Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, August 2022

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

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 Portlanders—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.

4. Dear Sandy Will Bring Cocktails and Coffee to NE Sandy and 28th

For years, now, I’ve hoped for something to open in this beautiful building on the southeast corner of NE Sandy Blvd at 28th Avenue, and now my hopes have been answered. Dear Sandy, which will offer “coffee, cocktails, and community,” will open there, hopefully before the end of 2022. (Can you believe we are almost to autumn?)

3. O’Dear Bar & Grill Will Open in Parkrose in September

After years of preparation and work, O’Dear, a new bar/lounge & grill, will open in Parkrose. It’s right there on NE Sandy near the monthly Parkrose Marketplace. Look for the grand opening on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

2. Sugar Hill Bar to Open This Summer in SE Portland

Sugar Hill, a new ’70s themed bar, will open this summer in SE Portland. The people behind Sugar Hill are the same ones behind Jackie’s (formerly Century) on SE Sandy Blvd and Two Wrongs on NW 13th Ave in the Pearl. Neither of these places have a reputation for “taking themselves too seriously,” and I expect Sugar Hill will carry on that tradition.

1. You Don’t Want to Miss the 43rd Annual Middle Eastern Festival this Sunday

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Back in 2019 I attended the Middle Eastern Festival at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in east Portland and was blown away by the event. Along with the beautiful church, its sanctuary adorned with icons, live music and dancing, and friendly event staff, the food was top-notch. Because of the pandemic they did not hold the festival for two years, and I’ve kept an eye on it, hoping for its return. And it has! It is happening this Sunday, August 28.