First Tastes Archives - Bridgetown Bites

March 26, 2026March 25, 2026

Vya Brings Tapas, Vegan Paella, and More To Southeast Portland

Vegan paella, view from the side, at Vya. — Vegan paella at Vya.

In late February, a new tapas restaurant called Vya (pronounced “Vye-uh”) opened in the old Palomar space on SE Division. Paella—including a vegan version—is an important part of their menu. They also offer, of course, a variety of tapas, some desserts, as well as cocktails, wine, beer, cider, and no-proof drinks. We had a chance to try some, too.

I chatted with Vy and Steve Chao, the owners of Vya, to learn more about the restaurant, and here is what I learned.

March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

First Look: Honorable Mention Lounge Opens at The Benson Hotel in Portland

Espresso Martini at Honorable Mention. — Honorable Mention’s Sucker Punch Cocktail

It’s official! Portland has its own version of the 40/40 Club with the newly opened Honorable Mention—at least according to this New York expat. Honorable Mention, Portland’s new sports lounge, which is co-owned by Portland Trail Blazers’ point guard Damian Lillard, opened earlier this month inside The Benson Hotel. The space blends a sultry, luxe vibe with a cozy, welcoming feel that’s perfect for gathering with your crew of friends and sports lovers. The Bridgetown Bites team stopped by its media night this week and came away impressed.

October 22, 2024December 7, 2024

First Tastes: Parallel, a Wine Bar in NE Portland

Parallel Salad at Parallel Wine Bar in Portland Oregon. — The titular Parallel Salad.

The other day I was invited to hang out at Parallel, a wine bar over on NE Sandy, and try a few things. Here are my impressions, along with a few observations and some helpful information about the place. Note: This meal was comped but opinions are my own.

July 23, 2024July 25, 2024

First Tastes: Northport (Review)

The exterior of Northport, a restaurant in North Portland.

The other day—actually, it was on my birthday—I stopped in at Northport in the Kenton neighborhood in North Portland. I was eager to check it out, as I’d been following the progress of the restaurant for many months. An early July media tasting had to be postponed, so I caught up with them a couple weeks later, for a nice solo lunch.

Note: This meal was comped but opinions are my own.

February 9, 2022April 21, 2025

First Tastes: Futura Coffee Roasters

The counter at Future Coffee Roasters in the Montavilla neighborhood in Portland, Oregon.

Last week I stopped by Futura Coffee Roasters, a new cafe that opened in the old Fillmore Coffee shop location on NE Glisan in Montavilla. It’s a beautiful space with a full range of coffee drinks, plus a small food menu, pastries and bagels. Bottom line: it’s a great addition to the neighborhood.