Small Bites: Cider Bite, Salmon Homecoming, Bergerac, and More

Cider Bite will close. After a decade in business, Portland’s oldest cider house will close; their final day of service will be Sunday, October 19. Founder Jeff Hanneson posted about the closure on their website:

“The decision to close did not come lightly. Like many small businesses, we have faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years-from COVID restrictions, multiple break-ins, and incidents of vandalism, to dramatically rising operating costs and a significant decline in tourism and downtown foot traffic that has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Our beloved city has struggled to regain its vibrancy and to overcome the barrage of negative national media coverage and public perceptions of safety. With our lease set to expire at the end of October and the landlord requiring higher rent and expenses under a long- term agreement, we were unable to secure an acceptable and sustainable extension that would allow us to continue.”

Prior to the closing they will host some special events and will be selling some of the business’s ephemera. Sorry to see them go. 1230 NW Hoyt Street, Portland

The Tacolate: Salt & Straw + Taco Bell. The choco taco is a popular ice cream novelty, and now Salt & Straw is partnering with Taco Bell to create a new generation of choco tacos they are calling “Tacolate.” It’s the result of Tyler Malek’s global travels to “realize his dream of the perfect version of the ‘Choco Taco.'” It’s made with “a style of ice cream that has never existed before,” made with real waffle cones, even more chocolate, and served with wild berry, cinnamon and mango jalapeño dipping sauce (in packets, of course). You can buy them at all Salt & Straw locations starting today. Multiple locations

Doc Marie’s will close. They announced the closure of this beloved lesbian bar on social media; their final day of service will be Friday, October 31. From the announcement: “With heavy hearts we must announce the closure of Doc Marie’s. This has been a devastating year for small businesses and for our community and we don’t have the finances to keep our doors open.” 203 SE Grand Avenue, Portland

Peacock has opened. The first day of this new LGBTQ+ Bar in the old Crush Bar location was Wednesday, October 1. Wishing them all the best and perhaps this is one of those, “when a door closes, a window opens” kind of situations. 1400 SE Morrison Street, Portland

Some of the best sparkling wines around are made in the Willamette Valley. The Manual put together a listicle of wineries in the Willamette Valley making top-notch sparkling wines. Check it out. Multiple locations

Makers Market in Milwaukie. Pfriem Beer posted this announcement on social media: “We’ll be hosting Makers Markets at our Milwaukie location every third Wednesday of the month starting Oct 15th, and we are looking for vendors to participate! Please email laura@pfriembeer.com if you are interested in being part of the markets.” 10722 SE Main Street #120, Milwaukie

Vtopian and Adelleda open today. Last month I wrote about Vtopian and Adelleda opening in the old Flour Bloom/Stark’s Vacuum space. Well, they open today! Vtopian will be open for lunch from 11am to 3pm, with Adelleda open from 5pm to 9pm (make reservations here). 103 NE Grand Avenue, Portland

And BEST Coffee is now open, too! Their first day of service (soft opening) was Tuesday, September 30. Head over there on the Mezzanine level at the Portland Food Hall to enjoy their coffee and snacks—including something called a “Crispy Diet Coke.” 827 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland

Lucky 13 Saloon has closed. September 28 was their final day of service, closing permanently. They opened June 2024, so it was relatively short lifespan for the bar. They established their bar in that old Masonic building that is also home to the Hawthorne Theatre. 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd Suite 2, Portland

Fuji to Hood +Takibi Brewers Dinner Collab. On Thursday, October 16, Fuji to Hood (tje biennial Oregon–Japan drink and culture festival) and Takibi (Snow Peak’s Japanese restaurant in Northwest Portland) will join forces for a special brewers dinner. From the press release:

“The event will reunite Oregon brewers who traveled to Japan for the Hood to Fuji immersion this past April, showcasing their Japanese-inspired brews alongside a seasonal omakase crafted by Snow Peak Japan chef Kugi Yuichi.” You can buy your tickets via Resy ($150 per ticket). 2275 NW Flanders Street, Portland

Break-in at Sebastiano’s. Sucky news from Dan and Elise at Sebastiano’s—they were burgled Tuesday night. No one was hurt, but there was petty theft and vandalism involved. Stop in if you can to give them some love—their new olive oil vintage is fab, plus their baked goods are delicious. Sunday’s Portland Marathon runs right through Sellwood, too, so catch sight of the runners and get yourself a cannoli at the shop afterwards. 8235 SE 13th Avenue #7, Portland

Salmon Homecoming is coming. Save the date: On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19 at Oxbow Regional Park to honor the salmon and enjoy fun, food, and cultural connections. There will be an Indigenous Marketplace—please bring cash, as cell service is funky and electronic payments won’t work. From Metro: “View fall Chinook returning to one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier glacier-fed wild and scenic rivers. Enjoy plant walks, arts and crafts, storytelling, Native games, vendors, traditional baked salmon samples, educational activities and more!” 3010 SE Oxbow Pkwy, Gresham

The Northeast Broadway Sidewalk Celebration is Saturday. The Northeast Broadway business district is celebrating the end of the long period of construction on the streets and sidewalks. Local businesses will offer deals and specials from noon to 6pm that day. Taco Pedaler will have a special “Broadway taco,” Steeplejack is also offering specials, and Eli Jo Coffee Stop and Shop (the cafe adjacent to the NW Women’s Fitness Club) will have drink samples on hand, along with store deals. Look for balloons, ask about specials at participating shops. Multiple locations

mì Quảng night at Annam VL. They don’t do this noodle dish—with origins in the Quảng Nam Province in central Vietnam—very often, but they will on Monday, October 13 from 5pm to 9pm (or sold out), so mark your calendars for this tasty evening. They describe the dish like this: “Pork bone & shrimp stock. Turmeric-infused rice noodles. Caramelized pork shoulder, shrimp, quail egg, fried shrimp cake, braised ribs, black sesame rice cracker, peanuts, fresh mints & herbs. Meant to be served saucy, not soupy. Gluten free.” No vegan/veg options this time. 3336 SE Belmont Street, Portland

The Nuggie is live at Face Plant. This plant-based fast food restaurant that wants to take down McDonald’s has expanded their menu to include a “chicken” sandwich. The new sando dropped this week. “The Nuggie comes five golden nuggets, our signature nugg sauce on top, vgn mayo on the bottom, a toasted premium Face Plant bun + lettuce, tomato, pickles.” FYI, they have gluten-free buns now and are open until 10pm daily. 3110 N Going Street, Portland

Erewhon will start shipping to Portland today. They announced it on their social media This pricey grocery store chain from southern California with MAHA vibes will start shipping to Portland and around the nation today. The exorbitant prices give my eyeballs a good workout from all the rolling they do. I’d be curious what you think of it all.

Soup Social on Saturday at Friends Share. Last fall I wrote about Friends Share, a community space and Cà Phê pop-up. They are still going strong and approaching their one-year anniversary. This Saturday night they are doing a soup social—from 5pm to 10pm join them for butternut squash & wild rice soup (with a dinner roll made by Daisy Cao, one of the founders). You can have some soup, play a board game, and soak up the community feel. 14814 SE Powell Blvd, Portland

Williams Coffee House has closed. Caitlin, Aaron, and their team posted this: “We have had to make the hard decision to close Williams Coffee House. We like to thank the Williams community.” It looks like their final day was September 30. You can find their coffee at their other locations: Two Stroke Coffee Co (8517 N Lombard Street) and Nova Coffee (610 NE 20th Avenue). Back in February a reader raved about their pimento cheese-esque smoked salmon bagel spread; hopefully they can find it at the other locations. 3037 N Williams Avenue, Portland

Blasphemy Barbecue has closed. This is news from August, but I wanted to pass it on here. Blasphemy Barbecue closed as of August 20. I know they were dealing with COVID close to that closing date. They posted on their website, “We have made the decision to close permanently. We enjoyed our brief time with y’all and will miss you.” I really enjoyed experiencing their barbecue while they were open. I wish owners Jenny and Chris only the best. 4400 NE Glisan Street, Portland

How Convenient celebrates one year in business. Today they are celebrating their first year on NE Glisan Street. Congratulations! If you wear yellow you’ll get a free sticker from the sticker bar. And enjoy delicious breads and cookies from The Sourdough Dealer (who also hosts the “BreadShed” at her home), flowers from Queer Joy Florals, or a tarot reading by NC. 6016 NE Glisan Street, Portland

Pawpaws at Rubinette Produce. This week they posted on Instagram that they have (had) some pawpaws for sale. This is a tropical-ish fruit that is native to North America. I was surprised to learn how well they do here in Portland. There’s even someone growing a pawpaw tree in my neighborhood. Anyway, check them out if you can. 2340 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Onigiri Gaijin is moving to a new location. They’ll be heading about a half mile to their west to the old Pizza Jerk space on SE Morrison. They’ll have a full indoor onigiri bar available to guests of “Portland’s first onigiri shop” where they make your onigiri to order (ume salt pickled plum for me, plz) with high quality Koshihikari rice and myriad fillings. They’ll be at their current location (400 SE 12th Avenue) through October, then on to the new space. Congrats! 621 SE Morrison Street, Portland

FRYBABY is moving to The Heist. This cart is part of the group of carts at the Lil’ America pod that are needing to relocate due to expansion of Dos Hermanos on SE Stark. Glad to see the are landing at such a great pod. FRYBABY offers Korean-America fried chicken and sides, and posted this:

“Come feast with us before the migration is complete. Moving aint cheap. We are all struggling here at Lil America. Every chicken purchase helps us survive this treacherous quest for more packing tape.” Moving date is TK at this point, too. Stay tuned to their Instagram for that detail. 1015 SE Stark Street, Portland

Bergerac turns 10. This bistro, “inspired by the foods from the Dordogne Region of France” has been serving delicious food for a decade. That’s no small feat. And they are marking it with a weeklong celebration this month. Between Monday, October 13 and Saturday, October 19 they be offering complementary Chef choice amuses bouches to all guests. You’ll also have the chance to win two tickets to their November event dinners on Wednesday and Thursday, November 19 and 20. 5520 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland

Taste of Portland is Monday night, October 6. Urban Restaurant Group is producing this tasting event at the World Forestry Center in Washington Park. There are two ticket prices: VIP for $81.88, which gets you in at 5:30pm, and $55.20, which gets you in at 6pm. Prices include fees, and you can purchase tickets through Eventbrite. From the organizers:

“Taste of Portland brings together 20+ of the region’s top chefs, breweries, distilleries, and vineyards for a one-night-only experience at the stunning World Forestry Center. Sip, savor, and sample the best flavors Portland has to offer — all while supporting a vital cause. Proceeds will benefit the Oregon Food Bank, helping to fight hunger and nourish communities across our state.” 4033 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland

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Stories you may have missed on Bridgetown Bites this week:

The Inaugural Portland Craft Chocolate Festival Is This Weekend
Burger Ritual Has Opened at Cartopia in Portland
Portland Coffee Festival is Saturday, International Coffee Day Is Now