Portland food news and views
Did you know that February 2 is an apt time to eat pancakes in Portland? This is the date of of Candlemas, a Christian feast day, that coincides around the time of Imbolc (February 1, so good chance there was some borrowing going on), a cross-quarter day at the midpoint between the Solstice and Equinox. It marks “the first stirrings of spring.” It makes me think of crocuses, stretching toward the sunlight.
Continue reading “Eat Pancakes in Portland on Candelmas (February 2)”Sandy Jug to open this month. Over on Instagram, the Sandy Jug Tavern posted, “pushed back a week. hopefully this next weekend.” Sounds like they’ll be open not this weekend but the next, so that would be the weekend of January 26 (if you count Friday evening as part of the weekend). It’s exciting to think they’ll be open soon; I can’t wait to check it out. 7417 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Rescheduled collab between Nico’s and Pip’s. This crazy icy weather has thrown multiple monkey wrenches into multiple businesses this week, so the originally planned collab between Nico’s Ice Cream and Pip’s Original had to be postponed. They are attempting to do it this weekend: “We’ll be blending in Pip’s donuts into our vanilla base, then topping it with nutella, honey, and coconut flakes. We call it the Tropical Reggie Lee!” If you can, head to Nico’s Fremont location on Saturday, January 20 all day (noon to 9pm). 5713 NE Fremont Street, Portland
That “10 Places” bit on social. I’ve seen it mostly on Instagram, but people are sharing the 10 restaurants/small businesses they want to support after the ice recedes enough to get back out into the world. For me, I want to support the following:
If you have suggestions or favorite place you want to support, drop a comment.
Upcoming relevér popup. I recently came across the Instagram for relevér and have learned that the key element of the work of this popup is “spicy.” Last November their food was influenced by “Korean, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, French and Spanish cuisines.” This time, it’s …. TACO BELL? Yes, it sure looks like it. Whatever the inspiration, there will be food by Chef Han Ly Hwang of Kim Jong Grillin and natural wines by Chef Kyle Christy of Street Disco. Coming soon. 4144A SE 60th Avenue, Portland
Updated grand opening date for Javi’s Breakfast Cafe. As is often the case, a grand opening gets delayed for a new spot, despite the original plans, and Javi’s joined the club. It happens. The revised grand opening date for Javi’s Breakfast Cafe is Thursday, May 25 at 7am. 6236 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Barn & Brews at Rossi Farms celebrates Gateway Brewing. Head to Rossi Farms on Saturday, May 20 to celebrate Gateway Brewing, which is actually located in the Gateway neighborhood in East Portland. From 3pm to 6pm, Gateway Brewing will serve their eight favorite beers. $15 admission, which includes food and beer tokens. Sean Daly and the Shams will be performing. There’s a way to get a discount at the door, too—codes “Sham Fam” and “Exit 7 IPA” will get you $5 off admission. 3839 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland
Burger Thursdays in Montavilla. Every Thursday, White Pepper (a caterer in Montavilla) opens its tasting room to the general public from 5pm to 9pm for a burger popup. In their words, “Stop by for a delicious burger, house cut fries, and hand crafted cocktails.” There also might be salad. They hope to do this year-round. The only time they might not pop up is if they have a big catering job that following weekend (e.g., they’ll be closed June 8). So stop by one Thursday evening and let chef Abel Ley and his staff fix you a great burger. 7505 NE Glisan Street, Portland
End of the line for Michael’s? A Bridgetown Bites tipster sent me this: “I stopped by Michael’s Italian Beef and she said she has lost her lease after 40-some years on Sandy. Wants to move but not sure where.” 40 years is a long time. Michael’s offers Chicago-style sandwiches—Italian-style beef, sausage, various cold sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs (I’ll leave it up to you to determine if a hot dog is a sandwich).
This location is a one-story triangle-shaped building on a triangle-shaped piece of property just around the corner from Hippo Hardware. My guess is that the property will be sold, maybe for apartments, but we’ll have to see. I hope Michael’s can find a new location. 1111 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Recently—like in the past couple of weeks—a change arrived on NE Sandy Blvd in Rose City Park. Pho An, that square-ish building with the tall hat-like roof, closed, leaving its neighbor Pho Korner on its own. A new restaurant is opening, offering the proverbial “something completely different”—Javi’s Breakfast Cafe.
Continue reading “Dueling Phos Are No More. Welcome, Javi’s Breakfast Cafe.”