Small Bites: Artisserie Lake Oswego, Gnarlys, Lombard House and More

Artisserie Lake Oswego and Artisserie Find Bakery product.
Photo credit: Artisserie Fine Bakery.

Artisserie Lake Oswego is open. This French pastry shop and bakery opened at the end of August in Lake Oswego (they’ve been on NW 23rd Avenue for a while). They offer croissants, macarons, cakes, baguettes, and more. And brunch! Local influencer @micbanh was there recently and wrote about the brunch:

“The brunch menu is available until 3pm and features dishes like the Courgette Quiche, Suprême Dubai French Toast, Heirloom Cherry Tomato Toast, and more. They also serve bubbly and cocktails for those looking to indulge a little extra!” 50 First Street, Lake Oswego

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Fourth of July 2025 in Portland and Nearby Communities

Fourth of July 2025 in Portland.
Photo credit: TriMet.

Fourth of July 2025 is almost here! Also known as Independence Day, the Fourth of July is one of the biggest holidays of the summer, if not the year. And while it’s a major grilling, parade, and fireworks day—and a chance to relax with friends, families, and neighbors—it also commemorates something pretty significant: On this day in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. 

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Four Things I Learned Last Week in Portland Food (January 3)

Javelina has found a place to call home. Indigenous pop-up-turning-restaurant Javelina announced late last year that they have found a place to land in Portland—the Lil’ Dame space in Northeast Portland. On Instagram, they said, “We have secured a hosting space to open the FIRST indigenous dining restaurant in Portland, Oregon.”

They will run two services at the new location—the original Javelina concept offering “classic powwow comfort food,” and a new dinner concept, which they will say more about this year. A soft opening will be on Monday and Tuesday, January 13 and 14, and full service starts Thursday, January 23, operating Wednesdays to Saturdays. Very exciting! Reserve on OpenTable. 5425 NE 30th Avenue, Portland

Pip’s Original closes Beaverton location. Unfortunate news for one of our western suburbs—Pip’s closed up shop in Beaverton. Sounds like it has to do with rent increases and the stance of the landlord and property management company. They were “ultimately unable to reach an accommodation,” and that meant shutting down in Beaverton. They are still operating at their NE Fremont location. 12400 SW Broadway Street, Beaverton

And Blue Star closes its Lake Oswego and Mississippi locations. The Mississippi location was my first encounter with Blue Star, and I’m sorry to see them leave that space. On their Instagram they posted, “These spaces have been home to countless sweet memories, joyful celebrations, and deep connections. While this decision was incredibly difficult, it’s one we had to make to ensure the long-term stability of Blue Star as we head into our 13th year.” You can still find them at South Waterfront, Goose Hollow, Division Street, and PDX Concourse D. 3753 N Mississippi Avenue, Portland and 350 1st Street, Unit C-4, Lake Oswego

Giveaway! Support the local small business community. Former bartender Matt Kesteloot is organizing a giveaway of $5 gift cards to support local small businesses. How to participate? Enter from Friday, January 17 to Friday, January 31 by posting a picture of yourself at your favorite, bar, restaurant, coffee shop, vintage store, etc. Tag the business and use the hashtag #BeThereForPDX. On Saturday, February 1, winners will be chosen randomly to split the pot. Read more on Matt’s Instagram, including updates on what businesses are participating. Multiple locations


Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

Summary: Portland Restaurant Openings and Closings, 2024
Landing Paper Planes Will Bring a Pay-What-You-Can Cafe To Portland
Zero Proof Portland: Dry January 2025

Updated January 5, 2025.

First Tastes: Flavors of Summer in Portland

Good Portland food: Buttermilk Marionberry ice cream from Cool Moon in Portland's Pearl District.
Buttermilk Marionberry ice cream from Cool Moon.

The Portland food scene is full of mouthwatering options, and I love to try dishes that are new or new-to-me. Here are some recent tastes—the flavors of summer—and my first impressions of them.

Buttermilk Marionberry Ice Cream and Affogato, Cool Moon Ice Cream

I had passed this place before when I had less time on my hands, but after spending a warm afternoon in a few parks in the Pearl, we decided to duck in to cool down. I tasted their Coffee Crackle flavor first but the texture wasn’t as creamy as I wanted; then I tried the Buttermilk Marionberry and was hooked. It was smooth and creamy, slightly tangy, sweet and fruity from the seasonal marionberry swirl.

We also got an affogato with their cinnamon ice cream and it was a dream! Flavors of Saigon cinnamon and rich espresso were fast friends to make this dish a winner. I’d get both again. 1105 NW Johnson Street, Portland. Cool Moon Ice Cream website

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