Shop Halo Halo Has Closed and Is Ready for What’s Next, in Portland

The ube crinkle cookie at Shop Halo Halo.
The ube crinkle cookie, the most popular item on the menu. Photo credit: Shop Halo Halo.

Shop Halo Halo, a Filipino bakery, closed down their storefront in the Woodstock neighborhood this past August. Currently doing pop-ups and fundraisers (including their own), they are in search of a new location. I spoke with Shop Halo Halo’s owner, Geleen Abenoja, to learn more.

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Nosh at The Noshpit in the Old Backyard Social Space in Portland

The Noshpit illustration is rad.
Photo credit: The Noshpit.

Back at the end of September I learned that a new bar/restaurant was planned for what was home to Backyard Social for many years. Called The Noshpit, they look to offer sandwiches, soup, hot dogs, drinks, and more. I spoke with the owner of The Noshpit, Jeff Jones, the other day about the new place, and here is what I learned.

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Small Bites: Loncheria Los Mayas, Soen, 28 Tigers, and More

TheĀ Fall Feast Salad at Fresh Love (part of a Small Bites list with Loncheria Los Mayas).
TheĀ Fall Feast Salad. Photo credit: Fresh Love.

The Loncheria Los Mayas truck has moved. I drove by the corner of NE Prescott and 42nd the other day and noticed that the Loncheria Los Mayas truck was no longer there. The property has been sold, too, in September 2025. However, I since learned that the taco truck folks have consolidated into their location on NE Alberta. And a neighbor said, “They will hopefully have a 42nd Ave location early next spring.” Meanwhile, enjoy their delicious Yucatecan food on NE Alberta. 2515 NE Alberta Street, Portland

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Get to Know Recess, the Restaurant in Portland’s Cambria Hotel

Pavlova at Recess.
A beautiful and tasty pavlova at Recess, the restaurant inside the Cambria Hotel.

Last month I stopped in at Recess, the restaurant in the new Cambria Hotel located in the Pearl District. They opened this past August 7. I had a chance meet the staff, hear about their work, and see what they are bringing to the neighborhood—especially when it comes to food and drink. Here’s what I learned during that visit.

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OK Chicken & Khao Soi Will Open in the Old Pok Pok Space in Portland

The titular dish at OK Chicken & Khao Soi.
Photo credit: OK Chicken & Khao Soi.

OK Chicken & Khao Soi has been the source of a lot of chatter and speculation over the months since it was first reported in The Oregonian. I, too have been curious and wanted to learn more, so I reached out to them. I had a chance to chat with Sam Smith, one of the owners. Here is what I learned.

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