“Meg, you’re really pushing it!” I say to myself about the delayed posting—almost to June—of the blog’s monthly top 5 posts roundup. Truth be told, traffic was affected a lot after the March 2024 adjustment in Google’s “Helpful Content Update,” and … well … it’s been a real bummer. So, it means devoting some time to re-strategize. Still, over 9,300 unique visitors made it here and generated just under 12,000 page views for the month.
I appreciate your reading, sharing, and enjoying the content here on Bridgetown Bites—many, many thanks. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as X/twitter, and aforementioned re-strategizing will affect the social channels, too. Now, onto the top posts from April (plus some updates).
5. Get Ready for Fallow’s Restaurant, From the People Behind Bastion
The folks behind Bastion, a restaurant in Sellwood that shows you that food can be both healthy and delicious, are opening up a new restaurant, Fallow’s, just up the street in the old Relish Gastropub space. They will offer dinner service (Bastion closes at 4pm the days they are open). As a fan of Bastion, I’m pretty excited about this.
Update: They have launched a Kickstarter and it has a whole bunch of new information in it about the restaurant.
4. 99 Ranch Market to Open in Mill Park’s Plaza 205
This may have been in the works for a while, but thanks to a tweet tip from Iain MacKenzie (@maccoinnich), I’ve learned that east Portland will be home to a 99 Ranch Market. It looks like it’s going to open in the old Office Max space (EDIT: not the Hometown Buffet space, as I originally suggested—big box store spaces, they all look so similar). The projected opening is Q2 of 2024, so springtime next year.
Update: The Montavilla News has a tiny update and a new photo of the front.
3. A New Bar, Silk Road, Looks to Open in the Pearl
While doing some research, I came across a liquor license application for a new bar/restaurant opening in the Pearl District, called Silk Road. From what I can gather, the people behind it are also responsible for LULU (beautiful cocktails) and Jarana (Nikkei food) in SE Portland.
Update: Not sure if I’ve mentioned it but they opened in March and their Instagram is full of beautiful photos of their food and drink.
2. Goodbye Fermenter, Hello Il Paffuto
As readers of this blog know, Fermenter closed its doors in March, with the promise of a new concept in its place. That new concept is Il Paffuto, which in the words of owner Aaron Adams, “basically means fat guy, which is one way to describe me for sure.” And while it sounds like this is going to be an Italian restaurant, Aaron emphasizes that the food is “DEFINITELY NOT TRADITIONAL ITALIAN”—but they will serve pasta (so think, “Italian-inspired”). He will bring with him the work he’s done with craft fermentation in the restaurant space. As he told me, “If you liked Portobello and Fermenter, you’ll like Il Paffuto.”
Update: More on the plans for the space that has been home to Il Paffuto: “one thing we do know is we’re keeping the space and it’s still going to be called “Il Paffuto.” Our current plan involves using the space for community engagement, popups, fermentation workshops, private parties, and other fun fully vegan events.” Read their Instagram post for more info.
1. Northport To Open in Old Swift & Union Space
At the end of last year, Swift & Union closed their doors after nine years in Kenton. That space looks like it is going to welcome a new tenant: Northport.
Update: The website, northportpdx.com, is no longer showing apartment buildings but seems to be about the actual restaurant. Plus an opening timeframe: June 2024. There’s this copy, which, while nice, sounds like boilerplate to me: “At Northport, we aim to elevate classic American fare with a fresh, Northwest twist, using locally sourced ingredients to create unforgettable dishes. Our incredible craft cocktails are meticulously crafted to complement our menu. We believe that every neighborhood deserves a bar where friends can gather, unwind, and enjoy exceptional food and drinks. Join us for a unique dining experience that redefines what a neighborhood bar can be.”
Meg Cotner
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Thanks for the update!
Any idea what coffee shop is opening up in the old Oracle spot in South Waterfront? Looks like something is going in, but I haven’t seen anything official anywhere. 👀
Not sure but I will look into it. Thanks, Adam!