Category: News

News, analysis, and current topics in the world of food.

Posted on

Butcher Shop and Restaurant Piccone’s Corner is Finally Open

sausage-roll-piccones-corner-portland-oregon

Sausage and peppers on a roll. Photo credit: Piccone’s Corner

Piccone’s Corner, a whole-animal butcher shop/osteria/salumeria, is open today after months of preparation and waiting. Named after Austin Piccone, farmer and owner, they are located at 3434 NE Sandy Blvd, corner of Sandy and NE Imperial. Read more about the people involved, here.

Sandy is one of my main travel routes, both as a driver now and when I was taking the bus a lot in my car-free days. I’ve been watching this space for months, looking forward to stopping by and checking it out whenever it did open. I like their ethics of their meats being “focused on mindful sourcing” and the fact that they raise much of the meat themselves (at Wallow & Root Farm) as well as “animals from our friends and peers in the community.” This is going to be a prime place for nourishing, nutrient-dense, sustainable meats.

Continue reading “Butcher Shop and Restaurant Piccone’s Corner is Finally Open”
Posted on

Another Soda Fountain Bites the Dust? Paulsen’s Pharmacy Has Closed

aulsens-pharmacy-portland-oregon

The soda fountain at Paulsen’s Pharmacy in 2014. Photo credit: Wikimedia

Yesterday I learned from the Hollywood Boosters that Paulsen’s Pharmacy (4246 Sandy Blvd) has closed. Today I came across a post from Chris Balo in the Dead Memories Portland public Facebook group with more details:

“On Wednesday 1/27/2021, Paulsen’s Pharmacy closed it’s doors for the last time. My parents worked there, my dad Gary since 1970 and my mom Karen from 1984 until their retirement in 2016 when they sold the business. It’s hard to see this place close after 103 years in business. My family and I have so many fond memories of this place after it played a major part of our lives for so many years. One of Portland’s only 2 remaining soda fountains is now gone.”

Continue reading “Another Soda Fountain Bites the Dust? Paulsen’s Pharmacy Has Closed”

Posted on

Rocky Butte Farmers Market Returning Summer 2021

from-a-distance-rocky-butte-farmers-market-portland-oregon

The Rocky Butte Farmers Market at Dharma Rain Zen Center in 2019

[Full disclosure: I am part of the core leadership group for the Rocky Butte Farmers Market.]

I’m very happy share the news that the Rocky Butte Farmers Market will return this summer! As mentioned above, I’m part of the core planning group/steering committee for this market, which serves the east Portland neighborhoods of Sumner, Roseway, and Madison South; I’m lending my talents and skills with writing and editing content. In fact, I put together the latest blog post announcing the market’s return.

Basic info preview: we’ll have five monthly markets from June to October, happening the second Saturday of each month. They will take place in the expansive parking lot at Mannahouse Church (formerly City Bible Church), a “non-denominational Christian church” on the Rocky Butte itself. You may have seen their building, sort of space-age-era looking concrete domes.

Continue reading “Rocky Butte Farmers Market Returning Summer 2021”
Posted on

D’s Bar and Brickhouse Pizza in Roseway Has Closed

Roseway neighbors lament the shuttering of local favorites D’s Bar and Brickhouse Pizza (run by the same people) on Sandy Blvd at 68th Ave. On December 18 we became aware of an eviction notice and then on December 31, the businesses’ owner posted this on Facebook:

“Today is the last day for D’s and Brick House Pizzeria. Due to the past 9 months in a pandemic, it doesn’t make sense to continue with our business. Thank you for all your support since 2007. We are truly thankful for our wonderful staff, friendships that developed, loving relationships that started with a first date at our place memorable moments with KC Chiefs and Iowa Hawkeye football games, and devoted customers who are like family.”

I had heard great things about the pizza, and I know gatherings for Roseway Nextdoor members would meet there from time to time. Sadly, another one bites the dust in this crazy pandemic economy. Best of luck to the Martins and I hope we see them at some point again serving food and drink.