Portland food news and views
News, analysis, and current topics in the world of food.
Last night as I opened my Instagram app, I saw the news from James Helms, owner of Rocky Butte Coffee Roasters: “We are being evicted from our espresso bar on 12/31.” I could hardly believe it. The espresso bar is an important part of the Madison South community, it’s hard to imagine it not being there.
Continue reading “Rocky Butte Espresso Bar to Close End of 2022”
Looking northeast from NE Prescott
While I was on a walk today on the east side of Cully, I found myself in close proximity to the incoming Upright Brewing taproom—still under construction, but getting close. So I thought I’d take a few photos. It really is looking good.
Continue reading “Upright Brewing Cully End of 2022 Update”Bakeshop’s pie pre-orders are back. Earlier this fall, Kim at Bakeshop announced they were not going to do Thanksgiving pies, the first time in decades this was the case. Good news, though: Bakeshop is returning with pies and cakes for the holiday season that you can pre-order now. Online pre-orders will close December 18, so get your order in for your seasonal celebrations sooner than later. Some of the things you can expect: burnt Basque cheesecakes; apple pies with choice of either buckwheat streusel or double crust; pecan pies; ham & cheese quiches; Gingerbread People cookies. Order here.
On Christmas Eve day they will also be serving their annual eggnog. There will be some specials that day, too. 5351 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Citizenwich is coming to Lardo. For 10 years, Lardo has been doing a monthly fundraiser called Chefwich, where they invite local chefs to create a new sandwich and then donate the proceeds from said sandwich to a non-profit of their choosing. In January 2023, Lardo is changing it up and launching their first “variation on a theme”: the Citizenwich. In their words, “What sandwich do YOU want to put on the menu for the month of January?” Yes, that’s right—you get to suggest the sandwich and the nonprofit. Submit your ideas—the sandwich name, a brief description, and the nonprofit you want to donate the proceeds to—on Lardo’s Instagram post about it. Multiple locations, including 1212 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland
Norah opens today. Norah, from the folks that brought us Mestizo, has their grand opening today: 11:30am to 3pm for lunch and 4pm to 9pm for dinner. They offer “plant-based & pan-Asian cuisine,” with proteins like soy curls, tofu, and tempeh; aside from that, I have to say the Ma Hor caught my eye: fresh pineapple bites, sweet radish, peanut, palm sugar.
The name “Norah” has special meaning to the owners, and it “refers to a traditional dance reserved for celebrations and community gatherings in Southern Thailand where Nan [Chaison] and Prae [Nobnorb] grew up.” 3801 SE Belmont Street, Portland
Have you been to Fortune BBQ Noodle House yet? Earlier this year I wrote about Fortune BBQ Noodle House arriving in Montavilla, and to be honest, it kind of fell off the radar. This week I saw that Gary the Foodie posted a photo shoutout and included this great photo of the roast ducks hanging in the window. The plate of roast duck and pork also looks delicious. I’ve read a bunch of good things about this restaurant, from the food to the staff. This is a reminder that I need to stop by soon. 18 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland
Photo credit: Monster Smash
Yesterday as I was driving to my haircut, I saw the sign finally going up at My-O-My, the new bar opening up in the old Rocky Butte Pub space on NE Sandy Blvd near 87th Avenue. As you will see at the link above, the expectation was a summer 2022 opening, but gauging from their Instagram account, a winter 2022/23 opening looks to be in the works. And along with what I expect will be great drinks and good vibes, there will also be food—enter Monster Smash, home to quality smash burgers (and more).
Continue reading “Monster Smash to Open Second Cart at My-O-My Bar”
Excited for all the winners!
It’s that time of year again: the time when local media outlets (and nationwide ones, too, but that’s not the focus here) gather their bests and make lists of various things—including food. Personally, I love lists and it’s fun to see what the different food media sources deem “the best” in any given year. It’s unclear in my mind if I’m going to do that kind of roundup before the close of 2022, so I thought I’d round up what’s out there already.
Continue reading “Roundup: Bests and Awards of 2022”