Small Bites - NA Drinking, Brunch, Awards, Vegan Milkshakes, and More

Cast Iron Butter Baked Eggs for the returning brunch service at The Observatory. Photo credit: The Observatory

After a sort of sleepy December on my part, I’ve been jotting down various Portland food-related tidbits I’ve encountered this week and am pleased to present this Small Bites post, replacing my usual Four Things I Learned This Week column. Enjoy the variety.

Besaws is opening back up. The Portland Business Journal reports on Eater’s news that Besaw’s and Solo Club will reopen later this month. Sounds like a variety of things have been going on to delay this good news. I’m happy to hear of this reopening—years ago, my family had brunch at Besaw’s (original location) and it was a really good time, so the place has a warm spot in my heart. 1545 NW 21st Avenue, Portland

Tips for making great NA drinks. On the heels of our post about BuzzCutt is this WW article I stumbled across on how to make great non-alcoholic drinks at home, courtesy of Matt Mount, who consulted with Suckerpunch: Five (or Six) Secrets for Making Great Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Home. I’ll be looking into verjus.

And speaking of NA drinking. I came across this Instagram account randomly, called Maque: “Alcohol-free craft cocktail bar pop-up + Vegan snacks. This is a LGBTQ+ safe space. Supporting community & promoting alternative sober nights out.” I look forward to seeing where they show up.

Brunch returns to The Observatory. A Montavillan reports that The Observatory, which once made me a salad with one of the most unusual ingredients I’ve ever seen in a salad (dahlia tubers), is brunching up again. Their Instagram confirms it. Saturdays and Sundays, 11am to 3pm. 8115 SE Stark Street, Portland

Spella Caffe has a new location. You can now find them inside of Harrison Square downtown. It is reported, “The seating area inside of the Harrison Square lobby is VERY NICE, and it looks like they will be adding outdoor seating on the terrace when the weather improves.” 1800 SW 1st Avenue, Portland

Did you catch the Best of the Year in Oregon Beer & Cider 2022 Awards? Congrats to the winners of these awards from New School Beer, including Most Underrated Oregon Brewery, Upright Brewing | Best Oregon Taphouse/Beer Bar, The Beermongers | Best Oregon Bottleshop, Belmont Station | Best Oregon Brewpub, Wayfinder Beer. Check out the full list for more.

Get yer vegan milkshakes right here! That is, at Food Fight. This vegan grocery now serves milkshakes made with Eclipse Foods ice cream. They have six flavors to choose from. 11155 NE Halsey Street, Portland

Stop by the Txaco Taco party next weekend. Over at Someday, “a neighborhood joint serving cocktails, beer, wine, sake, snacks” they are preparing for an interesting popup dinner: “Blai and Son of Man are popping up at someday to sling Txakoli fresh from Donostia, your favorite local basque cider and hamachi tostadas, tacos and choco tacos.” The event is Saturday, January 28th from 6pm-9pm (no tickets necessary). Down The Alley, 3634 SE Division Street, Portland

This is Beaux Berry’s final season. The good folks behind this popular ice cream cart announced this week that 2023 will hold their final season in business. They would love to find someone to buy the business (is it you?), but regardless, they are done. “Our first weekend of the season will likely be the weekend of April 28-30, but we’ll keep you posted on that, too. We sure will miss serving you but hope we can find someone to carry on the Beaux Berry tradition in future seasons.” 3707 NE Fremont Street, Portland

Tortilleria Y Tienda is now Bhai’s Halal Market. A Montavillan reports, “They still have a big hot case, and a big assortment of international foods, fresh lamb and goat, and I got paneer from the refrigerator case.” 16223 NE Glisan Street, Portland

Thien Hong is open again. This popular Roseway restaurant serving Chinese and Vietnamese food is back open with a new owner and, to the delight of neighbors, the same kitchen staff, it is reported. The building still has a for sale sign, while there is a “grand opening” sign displayed, but reliable reports are that they are open—including for dine-in. 6749 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Kachka pelmeni at Fresh Love. Along with all the delicious prepared food you can get at Fresh Love, they also carry grocery items including bags of frozen Kachka pelmeni. They carry the Siberian-style (meat) and Tvorog Vareniki (farmer’s cheese). $12 each. 7434 NE Fremont Street, Portland

Portland investment firm Sortis Holdings to buy Ace Hotel chain. This week we learned in the Oregonian that, “Portland investment group Sortis Holdings said Tuesday it would buy the Ace Hotel brand, its hotel management arm and a global portfolio of 12 hotels.” Additional intel is that they will be reopening the Clyde Commons space with a new restaurant run by Submarine. I’ll see what other details I can find on this anonymous tip.