News Archives - Page 10 of 140

February 20, 2026February 19, 2026

Small Bites: Tastebud, Costa Rican Food, Radicchio, and More

Tastebud wood fired margherita pizza — Photo credit: Tastebud Pizza.

Tastebud gets review-bombed. This week some folks took issue with statements Mark Doxtader, owner of Tastebud, posted on the pizzeria’s website. This led to articles posted about it on conservative outlets like Fox News, the New York Post and the Daily Mail (UK). That, in turn, inspired the practice of “review bombing” by some invested in protesting against statements like “Release the Trump/Epstein files.” and “The Holocaust was real.” GoodStuffNW has more details. Find additional info on this developing story in The Oregonian.

Tastebud makes wood-fired pizzas and more in Multnomah Village. 7783 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Nana’s Exquisite Confections Opens Today in Portland

A pound cake with fruit from Nana's Exquisite Confections. — Photo credit: Nana’s Exquisite Confections.

I recently learned from a Bridgetown Bites tipster that Nana’s Exquisite Confections opens today on NE 82nd Avenue in the Roseway neighborhood. Operated by local baker Florence Jenkins, she has operated Nana’s at markets and through mail-order for a number of years. Now, she starts this part of her journey in a brick and mortar space.

I spoke with Florence earlier this week about this next step in her business, and here is what I learned.

February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

Baka Umai Ramen Den Is Open in Northwest Portland

Cho-maz at Baka Umai Ramen Den. — Cho-Maz, made with housemade chorizo. Photo credit: Baka Umai.

Last week Baka Umai (soft) opened their second location in Northwest Portland. Affectionately called the Ramen Den, they offer their same creative dishes in a new, cozy space—which previously was the second location of Grant’s Philly Cheesesteaks. I spoke with one of Baka Umai’s owners, Robert Greenup, recently to find out more about the Baka Umai Ramen Den. Here’s what I learned.

February 13, 2026February 15, 2026

Small Bites: Landmark Saloon, Expatriate, Steely’s, and More

Not anything from Landmark Saloon, but the Expatriate Burmese tea leaf salad — Farewell, tea leaf salad at Expatriate. Photo credit: Yelp, Demi T.

Landmark Saloon closes today. They announced that today is their final day of service. “It was a hell of a run. Come in and raise a glass to some old friends while you can … Let’s hope things work out and someone great takes over the space.” 4847 SE Division Street, Portland

February 11, 2026February 10, 2026

BBANG! Will Open Next to the Holy Ghost in Portland

Three of the sandwiches you can get at BBANG! Shrimp burger is in the middle. — I spy Bbang. Photo credit: BBANG!

Late last year, Chinese restaurant 28 Tigers said farewell to their space next to the Holy Ghost Bar on Southeast 28th Avenue. Around that time (in November), I quoted the 28 Tigers folks with, “A new exciting project will be taking over our space while we find some rest before the next project manifests.” Well, that exciting project is BBANG!, a new Korean restaurant offering sandwiches, burgers, Korean fried chicken and tofu, and tasty sides—and a love of the bread the binds them.

I spoke with one of the owners of BBANG!, Megan Kim, and here is what I learned about the new place.