Category: Portland

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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.

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El Sombrero Tapatio: A Family Affair in East Portland

A version of this article about Mama Elvira and El Sombrero Tapatio entitled, “Mama Elvira’ builds loyal following” was printed in the Hollywood Star News in June 2026.

I’ve been eating at El Sombrero Tapatio since I moved to East Portland in 2019. Opened originally in 2002, it’s a mainstay of the restaurant scene in Parkrose. Mama Elvira, the matriarch of the family behind El Sombrero, is the heart and soul of the kitchen, but this restaurant is truly a team effort—relatives and close family friends all contribute to its success. 

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Small Bites: Strawberry Shortcake Malasada, Pride, Nostrana, and More

A strawberry shortcake malasada from Departure.
Strawberry Shortcake Malasada at Departure. Photo credit: Departure.

Late to the party, but no doubt delicious. It’s Strawberry Shortcake Week this week, and while they are not on the original list, Departure has something to share: their Strawberry Shortcake Malasada. It’s got a strawberry li hung mui filling and Thai basil whip inside the yeasted donut-style pastry. This sounds really good and is gorgeous to behold. 525 SW Morrison Street, 15th Floor, Portland

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National Donut Day 2026 Is Friday in Portland

Gorgeous donuts from Donut Palace, just in time for National Donut Day 2026.
Photo credit: Donut Palace.

Tomorrow is the day: National Donut Day, that is—June 6, 2026. I don’t know many people who don’t like them, and as Homer Simpson said, “Donuts. Is there anything they can’t do?” For National Donut Day 2026 there are a number of deals going on, plus we’ve gathered up a list of donut shops worth knowing in the area.

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Bon Temps Poulet Will Open at Gorges Beer Co. in Portland

Rotisserie chickens. Photo credit: Steven Lek via a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Ken Gordon, of Kenny & Zuke’s fame and more recently the person in charge of the deli case at Sheridan Fruit Company (RIP), has a new project ready to go next week: Bon Temps Poulet. Presumably a riff on the famous phrase, “[Laissez les] bon temps rouler,” they will offer rotisserie chicken and roasted potatoes. According to a post on social media it will start Wednesday, June 10 at Gorges Beer Co. in Southeast Portland.

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