Portland food news and views
News, analysis, and current topics in the world of food.
A while back, a reader asked me if I knew what was going in at the old Green Zebra on N Lombard Street. After some research, I’ve come to understand that it looks like it’s going to become a McDonald’s—fast food. Maybe not the most exciting news possible, but it’s satisfying to know the future of that space.
Continue reading “McDonald’s To Open in Old Green Zebra Space on N Lombard in Portland”Mika Paredes will be L’Echelle’s Executive Chef. It seems very apt for Mika Paredes (Cornet Custard) to take the helm of L’Echelle, what with her close connection to the late Naomi Pomeroy, who founded the restaurant. More on Instagram. 4537 SE Division Street, Portland
Lansdowne Social opens next week. I was randomly fed by Instagram’s algorithm the page for Lansdowne Social, and was definitely intrigued by it. First, it looks like events—dinner and afternoon tea—will take place in what was the ÄNIKS space. Martin Pfeifer was Chef de Cuisine there and is now Executive Chef at Lansdowne.
They describe themselves as “a NE Portland neighborhood restaurant with a communal dining concept, all about good food and great company. Twice a night we serve up a rotating, five-course, prix fixe menu of the best seasonal ingredients from the Pacific Northwest.” You can reserve your seat on their Tock page. They look to launch February 28, 2025. 518 NE 28th Avenue, Portland
The McMenamins Ram’s Head will close. It’s uncommon for a McMenamins property to close, so this was a surprise. But they do not own the property, and they chose after 35 years, to not renew the lease. They will close in June, with a big farewell party as a sendoff. 2282 NW Hoyt Street, Portland
Portland has a food cart dedicated to loukoumades. Yanni’s Greek Donuts opened in January but I only became aware of them recently. It’s run by brothers Theo and Luke, who grew up here in Portland’s Greek community. Their cart is decked out with the look of the Greek flag.
They offer three flavors of loukoumades: a classic Honey and Cinnamon, Chocolate Pistachio, and Caramel Coconut. Plus you can get a Greek frappé with it! I love frappés! (And yes, they use Necafé.) These loukomades are the ball-shaped version, not the ring shape (personally that’s my preference, but they are harder to find). 1400 SE 9th Avenue, Portland
Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:
Listen to Meg Cotner on Portland’s Right at the Fork Podcast
New Food Cart at Portland’s My-O-My: Kona Kitchen
CSA Share Fairs Will Take Place in Hillsboro and Portland in 2025
Blasphemy BBQ To Open at the Flying Tortoise Pod in Portland
Zwickelmania is this weekend, too! As is the west side CSA Share Fair. And 82 Acres has opened their doors for diners. I went to a media preview, and took a few photos.
Blasphemy BBQ, a new place to get barbecue, is coming soon to Portland at the Flying Tortoise food cart pod on NE Glisan Street on the edge of Laurelhurst. They’ll offer a new style of barbecue that they think is worth your time and tastebuds. I reached out to co-ownerJenny Nickolaus to learn more about their new ‘cue vision.
Continue reading “Blasphemy BBQ To Open at the Flying Tortoise Pod in Portland”
My-O-My, which opened up in the Sumner neighborhood back in January 2023, has a new food cart on the back patio: Kona Kitchen. They offer Hawaiian food—from an ahi tuna poke bowl to kalua pork, teriyaki chicken to mac salad, and much more.
Continue reading “New Food Cart at Portland’s My-O-My: Kona Kitchen”
Black Water, an established local record label, performance venue, and vegan bar, is coming to Rose City Park. They will set up shop in the old Laurelwood Brewing pub space. This feels like a big deal, as locals have lamented the absence of a tenant in that location since the pub closed in 2023.
Continue reading “Black Water Will Bring Food, Drink, Music to NE Sandy Blvd in Portland”