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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AYA Cafe Brings Love to NE Alberta In Portland

Chia pudding açai bowl at AYA Cafe.
Chia pudding açai bowl at AYA Cafe. Photo credit: AYA Cafe.

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).

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First Taste: Bar Sprezzatura Portland at The Heathman Hotel

Olive oil poached Alaska halibut at Bar Sprezzatura.
Olive oil poached Alaskan halibut.

Last week I attended a media preview for the new Bar Sprezzatura Portland, which opened officially to the public for dinner last Friday, October 16 (lunch service will arrive later this month). It was an experience full of surprises, good company, delicious food and drink, and great conversation among colleagues. I could do this all in an Instagram post, but I feel freer here on a creative level, so—here we go!

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Small Bites: Cowboy’s Burgers, Beer, Dawnbringer, and More

A pizza s'more, but not a burger from Cowboy's Burgers.
This pizza s’more blew my mind.

Cowboy’s Burgers has opened in Gresham. Their first day open was Tuesday, October 6, and they have gotten a lot of positive reviews—one person remarked, “Nothing like it in the area.” They have a pretty big menu, too. Burgers, of course, but also sandwiches (e.g., gyro, Philly cheese steak, BLT), salads, appetizers, breakfast, tacos, burritos, and more. You can see their extensive menu on Facebook. 18571 E Burnside Street, Gresham

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October 2026 Story Updates: Salami Mammi, Doug Fir, and More

A photo of downtown Portland for our October 2026 story updates roundup.

We’ve got your October 2026 story updates, filling you in on places that have opened, ones that are getting read to open, status on work being done, and more. Enjoy catching up!

Alberta Donut Cafe. They’ve gotten their floors done—nice and sealed—and it looks like some cabinets have arrived. They are still aiming for a fall 2026 opening. 2805 NE Alberta Street, Portland

Previously: Alberta Donut Cafe Will Open on NE Alberta Street in Portland

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The Stinkfest Cometh! Get Ready for the 2026 Portland Fermentation Festival

Would love to see Oregon Brineworks again at the 2026 Portland Fermentation Festival.
Pickled things from Oregon Brineworks.

I can hardly believe it’s already that time again: the 2026 Portland Fermentation Festival is next week! (This year has really flown by.) This is one of my favorite annual festivals—there’s always good things to see, eat, and yes—smell at Stinkfest. Here’s what you (and I) need to know.

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