Small Bites - Rangoon Bistro, Sebastiano's Cannoli, Closings, Openings, and Breakfast

The highly-praised cannoli at Sebastiano’s. Photo credit: Sebastiano’s

I came across so many interesting tidbits this week, so here’s a Small Bites in place of Four Things.

Banh Mi Boys update. Back in September (in another Small Bites post) I wrote about the arrival of Metairie-based Banh Mi Boys in the old Doe Donuts space on SE 82nd Ave. Turns out that space has not worked out for them so they are on the hunt for another location. Here’s hoping they stay on the east side (but I’m biased that way). New location TBD

A “Christmas miracle” at Pix. Pix Patisserie/Bar Vivant is opening up for indoor dining: “The Pix / Bar Vivant doors will be open once again in December for a limited number of dine-in reservations. We would like to welcome you back for savory Spanish tapas, French Patisserie and a plethora of sherry, champagne and other tasty beverages from our award winning beverage list.” Reservations can be made here. Plus, holiday tea! 2225 E Burnside Street, Portland

New seasonal nut butter from Eliot’s. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Eliot’s Nut Butters, especially the Spicy Thai Peanut Butter flavor. But now they have released a limited-run flavor that has got me seriously intrigued: Pistachio Dates Almond Butter. It’s an almond and pistachio base, with date syrup swirled in with cinnamon, cardamom and a little salt. Sounds fantastic to me. You can find it on their website.

Handsome/Seastar breakfast time expansion. Good news: Handsome/Seastar is now open Wednesday through Sunday mornings starting at 8am. Check out their breakfast menu, and stop by to enjoy their heated outdoor seating. 1603 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland

Foie gras ban? Yes, the Portland city council is looking into it.

Sandino Brothers is closing Mercado location. Sorry to see Sandino Brothers having to depart the Mercado, which I believe is the original location: “It is with great sadness we share the news that our Sandino Brothers location at the Portland Mercado will close our doors on December 31, 2021. The good news is that you will still be able to get our coffee at our Sandy Blvd location.” From personal standpoint, I’m glad they are remaining in Rose City Park, and wish them lots of good business there (I’ll be in for a cardamom latte soon). 7238 SE Foster Road, Portland (until 12/31/21); 5730 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Two local fermented beverages of note. If you’ve been reading the blog recently, I’m a fan of fermentation. I wanted to highlight a couple of notable fermented beverages I’ve come across recently—the kvass at Citymaxx and the Holiday Spiced Kombucha at Fermenter. The kvass is lovely and fruity and easy to drink, this coming from someone who does not really like beet kvass (I have not tasted bread kvass). You can even get it in half-gallon sizes now. And the seasonal kombucha at Fermenter sure sounds good—it’s made with black tea and Rooibos, ginger, cinnamon/cardamom/clove/star anise, and has a residual sweetness to it. It’s available in a 64oz growler. Citymaxx, 3552 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland; Fermenter, 1403 SE Belmont Street, Portland

Last chance to get Stefania’s Kitchen lasagnas (among other things) in 2021. As the kids say, #IYKYK. Stefania Toscano AKA Stefania’s Kitchen makes mouthwatering lasagnas, other pastas and sauces, sells them online, and you pick up at Cowbell. She’s at the end of her year (most but not all of the lasagnas are sold out as of this writing, but there are sauces and pantry goods available) and you have until Thursday, December 16 to place your order: “Place your orders up until next Thursday: the last pickup and delivery before Xmas is Friday, December 17th. I close my kitchen at the end of next week, and I’m taking a break for the holidays. I’ll be open again for business on January 3rd.” Cowbell, 231 SE Alder Street, Portland

Get over to La Osita before the 23rd. This celebrated cart in Mill Park will close for Christmas through the New Year—last day of business will be Thursday the 23rd and will return Tuesday, January 4. This is one of the most delicious breakfast carts in Portland, so stop by before the 23rd to get your breakfast/brunch taco or burrito, bowls, canela lattes, and smoothies. 1515 -A, SE 122nd Avenue, Portland

Praise for Sebastiano’s cannoli. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden was by Sebsatiano’s recently and proclaimed their cannoli to be “great ones,” comparing them to the best in NYC. Even though “them’s fighting words,” as someone who has eaten many a cannoli in Queens, as well as the ones at Sebastiano’s, I can confirm that they are truly excellent. It helps that they are filled to order (soggy pre-filled cannoli are non vanno bene). 411 SE 81st Avenue, Portland

Sweet Lorraine’s is moving. They and their latkes are moving south to 4631 N Albina Avenue and they will see you there in the new year (they close December 20). Our condolences go out to the Sweet Lorraine team, as their namesake, Grandma Lorraine, recently passed away. 1331 N Killingsworth, Portland until December 20, 2021

Rangoon Bistro is also moving. They announced on their Instagram this week that they’ll be bringing their Burmese dishes to the Breathe Building as a brick-and-mortar restaurant. As for the Breathe Building, it is “a sustainably constructed gathering space dedicated to increasing equitable access to movement, awareness practice, arts and education.” This also means they’ll be leaving their Gotham building location. It will be good to see them thrive in their new digs. 2305 SE 50th Avenue, Portland

Gorgeous charcuterie boxes from Eater Box. I love this Instagram feed of beautiful charcuterie boxes, boards, and grazing tables. If you’re looking for an enticing, put-together star of a party, this is worth considering.

Gingerbread KitKats. I’ve always been a bit envious of places like Japan where there are a seemingly endless variety of KitKat flavors. When I was at the Hollywood Rite-Aid the other day, I saw a bag of gingerbread KitKats. I had to give them a try. Turns out they are very tasty—sweet (of course) with a tiny bit of spiciness, and a flavor reminiscent of the maple glaze on a maple bar. It may be my favorite KitKat flavor I’ve had yet.