Get ready for Bluto’s. As someone who lived in a heavily-Greek neighborhood for many years, and who misses having access to a plethora of Hellenic restaurant, cafe, and grocery options, whenever I hear about Greek food in Portland my interest is seriously piqued. Rick Gencarelli, the force behind Lardo and Grassa, is opening Bluto’s, a “Greek-inspired” spot that will “keep it super fun and embrace the inauthenticness.” It certainly has gotten me wondering… and eager to try it.
Souvlaki will be a major thing there; Greek salads, too, and there was mention of possible saganaki (always a crowd-pleaser). I always loved a plate of dips that include tirokafteri (spicy feta), and have hopes it will make it on the menu. Check out the Oregonian for more details. 2838 SE Belmont Street, Portland (opening November 2021)
Cloudforest hints. Yesterday on Cloudforest’s Instagram stories, they indicated that Ecuadorian-style empanadas and Ecuadorian TRAVIESA roasters coffee for espresso may make it to their menu. Stay tuned for more on that. 727 SE Morrison St, Portland
DarSalam adjusts. They announced that they are closing two of their locations: “After months of adjusting the menu, staffing or other things we have decided to close our Pearl and Hawthorne locations.” On the positive side, though, you can still enjoy their delicious Iraqi food downtown and in Northeast Portland. 2921 NE Alberta Street and 320 SW Alder Street, Portland
Bug out your ice cream. Salt & Straw likes to push the envelope, and they have done so this month—their seasonal scoops in October include “Don Bugito’s Creepy Crawly Critters,” a matcha ice cream with toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets. Not my style, but I’m sure some of you out there will enjoy. Personally, I’m looking forward to the “Jack o’ Lantern Pumpkin Bread” with chunks of pumpkin bread and whipped cream cheese frosting. Various, including 2035 NE Alberta Street, Portland
