Small Bites: Tusi's Deli Creation, DesiPDX, Sandwiches, and More

Strawberry shortcake from Take Two during Strawberry Shortcake Week in Portland, Oregon. — Strawberry shortcake from this past summer at Take Two.

Tusi’s Deli Creation is open in Montavilla. The area’s only Samoan restaurant is on NE Glisan and has been operating on weekends in October. However, starting November 9 they’ll expand their hours and will be open Wednesdays through Sundays. You can stop in to Tusi’s Deli Creation and get green bananas, turkey tail, and other Polynesian dishes. Montavilla News has more info—check it out. 6824 NE Glisan Street, Portland

Take Two, Gabbiano’s, and Toyshop Ramen. Malia Spencer at the Portland Business Journal sat down with the trio of owners—Heather Wallberg, David Sigal, and Blake Foster—and chatted about their experience opening Toyshop Ramen, then closing it; opening Gabbiano’s and experiencing the success with that; and then their opening of Take Two (one of my favorite strawberry shortcakes was made there this past summer). It’s an interesting read. 3000 NE Killingsworth Street and 5411 NE 30th Avenue, Portland

Shari’s Cafe & Pies chain has closed its Portland-area restaurants. This was big news this week—The Oregonian, among other media outlets—reported on the closure. There were 42 Shari’s restaurants in all. And then we learned that they owe the Oregon Lottery almost $900,000. Bonus chain diner closure news: Denny’s will close 150 of its lowest-performing restaurants. Various locations.

Mike’s Diner in comic form. Reddit user MangoNotBanana posted this comic about how Mike’s Diner in Sellwood (RIP) fit into his life as a young person. It’s very well done. 1707 SE Tenino Street, Portland (closed)

Tusk is still open. The Oregonian sets the record straight, in case you were wondering. The food is really good there, so I’m glad they are still operating. 2448 E Burnside Street, Portland

The Rocky Butte Farmer’s Market pops up this weekend. Head to the Glenhaven Park parking lot for the RBFM in pop-up form (hearkening back to its origins). There will be vendors, a doggy costume contest, a cider pressing, live music, and more. 7900 NE Siskiyou Street, Portland

DesiPDX at Upright is done. Deepak Saxena posted this note this week: “Hey all—wanted to post an update to the neighborhood that I’ve permanently closed the DesiPDX cart at Upright Brewing.” This is a bummer. He continues, “Thanks to all who have come out and supported us through our time as Chaat Wallah and then DesiPDX. Nothing is really permanent so hopefully someday when the Portland food industry and general economy are better I can return with a spot in the neighborhood.” I look forward to his return. 7151 NE Prescott Street, Portland

St. Rita’s Annual Fall Bazaar is coming. Mark your calendars for the annual Fall Bazaar at St Rita’s Catholic Church in Parkrose. They’ll have vendors, baked goods, other food, and more. 10029 NE Prescott Street, Portland

Tan Sang Tropical Fruit store number 2 is open. This is the place in Portland for interesting fruit, including fruits from far-off lands. It’s really fantastic and I’m happy for their success. Yet another bit of awesomeness on 82nd Avenue. 332 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland

Updates on the Kroger-Albertsons merger. The Portland Business Journal published this article on the merger, which has some updated observations. It is this merger that spawned our Supermarket Alternatives roundup. This paragraph in the article was particularly interesting;

“Most experts believe the deal won’t go through. The market is betting against it. Albertsons shareholders are due to get $27.25 per share if the deal is completed. But its stock closed trading Oct. 21 at $18.73 and it hasn’t topped $21 since the FTC trial began Aug. 26.”

Also: “Kroger and Albertsons have responded by arguing the deal will actually help keep prices low not raise them.” I am dubious on this.

Seisuke Knife will celebrate eight years in November. Big congrats to these guys, who sell “quality, handmade kitchen knives from all over Japan” on NE Alberta. They are celebrating their grand-reopening and 8th anniversary party at the same time.

“Join us in celebrating the launch of our newly expanded and renovated store, right next door to our current storefront, and eight incredible years of serving the Alberta and greater Portland community.” They’ll have food, drinks, and discounts on all kitchen knives. Plus, a raffle! So head there on Saturday, November 9 from 1pm to 6pm for a sharp good time. 1532 NE Alberta Street, Portland

Malpractice needs your help. Yet another instance of some dingbat breaking into an independent business just trying to open. This time it’s Malpractice, which is in the home-stretch in their path to opening. Their window was damaged and equipment was taken. They have set up a GoFundMe but are also popping up at Collector Bar on Monday, November 4 for a “fundraising but a not pop-up event.” Stop in, have a drink, help them out. 2341 NE Glisan Street, Portland

New sandwiches at Sandy-O’s. Love seeing their menu expand. Here are the new sandwiches:

Buena Visa Socialite: Ham, pork loin, braised bacon, Swiss cheese, dill pickle and mustard pressed on a Hoagie roll Cubano-style.
Tender Loving: Chicken tenders, Buffalo sauce, lettuce, Blue Cheese dressing, zucchini pickles on and soft bun.
Me No Speaky Francais: Their version of a French Dip with shaved beef, melty Ccheddar, horseradish mayo on a hoagie roll with onion au jus. 10505 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

Three Closures: Bar Asha, Zula, XO Bar
First Tastes: Parallel, a Wine Bar
Thanksgiving 2024 in Portland
Spella Caffè Will Open in Woodblock Chocolate