Portland food news and views
Portland ranks high as a vegan-friendly city in recent lists (Wallet Hub in 2023, Happy Cow in 2024). So embracing World Vegan Month is probably one of the most on-brand food celebrations of the year here. And there sure is a bounty of delicious things you can try this month that, as they say, “do not have a face.”
Continue reading “November Is World Vegan Month in Portland”
Bread Fest, an annual festival that celebrates the world of bread from flour to loaf, is in its second year in Portland. Head there this Sunday, October 20 for a delicious carbolicious time.
Continue reading “Second Annual Bread Fest Is October 20 in Portland”
I was happy to learn that the 2024 Portland Fermentation Fest is back this October, offering all sorts of wonderfully fizzy, funky, and stinky food and drink, all thanks to friendly bacteria and their metabolic partying. Think yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, pickles, tempeh, and more, all beautifully featured right here in Portland. It’s pickling and preserving season, too, so this is a great time to learn about this form of food preservation, or grow your appreciation of it further. Note: As of the afternoon of October 10, tickets are sold out.
Continue reading “The 2024 Portland Fermentation Festival Is Almost Here”“The best Yucatán restaurant in Portland.” I love following Sam Smith‘s eating adventures on Instagram, and in particular his love for what I call “Mexican comfort food.” He knows were the great ones are, as well as key spots for seriously tasty Vietnamese food in this city. He recently ate at El Rinconcito Yucateco on SE Flavel and deemed it the best he’s had as far as Yucatecan cuisine in Portland. I trust his recommendations; check it out. 8202 SE Flavel Street, Portland
Ben & Esther’s on The V Word. Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli is featured on an episode of The V Word, “an ongoing docuseries about plant-based chefs who are redefining their cultural cuisines and breaking through the stigmas that surround modern day veganism.” See them on WaterBear Network on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Here’s a preview.
Eating all the Phở in Portland. A Reddit user posted that he’s trying each of the 54 spots serving Phở in Portland; he’s made it to 28 so far. And he’s ranking them. Check out his introductory Reddit post, plus his Github page with photos.
APEX Bar is closing for real. Back in July, I posted about APEX Bar losing their lease and looking for a new space, but the results of that search hasn’t panned out. So, they are closing up shop. On Instagram they posted that they “need your help to lighten our cellar as we pack up and plan our next move.” Last day of business is Saturday, August 31. “Come by for a beer, grab some bottles, and share your ideas for our next home. Cheers to 14+ years and 3,319 unique beers!” 1216 SE Division Street, Portland
Bonus: Updates. A number of businesses I’ve written about here are opening/reopening in the next week or so, so I thought I’d update you on them here. Desi PDX is open at the Upright Beer Station. Moully’s opens their doors this evening at 6pm, and they’ll also be there tomorrow, too, pouring wine and enjoying your company. Caseus Diem opens tomorrow (Saturday) and will offer a 10% off grand opening discount. And the Wooden Chicken Pub (soft) reopens on August 29 with a big bash on Monday, September 9.
Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:
Another Fire: 42nd Ave Fish & Chips
Malpractice, a Cocktail Popup, Will Open a Brick & Mortar
Harder Day Coffee Co. Acquires Water Avenue Coffee, Opens in Spin Fremont
King Harvest Hummus Is Moving on From SE Morrison
As for festivals this weekend, there are several in the area:
Viking Beer Fest. Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, 2024, 3pm to 10pm (Nordic Northwest Members entrance: 2pm), Nordic Northwest Campus, 8800 Southwest Oleson Road, Portland
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/viking-beer-fest-2024-tickets-899550659237
Marianas Festival. Saturday, August 24, 2024, 10am to 7pm, Blue Lake Regional Park, 21224 NE Blue Lake Road, Fairview, OR
https://www.marianasfestival.com/
Ukrainian Festival. Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, 2024, 11am to 7pm, Westmoreland Park, 7530 SE 22nd Avenue, Portland
https://ukrainianday.org/
Middle Eastern Festival. Sunday, August 25, 2024, noon to 6pm, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2101 NE 162nd Avenue, Portland
https://www.stgeorgepdx.org
Good chance: New food cart coming to My-O-My. I was by earlier this week and the bartender told me that they do have a new cart in mind, but could not reveal its name. Apparently the contract hadn’t been signed at that point. I’ve been keeping an eye on things on their Instagram to see if they have a name they can share. I’ll keep you updated. 8627 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Fremont Fest Marketplace is tomorrow. I usually just call it the Fremont Fest, but yeah—it’s happening tomorrow, Saturday, August 3 from 10am to 4pm. This year they have an 80s theme going on to celebrate the founding year of the Beaumont Business Association in 1984 (BBA produces the festival). “Wear those neon colors, get your shoulder pads out, and break out those leg warmers…” I’ll pass on the leg warmers in the middle of summer, but YMMV. Check out the vendors and more on the BBA website. NE Fremont Street from NE 42nd to NE 51st Avenues
Xin Ding Dumpling House on WW. Aaron Mesh at the Willamette Week wrote about Xin Ding Dumping House in downtown Portland. I loved reading about this place on the corner of SW Ash and 2nd with its Sichuan menu featuring dishes like XLB, fish in hot gravy, and dan dan noodles. Also enticing: “On Fridays and Saturdays, Xin Ding serves bao and bowls until 2am.” Love hearing about popular tasty late night spots in Portland. Definitely check out the article. 71 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland
Xiao Ye launches Summer Friday lunch service today. Today is the first day of “Summer Fridays” lunch service at Xiao Ye. They’ll offer their amazing eats from noon to 2:30pm for the last months of summer. “What to expect: a condensed menu with some of our dinner favorites AND a few special, lunch-only menu items & carafes of wine.” No reservations, walk-ins only and you put in your order at the counter. Xiao Ye made one of my favorite meals last year—highly recommended! 3832 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:
Capitol Is Closed + Historic Buildings on Broadway
The Wooden Chicken Pub Returns
Flour Bloom Has Closed, but Just for a Month
Lei Brilla Will Open in NW Portland
Also, the Chinese Festival is at Pioneer Courthouse Square is this weekend!
