Small Bites: Grits N’ Gravy, Farag’s, Sure Shot, and More

Breakfast at Grits and Gravy.
Breakfast at Grits N’ Gravy is no more. Photo credit: Grits N’ Gravy.

Grits N’ Gravy has closed. (Not to be confused with Gravy on N Mississippi.) This was a breakfast spot downtown next door to Souvlaki Queen. At first they thought they could do one more breakfast but they “have been given no leeway.” In their words, “Times have gotten hard and business has been declining since last August. We held on for as long as we could but we can’t keep going.”

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Small Bites: James Beard Awards Winners, Coffee, and More

The 2026 James Beard Awards Winners in Portland
Three James Beard Awards went to those in Portland. L-R: Erica Berry, the team from Scotch Lodge, and Ryan Roadhouse of Nodoguro. Photo credit: Jack Li/Galdones Photography and Huge Galdones/Galdones Photography.

Portland’s James Beard Awards winners in 2026—not one, but two! No … three! On Monday night we learned who won the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. Portland was represented by two of these awards—one for Scotch Lodge for Outstanding Bar and one for Ryan Roadhouse at Nodoguro for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA).

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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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Small Bites: El Pollo Chano, Pickles, Salami Mammi, and More

Chicken from El Pollo Chano.
Photo credit: El Pollo Chano.

Have you been to El Pollo Chano? I saw some enthusiastic comments online about this place, a food truck with a dedicated smoker there on-site in the parking lot by the Chill Zone smoke shop on NE Sandy and 111th. I have passed this place driving east on Sandy Blvd many times, and my interest is majorly piqued.

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