Meg Cotner

October 1, 2024October 1, 2024

Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, September 2024

Welcome to our (mostly) monthly roundup of top 5 posts on Bridgetown Bites. September’s top articles were an interesting mix of stories last month, and writing them involved my implementing both seasoned and new communications strategies. I’m grateful to those who shared information with me so readily.

September 2024 was the most successful month on Bridgetown Bites to date, from a traffic standpoint. Close to 22,000 unique visitors generated over 27,000 page views. Thanks to all of you for reading, sharing, and commenting—and extra thanks to my tipsters, who have quite the eagle-eyes in this town.

5. The Wooden Chicken Pub Returns

As we reported in June, Argay favorite the Wooden Chicken Pub closed after over 40 years in business. But recent paperwork filed with the City of Portland gives indication that this popular watering hole could come back from the dead. In answer to that speculation, I heard confirmation on August 1 that this is indeed true—The Wooden Chicken is returning! Note: This article has major updates.

September 30, 2024October 27, 2024

The 2024 Portland Fermentation Festival Is Almost Here

Kimchi from the 2019 Portland Fermentation Festival in Portland, Oregon. — Kimchi from 2019’s Portland Fermentation Festival.

I was happy to learn that the 2024 Portland Fermentation Fest is back this October, offering all sorts of wonderfully fizzy, funky, and stinky food and drink, all thanks to friendly bacteria and their metabolic partying. Think yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, pickles, tempeh, and more, all beautifully featured right here in Portland. It’s pickling and preserving season, too, so this is a great time to learn about this form of food preservation, or grow your appreciation of it further. Note: As of the afternoon of October 10, tickets are sold out.

September 27, 2024September 27, 2024

Small Bites: Pie Spot, Prince Coffee, Publican Beer Room, and More

Enchiladas with green sauce at El Sombrero Mexican restaurant in Portland, Oregon. — Delicious Mexican food in Portland.

Pie Spot in Montavilla is closing. The second location of Pie Spot in the Rocket Empire Machine food hall has decided to “throw in the towel” after four years there. Their “lil pie window” will close after Saturday (tomorrow). 6935 NE Glisan Street, Portland

September 26, 2024September 26, 2024

1919, a Neighborhood Lounge, Has Opened in SE Portland

Back in April, I learned that there was activity in the old Sessionable location (they closed in July 2023) on SE Division. That activity was from a new bar/lounge called 1919. I reached out to Steve Haubrich, one of the owners of 1919, to learn more. After a series of email exchanges over the past several months, I am happy to share with you some of what Steve has told me about this new project.

September 25, 2024October 29, 2024

Rosh Hashanah 2024—New Year 5785—in Portland

Honey cake from Bakery & Spice for Rosh Hashanah 2024 (Year 5785). — Honey cake. Photo credit: Baker & Spice

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is almost upon us! It’s the start of the High Holy Days, and a joyful time punctuated with delicious food and drink, celebrated by Jews around the world, from the US, to Argentina, to Ethiopia. And while in Portland we’ve lost a number of Jewish food outlets over the past few years—e.g., Kenny & Zuke’s, Kornblatt’s, Sweet Lorraine’s, and the one that still crushes me, the modern Jewish deli and market Beetroot—there are still some great options. Here are places that both Jews and gentiles can go to enjoy the foods of the holiday.

Rosh Hashanah starts after sundown on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 and lasts until nightfall on October 4, 2024.