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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Upright Brewery’s Future Cully Home – Building Status

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While hanging out with The Watermelon Man yesterday,  I snapped a photo of the nearby former auto repair shop that’s slowly making its transformation (it’s a little hard to see but I love the art on the grey patch). Last time I reported on this, the news was that Upright Brewing was moving in with a couple of food trucks. Eater reported last month that Portland coffee roaster Junior’s will join them in that space.

This is a very cool development, and just adds even more value to what’s in store. Probably my favorite detail from the Eater article was this: “Upright and Junior’s feel personally invested in the Roseway and Cully area, as both owners and employees of each company live within walking distance of the new spot.” I absolutely love this.

Last night I perused a bunch of city permit documents about the space and it’s pretty interesting; I love nerding out on this stuff. It’s gonna be a great addition to the neighborhood. Here’s to a fab 2022 opening!

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Checking In With Nathan Hart, The Watermelon Man

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I was on a walk this morning and and decided to stop by Nathan Hart’s truck filled with watermelons. Mr. Hart goes by the moniker, “The Watermelon Man” (it’s on his business card) because he brings delicious Hermiston watermelons to the city and sells them during the summers. From what I can tell, he’s done this for a number of years. His location sometimes changes, and this year he’s parked at the northwest corner of Prescott and 72nd Avenue.  Last year he was over on 82nd Ave near NE Alberta.

I enjoyed our chat—he’s a really nice, personable guy that has become beloved among folks in the neighborhood. “The community has really embraced me,” he said. As an example, he told me a story about a little girl in the neighborhood who gets really excited when she sees him and his truck—“It’s the watermelon man, the watermelon man!” she cries. I mean, how adorable is that?

I noticed on his truck signs indicating that he sells seeded watermelons, seedless watermelons, cantaloupe, and corn. “Of course, that changes as the season changes,” he explained. You can stop by his truck on Mondays to Saturdays until Labor Day; he’s off on Sundays. You can call ahead to order watermelons at 503-756-1257, or just stop on by. He’s a great conversationalist. And his watermelons are fantastic. I’m glad he’s here.

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Good Times at the Rocky Butte Farmers Market

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This past Saturday was the third installation of the 2021 season of the Rocky Butte Farmers Market, located on the Rocky Butte itself.  I had attended the first market of the year but was very sick (thanks to adjusting to a new cancer drug) and couldn’t stay long; I was out of town for July’s market. So, I was really happy to be there in August—I had a great time and found some delicious and wonderful things.

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Small Bites – No Saint Pizza, Baon Kainan’s Arrival, Bee’s Cakes at Steeplejack, and More

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Cicoria’s pizza in their fave party cut. Photo Credit: Cicoria

It’s been a while! I’ve been working hard to improve some health issues, which have really been a buzzkill for this blog. But my curiosity about Portland food got the better of me, and I took a review of my regular sources for things that interest me. Here’s what I found.

Filipino (food) popup at the Side Yard Farm Friday. An enticing-sounding popup at the Side Yard Farm in Cully featuring Filipino businesses is happening this Friday, August 6. Among others, vegan bakery Kumare will be participating and offering “our mini ube ensaymada as well as NEW all plant-based Filipino goodies such as Biko (coconut rice cake), Turon (fried banana rolls), and Cantaloupe Juice.” No pre-order necessary. 5-9pm. 4800 NE Simpson Street, Portland

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Small Bites – Norse Hall, Poke Qube, Birrieria PDX, and More

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A bunch of tidbits have crossed my desk and I thought I’d put them all together for you here.

Portland’s Norse Hall at risk. The Norse Hall over on Couch and 11th is running in the red, thanks to—you guessed it—COVID-19. Known for various Scandi cultural events, including the annual Lutefisk Dinner, I’ve spent time there for their tasty Viking Breakfast that happens during certain months of the year. It’s an important cultural space and is worth saving; the fear is out there that developers might be eyeing the property. You can help by donating to their GoFundMe campaign. 111 NE 11th Ave, Portland

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