Four Things I Learned This Week (August 30)

It’s back! I’ve resurrected my weekly Four Things, where I tell you about four new-to-me things I learned this week in the world of Portland food (week ending Friday, August 30, 2019).

Doe Donuts is backlogged with city permits.  Back in June, Doe Donuts announced they were leaving their FoPo location for new digs in the Hollywood District (where Garden Monsters previously set up shop). Their signage has been up for a while at the new spot, so I asked them on their Instagram when they plan to open. “In a few months,” was the answer. And why? “Permits are holding us back.”

The calzone zone is on Wednesdays at Red Sauce. According to their Facebook page, Red Sauce will be serving their amazing calzones on Wednesday nights only, going forth. Also news: “Pan pie on summery vacay, back in the fall.” Both are excellent choices; you should go. (And get a Treat Vancouver ding dong while you’re there.)

Oregon is a cheese champion. During the American Cheese Society Competition, Oregon took home 14 cheese wins this year. You can sample some of this year’s winning cheeses at The Wedge in October. And next year’s American Cheese Society Competition, Festival of Cheese, and accompanying conference will be held in Portland (July 2020)!

Xico nixes lunch service on SE Division. We’ve learned that Xico, home to an excellent version of “winner, winner, chicken dinner” on Monday nights, has decided to close down lunch service at their Division Street location. Last day of lunch service is Sunday, September 1. But… you can go to their NW location, where they will continue to serve lunch every day, save for Tuesday.

Big Ass Bake Sale in September Will Support RAICES in Portland

The Big Ass Bake Sale logo.

An excellent event is just over the horizon—the Big Ass Bake Sale at Cookshop. Over 40 of Portland’s best bakers, pastry chefs and restaurant owners are banding together to produce this sale, with all proceeds going to RAICES, “a nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees.” It will take place on Saturday, September 7 from 10am to 2pm, or until they run out of sweets.

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The 42nd Annual Middle Eastern Festival in Portland Was Delicious and Beautiful

cookie-collage-small
Some of the delicious cookies and baklava available at the Middle Eastern Festival this past weekend.

Yesterday I made my way to the far east side of Portland to attend the 42nd Annual Middle Eastern Festival at St George Antiochian Orthodox Church. There was some great music, dancing, a gorgeous church, a silent auction, and, of course, plenty of good food, including a spit roasted lamb, glistening in the sunlight.

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