Turn Your Apples and Pears Into Community Cider

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I was reminded about the Portland Cider Company community cider program—now called the Fruit Forward Apple & Pear Drive—via a Willamette Week article and it just really made my day. Back in 2017 when I first learned about it, I remember how amazing an effort it was. That hasn’t changed, and I’m so happy to know they are at it again and now in its seventh year!

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Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, August 2022

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I enjoy seeing what Bridgetown Bites readers gravitate toward and August 2022 was no exception to that. It was a bit of a mix this time around: the sad news of Yohhei Sato’s untimely death; restaurant news; and event info. I did attend the Middle Eastern Festival and it was lovely as always—highlights were the chicken skewers and the ma’amoul that melted in your mouth. And remember: O’Dear opens their doors this week! The grand opening is Thursday at noon.

Thanks, as always for reading.

5. Yohhei Sato, Gone Too Soon

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Earlier this week I was shocked to learn of the sudden death of beloved Portland mobile knife sharpener Yohhei Sato. He sharpened knives under the name Sato Sharpening, and was beloved among so many Portlandersā€”chefs, food industry pros, and regular people alike. I wanted to take this space to recognize him, honor him, and express my sympathy to those who loved him.

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Small Bites – Closings, Anniversaries, New Menus, Consolidations, Ice Cream, and More

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Ensalada Bomba at G-Love. Photo credit: G-Love

A whole raft of tidbits have crossed my desk this week, so welcome to another edition of Small Bites (in place of Friday’s regular Four Things I Learned This Week column). Also: have a great Labor Day Weekend, too!

Best bars and restaurants for wine lovers in PDX. Decanter published a delightful listicle of their favorite spots for wine lovers in our fair city. Included on that list are Davenport, Canard, Coquine, Providore, and more.

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Ora et Labora Wine Shop Coming to North Williams

Logos for Ora et Labora.

I noticed a liquor license application posted for Ora et Labora this week, and I have to admit—I was enticed by its mellifluous name. According to the website, Ora et Labora plans a fall 2022 opening or a December 2022 opening, depending on the source, located on that hip strip of businesses on N Williams (think EEM, Eat: An Oyster Bar, Crisp Salads, etc).

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Farewell, Cooperativa

The excellent Roman-style pizza slices at Cooperativa. Photo credit: Cooperativa

The news of Cooperativa’s closing has made the rounds in local food media this week, and said news remains an unfortunate reality. Cooperativa was—IS—an important part of the new-ish Italian market scene here in Portland, and it’s departure will leave a big hole in the city’s food scene. This is their final week; they close Saturday, September 3.

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