Top Posts on Bridgetown Bites in 2023

Data Analytics Chart

We are comfortably into January 2024 and it’s time to take a look back at 2023’s most-read posts on Bridgetown Bites. They mostly involved openings and closings of restaurants and bars, but there was one article on an Asian market opening in SE Portland that made the list.

I’m happy to say that from an analytics POV, traffic almost doubled between 2022 and 2023 here on the blog. Regarding 2022 I said, “Over 55,000 visits were recorded, and almost 35,000 of those visits were new to the site.” In 2023 we had 106,000 unique visits, with 86,000 new to the site; these visitors generated almost 142,000 page views, too. Not too bad for this little independent blog.

I also read somewhere online that this blog skews toward NE Portland. That is a true statement. I also read in the same source that some readers would love to see more coverage of the west side of Portland. This is good feedback. will see what I can do about that, and diversifying geographically in general.

Thanks to all who have read, commented, sent tips (keep ’em coming!), and shared these articles/posts on social media and with friends. Here’s to another great year of delving into the Portland food world!

10. Yuginong Offers Gluten-Free Korean Fare in St. Johns

dining-room-yuginong-korean-portland-oregon

When I was at dinner the other night, my friends who live in St. Johns said “a Korean restaurant has finally opened in our neighborhood.” Of course, my interest was piqued so I asked more questions. The restaurant is Yuginong (or Yu Gi Nong), located in the space that was previously home to Sol Bowl and a Starbucks. They opened this past weekend.

Update: I hear only good things about Yuginong, with modifiers like “fresh,” “tasty,” and “very good.” I’m happy to know they are still going strong.

Continue reading “Top Posts on Bridgetown Bites in 2023”

Top 5 Posts On Bridgetown Bites, November 2023

Data Analytics Chart

I haven’t done one of these in a while, so let’s go! As always, thanks for reading.

5. Fusion Curry Pizza Opening in Portland

butter-chicken-pizza-b

On the edge of the northeast corner of the Hollywood District lived Hot Lips Pizza. It closed back in March 2023 and a number of people expressed sadness about that. But according to city documents, a new pizzeria is opening in there: Fusion Curry Pizza. Update: They are open for business.

Continue reading “Top 5 Posts On Bridgetown Bites, November 2023”

Four Things I Learned This Week (October 20)

Du’s Grill westside has closed. After five years in business, Du’s Grill on the westside/Hillsboro closed, as of October 16. Their location, aka “Ol’ Faithful,” on NE Sandy Blvd is still going strong, so you can still get your Du’s teriyaki and salad fix on the east side. 1249 NW 185th Avenue, Hillsboro (closed) and 5365 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland (open)

Aviv rebrands as TAL. Aviv, which closed their brick & mortar in 2021, has been doing pop-ups in various places, serving its vegan Middle Eastern food to the masses. They announced this week that they are rebranding themselves as TAL. As for their next pop-up event, head to Labyrinth Forge Brewery this weekend in SE Portland, where they will serve “Shawarma fries, hummus, falafel, and a medley of other delectable treats” at the newish brewery location. 61 SE Yamhill Street, Portland

FYI Fusion Curry Pizza is open. In case you were wondering, Fusion Curry Pizza is open and has been for about a month. Lots of great reviews on Yelp; Portlanders seem to enjoy their food quite a bit. 4630 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

The start of Thanksgiving pre-orders. Thanksgiving may seems like a ways away, but in reality we only have about a month to go (Thanksgiving this year is on November 23). The first outlet offering Thanksgiving yums to land on my radar is Revel Meat Co., which will offer local turkeys, duck, rabbit, applewood-smoked ham, pork rib loin roast, and porchettas, “all sourced from Revel’s local ranching partners.” The turkeys are part of a “super-limited run” from Totum Farm (~16 to 20 pounds) and Champoeg Farm (two sizes). Orders start today and end on November 20. Email holidays@revelmeatco.com or visit the butcher counter to reserve your order with a $25 deposit.