Portland food news and views
We’ve got a Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe update!
For whatever reason, I had the urge to go check out the status of the Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe that’s going to open on SE Powell Blvd just east of 82nd Avenue. So I stopped by Sunday afternoon, and it turned out to be a timely visit—I was able to see the interior, see the uncovered signage, and speak to the owner of the franchise, Dume Tran.
Continue reading “Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe Update, Summer 2025”
Eastern Cathay, a Chinese restaurant that operated for around 15 years on NE 82nd Avenue across from the MAX station, is no more. This is now the location for Taste of Szechuan (not to be confused with Taste of Sichuan), and offers a new menu with things like pork wontons with chili oil, smacked cucumber salad, Westlake beef soup, cumin lamb, some offal dishes, and more.
Continue reading “Taste of Szechuan Has Opened in the Old Eastern Cathay Space in Portland”
Back in June 2024, I noticed that a modest building on SE Powell was set to become a Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe. As I mentioned in that article, “Trung Nguyên is a major name in Vietnamese coffee, and along with their manufacturing and retail efforts, their cafes are some of the most popular in Vietnam.” I have a few updates to share.
Continue reading “Update on the Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe in Portland”“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
There’s a little food cart pod over at 3700 NE 82nd Avenue (the northeast corner of 82nd Avenue and NE Beech) called Rip City Food Carts—I mentioned it back in September 2022 along with a bunch of other Portland food news. Currently, it’s home to the Salt & Pepper Peruvian food cart (there used to be a Mexican food cart there, too, but it left a few months ago). And now it looks like, via an Early Assistance permit listing (set up May 2, 2024), that the pod could go kaput—with a mixed-use building going up in its place.
Continue reading “3700 NE 82nd Avenue: Goodbye Rip City Food Carts Pod?”