas sliding in and out of the flame. There are elegant private spaces—perfect for holiday dinners, book clubs, or team celebrations. Our favorite, though, is a cozy corner private room you pass where chairs are draped in soft sheepskins. It's a little Alpine moment that has all the Northern Italy apres ski vibes. In milder weather, the back patio opens up, and well-behaved pups are welcome to join. Inside, you can belly up to the bar, tuck into a quiet corner, or sit at the chef's counter and watch the awesome kitchen team at work. However you like to “do” dinner, Nicoletta's has a spot that fits. On many evenings, a musician settles in at the grand piano or plays guitar, adding a live-music soundtrack that’s become part of the Nicoletta’s lore and a draw for date nights. Pasta that tastes like a plane ticket Nicoletta’s describes itself as a trattoria with an Italian soul and local roots, and the menu backs that up. Hand-pulled pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and generous antipasti are the stars here. On any given visit you might spot:
And yes, there’s pizza. Baked in that glowing wood-burning oven, Nicoletta’s pies are quietly in the running for some of the best in town—more on that in an upcoming Lake O Magazine pizza round-up (sign up here to get your free copy!) Dessert might mean sorbetto or gelato from the market case, an olive oil cake, or a rich chocolate something that pairs nicely with a digestivo from the bar. Take home holiday magic If your December calendar is heavy on school concerts and office parties but light on time to cook, Nicoletta’s Gourmet2Go section is a holiday lifesaver. The marketplace stocks fresh pastas, sauces, hand-made lasagnas, charcuterie, and other ready-to-bake dishes, along with focaccia, sweets, and Italian pantry treasures like olive oils, vinegars, and specialty salts. It’s also a go-to source for hostess gifts—think a bag of fresh pasta and pesto, a bottle of good olive oil, a gorgeously wrapped panettone (Italy's version of fruitcake) or a little assortment of Italian sweets for your “hostess with the most-est” list this year. Carolers, cocktails, and a visit from the Grinch For the holidays, Nicoletta’s leans all the way into festive. Expect twinkling décor, seasonal spritzes and cocktails on the drinks list, and a lineup of events that has included everything from roaming carolers to visits from Santa and the Grinch himself. This year’s schedule may vary, so check their website for dates and details. Whether you’re popping in for a “conscientiously sized” lunch from their very reasonable midday menu, settling in for a long dinner with live piano, or swinging by to pick up fresh pasta and focaccia for a cozy night at home, Nicoletta’s has a way of making room for one more—one more person, one more story, one more course. And really, that’s what the holidays are about in Lake Oswego: a place at the table, good food, and the feeling that, for an evening at least, we’re all family. 11/17/2025 0 Comments Mann's Delivers Lake-side VibesGorgeous views, gracious service, and several standout plates |
Originally published in our Lake O Magazine Last Summer Splash Preview issue. |  |
11/13/2025 0 Comments
SOOL KOREAN KITCHEN - SO(OL) GOOD!
 | Lake Oswego now has a new destination for crave‑worthy Korean fare: Sool—a name that’s already turned heads in Vancouver. The vibe at the Oswego location, which took over the former Lardo (www.lardosandwiches.com) outpost in Mercato Grove, leans relaxed and unpretentious, letting the food do the talking. And, oh boy, did it have a lot to say! |
Friendly servers were very helpful in walking us through the menu and making suggestions that hit the mark.
The kimchi pancakes are a must‑order—crispy, flavorful, and well‑balanced. The pork and beef bulgogi are both hearty and delicious as was the kimchi pork stir fry.
The LA short ribs (galbi) were marinated, charred at the edges, falling-off-the-bone tender and layered with smokey roasted garlic. Wash it down with makgeolli: a slightly fizzy, milky rice wine, tangy, mildly sweet, and delightfully creamy - it was an ideal pairing with smoky galbi. They have an extensive Korean beer menu and some Korean wines as well.
All the dishes are “more-ish” and I found myself snacking on the (ample) leftovers that night and again for breakfast - straight out of the container! It’s exactly the kind of authentic Korean food LO has been waiting for—bold, rich, and deeply satisfying.
Sool Korean Kitchen: 4025 Mercantile Dr STE 125, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
soolkorea.com/lake-oswego
The kimchi pancakes are a must‑order—crispy, flavorful, and well‑balanced. The pork and beef bulgogi are both hearty and delicious as was the kimchi pork stir fry.
The LA short ribs (galbi) were marinated, charred at the edges, falling-off-the-bone tender and layered with smokey roasted garlic. Wash it down with makgeolli: a slightly fizzy, milky rice wine, tangy, mildly sweet, and delightfully creamy - it was an ideal pairing with smoky galbi. They have an extensive Korean beer menu and some Korean wines as well.
All the dishes are “more-ish” and I found myself snacking on the (ample) leftovers that night and again for breakfast - straight out of the container! It’s exactly the kind of authentic Korean food LO has been waiting for—bold, rich, and deeply satisfying.
Sool Korean Kitchen: 4025 Mercantile Dr STE 125, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
soolkorea.com/lake-oswego
Oswego Lake: What’s New, What’s Not
Ever since a March 2025 ruling there has been a lot of opinions, chatter and confusion about Oswego Lake becoming “public.” All this was amplified by the announcement that the lake would be closed to public this upcoming July 4 weekend.
To help cut through the noise, Lake O Magazine put together this short-n-sweet guide to what's changing - and what's NOT changing - as we dive deeper into the summer lake season.
To help cut through the noise, Lake O Magazine put together this short-n-sweet guide to what's changing - and what's NOT changing - as we dive deeper into the summer lake season.
What HAS Changed
Public Access Now Available: Oswego Lake is now recognized as a public waterway. That means anyone can now legally access the lake, not just Lake Oswego residents.
New Public Launch Point: The City of Lake Oswego has designated Lower Millennium Plaza Park as the access point for the public. You can launch non-motorized watercraft only (think kayaks, canoes, and SUPs—no motors) up to 18 feet in length. There’s no ramp access, so you’ll need to carry your gear down a set of stepped platforms. (And if you parked in free parking on 1st street, you'll also need to lug it up and down several full flights of steps and across a train track!)
State Rules Now Apply: Once you're on the lake, it’s just like any other Oregon waterway. That means following Oregon Marine Board rules—bring life jackets, a whistle, and get a waterway access permit if your craft is over 10 feet long. (Find more here)
New Public Launch Point: The City of Lake Oswego has designated Lower Millennium Plaza Park as the access point for the public. You can launch non-motorized watercraft only (think kayaks, canoes, and SUPs—no motors) up to 18 feet in length. There’s no ramp access, so you’ll need to carry your gear down a set of stepped platforms. (And if you parked in free parking on 1st street, you'll also need to lug it up and down several full flights of steps and across a train track!)
State Rules Now Apply: Once you're on the lake, it’s just like any other Oregon waterway. That means following Oregon Marine Board rules—bring life jackets, a whistle, and get a waterway access permit if your craft is over 10 feet long. (Find more here)
What HASN'T Changed
Motorized Boats Are Still a No-Go for Most: You can't launch a motorboat unless you’re a shareholder or live in a property with a lake easement. That’s because, according to the Lake Oswego Corporation “ All craft on the lake must have appropriate permits and documentation required by the state. In addition, all craft entering through our access points still need to be tagged and licensed by the Lake Oswego Corporation.
And the only people who can get tagged and licensed by LOC are - you guessed it - people with either easements or who are shareholders. Get more info from the Lake Oswego Corporation here.
Private Swim Parks Stay Private: The swim parks on Oswego Lake are a nostalgic throwback to 50's summer camp, complete with the long wooden piers, picnic. tables and more. However, there is no change in policy for access to these parks. They remain open to residents as outlined here:
The good news for those looking for a refreshing dip? There are several terrific options in and around Lake Oswego.
- The Lake Oswego Swim Park (run by the City) still requires proof of Lake Oswego residency for entry.
- The Lake Grove Swim Park (run by the Lake Oswego School District) will continue to allow access to the following groups only all LOSD students
- Swim lessons continue to be open to all LO kiddos
- Non-LOSD students who reside within the boundaries of the former Lake Grove School District (prior to its merger with the Oswego School District in 1953) (you can call them and tell them your address and they can check for you).
The good news for those looking for a refreshing dip? There are several terrific options in and around Lake Oswego.
Easement/Shareholder Fees Still Apply: Last but certainly not least (especially if you are one of the folks footing the bill!), if your home comes with lake access, you’ll still pay annual fees to access the easements, and, if applicable (such as for those lakeside properties) a $7,500 transfer fee to the Lake Corp when buying/selling your home.
          | Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish concept that embodies cozy contentment and well-being through simple pleasures. As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, it's the perfect time to embrace hygge and create a warm, inviting atmosphere at home. Whether it's curling up with a book, enjoying a hot cup of tea, or spending time with loved ones, hygge is about finding joy in everyday moments.What is Hygge?Hygge is more than just a trend; it's a way of life that encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment. It’s about creating a sanctuary where you can relax and recharge. Think of it as the art of creating intimacy, whether it's with yourself, your home, or your friends and family. 5 Steps to a Hygge Home
Get Hygge with It! Listen to these podcasts for even more hygge inspiration:
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9/14/2023 2 Comments
Boat Drinks Undrunk
Photo Credit: Beso Bar & Bottle You can't swing an oar these days without bumping into more data that suggest eliminating or reducing alcohol consumption is a good thing. But lest our dear Jimmy Buffet (RIP) roll over in his grave, we're here to tell you, that you can have your boat drinks AF, too!
Local Lake Oswego restaurants like Oven and Shaker, Lola's and even Lake Oswego's sleeper foodie surprise Lakeview Theater offer a bevy of refreshing, satisfying low-alcohol or alcohol-free (AF) libations. Whether you want a hot or cold beverage, sweet or spicy, simple or complex, you can find an AF sipper that hits the spot. Here at Lake O magazine, we've rounded up some of the best:
Beso Bar & Bottle It may see counter-intuitive to feature a wine bar on a list of AF drinks, but in addition to amazing Spanish-inspired dishes and great wine, this bar and restaurant also offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, such as mocktails, sodas, juices, and teas. You can try their signature Beso Mocktail, which is made with cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda. You can also enjoy their house-made lemonade, ginger ale, or iced tea. If you are feeling adventurous, you can order their spicy pineapple mocktail, which has pineapple juice, jalapeño simple syrup, lime juice, and club soda.
Local Lake Oswego restaurants like Oven and Shaker, Lola's and even Lake Oswego's sleeper foodie surprise Lakeview Theater offer a bevy of refreshing, satisfying low-alcohol or alcohol-free (AF) libations. Whether you want a hot or cold beverage, sweet or spicy, simple or complex, you can find an AF sipper that hits the spot. Here at Lake O magazine, we've rounded up some of the best:
Beso Bar & Bottle It may see counter-intuitive to feature a wine bar on a list of AF drinks, but in addition to amazing Spanish-inspired dishes and great wine, this bar and restaurant also offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, such as mocktails, sodas, juices, and teas. You can try their signature Beso Mocktail, which is made with cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda. You can also enjoy their house-made lemonade, ginger ale, or iced tea. If you are feeling adventurous, you can order their spicy pineapple mocktail, which has pineapple juice, jalapeño simple syrup, lime juice, and club soda.
Oven & Shaker The Lake Oswego outpost of this mouth-watering pizza joint, has a legit AF drinks list with the likes of the Fallen Yellowjacket and scratch-made ginger ale. Pair it with their mind-blowing gluten-free pizza for double the guilt-free goodness.
Lola's Cafe Bar This coffee shop and restaurant serves up creative and delicious non-alcoholic drinks, such as smoothies, kombuchas, and sours. You can try their Berry Blast Smoothie, which has blueberries, strawberries, banana, almond milk, and honey. You can also sample their local kombuchas from Happy Mountain or Brew Dr. If you want something more sour, you can order their Hibiscus Sour, which has hibiscus tea, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
Le Provence Boulengerie This bakery and cafe offers a variety of no-proof sips, featuring fresh-squeezed fruits and veggie, like their green drink, envy. Or get their version of a Shirley Temple, the Shirley Provence, which is soda with a splash of pomegranate and orange
Lakeview Theater Not only does this lake-side independent movie house serve up some of the tastiest eats in LO (we are BEGGING them to start serving brunch), their cocktails also slay. But for those times when you're not wanting a high-proof hit, just ask for their signature shrub -- hold the booze. This seltzer or tonic-driven drink features a rotating assortment of bitters and lime. Although not 100% AF (bitters have some alcohol content), it's a great, low-proof sip.
Straightaway Cocktails A littler further afield in Tigard, this cocktail bar and distillery specializes in ready-to-drink cocktails that are made with natural ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors. However, their tasting rooms also offer a selection of AF drinks featuring Portland Syrups (a veritable mother-ship of all things good and AF). You can try their Lintik Mocktail, which has calamansi lime juice, ginger syrup, and soda water. You can also try their Spritz Mocktail, which has grapefruit juice, elderflower syrup, and soda water.
9/2/2023 0 Comments
Winning the turf war
When we purchased what we lovingly called the Grand Dame* - a tri-level Palisades house with 3 fireplaces a swoon-worthy library and a metric ton (or more) of honeyed-oak trim - a few years ago, we knew the back yard was going to be a bit of a challenge. Like many homes in LO, the house is built into the side of a very steep lot - great if you're a goat. Less great if you actually want a level place to park a trampoline.
*Sometimes renamed the Grand DAMN, depending on the latest plumbing, electrical, HVAC, decking "surprise."
But what we didn't realize is the front yard would become a mud-pit that was not just an eye-sore, it was also helping recreate the film " A River Runs Through It" in the house's foundation. Yikes.
Here's a photo from the original house listing... lots of overgrown bushes and our very own mud pit.
*Sometimes renamed the Grand DAMN, depending on the latest plumbing, electrical, HVAC, decking "surprise."
But what we didn't realize is the front yard would become a mud-pit that was not just an eye-sore, it was also helping recreate the film " A River Runs Through It" in the house's foundation. Yikes.
Here's a photo from the original house listing... lots of overgrown bushes and our very own mud pit.
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Sure the goat-hill was pretty when covered in snow.... But the original "landscape" in the front was basically channelling all of the runoff from our lovely Cooks Butte Park with its zillions of awesome-sauce hiking trails into the front wall of our house -- right under the aforementioned "dreamy" library, which was now my office.
In addition to be an incredible writer, artist and now filmmaker, my wife is also a serious advocate for sustainability. So once we realized we were going to have to address the front yard first and hatched a plan to create the much-needed trampoline space there, she dug into the pros and cons of natural grass versus turf. (There is a longer story here related to even MORE desired heated pool, which I will save for another post, but suffice it to say the trampoline and our bank account won that battle.)
Both options have their merits, so this turf war was a battle of epic Rock-em Sock-em Robot proportions, but only you (and your yard) can decide the winner. Here are some key points to conside when you are aiming to go green:
Turf
Year-Round Greenery: One of the most significant advantages of artificial turf is its evergreen appearance. No matter the weather or season, your lawn will maintain its vibrant green color, giving your outdoor space a consistently manicured look.
Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to mowing, weeding, and fertilizing. Turf requires minimal upkeep, saving you time, money, and the hassle of traditional lawn care. Plus, no more muddy paws or feet tracking dirt into your home!
Water Conservation: In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, artificial turf shines as a water-saving option. You won't need to water it regularly, making it an excellent choice for regions with water restrictions. However, there is some evidence that turf displaces insects and other little critters that would normally live in natural grass. Additionally, the cast-off trim from turf shaping is difficult to recycle.
Durability: Turf can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to pests and diseases. It won't develop unsightly bald spots or require reseeding, ensuring your lawn looks presentable for several years.
Grass
Natural Aesthetics: There's no denying a well-maintained natural grass lawn is pretty. The lush, organic appearance of real grass adds a unique charm to your outdoor space that's hard to replicate - and it feels nice on the tootsies and paws. That said, high traffic areas can quickly be reduced to mud - especially in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest.
Eco-Friendly: Natural grass absorbs carbon dioxide, filters the air, and provides a habitat for various beneficial organisms. It contributes positively to the environment, promoting biodiversity and air quality.
Cooling Effect: Grass can help cool the surrounding area. On hot summer days, it feels noticeably cooler to walk on grass than on artificial turf, making it a comfortable choice for outdoor activities.
Renewable: Grass is renewable and self-repairing (but see note above). With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a healthy lawn for generations without the need for synthetic replacements.
Turf for the Win!
In the end, we did opt for turf for this small patch of space. We did this for several reasons including the fact that our kids would be using it year round, there would still be consistent moisture despite the French drains year-round, and the practical difficultly of getting a lawn mower into the space.
However, through the process it helped us solidify plans for the larger back-yard project, which will NOT feature turf in favor of more environmentally friendly options. But that is for another day.
9/2/2023 0 Comments
5 Back to School Hacks for LO
Your's truly is in DEEP denial that her little monkeys are old enough to be headed into 5th grade! If you are managing the tween 10-going-on-20 mood shifts like I am -- or even if you aren't quite ready to let go of summer fun yourself, then these back-to-school hacks may put a little spring in their - and your! - back-to-school step.
Check out the article here: 5 Back to School Hacks
Check out the article here: 5 Back to School Hacks
Life on the LAKE.
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