Tag: baked goods

Posted on

Galette des Rois in Portland

Photo credit: La Provence/Petite Provence

It’s almost Epiphany (January 6 on the Gregorian calendar), and that means king cake time … but more specifically for the purposes of this post, Galette des Rois time. Yes, “galette des rois” means “king cake” too, but this is different from the yeasted, multicolored cake made popular in New Orleans, as well as the Rosca de Reyes cake popular in Mexican culture—this cake is far simpler, and delicious in its own way. And La Provence/Petite Provence is where you can find it in Portland this year.

Continue reading “Galette des Rois in Portland”
Posted on

Four Things I Learned This Week (December 3)

The Woodsman Tavern is back. That’s right, after three years on hiatus, this beloved spot is back. They are now open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4 to 10pm; Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11pm; happy hour is 4 to 6pm each day. Look for cask ales, stiff cocktails, a raw bar, a wedge salad and a serious burger, among other things. 4537 SE Division Street, Portland

Find Your Gingerbread Dreams at The Benson Portland. On Wednesday, December 1 they unveiled the 2021 Gingerbread Masterpiece—a 4-foot by 8-foot Christmas village, complete with a 3-foot, 45-pound lit up iced tree in the center—on the event’s 50th anniversary. And even if you missed the official reveal, you can still visit the gingerbread house—it will be on display in the hotel lobby through December 26. 309 SW Broadway, Portland

Adios, Stacked Sandwich Shop. Another one bites the pandemic dust: “After struggling through the past 2 years of the pandemic, we looked at the rising labor cost, food cost, meat prices, and supply chain issues; and have decided to go out on our terms on a high note!” Stacked Sandwich Shop will close on Sunday, December 19. More details via PoMo. 1643 SE 3rd Avenue, Portland

Christmas treats at Sebastiano’s. Head on over to the Sebastiano’s Tock page to see what they have in store for the Christmas season via special order. One thing that caught my eye is the Cassata al Forno (not to be confused with Cassata Siciliana)—“a Sicilian cake filled with ricotta cream, orange zest, and chocolate chips.” Yes, it sounds kind of like a cannoli, which Sebastiano’s also does very, very well. 411 SE 81st Avenue, Portland

Bonus: head to the Fremont Holiday Fest this afternoon. The Fremont Holiday Fest starts at 4pm and goes to 7pm. Hang out on Fremont Street from NE 42nd to NE 46th Avenues, get a selfie with Santa and Mrs. Claus, do some shopping, and enjoy hot cocoa and snacks while listening to live music. You can also pick up a wreath. Sounds like a great time!

Posted on

La Fête du Macaron is Almost Upon Us

Photo credit: Pix Patisserie

If you’re like me, Thanksgiving food is on your mind this week. And while turkey (roasted or deep fried?), cranberry sauce (canned or homemade?), and pie (pumpkin or pecan?) are easy to obsess about, for a change of pace consider the French macaron—and La Fête du Macaron at Pix Patisserie that starts on Thanksgiving day and lasts through the weekend. I’ve had Pix’s macarons and can say with assurance that they are some of the best in Portland.

Continue reading “La Fête du Macaron is Almost Upon Us”
Posted on

Excellent Avocado Toast and More at Grand Stark Deli

view-from-seat-grand-stark-deli-portland-oregon

While my friend Jen was in town I thought a trip to the newish Grand Stark Deli would be a great way to catch some breakfast before picking up my annual salmon share nearby—which, if you are unaware is a fantastic way to access high quality salmon in bulk (we’ve been doing it for 10 years). The deli is just off the lobby in the Hotel Grand Stark—the historic building was born as Hotel Chamberlain, converted to a local furniture manufacturer for 80 years and reopened as a hotel this past May. The deli serves up a west-coast interpretation of east coast deli food—including some of the best avocado toast I’ve ever eaten.

Continue reading “Excellent Avocado Toast and More at Grand Stark Deli”