Portland food news and views
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.
Last week Baka Umai (soft) opened their second location in Northwest Portland. Affectionately called the Ramen Den, they offer their same creative dishes in a new, cozy space—which previously was the second location of Grant’s Philly Cheesesteaks. I spoke with one of Baka Umai’s owners, Robert Greenup, recently to find out more about the Baka Umai Ramen Den. Here’s what I learned.
Continue reading “Baka Umai Ramen Den Is Open in Northwest Portland”
Landmark Saloon closes today. They announced that today is their final day of service. “It was a hell of a run. Come in and raise a glass to some old friends while you can … Let’s hope things work out and someone great takes over the space.” 4847 SE Division Street, Portland
Continue reading “Small Bites: Landmark Saloon, Expatriate, Steely’s, and More”
It’s back! Dumpling Week 2026 arrives this Sunday, February 15. After Salad Week (natch), Dumpling Week is my favorite food week in Portland (we keep a list of the others over in our Portland Food and Drink Festivals page). This year, over 40 restaurants are participating in Dumpling Week.
Continue reading “Dumpling Week 2026 in Portland”
Late last year, Chinese restaurant 28 Tigers said farewell to their space next to the Holy Ghost Bar on Southeast 28th Avenue. Around that time (in November), I quoted the 28 Tigers folks with, “A new exciting project will be taking over our space while we find some rest before the next project manifests.” Well, that exciting project is BBANG!, a new Korean restaurant offering sandwiches, burgers, Korean fried chicken and tofu, and tasty sides—and a love of the bread the binds them.
I spoke with one of the owners of BBANG!, Megan Kim, and here is what I learned about the new place.
Continue reading “BBANG! Will Open Next to the Holy Ghost in Portland”
Lunar New Year 2026 is almost here! While last year was the Year of the Snake, this year brings the Year of the Horse—and specifically, the Fire Horse. Lunar New Year 2026 starts on Tuesday, February 17 (which also happens to be Mardi Gras) and Year of the Horse ends February 5, 2027. It’s considered to be an optimistic year with plenty of opportunities, associated with success and good fortune.
Continue reading “Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year 2026 in Portland”