Category: News

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

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Black Seed Burger Cult in Portland Does Not Take Itself Too Seriously

While perusing the latest liquor license applications, I ran across the intriguingly-named Black Seed Burger Cult; they’ve applied for a limited on-premises license. They’re opening up in the old Verde Cocina space (3746 North Mississippi), which closed last January. Their lighthearted attitude, displayed in their Instagram account, reminds me a lot of Flattops, a burger joint that was open on Ditmars Blvd in my old Astoria neighborhood. This post made me laugh:

 

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Permits are for nerds! Watch how real pros do it. #comingsoon #whichwiredoicut #wecanfixthatlater

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Chefs Michael Williams and Donovyn Collins are putting the place together on the food end, and artists Mike McKennedy and John Black are in charge of the design. Hours will be 9am to 10pm every day and you can start to get liquored up at 4pm. They will also have one vintage arcade game there on site.

There’s not much out there regarding the menu but you can be sure they will serve… burgers. Keep an eye on their Instagram for now; more will no doubt come later. UPDATE 8/29/19: Michael Russell at The Oregonian has more details—Black Seed Burger Cult will offer burgers, fried chicken and breakfast sandwiches; along with the meats there will be vegan and gluten free options as well.

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Grand Army Tavern’s New Italian Restaurant in Portland is Campana

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Last month I wrote about the wonderful pasta we had at Grand Army Tavern and in there was the news about a new restaurant they are putting in the front of the space, serving up Italian pasta dishes made with their wonderful housemade pastas. The Oregonian confirms the news and expands on it with some exciting details, including the name: Campana. Continue reading “Grand Army Tavern’s New Italian Restaurant in Portland is Campana”

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Second Profession Brewing Partnering With Arrowood Restaurant in Portland

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While driving along NE Sandy Blvd (again), I noticed that part of Second Profession Brewing windows were papered over—at this point after so many years of neighborhood blogging, papered-over windows always catch my eye and get me wondering. I stopped by and saw that the old pub that was part of the brewery is now going to be the restaurant Arrowood. The pub’s final day of business was July 31.

Continue reading “Second Profession Brewing Partnering With Arrowood Restaurant in Portland”
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Purringtons Cat Lounge To Return in Portland

Back in January when I was heading to Fisk, an art and design studio, gallery, and publisher run by a fellow CalArts grad, I saw the news about Purringtons Cat Lounge closing plastered on the door. I was sad.

So imagine my delight to see that they were purchased and will reopen! About the new owners, the former owners say, “Our little baby is in good hands!” Willamette Week has the details: Portland’s Only Cat Cafe Is Reopening Under New Ownership.

They’ll expand the cafe and redesign the bar area, and “the food and beverage menu will also be revamped.” I’m also excited by the idea that more cats may find loving homes through the cafe’s adoption program (as of today, the number of cats that have been adopted is 628). It’s unclear when they will open, but my guess is that their Instagram account is where that info will be found. Good luck to new owners Garrett Simpson and Helen Harris as they prepare to reopen.