Portland food news and views
Portland! It’s where I live, work, and play. It’s where the food news happens (at least most of it). This category is one of the real constants on Bridgetown Bites and is probably a part of almost every post on this blog.
Welcome to our annual roundup of Thanksgiving meal and dessert options for this very food-and-drink-centric holiday. Thanksgiving 2026 is about a month away, and we have plenty of options for you here—from pies to poultry, takeout to eat-in. We’ve separated this big list into smaller sections that we hope will be helpful.
Continue reading “Thanksgiving 2026 in Portland: Turkey, Pie, Dinner, and More”
Ballots and Brews at Tomorrow’s Verse. On Sunday, October 25 at 5:30pm, Tomorrow’s Verse is hosting Ballots and Brews: A Community Voting Night.
“Bring your ballot. Bring your voters’ pamphlet. Grab a beer and a table with your neighbors. Research the issues, discuss the candidates, talk through what’s on the ballot, ask questions and fill out your ballot at your own pace. No speeches. No pressure. No telling you how to vote. Just neighbors, community, democracy and beer.”
Be sure to take your completed ballot with you, as Tomorrow’s Verse is not an official drop site. 4605 NE Fremont Street, Suite 103, Portland
Continue reading “Small Bites: Ballots and Brews, Pozole, Jinju, and More”
There’s a new book in town and it’s called The Bartender’s Library, authored by Brett Adams and Jacob Grier and published by Chronicle Books. Both Brett and Jacob are involved with the Multnomah Whiskey Library, too.
I received a copy of The Bartender’s Library and found it is full of great information, even for this non-drinker—lots of intellectually stimulating passages as well as recipes for so many appealing sounding cocktails. I had a chance to chat with Brett and Jacob about the book, the publishing process, Multnomah Whiskey Library, and a handful of other things. Here’s what we talked about.
Continue reading “The Bartender’s Library: A New Book From Portland’s Multnomah Whiskey Library”
Earlier this month I learned that the SE Division location of Spielman Bagels & Coffee will soon have a new name: Ricky’s. The source of this news? Owner Raf Spielman himself. We chatted on the phone about what’s to come, and learned a bit of Spielman history, as well. Here’s what we talked about.
Continue reading “Ricky’s Is a New Bagel Shop Taking Over the Division Spielman Location in Portland”
I’ve been watching the progress of a new cafe called AYA that is opening in the old Tea & Tea space on NE Alberta. The Lime Stand (hand-smashed lime teas) and Ponto (Korean salt breads) are in the same building. They’ll bring a variety of poke bowls and açai bowls, and an extensive drink menu to the neighborhood. They open officially tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21.
I had an email exchange with Liz Qian, the owner of AYA Cafe, and here is what she told me that she has in store for Portland for this cafe (also, I believe she is associated with Poke Qube on NE Sandy Blvd near Bakeshop).
Continue reading “AYA Cafe Brings Love to NE Alberta In Portland”