The Second Annual WasabiFest Returns To Portland

Wasabi rhizomes at the WasabiFest.
The wasabi rhizome.

Last year I attended the inaugural WasabiFest, which celebrated all things wasabi. There was a chance to try freshly-grated samples of the rhizome itself, get to know products made with wasabi, and there was even a wasabi-eating contest. And this year, it’s back! The second annual WasabiFest is Saturday, June 13. Here are more details about this awesome event.

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Small Bites: Estes Is Moving, Dame, Hey Luigi, and More

Estes is moving and bringing their spaghetti and meatballs with them.
Spaghetti and meatball at Estes. Photo credit: Estes.

Estes is moving to Concordia. The’ve been in residency at Broder Nord since January 2025, and in January 2026 they’ll be moving into their own brick-and-mortar space. Their final day of service at Broder was Wednesday, December 31 and they hope to open at the new location in the second week of January.

That new location is located on NE 30th Avenue just north of Killingsworth, “in the old Nonna space.” But this location has had a more recent tenant, which leads us to …

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World Vegan Month 2025 Starts Saturday in Portland

Birria Ramen made with locally foraged chantrelle mushrooms, from Mis Tacones for World Vegan Month 2025.
Birria Ramen made with locally foraged chantrelle mushrooms, from Mis Tacones. Photo credit: Mis Tacones.

It’s back! World Vegan Month 2025 is happening in Portland throughout the month of November. Now in its third year, this is a great opportunity to try and experience the variety of vegan and plant-based offerings in Portland, through dishes made especially for this occasion.

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Small Bites: Beijing Hot Pot, Canard, Pizza Machine, and More

Beijing Hot Pot's offerings in a beautiful blue pot.
Photo credit: Beijing Hot Pot.

Beijing Hot Pot gets some love. The Korean Mama and The Korean Son recently went to Beijing Hot Pot and had a great meal at a good price. Watch them here—and maybe stop by yourself! They are just south of Ha VL and just north of Fubonn in East Portland. 2768 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland

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