Tag: APEX Bar

Posted on

Four Things I Learned This Week (August 23)

“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

Posted on

Four Things I Learned This Week (July 5)

I hope you had a nice Independence Day holiday yesterday! It was lazing around, a LOST marathon (“Don’t tell me what I can’t do!”), and eating hot dogs at Bridgetown Bites headquarters. 🌭 By the way, have you tried that Heinz pickle ketchup?

The Lents Hong Phat getting closer to opening. This new Hong Phat location there in Lents in the old Walmart space recently returned to my radar because their liquor license application popped-up. I’ve reached out to them to get a better idea of an opening date, and will share that will you when/if I ever get it. 4200 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland

Carnelian Coffee moved up the street. Looks like they moved Saturday, June 15, “just up the road 9 blocks at 79th & Foster.” I hear the space is lovely and look forward to more interesting things happening there aside from coffee (more on that next week). I hear the rocks displayed at the old spot are on display at the new space. 7950 SE Foster Road, Portland

APEX Bar lost their lease, is closing. Over on Brewpublic they wrote about 14-year-old craft beer bar APEX is closing at the end of August after losing their lease. “The end of August will be the end of our service at SE 12th & Division. We’re looking forward to seeing you over the next 2 months and hopefully beyond. It’s been an honor over 14+ years pouring 3,319 unique beers on tap and counting.” They are looking for some place new, preferably in their neighborhood (SE 12th and Division). Do you know something for them? I bet east Portland would welcome them. 216 SE Division Street, Portland

Portland Nacho Week starts Monday. From July 8 to 14, enjoy plates of nachos around town for $8. I saw that Steeplejack (NE Broadway) is participating, and last time I had them, I quite liked their nachos. More about the event plus a map, is here. Various

Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

Thang Long Cuisine: Comforting, Tasty Vietnamese Food in Montavilla (Review)
Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, June 2024
Happy Birthday, Bridgetown Bites! You’re 7 Years Old!
Come To Summer Nights 2024 in Parkrose