Portland food news and views
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.
Earlier this week, I decided to head to the South Waterfront neighborhood to make a visit to All Your Heart Coffee. I met up with Chris and Brycen, the folks behind the business. We had a really nice chat and I learned a little bit more about this popular spot in South Portland.
Continue reading “A Visit To All Your Heart Coffee in Portland’s South Waterfront”
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.”“The best Yucatán restaurant in Portland.” I love following Sam Smith‘s eating adventures on Instagram, and in particular his love for what I call “Mexican comfort food.” He knows were the great ones are, as well as key spots for seriously tasty Vietnamese food in this city. He recently ate at El Rinconcito Yucateco on SE Flavel and deemed it the best he’s had as far as Yucatecan cuisine in Portland. I trust his recommendations; check it out. 8202 SE Flavel Street, Portland
Ben & Esther’s on The V Word. Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli is featured on an episode of The V Word, “an ongoing docuseries about plant-based chefs who are redefining their cultural cuisines and breaking through the stigmas that surround modern day veganism.” See them on WaterBear Network on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Here’s a preview.
Eating all the Phở in Portland. A Reddit user posted that he’s trying each of the 54 spots serving Phở in Portland; he’s made it to 28 so far. And he’s ranking them. Check out his introductory Reddit post, plus his Github page with photos.
APEX Bar is closing for real. Back in July, I posted about APEX Bar losing their lease and looking for a new space, but the results of that search hasn’t panned out. So, they are closing up shop. On Instagram they posted that they “need your help to lighten our cellar as we pack up and plan our next move.” Last day of business is Saturday, August 31. “Come by for a beer, grab some bottles, and share your ideas for our next home. Cheers to 14+ years and 3,319 unique beers!” 1216 SE Division Street, Portland
Bonus: Updates. A number of businesses I’ve written about here are opening/reopening in the next week or so, so I thought I’d update you on them here. Desi PDX is open at the Upright Beer Station. Moully’s opens their doors this evening at 6pm, and they’ll also be there tomorrow, too, pouring wine and enjoying your company. Caseus Diem opens tomorrow (Saturday) and will offer a 10% off grand opening discount. And the Wooden Chicken Pub (soft) reopens on August 29 with a big bash on Monday, September 9.
Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:
Another Fire: 42nd Ave Fish & Chips
Malpractice, a Cocktail Popup, Will Open a Brick & Mortar
Harder Day Coffee Co. Acquires Water Avenue Coffee, Opens in Spin Fremont
King Harvest Hummus Is Moving on From SE Morrison
As for festivals this weekend, there are several in the area:
Viking Beer Fest. Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, 2024, 3pm to 10pm (Nordic Northwest Members entrance: 2pm), Nordic Northwest Campus, 8800 Southwest Oleson Road, Portland
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/viking-beer-fest-2024-tickets-899550659237
Marianas Festival. Saturday, August 24, 2024, 10am to 7pm, Blue Lake Regional Park, 21224 NE Blue Lake Road, Fairview, OR
https://www.marianasfestival.com/
Ukrainian Festival. Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, 2024, 11am to 7pm, Westmoreland Park, 7530 SE 22nd Avenue, Portland
https://ukrainianday.org/
Middle Eastern Festival. Sunday, August 25, 2024, noon to 6pm, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2101 NE 162nd Avenue, Portland
https://www.stgeorgepdx.org
