Departure Archives - Bridgetown Bites

November 6, 2026November 6, 2026

Small Bites: Old Pal Will Close, Oysters, Bar Carlo, and More

Old Pal will close, but oysters are still available until then. — Oysters every night at Old Pal as they wind down business there in Sunnyside.

Old Pal will close. They’ve decided to close the restaurant and put more energy into their catering side, Field Day Feasts & Gatherings. Their final time of service will be New Year’s Eve.

“Old Pal has been so much more than a restaurant to us. It’s been a place to gather, celebrate, connect, and be part of a neighborhood we love so much. We’re endlessly grateful for every meal shared, every familiar face, every new friend, and especially the incredible team who have helped make Old Pal what it is. We couldn’t have done any of this without you.”

Until then, they will operate Wednesdays through Sundays, 4pm to 9pm; enjoy $2 oysters every night; December 13 will be the date of their final annual holiday market. They will be missed. 3350 SE Morrison Street, Portland.

October 30, 2026October 31, 2026

Small Bites: Cobra Dogs, Tambayan, Pau Hana, and More

An example of Cobra Style at Cobra Dogs. — Cobra Style at Cobra Dogs from earlier this summer.

UPDATE: Cobra Dogs soft opens Saturday, November 14. New date! Their new brick and mortar presence at See See Motor Co./One Moto Cafe starts off on Saturday, November 14. This is another case of two businesses using the same space—coffee from 7am to 3pm, and hot dogs from noon to 9pm (til 10pm on weekends).

They’ve got a lot of interesting flavor combos for their dogs, but I do love the Cobra Style dog—cream cheese, Cobra sauce, sauerkraut, and celery sauce. I was dubious at first, but now I’ve seen the light. 1642 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

June 22, 2026July 2, 2026

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).

May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

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.

June 5, 2025January 4, 2026

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.