Portland food news and views
News, analysis, and current topics in the world of food.
Photo credit: ChiMcking
Last Sunday I was doing a little research on Portland Thai restaurants and it became clear that Saima Thai & Sushi in the Hollywood District has closed. They opened originally in early 2018. Turns out a new restaurant is moving into that space: ChiMcking, a franchise that offers “Korean Style Chicken & Fresh Beer.” That’s right—an expansive menu of Korean fried chicken is coming to the Hollywood District. Continue reading “Goodbye Saima Thai & Sushi, Hello ChiMcking”
A box of beautiful pȃte sȏ.
If there is a positive to this pandemic, it’s the little cottage industries that have been born—“necessity is the mother of invention” and all that. The latest one I’ve encountered is the box of bánh pȃte sȏ featured on the @heychaudy Instagram account. You order these delicious things through that account, which is related to the @_2anh account, run by Anh Tran of Yen Ha fame, which, as you know from this blog, shuttered in 2019.
Continue reading “For the Love of Pȃte Sȏ”Just a note to say it’s been a slog, this pandemic. Mixed with other things that I won’t detail much (health stuff involving hard times), last week was a bust. I made nary an appearance on this little blog—consistency is hard when you’re sick and as a food writer it’s even worse when you have very little appetite to work with. I’ll admit to you that I spent a few days eating not much more than soft white “Artisan” bread from Safeway and bananas, and that was enough. The good news is I’m feeling better, and have leveled up to eating mostly vegetables, fruit, and protein.
And to keep things on food/drink news, I noticed that the new Target in the old OSH space (4030 NE Halsey adjacent to the Hollywood Transit Center) has put their liquor license application in. At first I thought it was odd but then I looked again and saw the little “off-premises” box checked, so I guess they’ll sell bottles of booze etc. to buy and take home. So, the Hollywood District will have another place to pick this stuff up.
My hope is to bring you more food news and views this week. I’m going to be picking up some food from some private vendors this week and look forward to sharing my observations. Thank goodness my appetite is coming back.
[Another revival, please enjoy! -Ed]
Ben & Esther’s, which is now fully vegetarian, announced that their “soon-to-be-famous vegan cinnamon rolls” will launch this Saturday—that’s tomorrow. In the words of the owner, “Come get some. Don’t be a crazy person.” 6912 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Vivienne is making what they call “baby cakes,” which are literally small-sized layer cakes: “That absolutely delicious and adorable Baby Cake is black and white this week. That is, the best chocolate cake layers filled in the center and wrapped in vanilla buttercream and rainbow sprinkles. This cake serves two big pieces or 4 perfect mini pieces.” 4128 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Sebastiano’s is expanding their cheese program, stocking “a selection of Italian cheeses that are curated, cut-and-wrapped by the team at Cowbell.” Like a lot of us, the closure of Cheese Bar on Belmont was a very sad thing, so it’s good to see other places stepping into that void. Sebastiano’s will be consulting with Portland’s favorite cheesemonger Steve Jones, owner of the late great Cheese Bar, on their own cheese program. 411 SE 81st Avenue, Portland
Did you know you can get freshly made perogies every Saturday? Head to St. John the Baptist Ukranian Orthodox Church on Saturdays from 11am to 2pm. Along with perogies, you can pick up stuffed cabbage and sausages—enjoy them hot or take home frozen items for later. 8014 SE 16th Avenue, Portland
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”