If paradise is to be found here on earth, it would include sushi and a place to skate. With a free afternoon in Portland following a morning meeting, it was just a short walk over to Miyake for their lunchtime bento box. Each compartment is filled with a different selction of scrumptious morsels — this day’s included sushi, fried flounder with yuzu, sashimi, agedashi tofu, tender salad greens topped with beets, and a crispy oyster with shimeji mushrooms. The selection changes daily according to the season and the chef’s whim, and is one of the best lunch deals in town.

The afternoon ended with a visit to The Rink at Thompson’s Point, which, until my friend arrived, I had all to myself. Overlooking the Fore River, this outdoor rink affords a panoramic view of downtown Portland across the water. I’m told Monday, the day I was there, is the least crowded of times, with the first session the quietest of all, and, if you’re lucky, they’ll even let you choose the music. If quiet isn’t your thing, the Beer Yurt located on site can make for a festive atmosphere, especially as day turns into evening. And if that wasn’t enough to entice you down Thompson’s Point, Bissell Brothers Brewing Company is just a short stroll across the parking lot, another convivial place to finish the day.