Four Things I Learned This Week (April 22)

Happy Earth Day! 🌎

Hit the Spot will move on from their burger cart and open a restaurant in SE Portland. They posted on their social media this week: “We got some big news y’all! Just signed the lease and got the keys for our new restaurant. It is located at 676 SE Morrison St. It was most recently BrunchBox! It’s only 5 minutes from our current location. We’ll be open early summer!” They are also selling their cart for $50K. I’ll be sorry to see them leave their location on NE Sandy Blvd, but the restaurant sounds like progress. 676 SE Morrison Street, Portland

Jollibee is coming. Willamette Week first reported on this—they spotted a listing for the Filipino fast food giant in the mall directory of the Tanasbourne Village mall in Hillsboro. This is a big deal; Jollibee is a big deal. Yes, the chicken is a huge draw but the sweet Jolly Spaghetti with hot dogs is truly legendary; be sure to try the halo halo, too. I love the big red bee mascot. Now if only Red Ribbon Bakery would open a location in our area. NW 185th Avenue & NW Evergreen Pkwy, Hillsboro

Division Midway Alliance features Sunbela. The March DMA newsletter has a great blurb on Sunbela, the excellent Iraqi bakery and restaurant on Division near SE 125th. I stopped by recently and let me tell you, this place is terrific. I love this quote from Faten, Sunbela’s owner: “I opened this restaurant so that our community feels a sense of belonging in the new country. Food brings people together and it’s a way to celebrate life and culture. I am happy when community members tell me how much they like the food.” Definitely check it out. 12503 SE Division Street D, Portland

The Record Pub will open in Sellwood. While I was meeting a friend for breakfast at Bastion this week, I noticed a sign up in a nearby storefront for The Record Pub. I know very little about them, aside from their offerings of “Records. Tapes. Beer. Gear. Experience.” I’m definitely curious about the beer (their liquor license application doesn’t mention anything about food). It could be a pretty awesome spot to meet up for some pints and tunes. I’ll see what else I can find out (and if you know anything, send me a tip). 6034 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland