Category: Portland

portland-oregon-night

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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Participate in Chocolate for Congo in Portland in February 2022

I only recent became aware of the campaign, Chocolate for Congo, a month-long benefit for Action Kivu and Eastern Congo Initiative. These are two organizations that work to repair the harm done by years of violence and neglect in Eastern Congo by investing in the women, children and communities in the region. You can read about the Kivu conflict on Wikipedia for more background.

The benefit works like this: you enjoy chocolate at restaurants and bakeries in Portland throughout February and $1 from each dessert will benefit these organizations. You still have about half a month to participate!

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The Red Gate Has Closed in Portland

The Red Gate in Portland, Oregon.
The Red Gate was located in what resembles an old Portland Foursquare house. The previous tenant was a hair salon.

For a number of months, neighbors have wondered what is up with The Red Gate, a much-beloved cafe/teahouse on NE Fremont in the Roseway neighborhood that has been closed for some time. Starting in September 2018, they served up espresso drinks, bubble tea, jianbings, and avocado toast, among other things; it was an interesting mix in a nice space. A reliable source has informed me, unfortunately, that they are truly and officially closed and will not be returning.

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Four Things I Learned This Week (February 11)

RIP WordPress “Post Format” option—the latest version of the software running this site has done away with one of my favorite editing options. This column will, going forward, have the headline visible from the front page. Now, onto the news.

Bialys are back at Ben & Esther’s. Bialys are less common than bagels, so get them when you find them. And you can find them at Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli—both locations in Portland and only on Saturdays. As they say, “Historically, we sell out of these very quickly…like, within minutes. Get ‘em while you can!” 6912 NE Sandy Blvd and
1800 NE Alberta Street, Portland

Top 10 spots for chicken wings in Portland. PDX Monthly published a roundup of top chicken wing places in Portland this week and it’s an interesting group. It gathers places from Beaverton to Happy Valley, and includes a wide range of flavors. The place that especially caught my eye is the Sandy Hot Wings Café, on NE Sandy and 139th. I’ve been meaning to check out Tinker Tavern in Montavilla, too. Lots of great options on this list. 13912 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Hindsight Beer Cart is opening a tap room. Via a liquor license application and a post on Instagram, the news that Hindsight Beer Cart is opening a new taproom on SE Powell is real. Their cart has been at the Bite on Belmont pod for a while; the new location looks like the former home of Brewery 26.

At this point they are ready to start things up in the South Tabor neighborhood, but are “Just waiting on the approvals. Stay tuned!” They’ll have 20 indoor seats and 30 outdoor seating (outdoor enclosed in a tent), food, and will be open seven days a week. 5829 SE Powell Blvd, Portland

Boxer Ramen is back, and a new location. They indicated this and other changes back in December 2021: “We will return next month to Our New Location just down the street! Why, you may ask? We are moving into a larger space, expanding the menu (did someone say sushi!?!?), and we will have a full bar with fun cocktails! Happy Hour? You Bet!” See all the things they have to offer on their website. 1668 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland

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It’s-It Club Pivots, Long Live It’s-It Club!

A freezer full of It's-It ice cream sandwiches.
A freezer full of It’s-It ice cream sandwiches. Photo credit: It’s-It Club Portland.

I developed a taste for It’s-It ice cream sandwiches when I lived in the Bay Area in the 1990s, so when I discovered they were accessible here via the It’s It Portland Club, it gave me a lot of joy. They really are a taste of the region, and even just hearing the name brings back a lot of good memories. So I was sorry to hear about the (un)official end of the Club, but happy to hear It’s-It Club will live on at Spielman Bagels.

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