Category: Vancouver

Posted on

Small Bites: Tamalada, Crispy Cones, ZabPinto Thai, and More

Making tamales during a tamalada in 2019 in Portland, Oregon.
The tamalada from 2019.

Tamalada in Portland is back! I attended a tamalada—a group tamale-making party around the holidays—organized by Hot Mama Salsa and Three Sisters Nixtamal pre-pandemic (2019) and loved it. We learned how to prepare the masa, fill the corn husks, and steam the tamales—and we got to take some tamales home. It was fantastic!

So you can imagine how happy I was to see that these same two women-owned and led businesses have brought it back this year. This time it will take place at Hot Mama Salsa’s headquarters in Southeast Portland. There are two sessions on Sunday, December 14: 2pm to 3:30pm and 4pm to 5:30pm. It’s $65; you can reserve your spot and pay them on Venmo. DM them with questions. 333 SE 2nd Avenue, Portland

Continue reading “Small Bites: Tamalada, Crispy Cones, ZabPinto Thai, and More”
Posted on

Small Bites: Gabbiano’s Expansion, Dadash Grill, Reeva, and More

Some of the beautiful food at Astera, a plant-based restaurant in Portland. Photo credit: Astera.

The Gabbiano’s expansion. They’ll be expanding next door into the space that held Lil’ Dame, according to the Portland Business Journal. This additional space will operate as “Gabby’s Next Door” where you can get lunch, and as a private event space. Lunch service will include things like focaccia pizza and soups; you’ll be able to eat in or get takeout. More details in the article. 5425 NE. 30th Avenue, Portland

Continue reading “Small Bites: Gabbiano’s Expansion, Dadash Grill, Reeva, and More”
Posted on

SNAP Meals: Where To Eat, No Questions Asked, During the Suspension of SNAP

SNAP Meals: A cornucopia of food
Food is a human right.

Note: We are in the process of updating this SNAP meals list with the most updated offers. some restaurants have decided to pause the program since SNAP was started up again, but you never know if it’s gonna stick…

A number of restaurants, cafes, and food carts in the Portland area are providing what we are calling “SNAP Meals”: They’re stepping up and helping feed folks who will lose their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, AKA food stamps) benefits starting in November. It is heartening to see this community effort and the generosity in our local food scene. We’ve put together a list of places—50 businesses making up 84 locations, at the writing of this roundup—where people can access food to eat while SNAP benefits are unfunded starting next month.

Continue reading “SNAP Meals: Where To Eat, No Questions Asked, During the Suspension of SNAP”
Posted on

Social Kitchen Will Open in Vancouver, Washington

Social Kitchen exterior with green and grey color scheme.

Last month I stopped in at Social Kitchen in downtown Vancouver to learn more after learning about them from a colleague. Described as a “culinary experience venue,” it offers personalized culinary experiences with the goal of education helping to create connection and community. I had a chance to chat with Gene Fritz, one of the founders, and here is what I learned.

Continue reading “Social Kitchen Will Open in Vancouver, Washington”
Posted on

Year of the Snake: Lunar New Year 2025 in Portland

Happy Year of the Snake: Lunar New Year 2025.

Lunar New Year 2025 in Portland starts on Wednesday January 29, when we will enter the Year of the Snake—more specifically, the Wood Snake. Here, you can read more about the qualities of this upcoming year with more insight than I could possibly give you. And, as a Monkey myself, it’s nice to read that “those born in the Years of the Rat, Monkey, Rooster, Horse and Dragon should experience good luck.”

Here are some ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Portland and surrounding areas.

Continue reading “Year of the Snake: Lunar New Year 2025 in Portland”