Small Bites: Mochi Donuts, Paladin Pie, Paris Baguette, James Beard Finalists, and More

Flour Market’s cafe in the Concordia neighborhood. Photo credit: Flour Market

A variety of tidbits crossed my desk this week, and now I’m passing them on to you (in place of my regular “Four Things” column).

Changes to the Kells Building sale. The Portland Business Journal reported on a meaningful adjustment to the for sale listing of the building that is home to Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub. The owners, Gerard and Lucy McAleese, wanted to sell the building but keep the business going, but that has changed. The property listing indicates: “Though the Glisan Building will be delivered vacant upon sale, it is currently home to renowned Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub, presenting an excellent opportunity for a restaurant/bar, event space, or creative office space.” 112 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland

Mikiko Mochi Donuts soft-opened today. Even though the grand opening is tomorrow, February 25, Mikiko Mochi, which offers baked GF donuts made with mochiko, a rice flour, opened this morning. They’ve set up shop in the ground floor retail space at the new Everett Street Lofts building (managed by the management company at my old apartment, Anchor NW). They will be open 7 days a week, 8am-3pm. 300 NE 28th Avenue, Portland

More donut celebration. The Instagram account, @asianmomspdx, run by Liana and Annie, wrote an ode to the donut and the comfort it offers, all connected to happy memories. I’ve met folks from the east coast like her who have a strong connection to Dunkin (personally, I’m not a big fan), but I was glad to see her celebrate local donuts, including one of my favorites, Annie’s Donuts on NE Sandy Blvd and 72nd.

“Don’t you want to see our oven look like a giant 20-sided die?” Paladin Pie, run by Leo Brill (“long-time pizza guy and dragon enthusiast”), is looking to become a full-fledged pizza food cart. He makes naturally fermented dough for his crusts in a New York City style pie. Check out his Kickstarter to help fund his food cart dreams, which will be located at the pod at NE Alberta/23rd Avenue, hopefully opening in March.

Pulutan pop-up this weekend at Culmination Brewing. Some tasty Filipino drinking food from Barkada PDX will be available at Culmination this weekend, starting today, and then happening every other week through May. So what will they offer? This weekend look for their adobo fried chicken, “Almost Famous” lumpia, plus some vegetarian and vegan eats. 4-10pm on Friday and Sunday, and 2pm til sold out on Saturday. 2117 NE Oregon Street, Portland

The Flour Market cafe in Concordia is open. They had their first week as a cafe/bakery recently and it sounds like it went well. They are located in the old Biga Pizza space. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday, 8am to 2pm each day. Stop by for a pastry and a coffee from Marigold Coffee. 5507 NE 30th Avenue, Portland

Paris Baguette is now open in Beaverton. I used to go to the Paris Baguette in Flushing when I lived in Queens (there are now a bunch in Queens) and liked it a lot. Willamette Week reports that there’s one in Beaverton, the first one in Oregon, at the Cedar Hills Crossing shopping complex. The pastries—sweet and savory—are good but I recommend trying the Royal Pudding, a sweet, creamy milk-based pudding, flavored with vanilla, mango, cappuccino and others in the cutest little glass jar. Worth it. 3205 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton

The Portland Craft Beer Festival is returning. Brewpublic reports that after two years on hiatus (thanks, COVID), this popular festival will be back. It will take place from July 1 to 3, 2022 in the Pearl District. Along with the beer and ciders, look for food carts and games like corn hole, table tennis, and giant Jenga. Should be a good time. The Fields Park, NW 11th Avenue and Overton, Portland

Bastion Coffee Company’s cafe is now open. Their soft opening was on February 16 and they are located in The Roux apartment building. One thing that makes them a little different is that they do not offer dairy milk, just oat (Oatly) and soy. They also spell out their values: “Always sourcing fair trade coffee, keeping our business as eco-friendly as possible, and always remaining inclusive of everyone everywhere.” So stop on by and taste what they have to offer. 4326 N Mississippi Avenue, Portland

James Beard finalists in Portland. Seven restaurants are finalists for the James Beard Foundation 2022 Restaurant and Chef Awards. They are:

Outstanding Restaurateur: Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom of Langbaan, Hat Yai and Eem.
Emerging Chef: Thuy Pham from Mama Đút
Best New Restaurant: República
Outstanding Hospitality: Coquine
Best Chef (3): Northwest and Pacific: Carlo Lamagna from Magna Kusina; Vince Nguyen from Berlu; Thomas Pisha-Duffly from Oma’s Hideaway.