Category: News

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

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Fire and Stone To Close End of February in Portland

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Dreamy wood oven roasted olives at Fire and Stone are magic.

This morning I read the news on Instagram that Fire and Stone, a wood-fired restaurant in the Alameda/Beaumont-Wilshire area, is closing. The news made me quite sad, as I’ve been a fan of the restaurant since before I moved to Portland. When I was the editor of Northeast Neighbors magazine, we featured them there, and a number of local folks I interviewed over the months also spoke highly of them. I’ve eaten a number of meals there. I am sure everyone is sorry to see them go. Continue reading “Fire and Stone To Close End of February in Portland”

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Saima Thai & Sushi Portland Opening Update

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As I walk to and from the gym, or Trader Joes, or the Hollywood Theatre, I always check out the progress at Saima Thai & Sushi, opening up at 4118 NE Sandy Blvd. All papers are down from the windows, hours are posted, menus are up and the interior—which looks quite a bit like the old Pono Soul Farm Kitchen’s decor—is looking RTG (ready to go). If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say they are ready to open this coming week.

Continue reading “Saima Thai & Sushi Portland Opening Update”
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Blackwell’s in Portland Has Closed

Well, that’s the end of an era—Blackwell’s Grub Steak Grill is closed here in the Hollywood District. First, the owner Jan dies (RIP), and that led the family to decide to close Blackwell’s this past Sunday.

According to the Willamette Week, Charlie De Lorme, Jan’s son, says “The family had considered selling the place before now, and had heard rumors that others were interested. ‘Now that we’re actually closing,’ he says, ‘they’re coming out of the woodwork.'”

I was unaware it was a Chinese restaurant way back when, too. That means the Mandarin and nearby Chin’s Kitchen were operating at the same time 35 years ago. And not far away was the Chinese Pagoda restaurant. So much Chinese-American food in a small area.

I’m also curious to know who is interested in the space now—it’s a good location and no doubt will fetch a pretty penny.

I’ll miss hearing the live blues music there on Wednesday nights. Thanks for the memories, Blackwell’s.

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Departure’s New Dry Cocktail Menu in Portland

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Photo credit: Departure Restaurant + Lounge

Earlier this month I learned about Departure Restaurant + Lounge’s new dry menu—AKA nonalcoholic cocktails. It’s a common thing these days for some people to cut out alcohol during the first month of the year, but there are also some of us that simply have a low tolerance for alcohol—being a “lightweight,” to use a term in common parlance. Personally, I love to try drinks made with interesting fruits, juices, essences, and other ingredients untouched by alcohol—it’s an interesting flavor world and you can drink it without having to worry about your blood alcohol level as you head home from the bar. Continue reading “Departure’s New Dry Cocktail Menu in Portland”