Janken Archives - Bridgetown Bites

December 23, 2024March 30, 2025

Favorite Bites in Portland in 2024

Salmon nigiri with truffles. — Beautifully plated sushi at Janken.

This year I ate at a variety of places—some fancy, some more modest. But they all served me excellent, tasty, wonderful food. Here are my favorite bites in Portland in 2024.

Bison Coffeehouse: Cafe Latte

Located in Cully on Cully Blvd, this is one of two Native-owned cafes in Portland (the other being All Your Heart Coffee in South Portland). I was there for a meeting with a neighbor and ordered a latte. One of the things I was offered by the barista was a choice of espresso roasts, and I chose a medium roast—this meant the Shoshone Blend, a coffee bean from Honduras medium-roasted by Native Coffee Traders. It was lovely, with notes of chocolate and nuts; plus expertly streamed milk. This is one of the best lattes I’ve had all year. 3941 NE Cully Blvd, Portland. Bison Coffeehouse website

June 13, 2024June 13, 2024

Janken: Everything Is Better Together (Review)

Food writers Meg Cotner and Judith Rich starting a meal at Janken in Portland, OR. — Toward the start of our meal, food writers at work. Photo credit: Judith Rich

A little while back my friend Judith raved about the food she had at Janken, an upscale restaurant in the Pearl (corner of NW Everett and 13th). It opened in late 2022, with the aim to offer “exquisite Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine.” They also state, “We strive to build a space that encourages connection, conversation, and camaraderie, a place where every meal becomes a cherished memory.” This certainly was my experience the night I was there. The evening was a choice opportunity to connect with my good friend Judith, enjoy some new dishes, hang out in NW Portland, and have a memorable time together.

Disclaimer: This meal was comped but the opinions are my own.

September 8, 2022December 7, 2022

Janken, a Japanese/Korean Fusion Restaurant, Will Open in the Pearl

The game of Janken, the namesake of the new restaurant.

A new self-identified “hot spot” will open in the old Bluehour space on NW 13th Avenue in the Pearl. Called, Janken, it offers “Japanese/Korean fusion cuisine.” Additionally, “Janken [has] a strong cocktail program influenced by Korean & Japanese flavours.” Rodrigo Ochoa is the executive chef (formerly of Groot Hospitality in Miami).