Tony Piezano’s Makes Focaccia Pizza in Southeast Portland

Vegan focaccia pizza with wild mushroom, red onion, almond ricotta, and sun-dried tomato tapenade at Tony Piezano's.
Vegan focaccia pizza with wild mushroom, red onion, almond ricotta, and sun-dried tomato tapenade. Photo credit: Tony Piezano’s.

There’s a new pizza pop-up in Southeast Portland called Tony Piezano’s, operating out of the Meat Cheese Bread space during select evenings. It’s run by Tony Hope, who is known for his work at places like Pizzacato, Sunny’s Pizza, and Pizzeria Stellina. He likes to think of Tony Piezano’s as a focacceria more than a pizzeria, and describes his type of pizza as focaccia pizza. They’ve been open for about a month.

I had a chance to chat with Tony—at the time we were both kind of sleep deprived for our own reasons, but had a good conversation, nonetheless. Here’s what we talked about.

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2026 FIFA World Cup: Where To Watch in Portland

GOL is one of the best places to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Photo credit: GOL.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost upon us! The friendlies have been happening since last weekend, but the 104 official competitive matches (here’s the schedule) start Thursday, June 11 and go until Sunday, July 19. That final match will take place at MetLife Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, NJ (home of the NY Giants and NY Jets). 

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Salami Mammi, an Italian Deli, Will Open in Beaverton

Logos for Salami Mammi

I first became aware of Salami Mammi kind of by accident; but when I realized what it was and who was involved, I knew I had to reach out to them to learn more. This is a new Italian deli from the folks behind Don’s Favorite Foods and Burger Stevens: Kate Laurents and Don Salamone, plus their business partner Adam Galbraith. And it will take over the current Don’s space, with Don’s moving elsewhere in Beaverton (location TBD).

I had a chance to speak with them about the new place, and here is what we talked about.

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El Sombrero Tapatio: A Family Affair in East Portland

A version of this article about Mama Elvira and El Sombrero Tapatio entitled, “Mama Elvira’ builds loyal following” was printed in the Hollywood Star News in June 2026.

I’ve been eating at El Sombrero Tapatio since I moved to East Portland in 2019. Opened originally in 2002, it’s a mainstay of the restaurant scene in Parkrose. Mama Elvira, the matriarch of the family behind El Sombrero, is the heart and soul of the kitchen, but this restaurant is truly a team effort—relatives and close family friends all contribute to its success. 

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Small Bites: Strawberry Shortcake Malasada, Pride, Nostrana, and More

A strawberry shortcake malasada from Departure.
Strawberry Shortcake Malasada at Departure. Photo credit: Departure.

Late to the party, but no doubt delicious. It’s Strawberry Shortcake Week this week, and while they are not on the original list, Departure has something to share: their Strawberry Shortcake Malasada. It’s got a strawberry li hung mui filling and Thai basil whip inside the yeasted donut-style pastry. This sounds really good and is gorgeous to behold. 525 SW Morrison Street, 15th Floor, Portland

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