Portland food news and views
News, analysis, and current topics in the world of food.
While driving home from the laundromat recently, I saw a sign by the Dawnbringer Breakfast cart on N Fremont and Vancouver for something called “Fwi.” A couple days later, a reader messaged me about them. I checked their Instagram: Coffee with molasses? Banana breads of varying kinds? I was intrigued. So, I called up Div Walker, the owner of Fwi—sometimes referred to as the Fwi Bus or Fwi Cafe—to learn more.
Continue reading “Fwi Makes Coffee and Banana Bread in North Portland”
It’s that time again—time to see the list of finalists of the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. From this group, the winners will be picked and given their awards later in June.
Continue reading “The 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Finalists in Portland”
Back in January 2026, Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery announced that they chose to not to renew their lease that ends in June 2026. This means that they needed to find a new location, because they emphasized, “Wyrd is not closing.”
The good news is that they did find a new space. Fast forward to now and they are hard at work bringing their dreams to life in Milwaukie. Travis Sigler, Wyrd’s owner, and I had an email exchange over what is to come for Castle Wyrd, and here’s what I’ve learned.
Continue reading “Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery Has a New Home in Milwaukie”
Gumba soft reopens Saturday. Great news! Gumba soft reopens at their new location tomorrow at 5pm. You can make your reservation on their Tock page. 2203 NE Alberta Street, Portland
Continue reading “Small Bites: Gumba Soft Reopens, Sanguiche, Yen Ha, and More”
In late February, a new tapas restaurant called Vya (pronounced “Vye-uh”) opened in the old Palomar space on SE Division. Paella—including a vegan version—is an important part of their menu. They also offer, of course, a variety of tapas, some desserts, as well as cocktails, wine, beer, cider, and no-proof drinks. We had a chance to try some, too.
I chatted with Vy and Steve Chao, the owners of Vya, to learn more about the restaurant, and here is what I learned.
Continue reading “Vya Brings Tapas, Vegan Paella, and More To Southeast Portland”