Portland food news and views
A plate of Kenyan food I ate at 2018’s Fremont Fest.
Very happy to see that the Fremont Fest is back again this year—it’s a really fun way to celebrate this commercial/mixed strip in NE Portland neighborhoods of Beaumont-Wilshire and Cully. Head over there this Saturday, August 21 from 10am to 4pm. The Fest takes place on NE Fremont Street from 42nd to 51st Avenues. Continue reading “Fremont Fest 2021 Is This Weekend”
While hanging out with The Watermelon Man yesterday, I snapped a photo of the nearby former auto repair shop that’s slowly making its transformation (it’s a little hard to see but I love the art on the grey patch). Last time I reported on this, the news was that Upright Brewing was moving in with a couple of food trucks. Eater reported last month that Portland coffee roaster Junior’s will join them in that space.
This is a very cool development, and just adds even more value to what’s in store. Probably my favorite detail from the Eater article was this: “Upright and Junior’s feel personally invested in the Roseway and Cully area, as both owners and employees of each company live within walking distance of the new spot.” I absolutely love this.
Last night I perused a bunch of city permit documents about the space and it’s pretty interesting; I love nerding out on this stuff. It’s gonna be a great addition to the neighborhood. Here’s to a fab 2022 opening!
I was on a walk this morning and and decided to stop by Nathan Hart’s truck filled with watermelons. Mr. Hart goes by the moniker, “The Watermelon Man” (it’s on his business card) because he brings delicious Hermiston watermelons to the city and sells them during the summers. From what I can tell, he’s done this for a number of years. His location sometimes changes, and this year he’s parked at the northwest corner of Prescott and 72nd Avenue. Last year he was over on 82nd Ave near NE Alberta.
I enjoyed our chat—he’s a really nice, personable guy that has become beloved among folks in the neighborhood. “The community has really embraced me,” he said. As an example, he told me a story about a little girl in the neighborhood who gets really excited when she sees him and his truck—“It’s the watermelon man, the watermelon man!” she cries. I mean, how adorable is that?
I noticed on his truck signs indicating that he sells seeded watermelons, seedless watermelons, cantaloupe, and corn. “Of course, that changes as the season changes,” he explained. You can stop by his truck on Mondays to Saturdays until Labor Day; he’s off on Sundays. You can call ahead to order watermelons at 503-756-1257, or just stop on by. He’s a great conversationalist. And his watermelons are fantastic. I’m glad he’s here.
Cicoria’s pizza in their fave party cut. Photo Credit: Cicoria
It’s been a while! I’ve been working hard to improve some health issues, which have really been a buzzkill for this blog. But my curiosity about Portland food got the better of me, and I took a review of my regular sources for things that interest me. Here’s what I found.
Filipino (food) popup at the Side Yard Farm Friday. An enticing-sounding popup at the Side Yard Farm in Cully featuring Filipino businesses is happening this Friday, August 6. Among others, vegan bakery Kumare will be participating and offering “our mini ube ensaymada as well as NEW all plant-based Filipino goodies such as Biko (coconut rice cake), Turon (fried banana rolls), and Cantaloupe Juice.” No pre-order necessary. 5-9pm. 4800 NE Simpson Street, Portland
Continue reading “Small Bites – No Saint Pizza, Baon Kainan’s Arrival, Bee’s Cakes at Steeplejack, and More”
Here’s the content you enjoyed in the month of Februrary 2021—lots of food news. As always, thanks for reading!
5. The Bulgogi + Du Kuh Bee Connection
In the “that’s news to me” category, it has only become clear (to me) recently that The Bulgogi Korean restaurant in the Hollywood District is managed by the Du Kuh Bee family. I had seen the signage on The Bulgogi’s window for a long time about their offering Du Kuh Bee’s famous noodles, but I was unaware just how close the two businesses are. In fact, the official name of the restaurant is now “The Bulgogi + Du Kuh Bee.” Continue reading “Top 5 Posts On Bridgetown Bites, February 2021”
