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]
I was really happy to hear that Beaverton Restaurant Week is back for its fifth year! It will take place between Thursday, September 23 and Sunday, October 3 (so, a little over a week). In 2017, their inaugural restaurant week featured 28 restaurants; this year they expect over 35 restaurants to participate. Continue reading “Beaverton Restaurant Week 2021”
Lisa with wild ramps, an excellent cheese. Photo credit: Cowbell Cheese Shop
Washed-rind cheeses at Cowbell. This fantastic little cheese shop in the Central Eastside has professed their love of washed-rind cheeses, described as having, “unctuous, pudgy textures, big aromas, and assertive-yet-nuanced flavors that dance on the line between sweet and savory, nutty and brothy.” Le Niremont (Switzerland), Bethmale Montagne Mixte (France/Pyrenees), and Lisa with wild ramps (Germany/Bavaria) are the highlights. Buy online or in person. 231 SE Alder Street, Portland
Continue reading “Small Bites – Cowbell’s Washed-Rind Cheeses, Second Foxy Coffee Location, Banh Mi Boys Arrival, and More”
Vivienne back in 2017.
I knew Vivienne, the little cafe next to the Hollywood Theatre, was going to make some changes (i.e., the end of brunch) but I didn’t anticipate they would be on as high a level as they are. On Friday, September 3, Vivienne’s owner Robin Wheelright sent out an email announcing the changes—departing from being a full-time cafe and turning into a culinary bookstore to be located in what has been their dining room.
Continue reading “Get Ready for Portland’s Newest Culinary Bookstore from Vivienne”
While my friend Jen was in town I thought a trip to the newish Grand Stark Deli would be a great way to catch some breakfast before picking up my annual salmon share nearby—which, if you are unaware is a fantastic way to access high quality salmon in bulk (we’ve been doing it for 10 years). The deli is just off the lobby in the Hotel Grand Stark—the historic building was born as Hotel Chamberlain, converted to a local furniture manufacturer for 80 years and reopened as a hotel this past May. The deli serves up a west-coast interpretation of east coast deli food—including some of the best avocado toast I’ve ever eaten.
Continue reading “Excellent Avocado Toast and More at Grand Stark Deli”I stopped in at Zell’s Cafe this week and to my surprise and delight, the cold brew coffee was chilled with coffee ice cubes!
The only other place I ever encountered that used coffee ice cubes in their iced coffee was at the long-gone Wholesome Blends on NE Sandy near 46th Ave. To me, it makes a lot of sense to use coffee ice cubes in iced coffee, in order to avoid the dilution that inevitably happens. At the same time I realize it probably adds to the bottom line. But it’s super cool when it happens.
This glass of cold brew was very tasty and refreshing. It goes for $4 and you get free refills. Plus Zell’s delicious breakfast and lunch food—those little scones they give you when you sit down are also a treat.
Thanks for doing something special, Zell’s!
Zell’s Cafe
1300 SE Morrison Street, Portland
zellscafe.com | Facebook
