Goodbye Fermenter, Hello Il Paffuto

Il Paffuto signage with reflection
Photo credit: Il Paffuto

As readers of this blog know, Fermenter closed its doors in March, with the promise of a new concept in its place. That new concept is Il Paffuto, which in the words of owner Aaron Adams, “basically means fat guy, which is one way to describe me for sure.” And while it sounds like this is going to be an Italian restaurant, Aaron emphasizes that the food is “DEFINITELY NOT TRADITIONAL ITALIAN”—but they will serve pasta (so think, “Italian-inspired”). He will bring with him the work he’s done with craft fermentation in the restaurant space. As he told me, “If you liked Portobello and Fermenter, you’ll like Il Paffuto.”

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Get Ready for Fallow’s Restaurant, From the People Behind Bastion

A beautiful salad. Photo credit: Fallow’s Restaurant

The folks behind Bastion, a restaurant in Sellwood that shows you that food can be both healthy and delicious, are opening up a new restaurant, Fallow’s, just up the street in the old Relish Gastropub space. They will offer dinner service (Bastion closes at 4pm the days they are open). As a fan of Bastion, I’m pretty excited about this.

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Four Things I Learned This Week (March 22)

Portland Pickles Pub is now open. This new sports bar, deemed, “massive,” opened yesterday, Thursday March 21. Indeed, it’s pretty big. Their press release states, “The space will not only serve as a gathering place for fans to cheer on their favorite teams but also as the campaign headquarters for Dillon T Pickle, who is running for president this year.” I’m pretty chuffed at their plans to offer various stadium dogs, including Dodger Dogs, which really are my favorite hot dogs in baseball history (will use actual Farmer John franks?). And while I bristled a bit when I read this: “This venue will be more than just a place to watch games; it will be a vibrant space where fans can come together to celebrate their love for sports, regardless of where their allegiances lie, except for Yankees fans.” I kind of get it. I still hope this Yankees fan will be welcome there, this season and beyond. 3932 N Mississippi Avenue, Portland

Women-owned restaurants near the MODA Center list. Prosper Portland put together an Instagram post of slides featuring lists of women-owned restaurants and bars near this major entertainment venue. Two of my favorites, The Sports Bra (IMO their Greek Chi-Chi Bean Salad is one of the best salads in Portland) and The Pocket Pub (pizza, salad, and tiramisu are all excellent there) are on there, as well as Wilf’s, Bao Bao, The Hostel Cafe, and more. Check it out! Various locations

Heck Beer released their Silver Linings NA IPA this week. And they sold out—no surprise. This was a limited run and accessing it was through their online portal. But don’t despair! They will be releasing their Gentle Persuasion Golden next month. And, you may be able to get a can of the IPA at Lardo, Grassa, or Bluto’s. Also, if you want to carry this NA beer at your bar, email Heck at wholesale@heck.beer. Finally, there’s going to be a launch party at some point, too, to celebrate this NA beer brewed in Portland. Congrats to Heck on their good work! Online intermittently and various locations

Los Burros Supremos is heading to the west side. For months Los Burros Supremos been serving delicious burritos and more in the old Woodsman Market space on SE Division, but that will end soon. Speaking of “end,” their new location will be in downtown’s West End section, where Kenny & Zuke’s used to be. Here is the core detail you need to. know: the last day of service on SE Division is Sunday, March 24. That following week they’ll be moving their setup west; timing indicates an April 1 opening. I’m sorry to see them leave the east side but that just makes room for something new. 4529 SE Division Street, Portland now, 1038 SW Harvey Milk Street, Portland later

Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, February 2024

Data Analytics Chart

Posting this in a “better late than never” approach, I’m happy to say that February 2024 was another good month on the blog with about 19,000 page views generated by over 14,500 unique visitors—and for a shorter month than January! As for what was popular, it was heavy on the bars, with a couple of eatery news stories. The opening of new places is always something fun to read about.

As always, thanks for reading, sharing, and sending tips!

5. Mokdong Gimbap to Open in Old Frog & Snail Space

Vegetable_gimbap

As you know from reading this blog, Frog & Snail closed earlier this year, ending easy access to crepes and the magnificent French onion meatball sub they were known for. But a new place is opening up there, Mokdong Gimbap, offering sushi and—you’d expect—especially gimbap.

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