Get Ready for Portland’s Newest Culinary Bookstore from Vivienne

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Vivienne back in 2017.

I knew Vivienne, the little cafe next to the Hollywood Theatre, was going to make some changes (i.e., the end of brunch) but I didn’t anticipate they would be on as high a level as they are. On Friday, September 3, Vivienne’s owner Robin Wheelright sent out an email announcing the changes—departing from being a full-time cafe and turning into a culinary bookstore to be located in what has been their dining room.

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Goodbye Saima Thai & Sushi, Hello ChiMcking

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Photo credit: ChiMcking

Last Sunday I was doing a little research on Portland Thai restaurants and it became clear that Saima Thai & Sushi in the Hollywood District has closed. They opened originally in early 2018. Turns out a new restaurant is moving into that space: ChiMcking, a franchise that offers “Korean Style Chicken & Fresh Beer.” That’s right—an expansive menu of Korean fried chicken is coming to the Hollywood District. Continue reading “Goodbye Saima Thai & Sushi, Hello ChiMcking”

Top 5 Posts On Bridgetown Bites, February 2021

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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

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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”

Radio Silence Update + Minor Booze News

Just a note to say it’s been a slog, this pandemic. Mixed with other things that I won’t detail much (health stuff involving hard times), last week was a bust. I made nary an appearance on this little blog—consistency is hard when you’re sick and as a food writer it’s even worse when you have very little appetite to work with. I’ll admit to you that I spent a few days eating not much more than soft white “Artisan” bread from Safeway and bananas, and that was enough. The good news is I’m feeling better, and have leveled up to eating mostly vegetables, fruit, and protein.

And to keep things on food/drink news, I noticed that the new Target in the old OSH space (4030 NE Halsey adjacent to the Hollywood Transit Center) has put their liquor license application in. At first I thought it was odd but then I looked again and saw the little “off-premises” box checked, so I guess they’ll sell bottles of booze etc. to buy and take home. So, the Hollywood District will have another place to pick this stuff up.

My hope is to bring you more food news and views this week. I’m going to be picking up some food from some private vendors this week and look forward to sharing my observations. Thank goodness my appetite is coming back.

Another Soda Fountain Bites the Dust? Paulsen’s Pharmacy Has Closed

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The soda fountain at Paulsen’s Pharmacy in 2014. Photo credit: Wikimedia

Yesterday I learned from the Hollywood Boosters that Paulsen’s Pharmacy (4246 Sandy Blvd) has closed. Today I came across a post from Chris Balo in the Dead Memories Portland public Facebook group with more details:

“On Wednesday 1/27/2021, Paulsen’s Pharmacy closed it’s doors for the last time. My parents worked there, my dad Gary since 1970 and my mom Karen from 1984 until their retirement in 2016 when they sold the business. It’s hard to see this place close after 103 years in business. My family and I have so many fond memories of this place after it played a major part of our lives for so many years. One of Portland’s only 2 remaining soda fountains is now gone.”

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