LaVerne’s Will Open in Portland’s Woodlawn Neighborhood

Some of the food you'll find at LaVerne's.
Photo credit: LaVerne’s.

LaVerne’s is coming to Woodlawn. This new bar and restaurant is part of a triune space that also includes a private event area and The Village Ballroom upstairs. They are looking to open in late September (updated from 9/19 to closer to 9/26) on NE Dekum Street in Northeast Portland’s Woodlawn neighborhood.

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Rosh Hashanah 2025—New Year 5786—in Portland

Honey Bee Bundt cake from Baker and Spice, for Rosh Hashanah 2025.

Rosh Hashanah is almost upon us! As I write this, we only recently hit Enkutatash—Ethiopian New Year—-and now we are on to the Jewish New Year. It is also the start of a cascade of Jewish holidays: Yom Kippur ten days later, then Sukkot a few days after that. Next comes Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. All in less than a month!

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Small Bites: Artisserie Lake Oswego, Gnarlys, Lombard House and More

Artisserie Lake Oswego and Artisserie Find Bakery product.
Photo credit: Artisserie Fine Bakery.

Artisserie Lake Oswego is open. This French pastry shop and bakery opened at the end of August in Lake Oswego (they’ve been on NW 23rd Avenue for a while). They offer croissants, macarons, cakes, baguettes, and more. And brunch! Local influencer @micbanh was there recently and wrote about the brunch:

“The brunch menu is available until 3pm and features dishes like the Courgette Quiche, Suprême Dubai French Toast, Heirloom Cherry Tomato Toast, and more. They also serve bubbly and cocktails for those looking to indulge a little extra!” 50 First Street, Lake Oswego

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The Fifth Annual Tomato Fest Is Saturday in Portland

A bowl of Early Girl tomatoes.
Early Girls I grew in 2020.

The Fifth Annual Tomato Fest is almost here!

Tomato Fest, which has been produced by the folks at Wellspent Market since 2021, is now in its fifth year—and in a different location than the inaugural fest. As we humans love our anniversaries and birthdays that end in a “5” or a “0,” I’m happy to tell you about this year’s celebration and appreciation of my favorite nightshade.

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