Four Things I Learned This Week (March 22)

Portland Pickles Pub is now open. This new sports bar, deemed, “massive,” opened yesterday, Thursday March 21. Indeed, it’s pretty big. Their press release states, “The space will not only serve as a gathering place for fans to cheer on their favorite teams but also as the campaign headquarters for Dillon T Pickle, who is running for president this year.” I’m pretty chuffed at their plans to offer various stadium dogs, including Dodger Dogs, which really are my favorite hot dogs in baseball history (will use actual Farmer John franks?). And while I bristled a bit when I read this: “This venue will be more than just a place to watch games; it will be a vibrant space where fans can come together to celebrate their love for sports, regardless of where their allegiances lie, except for Yankees fans.” I kind of get it. I still hope this Yankees fan will be welcome there, this season and beyond. 3932 N Mississippi Avenue, Portland

Women-owned restaurants near the MODA Center list. Prosper Portland put together an Instagram post of slides featuring lists of women-owned restaurants and bars near this major entertainment venue. Two of my favorites, The Sports Bra (IMO their Greek Chi-Chi Bean Salad is one of the best salads in Portland) and The Pocket Pub (pizza, salad, and tiramisu are all excellent there) are on there, as well as Wilf’s, Bao Bao, The Hostel Cafe, and more. Check it out! Various locations

Heck Beer released their Silver Linings NA IPA this week. And they sold out—no surprise. This was a limited run and accessing it was through their online portal. But don’t despair! They will be releasing their Gentle Persuasion Golden next month. And, you may be able to get a can of the IPA at Lardo, Grassa, or Bluto’s. Also, if you want to carry this NA beer at your bar, email Heck at wholesale@heck.beer. Finally, there’s going to be a launch party at some point, too, to celebrate this NA beer brewed in Portland. Congrats to Heck on their good work! Online intermittently and various locations

Los Burros Supremos is heading to the west side. For months Los Burros Supremos been serving delicious burritos and more in the old Woodsman Market space on SE Division, but that will end soon. Speaking of “end,” their new location will be in downtown’s West End section, where Kenny & Zuke’s used to be. Here is the core detail you need to. know: the last day of service on SE Division is Sunday, March 24. That following week they’ll be moving their setup west; timing indicates an April 1 opening. I’m sorry to see them leave the east side but that just makes room for something new. 4529 SE Division Street, Portland now, 1038 SW Harvey Milk Street, Portland later

Four Things I Learned This Week (January 19)

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:

  1. Fresh Love, 7434 NE Fremont Street
  2. Thai Seasons, 5824 NE Sandy Blvd
  3. My-O-My + Lawless BBQ in the back (so, a twofer), 8627 NE Sandy Blvd
  4. Sandy-O’s, 10505 NE Sandy Blvd
  5. Extracto, 2921 NE Killingsworth Street
  6. Flour Market, 5507 NE 30th Avenue
  7. Bastion, 6116 SE Milwaukie Avenue
  8. Los Burros Supremos, 4529 SE Division Street
  9. Hollywood Farmers Market, NE Hancock St. between 44th and 45th Avenues
  10. Javi’s Breakfast Cafe, 6236 NE Sandy Blvd

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

Four Things I Learned This Week (October 6)

Yaowarat opens today. What was Lazy Susan in Montavilla is now Yaowarat, which we mentioned here back in July. It is brought to you by Akkapong Earl Ninsom and crew, makers of much deliciousness in Portland. The food is “Thai-Chinese street food both along Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat neighborhood) and the restaurants that we fell in love with from travel and grew up eating (during my college time),” according to Ninsom. Surprisingly, Montavilla does not have much in the way of Thai restaurants, so this is a pretty great addition to the neighborhood.

No takeout, no reservations, no phone—yet. They’ll be open Wednesdays to Sundays, 5pm to 10pm, at least to start. Check out the PDX Monthly article on them from earlier this month to get a better picture of the whole shebang. 7937 SE Stark Street, Portland

The Yanick Room is open. Over at Kann, they have put together a private dining room for large parties, 12 guests to 36 guests. The Yanick Room is named after Chef Gourdet’s mom. Access reservations through Resy. 548 SE Ash Street, Portland

What’s next for the Woodsman Tavern space(s). The Oregonian tells us what’s what with these two spaces: the restaurant and market. Los Burros Supremos, a burrito shop, will take over the market space; La Leñadora, “a full-service restaurant with lamb shank birria, sizzling Oregon albacore fajitas and lots of Mexican seafood.” Read more about the plans here. 4537 SE Division Street, Portland

Mattino’s Wines is closing their shop. We wrote about this sweet spot last October, and by the end of their run on October 29, they will have been open for around a year. On Instagram they explain why all is not lost: “We feel excited about our next chapter at 935 SE Hawthorne. We are taking it in a new direction — a wine delivery service, club, and space that hosts gatherings. There’s so much to share about these upcoming changes. Stay tuned.” Best of luck to them in this transition. 935 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland