Portland food news and views
Earlier this week I became aware of the plight of Jim & Patty’s Coffee: Their financial situation is exerting major pressure on their ability to survive. So, they started a fundraiser—and they need your help.
Continue reading “Jim & Patty’s Coffee Is at Risk of Closing in Portland”I thought it might be fun to talk about five of the most delicious things I’ve had recently here in Portland. We continue to be fortunate to have so many good things to eat in this town.
Back in May, Saint Simon opened a new location on Brazee and 15th in the Irvington neighborhood, and it has been a total hit. There are often long lines of people waiting to get a cup of their excellent espresso, baked goods from Nuvrei, and a chance to hang out in a comfortable space for a little while. Their outdoor seating is really nice in the warmer months, too. But year-round they have this avocado toast that is just wonderful.
Continue reading “5 Recent Bites – Avocado Toast, Pig Newton, and More”Free coffee with beans at Jim & Patty’s. One of my favorite spots in NE Portland, Jim & Patty’s, has a holiday special through December. If you buy a 12oz bag of coffee beans you get a free 16oz house coffee. And if you buy two 12oz bags of beans you get a free 16oz latte or mocha. Sound good to me. Get yourself a Pig Newton (I like the SuperJack version) while you’re at it. 4951 NE Fremont Street, Portland
100 Days of Babkas. Carly Tonini at Queen Croissants launched a project earlier this year called “100 Days of Babkas.” Yes, she’s making different kinds of Babkas for 100 days total. Here’s what she said at the start: “I knew I wanted to make something decadent for Day 1 of 100 Days of Babkas. What could be more fitting than an Oreo Cheesecake Babka! Babka is layered with Oreo cookie crumbs and Oreo cheesecake batter. It’s decadent. It’s a classic. Oreos just make me feel like a kid again.” She’s almost done (at Day 84 as of this writing, the Lasagna Bolognese Babka) but you can see her trail of creative babkas at the hashtag #100daysofbabkas on Instagram.
Moon Room opens to the public. Ecliptic Brewing is opening their second location to the public tomorrow, Saturday, November 6, in SE Portland (today is the media/industry event). They will have an “extensive tap list” eventually (up to 30 handles), a gin-focused cocktail program, and sandwich options via the Moon Room food trailer just outside the building, featuring fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The Moon Room opens at noon tomorrow. 930 SE Oak Street, Portland
Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli opening date. Announced on social media, Ben & Esther’s will open at their new location on Alberta Street on Saturday, November 20, 7am. It will be totally vegan in there, plus some GF options. Look for kosher-certification (both location) soon, too. 1800 NE Alberta Street, Portland
Bonus: Mystery Restaurant coming to Roseway? While reviewing city documents I came across this tidbit: a restaurant to open at 6520 NE Sandy Blvd, which right now looks like a house hidden by trees. Their paperwork is recent (set up 10/29/21; under review 11/01/21) and includes a Change of Occupancy request (from residential to business), plenty of reconfiguring of the interior (e.g., dining, lounge, game room), and structural work. My first wave of research didn’t pull up much more than that. If you know anything, please shoot me an email.
Today is Bridgetown Bites’s six month anniversary! Or is it birthday? Anyway, we thought we’d take this opportunity to roundup our favorite eats of 2017. It’s always fun to look back on the year, and though I tasted my share of straight up duds, there was a lot more that was delicious. Here are some of our favorites from 2017.
Chocolate Chip Cookie | Coquine. This cookie is famous, and there’s a good reason for that, as it is more than just an excellent chocolate chip cookie—it features some additional flavors that elevate the whole thing. Those additional elements would be smoked almonds, salted caramel, and chunks (not chips) of high quality chocolate. The texture is both chewy and crisp, and I’d say it’s one of the top sweets in Portland. coquinepdx.com, 6839 SE Belmont Street, Portland
Continue reading “Favorite Eats of 2017 in Portland”