Tag: Departure

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Fourth of July 2026 in the Portland Metro Area

Fourth of July 2026 in Portland - fireworks!

Like I often say in anticipation of big holidays, “it’s that time again”—Fourth of July 2026, or Independence Day 2026 (take your pick), is in just a couple of weeks. Plus this year it’s the semiquincentennial/sestercentennial/quarter millennium of the nation’s founding with the Declaration of Independence.

Of course, July 4 is also a time to gather with friends, family, and loved ones; dance your heart out; view or march in parades; enjoy some barbecue; drink fizzy and fermented beverages; revel in summertime; and watch fireworks (or drone shows).

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Departure: New Chef, New Menu, and Great Eats in Portland [Photos]

Looking out the window onto Portland's east side.
The views from Departure are absolutely gorgeous.

While I was at the Churchill Nines media preview, you may remember that I mentioned meeting Brian Woolley, the Director of Food and Beverage at The Nines hotel. He mentioned that they had a new chef and a recent menu change at Departure, and asked if I wanted to learn more. Heck yeah, I did! Their PR firm helped arrange a tasting for myself and Judith—which means that this meal was comped, but our opinions are our own.

Here’s what we tried and a few tidbits of info about what’s up these days at Departure.

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Strawberry Shortcake Week 2025 Starts June 9 in Portland

Strawberry shortcake from Take Two during Strawberry Shortcake Week in Portland, Oregon.
A favorite strawberry shortcake of mine from last year, made by Take Two bar.

Strawberry Shortcake Week 2025 is from June 9 to 15. It’s a week of restaurants offering their version of strawberry shortcake, inspired by James Beard’s strawberry shortcake recipe. Last year’s Strawberry Shortcake week was fantastic—full of taste treats—and I expect this year’s to be, too. Over 40 locations will be participating this year.

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Dry January 2024: This Month and Year-Round in Portland

strawberry-fields-dry-cocktail-grand-army-tavern.portland-oregon

Happy New Year! It’s now 2024 and while we are still in the middle of the Christmas season on the ecclesiastical calendar, the solar calendar proclaims a brand new year. January is legendary as a time of new resolutions, goal setting, and making changes—and for some, setting aside the consumption of alcohol is one of them.

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Four Things I Learned This Week (January 21)

Four Portland spots make it on the list. Yelp’s top 100 US restaurants 2022 list is out and four PDX restaurants are on the list: Miyamoto Sushi in Montavilla; Yama Sushi & Izakaya in Hosford-Abernathy; Thai Sky Kitchen in South Tabor; and Departure downtown. Personally, I’ve been to Thai Sky Kitchen and loved it, as well as Departure during the Gregory Gourdet days. I hear excellent things from Montavillans on Miyamoto. Chime in if you are a fan of Yama Sushi & Izakaya, or any of the winners! Multiple locations in Portland

One day only: Nico’s Ice Cream and Pip’s Original collab. Pip’s is known for it’s “community not competition” mantra and this upcoming collaboration with Nico’s is no doubt part of that. On Saturday, 1/22/22 ONLY, head to Nico’s for the Tropical Reggie Lee: that’s the Nico’s vanilla base with Pip’s donuts blended in, topped with Nutella, honey, and coconut flakes.

Reggie Lee is, of course, the actor that played Sgt. Drew Wu in one of my favorite TV shows ever, Grimm. And not just because it’s set in Portland! It’s just plain awesome. Anyway, see you on Saturday! 5713 NE Fremont Street, Portland

Ice cream is cold but soup is hot. Head to the Portland Mercado today through Sunday, January 23 for their Winter Soup Festival. Soups offered include:

  • POZOLE OAXAQUEÑO from Tierra Del Sol (Oaxaca)
  • OLLA DE CARNE from La Carreta Pura Vida (Costa Rica)
  • BIRRIA BOWL and POZOLE ROJO DE PUERCO from Principe Maya (Yucatan)
  • CALDOSA DE LA ABUELA from Havana Station (Cuba)
  • CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP from Fernando’s Alegría (Mexico)
  • SOPA DE LENTEJAS CON VEGETALES and SOPA DE MANÍ (PEANUTS) from AleCocina (Argentina)
  • AJIACO BOGOTANO from Qué Bacano (Colombia)
  • SOPA DE HONGOS from Xŏcotl (fresh juice and smoothie bar)
  • PIPIAN DE POLLO from Kaah Market (Oaxaca)

Head to the Mercado website for more info on ordering, etc.  7238 SE Foster Road, Portland

RIP Reo Varnado of Reo’s Ribs. Frankly I was shocked to hear of his passing. Very sorry to hear it and our condolences go out to the family. Cause of death? Unknown at the writing of this post.