Meg Cotner

May 20, 2025May 20, 2025

Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in Portland and the Willamette Valley

Memorial Day Weekend 2025: A field of American Flags.

Welcome to the unofficial start to summer—Memorial Day Weekend 2025—in Portland and the Willamette Valley. There’s a good chance we’ll get summery weather and some of you will have a day off. It’s also a chance to remember those who have served our country and are no longer with us. The Friends of Lone Fir will be at Lone Fir Cemetery from 10am to 3pm (here are some additional observations nearby).

It’s traditionally a grilling weekend, too. For that, check out our roundup of places to get sausages in town, perfect for grilling. Normally, this list is for the occasion of Groundhog (Ground Hog) Day, but it’s relevant to Memorial Day Weekend, too.

Here are some of the tasty activities going on in the greater area for Memorial Day Weekend.

May 19, 2025January 4, 2026

Hi-Top Adds Coffee and Lunch Service in Portland

Coffee and a croissant in a Hi-Top mug. — Photo credit: Justin Kent.

I’ve learned that Hi-Top on NE Fremont Street has added morning coffee service and lunch to their menu. When I read about it, I wanted to learn more so I reached out to them. I ended up having a great conversation with Ezra Caraeff, one of the owners of the bar. Here’s what I learned.

May 17, 2025May 17, 2025

Lil’ Shalom Closed April 30 in Portland

Food from Lil' Shalom. — Photo credit: Lil’ Shalom.

On April 30, 2025, the folks at Lil’ Shalom announced the restaurant’s closure. This short article is ICYMI for me as much as it is for you.

May 16, 2025May 16, 2025

Small Bites: Yanni’s, Pizza, Strawberries, Matcha, Aurora, and More

Strawberries from Pablo Munoz Farm, purchased at the Rocky Butte Farmers Market. — It’s strawberry season!

Yanni’s Greek Donuts grand opens this weekend. I mentioned this loukoumades cart back in February, run by a couple of brothers named Theo and Luke, who grew up here in Portland. They passed on the news that they are having a party on Saturday from 6pm to 10pm to celebrate their grand opening. Find them in the parking lot of the Lucky Lab on SE 9th and Madison.

They will offer up fresh loukoumades, a pita souvlaki special, beer, cider, wine, and Greek dancing. It’s great to see more Greek food happening in Portland, with Yanni’s joining this new scene of Greek spots including Tréla, Yiayia’s, and Souvlaki Queen. 1400 SE 9th Avenue, Portland

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025

Foster Food Carts Return To Southeast Portland

Seating at Foster Food Carts in Portland, Oregon. — Seating at Foster Food Carts. Photo credit: Foster Food Carts.

Foster Food Carts, formerly known as the Carts on Foster, is reopening as a pod at SE Foster Road and 52nd Ave. Their grand opening is this Saturday, May 17.