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.
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

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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.

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Behind the Bun: An Insider Look at Bun Bandits in Portland

Bun Bandits together.

It’s been a month since the Bun Bandits debuted their tasty treats in SW Portland’s Multnomah Village. Founded by Sarah Lyman and Mackenzie Pentico, who first met while working at Dutch Bros, this handmade kolache and malasadas cart has quickly taken Portland by storm. Their sweet and savory buns regularly sell out within hours, prompting the duo to scale operations and adapt to growing demand quickly.

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Fwi Makes Coffee and Banana Bread in North Portland

The Fwi Bus.
Photo credit: Fwi.

While driving home from the laundromat recently, I saw a sign by the Dawnbringer Breakfast cart on N Fremont and Vancouver for something called “Fwi.” A couple days later, a reader messaged me about them. I checked their Instagram: Coffee with molasses? Banana breads of varying kinds? I was intrigued. So, I called up Div Walker, the owner of Fwi—sometimes referred to as the Fwi Bus or Fwi Cafe—to learn more.

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