Portland food news and views
Bridgetown is a nickname for Portland because of all the bridges that span the Willamette River – 12 in all (of those, one is dedicated to rail and one prohibits private cars and trucks).
If you haven’t watched the new series, “Comida & Cars” with Portland chef Jose Chesa (Ataula, 180 Xurros & Xocolata [closed]), get yourself over to their Youtube channel and take a watch! Yes, yes, it sounds a lot like that other show. His first guest is Carlo Lamagna, owner and chef at the new Filipino restaurant Magna. They are driving around in a fancy blue BMW M3 Cs in this episode. Continue reading “Comida & Cars With Jose Chesa”
Photo credit: the Lumberyard’s GoFundMe page
As you may have heard, there was a major fire over on Bridgetown Bites headquarter’s side of town (I could see the smoke from my house). On August 26, 2019 it burned in a section of the Madison South neighborhood around 82nd Avenue and NE Knott Street, seriously damaging nearby structures—homes and businesses. The Lumberyard—a local business, and one that was affected, though only lightly—has counted their lucky stars and organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for those who did not fare as well.
Continue reading “Ride and Dine For Madison South at the Lumberyard In September”It’s back! I’ve resurrected my weekly Four Things, where I tell you about four new-to-me things I learned this week in the world of Portland food (week ending Friday, August 30, 2019).
Doe Donuts is backlogged with city permits. Back in June, Doe Donuts announced they were leaving their FoPo location for new digs in the Hollywood District (where Garden Monsters previously set up shop). Their signage has been up for a while at the new spot, so I asked them on their Instagram when they plan to open. “In a few months,” was the answer. And why? “Permits are holding us back.”
The calzone zone is on Wednesdays at Red Sauce. According to their Facebook page, Red Sauce will be serving their amazing calzones on Wednesday nights only, going forth. Also news: “Pan pie on summery vacay, back in the fall.” Both are excellent choices; you should go. (And get a Treat Vancouver ding dong while you’re there.)
Oregon is a cheese champion. During the American Cheese Society Competition, Oregon took home 14 cheese wins this year. You can sample some of this year’s winning cheeses at The Wedge in October. And next year’s American Cheese Society Competition, Festival of Cheese, and accompanying conference will be held in Portland (July 2020)!
Xico nixes lunch service on SE Division. We’ve learned that Xico, home to an excellent version of “winner, winner, chicken dinner” on Monday nights, has decided to close down lunch service at their Division Street location. Last day of lunch service is Sunday, September 1. But… you can go to their NW location, where they will continue to serve lunch every day, save for Tuesday.
An excellent event is just over the horizon—the Big Ass Bake Sale at Cookshop. Over 40 of Portland’s best bakers, pastry chefs and restaurant owners are banding together to produce this sale, with all proceeds going to RAICES, “a nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees.” It will take place on Saturday, September 7 from 10am to 2pm, or until they run out of sweets.
Continue reading “Big Ass Bake Sale in September Will Support RAICES in Portland”
I’ve learned that a new bagel shop is opening up on NE Sandy Blvd next to the Mom & Pop Wine Shop—Ben & Esther’s Bagels. It’s slated to open in October 2019 with a variety of bagels, schmears, salads and beverages.
Continue reading “Ben & Esther’s Bagels Coming to Sandy Blvd in Roseway”