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.

Departure’s New Dry Cocktail Menu in Portland

nonalcoholic-cocktails-departure-portland-oregon
Photo credit: Departure Restaurant + Lounge

Earlier this month I learned about Departure Restaurant + Lounge’s new dry cocktail 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.

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Wholesome Blends Has Closed, The Whole Bowl Trailer Has Moved (Twice!)

After having breakfast at Jim and Patty’s and searching for an elusive geocache in Rose City Park, I headed home down Sandy Blvd and was startled to see that Wholesome Blends (4615 NE Sandy Blvd) had closed! The Whole Bowl trailer that was on the property was also gone, moving further into the Hollywood District, but is now back on Sandy.

The end of Wholesome Blends

The message says “Open till 1pm Christmas, then it is the end for Wholesome Blends.” You can see below that the whole place is cleared out.

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Saima Thai & Sushi Coming to Old Pono Soul Farm Kitchen Space on Sandy Blvd in Portland

Saima Thai & Sushi storefront

Well, looks like my suspicions were right—a new restaurant is indeed opening up in the old Pono Soul Farm Kitchen space. Saima Thai & Sushi is moving in and is “coming soon.” There’s been activity inside since the start of December; my guess is that they will open either a) in time for the holidays, or b) after the new year.

Update 1/10/18: Thanks to commenter Gabe below, looks like the people behind Saima Thai & Sushi are the same ones behind King Curry in Milwaukie. King Curry gets high marks on Yelp, and just looking at their menu, it’s full of familiar dishes to the average American Thai restaurant diner—along with what look like some Chinese dishes (e.g., Kung Pao, Orange Chicken). I’ve been keeping an eye on the place, and they have removed some of the window coverings. I hope that means they are opening soon.

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