Small Bites: Balong, Brunch, Ice Cream, and More

Breakfast sandwich from Balong.
Photo credit: Balong.

Balong is officially open. After a short time in soft opening phase, they had their grand opening this week. This Filipino-American breakfast sandwich spot (they also make fresh bread like pan de sal) from Justin Dauz opened their brick & mortar after being a pop-up since 2022. They are now located in the former Meianna Bakery in the Fubonn Shopping Center (considered the largest Asian mall in Oregon).  2850 SE 82nd Avenue #27, Portland

Continue reading “Small Bites: Balong, Brunch, Ice Cream, and More”

Montavilla Brew Works Celebrates 10 Years in Portland

Montavilla Brew Works looking west in Portland, Oregon.

This year marks the tenth year in business for Montavilla Brew Works, which serves as both a brewery and a taproom on the Stark Street commercial strip in the Montavilla neighborhood. In honor of those ten years, they’ve decided to celebrate throughout 2025 with a variety of special brews and collabs. But don’t worry, they’ll have a big birthday bash this summer, too.

I sat down with Michael Kora, one of the founders of Montavilla Brew Works, to learn more about this yearlong event, plus some history of the building and the business.

Continue reading “Montavilla Brew Works Celebrates 10 Years in Portland”