A Delicious Deep Dive Into FIKA Desserts in Portland

Joe Futschik, owner and operator of FIKA in SE Portland.
Joe Futschik, founder and creator of FIKA making his chorizo potato cheddar empanadas

At Bridgetown Bites, we’ve long been fans of FIKA desserts, a sweet (literally and figuratively) cottage bakery tucked into the heart of inner SE Portland. Founder and creator Joe Futschik is the talent behind an impressive lineup of treats—from yeasted pastries and scones, to empanadas, cream buns, cakes, tarts, cookies, and an array of handmade truffles. One scroll through his menu gallery and you’ll find yourself fully tempted. Joe’s creations are perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply treating yourself!

We recently had the chance to visit Joe in his charming home bakery, where we got to see his craft and creativity on full display. It was also great to sit down with Joe for a more detailed chat about his growing business. Read on for a delicious deep dive into FIKA.

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Tiny Love Bakery Will Celebrate One Year in Cully

Exterior of the Tiny Love Bakery.
Approaching Tiny Love Bakery from the south—on my way there I had a convo with the British Motor Car guy about the MG Midget I helped restore part of the way, years ago.

The other day I had a chance to speak to the folks behind Tiny Love Bakery, a little walk-up bakery on NE 42nd Avenue near Alberta Street in Cully. Julie and Dillon are getting close to their one-year anniversary of the bakery, and since I didn’t have a chance to chat with them when they opened last year, this was a great opportunity to connect. I really enjoyed learning about them and their work and how it’s been going over the past year.

Plus, their baked goods are excellent. If you haven’t had a chance to stop by, I encourage you to head there and give their delicious products a try. Here’s part of our conversation from the other day.

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Shorebird Bakery Has a New Home in the Oakshire Building on NE 42nd Avenue

Cookies at Shorebird Bakery.
Some of the cookies from Shorebird Bakery. Photo credit: Shorebird Bakery.

Earlier this year, Northeast Portland’s Shorebird Bakery, FKA Woodblock Bakery, announced their name change and plans to move. The new location was unknown then, as it was still in the planning stages, but now we know: They’ll be setting up the bakery at the Oakshire Beer Hall building on NE 42nd and Alberta—a boon to both the Cully and Concordia neighborhoods.

Jesse Schumann, Shorebird’s owner, reached out to us over email last week to share the news. Here is some of what he told us.

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Small Bites: Cocina de Mary, Tariffs, Shorebird Bakery, and More

Chiles at Cocina de Mary.
Photo credit: Cocina de Mary.

Welcome, Cocina de Mary. This is another case of two restaurants operating in one space at different times. RJ Skillets is there from 8am to 3pm (starting 10am on Mondays) and Cocina de Mary operates 5pm to 9pm (closed Mondays). They offer Guatemalan food: cuchitos, a type of tamal; churrasco; hilachas, similar to ropa vieja; pepián; and tayuyos, similar to pupusas. They also offer familiar dishes like quesadillas, fried plantains, empanadas, burritos, and more. They officially opened on Friday, February 6. 2529-B NE Alberta Street, Portland

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Nana’s Exquisite Confections Opens Today in Portland

A pound cake with fruit from Nana's Exquisite Confections.
Photo credit: Nana’s Exquisite Confections.

I recently learned from a Bridgetown Bites tipster that Nana’s Exquisite Confections opens today on NE 82nd Avenue in the Roseway neighborhood. Operated by local baker Florence Jenkins, she has operated Nana’s at markets and through mail-order for a number of years. Now, she starts this part of her journey in a brick and mortar space.

I spoke with Florence earlier this week about this next step in her business, and here is what I learned.

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