Portland food news and views
Portland’s James Beard Awards winners in 2026—not one, but two! No … three! On Monday night we learned who won the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. Portland was represented by two of these awards—one for Scotch Lodge for Outstanding Bar and one for Ryan Roadhouse at Nodoguro for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA).
Continue reading “Small Bites: James Beard Awards Winners, Coffee, and More”
The other day Instagram’s algorithm served me this video from Simply Coffee, a relatively new cafe in Gresham. I was really charmed by the narrator, who I learned later is owner Andra Stanescu (her husband Jonathan, is the other owner). Plus she uttered the magic word, “cornetti.” I wanted to learn more.
So, we chatted on the phone, talked about Simply Coffee and her work in the coffee/cafe sphere, and I’m happy to pass on some of what we talked about.
Continue reading “Simply Coffee: An Italian Cafe Has Opened in Gresham”
The Eastburn has closed. A Bridgetown Bites tipster told me this week that they learned from an employee that the Eastburn shut down on Tuesday; new has spread since then. Their Google business listing confirms it as “Permanently Closed.”
Continue reading “Small Bites: The Eastburn, Hunnymilk, Wajan, Sorbu, and More”
Tomorrow is the day: National Donut Day, that is—June 6, 2026. I don’t know many people who don’t like them, and as Homer Simpson said, “Donuts. Is there anything they can’t do?” For National Donut Day 2026 there are a number of deals going on, plus we’ve gathered up a list of donut shops worth knowing in the area.
Continue reading “National Donut Day 2026 Is Friday in Portland”
Have you been to El Pollo Chano? I saw some enthusiastic comments online about this place, a food truck with a dedicated smoker there on-site in the parking lot by the Chill Zone smoke shop on NE Sandy and 111th. I have passed this place driving east on Sandy Blvd many times, and my interest is majorly piqued.
Continue reading “Small Bites: El Pollo Chano, Pickles, Salami Mammi, and More”