Four Things I Learned This Week (December 9)

Bakeshop’s pie pre-orders are back. Earlier this fall, Kim at Bakeshop announced they were not going to do Thanksgiving pies, the first time in decades this was the case. Good news, though: Bakeshop is returning with pies and cakes for the holiday season that you can pre-order now. Online pre-orders will close December 18, so get your order in for your seasonal celebrations sooner than later. Some of the things you can expect: burnt Basque cheesecakes; apple pies with choice of either buckwheat streusel or double crust; pecan pies; ham & cheese quiches; Gingerbread People cookies. Order here.

On Christmas Eve day they will also be serving their annual eggnog. There will be some specials that day, too. 5351 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Citizenwich is coming to Lardo. For 10 years, Lardo has been doing a monthly fundraiser called Chefwich, where they invite local chefs to create a new sandwich and then donate the proceeds from said sandwich to a non-profit of their choosing. In January 2023, Lardo is changing it up and launching their first “variation on a theme”: the Citizenwich. In their words, “What sandwich do YOU want to put on the menu for the month of January?” Yes, that’s right—you get to suggest the sandwich and the nonprofit. Submit your ideas—the sandwich name, a brief description, and the nonprofit you want to donate the proceeds to—on Lardo’s Instagram post about it. Multiple locations, including 1212 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland

Norah opens today. Norah, from the folks that brought us Mestizo, has their grand opening today: 11:30am to 3pm for lunch and 4pm to 9pm for dinner. They offer “plant-based & pan-Asian cuisine,” with proteins like soy curls, tofu, and tempeh; aside from that, I have to say the Ma Hor caught my eye: fresh pineapple bites, sweet radish, peanut, palm sugar.

The name “Norah” has special meaning to the owners, and it “refers to a traditional dance reserved for celebrations and community gatherings in Southern Thailand where Nan [Chaison] and Prae [Nobnorb] grew up.” 3801 SE Belmont Street, Portland

Have you been to Fortune BBQ Noodle House yet? Earlier this year I wrote about Fortune BBQ Noodle House arriving in Montavilla, and to be honest, it kind of fell off the radar. This week I saw that Gary the Foodie posted a photo shoutout and included this great photo of the roast ducks hanging in the window. The plate of roast duck and pork also looks delicious. I’ve read a bunch of good things about this restaurant, from the food to the staff. This is a reminder that I need to stop by soon. 18 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland