Restaurants Archives - Page 88 of 105

September 7, 2021November 14, 2021

Get Ready for Portland’s Newest Culinary Bookstore from Vivienne

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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.

September 2, 2021November 14, 2021

Excellent Avocado Toast and More at Grand Stark Deli

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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.

August 25, 2021August 24, 2021

Coffee Ice Cubes at Zell’s Cafe

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!

cold-brew-coffee-zells-cafe-portland-oregon — Cold brew

coffee-ice-cubes-zells-cafe-portland-oregon — 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

August 23, 2021November 12, 2021

Grand Central’s BLT Is Seasonal Deliciousness

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When I was at the Fremont Fest this past weekend, I saw a sign out in front of Grand Central Baking Company about a BLT. I love BLTs.

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At first I thought it might have been a Fremont Fest special, but upon closer look on their ordering website, I learned it was a regular seasonal thing—meaning available for a limited time but not just for the one day of the Fest.

August 3, 2021November 14, 2021

Small Bites – No Saint Pizza, Baon Kainan’s Arrival, Bee’s Cakes at Steeplejack, and More

Cicoria’s pizza in their fave party cut. Photo Credit: Cicoria

It’s been a while! I’ve been working hard to improve some health issues, which have really been a buzzkill for this blog. But my curiosity about Portland food got the better of me, and I took a review of my regular sources for things that interest me. Here’s what I found.

Filipino (food) popup at the Side Yard Farm Friday. An enticing-sounding popup at the Side Yard Farm in Cully featuring Filipino businesses is happening this Friday, August 6. Among others, vegan bakery Kumare will be participating and offering “our mini ube ensaymada as well as NEW all plant-based Filipino goodies such as Biko (coconut rice cake), Turon (fried banana rolls), and Cantaloupe Juice.” No pre-order necessary. 5-9pm. 4800 NE Simpson Street, Portland