While
the image of Clark Kent looks on, episodes of Lost in Space play on a wall mounted
TV set above the dance floor of the Daily Planet, located at 11312 S.E. Powell
Blvd. The Daily Planet
By Patrice Raplee
While
the image of Clark Kent looks on, episodes of Lost in Space play on a wall mounted
TV set above the dance floor of the Daily Planet, located at 11312 S.E. Powell
Blvd.
Established
30 years ago with several name changes under its belt, this restaurant and lounge
has seen the evolution of change. The latest transformation to occur is the
addition of a dance floor and DJ Joy Peters, who not only plays your favorite
dance tunes ranging from the '50s to the '90s, but she sings live as well.
One
of only two acts in Portland have this unique show. Peters, a well trained vocalist
who studied in New York, has performed with various bands since 1990. Two years
ago, she joined with Mark Knight, who introduced the format of singing live,
mixed with DJ music. The pair performed their new act in the Red Lion Inn at
Jantzen Beach. The format has started to catch on and now Peters and Knight
have two separate shows to accommodate different locations.
Without
the worry of wondering whether or not the drummer is going to show up, or having
the messy task of firing a recalcitrant band member, this new type of show is
becoming the rage. Switching between a live performance and playing everyone's
favorite dance tunes appears to be the perfect mix. A compelling setting, with
Peters singing Patsy Cline's Crazy and the warm glow radiating from the fireplace
in the center room of the Daily Planet, soon had a couple on their feet looking
adoringly into each others' eyes while they slow danced.
If you are interested in learning line-dancing, the Electric Slide, or Power
Jam, Peters will come right out on the dance floor and be happy to show anyone
the latest dance steps. This innovative show is obviously a lot of fun judging
by the crowd's reaction. Peters has the talent, personality and music to coax
even the most reluctant dancers to their feet.
Monty
Weschenfelder, owner of the Daily Planet for the last 10 years, has worked hard
at achieving a restaurant that consistently serves excellent food. Wooden beam
ceilings and firelight pervade the establishment making the Daily Planet so
alluring. Steaks, prime rib, seafood, or pressure fried chicken are just a few
items on the menu. The fresh halibut fish and ships cooked in cholesterol-free
oil tend to be the big favorite, according to waitress Cindy Ehrig. Breakfast
starts at 8:30 a.m. and if your appetite has gotten the better of you, try the
four-egg, pan-cooked omelet smothered in country gravy. The Planet's beef or
cajun chicken breasts are popular with the lunchtime crowd, along with a variety
of burgers and sandwiches.
Dinner can be a hectic decision- making process, especially if you have children.
The Daily Planet caters to family-oriented meals, with the added bonus of a
more sophisticated menu for adults. Pork chops, steaks, prime rib, homemade
meatloaf, chicken and seafood specialties fill the pages of the menu. Food can
also be ordered to go.
Every
lounge that is worth its salt has a drink specialty; the Daily Planet is no
exception, the Jelly Bean is a potent little number with a blackberrry brandy
base served as a shot. Nightly specials are offered as well as your standard
favorites. Free appetizers are provided Friday and Saturday, from 10 p.m. to
midnight, a bit of added energy to keep you in the partying spirit. (See ad
for more details.)