Food and other edibles in Portland, OR
News and reviews of restaurants in Portland, Oregon.
Some of the most written about places on this blog include:
Portland Mercado [Latin American]
Ben & Esther’s [Jewish/Vegan]
Sizzle Pie [Pizza]
Bee’s Cakes [Cakes and Baked Goods]
Salt & Straw [Ice Cream]
Nepali Kitchen [Nepalese]
Vivienne[Bakery, Wine Bar, Bookstore]
Kachka [Russian]
Chin’s Kitchen [Dongbei Chinese]
Arrowood [New American]
I thought I’d take a look at some stories published here in the past and provide some updates. Interestingly enough, movement on these three places—Wonderlove, Hayden Island, and the old Yen Ha Space all made themselves known this week.
Continue reading “Some Updates: Wonderlove, Delta Park Food Carts, and the Old Yen Ha Space”
Kouzina is out, Michael’s is in.
A Bridgetown Bites tipster email me earlier this week: “Walked by today and saw Kouzina moving out. A sign in the window states that Michael’s Italian Beef and Sausage Co. is moving in soon.” They offer Italian-style beef, sausage, and various cold sandwiches; and Chicago-style hot dogs.
Continue reading “Michael’s Italian Beef and Sausage Co. Will Reopen on SE Hawthorne”
I still miss you, Dutch Baby from Beeswing.
If you’ve read this blog over the years, you know of my penchant for the “ground hog” spoof on “Groundhog Day” (prediction duties belong to Stumptown Fil here in Portland). I still encourage you to eat some sausages on February 2, but did you know that there’s another, much older tradition of eating pancakes on February 2? Yes, it’s true!
February 2 is the date of of Candlemas, a Christian feast day, that coincides around the time of Imbolc (February 1, so good chance there was some borrowing going on), a cross-quarter day at the midpoint between the Solstice and Equinox. It marks “the first stirrings of spring.” I’ve already seen photos on social media featuring the crocus, springing up after the dreadful ice storm we just had.
Back to Candlemas—one way to celebrate is by eating pancakes or crepes. These delicious food items resemble the sun, so I’m told—golden and round, ushering in spring (or, at least, hopes of it). And Portland has a number of places you can eat such things, which I’ll highlight below. This is by no means a perfect or comprehensive overview of pancakes/crepes available in the area, but is a list of interesting options in our fair city.
Cameo Cafe
“Home of the acre pancake,” their pancakes are quite large, taking over the dinner plate they are served on. I’ve read that they make them in quarter-acre increments, the smallest of which is that dinner-plate-sized pancake. Imagine the size of an acre pancake.
And if a traditional American pancake isn’t for you, give their Pindaettok a try, the Korean savory pancake on the menu. It, too, is quite large and is made with vegetables, beans, spices and ground rice. Get it with eggs and their Strong Bread toast. 8111 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland and 7703 NE 72nd Avenue, Vancouver, WA. suegees.com/cameo-cafe
Continue reading “Eat Pancakes on Candelmas (February 2)”
The beautiful pastries at JinJu Patisserie. Stop by before February 16, when they go on a short hiatus.
Final weekend at Bee’s. The ice storm caused chaos, as we know, and delayed the final weekend at Bee’s in Roseway. Head over there today through Sunday to enjoy their cake slices, laminated pastries, cookies, and more. The cafe is open from 8am to 3pm each day. 7137 NE Fremont Street, Portland
Continue reading “Small Bites: Redwood, Hong Phat, Rift Valley Market, Yaowarat, and More”Sandy Jug to open this month. Over on Instagram, the Sandy Jug Tavern posted, “pushed back a week. hopefully this next weekend.” Sounds like they’ll be open not this weekend but the next, so that would be the weekend of January 26 (if you count Friday evening as part of the weekend). It’s exciting to think they’ll be open soon; I can’t wait to check it out. 7417 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Rescheduled collab between Nico’s and Pip’s. This crazy icy weather has thrown multiple monkey wrenches into multiple businesses this week, so the originally planned collab between Nico’s Ice Cream and Pip’s Original had to be postponed. They are attempting to do it this weekend: “We’ll be blending in Pip’s donuts into our vanilla base, then topping it with nutella, honey, and coconut flakes. We call it the Tropical Reggie Lee!” If you can, head to Nico’s Fremont location on Saturday, January 20 all day (noon to 9pm). 5713 NE Fremont Street, Portland
That “10 Places” bit on social. I’ve seen it mostly on Instagram, but people are sharing the 10 restaurants/small businesses they want to support after the ice recedes enough to get back out into the world. For me, I want to support the following:
If you have suggestions or favorite place you want to support, drop a comment.
Upcoming relevér popup. I recently came across the Instagram for relevér and have learned that the key element of the work of this popup is “spicy.” Last November their food was influenced by “Korean, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, French and Spanish cuisines.” This time, it’s …. TACO BELL? Yes, it sure looks like it. Whatever the inspiration, there will be food by Chef Han Ly Hwang of Kim Jong Grillin and natural wines by Chef Kyle Christy of Street Disco. Coming soon. 4144A SE 60th Avenue, Portland