Portland food news and views
News and reviews of restaurants in Portland, Oregon.
Some of the most written about places on this blog include:
Portland Mercado [Latin American]
Ben & Esther’s [Jewish/Vegan]
Sizzle Pie [Pizza]
Bee’s Cakes [Cakes and Baked Goods]
Salt & Straw [Ice Cream]
Nepali Kitchen [Nepalese]
Vivienne[Bakery, Wine Bar, Bookstore]
Kachka [Russian]
Chin’s Kitchen [Dongbei Chinese]
Arrowood [New American]
A reader emailed me with the news that Portland’s excellent Balkan restaurant, Two Brothers Rakia Bar + Grill, is for sale. Color me surprised—I had no idea this was in the works until then. This could be a blow to the diversity—and deliciousness—of the Portland food scene. But the reason why they are selling is understandable.
Continue reading “Two Brothers Balkan Restaurant Is For Sale in Portland”
Happy Labor Day, everyone! I’m happy to say that August traffic on Bridgetown Bites was pretty good—close to 21,000 unique visitors generated almost 27,000 page views. That’s a record for the site and a far cry from the discouraging numbers back in May of this year. The top posts in August were about restaurants—a fire/closing, a couple of closings/re-openings, and a move.
Thanks for reading and sharing, following us on social media (Threads seems to be a bit of a sleeper hit)—and also to those who have sent me tips. I appreciate you!
5. Another Fire: 42nd Ave Fish & Chips
I can’t remember a year when there were so many fires in Portland relating to food businesses. Sadly, yesterday afternoon there was a fire—an external fire—at the 42nd Ave Fish & Chips restaurant. Nobody was hurt, thankfully, but it’s a tragedy just the same.
Continue reading “Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, August 2024”
Back in May, a Bridgetown Bites tipster emailed me with the news: “Jacqueline will be moving into the former La Moule/Bakers place at 25th and Clinton.” I wrote a little blurb at the time, and I’m happy to say that the tip has been further confirmed—first with a liquor license application from mid-August, and then with an article in The Oregonian this week (and the accompanying Instagram post).
Continue reading “Portland’s Jacqueline Is Moving Just Up the Street”Nathan Hart delivers melons (and more). Each summer Nathan Hart, the Watermelon Man, sets up shop along NE Prescott on the Cully/Roseway border. He’s sold melons out of his truck for years, but this is the first year I know he’s able to deliver. Along with watermelons, he is selling berries, corn, onions, cantaloupe, and honey. Call 503-756-1257 for delivery or more information. NE Prescott Street and 68th Avenue, Portland
Takibi will return. After a fire in January, Takibi, and izakaya, had to close for repairs. Fast forward seven-and-a-half months, and they are returning. “We are excited to announce that Takibi will return in September with a new team and a new menu.” Excellent. 2275 NW Flanders Street, Portland
New Thai cart at Upright Beer Station. I noticed a new cart as I was driving by NE Prescott and 72nd: R-HAAN Thai Kitchen. Google confirms they are there as does their website. No idea the quality of the food, just that it’s there. 7131 NE Prescott Street, Portland
Great steak reported at Covert Café. Over on Reddit they were talking about where to get a tasty steak in town and someone recommended Covert Café in Montavilla: “The owner hand picks the steaks from a local farm and grills them to perfection $20 (ish)/ plate.” You can see it on their menu as Steak Dinner: “Top sirloin cooked to your desire, garlic herb butter, potato salad, spring mix salad with croutons.” 803 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland
Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:
What’s Going In the Old Papa G’s Space? Il Fantino.
A Visit To All Your Heart Coffee in South Waterfront
P.S. Light posting this week because I got to spend time with one of my favorite persons. We ate at some great places, including Steam Rice Roll King (photos on Instagram), The Paper Bridge (photos on Instagram), and had tea at the Umami Café at the Japanese Garden (a couple photos on Instagram plus shots of the amazing Garden).
Also, don’t forget: the Reeva block party is this weekend! The Romanian Festival and Arab Rajan Festival are also this weekend.
Last month I received a message from a Bridgetown Bites tipster about the old Papa G’s space on SE Division. It sounds like a new bar called Fantino (previously Il Fantino) will open up there, possibly later this fall. Note: this article is somewhat speculative based on research from multiple sources, but there is an update at the bottom from early January.
Continue reading “What’s Going In the Old Papa G’s Space? Fantino.”