Events Archives - Bridgetown Bites

April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

Small Bites: Burger Syndicate, Eclairs, Bar Casa Vale, and More

The Bandit from Burger Syndicate: Double Cajun-seared patties, bacon, cheese, fried onions, slaw, pickles, BBQ and garlic sauce. Photo credit: Burger Syndicate.

Burger Syndicate has opened. This is a new spot downtown from the Nacheaux folks. They opened on Thursday, April 9. They wrote on social media, “Burger Syndicate is everything we’ve learned, every sacrifice, every lesson poured into one space. Creative smashburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, weekly specials, house-made lemonades, merch, and the same fun and flavor Nacheaux is known for.”

They have some late night hours: midnight on Sunday (after opening at 6pm that day); 1am Thursday to Saturday; and 1:30am on Monday nights. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 221 SW Ankeny Street, Portland

April 15, 2026April 14, 2026

Churchill Nines: Watch the Kentucky Derby at The Nines Hotel in Portland

Mint Julep, Straightaway Cocktails, flowers, and a horse for Churchill Nines.

Earlier this week I had a chance to stop in on the 8th Floor of The Nines Hotel to get a sneak peek at the plans for the inaugural Churchill Nines party in May. This is a chance to watch the Kentucky Derby, AKA “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” with a festive crowd under the light-filled atrium alongside the hotel’s onsite restaurant, Urban Farmer.

We tried a few of the scheduled eats, mint juleps were passed around (more on the NA option later), and I had a number of interesting conversations with folks there—on both the upcoming Derby event and some thoughts and feelings about the efforts in service of a vibrant downtown Portland.

April 13, 2026April 12, 2026

The Second Annual WasabiFest Returns To Portland

Wasabi rhizomes at the WasabiFest. — The wasabi rhizome.

Last year I attended the inaugural WasabiFest, which celebrated all things wasabi. There was a chance to try freshly-grated samples of the rhizome itself, get to know products made with wasabi, and there was even a wasabi-eating contest. And this year, it’s back! The second annual WasabiFest is Saturday, June 13. Here are more details about this awesome event.

April 10, 2026April 9, 2026

Small Bites: Greg Higgins Will Retire, the Elk, Forbidden Fruit, and More

Greg Higgins will retire from creating dishes like these at Higgins. — A few dishes from HIggins: risotto, chicory salad, and Vegan Kabocha croquettes. Photo credit: Higgins.

Greg Higgins will retire. He sent an email out with the announcement: “So, it is with a full and grateful heart that I share my own important milestone with you: I’m planning to retire.” He is looking to sell the restaurant, for “the right steward for Higgins, someone who understands what this place means to our guests and employees, and will carry it forward into its next chapter here in Portland.” He wants the restaurant to continue to thrive.

April 9, 2026April 8, 2026

Spring Sips and the Pink! Rosé Festival Start This May in the Tualatin Valley

The Pink! Rosé Festival, the start of Spring Sips in the Tualatin Valley. — Photo credit: Explore Tualatin Valley.

For six weeks during May and June, you’ll have a chance to get to know 40+ wineries and the wines they make in the Tualatin Valley, during the annual Spring Sips celebration. And it all coincides with Oregon Wine Month (May) and the Pink! Rosé Festival on May 17.