James Beard Public Market Archives

February 14, 2025February 15, 2025

Small Bites: Peter’s, Pears, Pizza, and More

Chicken Cobb Salad at Peter's Bar & Grill in Portland, Oregon. — The Chicken Cobb Salad at Peter’s Bar & Grill.

Change in Peter’s Bar & Grill ownership. This past week, the Facebook page for Peter’s Bar & Grill posted a goodbye message: “After a little over 11 years, today was our last day as the owners of Peter’s Bar & Grill. We feel so fortunate to have had this experience. We are so grateful to everyone who welcomed us into this community …. Because of all of you, we’re excited for what Peter’s will be in the future.” It was signed by Tim, Tara, Alex, Piper, & Casey.

I’ve reached out to learn more. My hope is that they do not end up closing. 5701 NE Fremont Street, Portland

January 24, 2025January 24, 2025

Small Bites: Screen Door Happy Hour, Vandalism, Palomar, and More

Happy hour offerings at Screen Door in Portland, Oregon. — Screen Door happy hour yums.

New! Screen Door Happy Hour in the Pearl. From Monday to Friday from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and again from 8pm to 9pm, you can enjoy happy hour at the Screen Door. What will you find on this menu? Things like shrimp remoulade, smoked alligator sausage, pulled pork sliders, and Cajun poutine. Plus $2 off drafts, $5 house wine and wells, and a selection of cocktails and low/zero-proof drinks (the NA Violet Beauregarde sounds good: lemon, grapefruit, orange, rosemary simple syrup, and butterfly pea tea). 1131 NW Couch Street, Portland

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025

The 2025 James Beard Awards Semifinalists in Portland

2025 James Beard Awards Semifinalists announcement.

I was happy to see the 2025 James Beard Awards semifinalists list released today. And not only did Portland represent well, but chefs from other cities in Oregon were recognized, too. From Portland to Eugene to McMinville and beyond, our beautiful state shows how much we have to offer the world of food, dining, and edible creativity.

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025

Restaurants Opening in Portland in 2025: What We’re Looking Forward To

Looking through the front door at Pleasure Mountain.

I thought I’d take a little time to share some of the restaurants opening in Portland in 2025 that I am particularly looking forward to. As we move further away from the pandemic—though COVID is not gone, by any means—I have hopes that its volatility that affected the city’s restaurants for too long is truly in the rearview mirror. And that other issues (like break-ins) can be addressed by our new city council. This year’s list includes a public market, a new coffee shop, Indigenous fine dining, and more.

December 3, 2024December 2, 2024

Top 5 Posts on Bridgetown Bites, November 2024

Welcome to another edition of our monthly top 5 posts list—November 2024 was another good month for Bridgetown Bites. Over 22,600 unique visitors generated almost 30,000 page views. Popular posts included our list of Thanksgiving resources at the top of the heap. Interestingly enough, our article on Fancy Baby was also in the top 5, along with a long-time restaurant closing, a far-future opening of a new public market, and some pizza.

As always, thanks to you for reading, sharing, and commenting—and for your tips!

5. Fancy Baby Will Bring “The Craziest Champagne List” to NW Portland

Thanks to a Bridgetown Bites tipster, I’ve learned that new wine and Japanese-inspired listening bar called Fancy Baby is going to open in the Pearl District. This location on NW Glisan used to be home to CULT, a store that sold art, collectibles, ephemera, and more. Update: They are now open.