Judah’s Delicatessen is open. Late last year I learned that a new business called “Judah’s Delicatessen” was going to open in Portland. Originally described as a “Jewish delicatessen featuring house cured, smoked, and carved deli meats,” it sounded like maybe we’d get a new Jewish deli, something many Portlanders would like to see happen. As time went on, it became clear that their approach had adjusted to something more modest, and their eventual Instagram indicated that they are a “NY Deli style food cart PDX serving classic deli sandwiches and fare.”
They recently moved the cart into the Rose City Food Park with a menu of three categories: NY Deli Sandwiches, Burgers, and Sides. You’ll find pastrami, turkey on rye and a turkey club, a reuben, a “Rubenowitz,” a BLT and grilled cheese; some sandwiches can be purchase as “half” or “full.” Three burgers include a “Deli Burger” with pastrami on it. Looks like at some point they’ll have latkes, but fries, coleslaw, and sauerkraut round out the sides right now.
I have not been so I can’t vouch for the food, or how authentic to NYC it is. If you go, let me know what you think! I hope to stop by soon. 5235 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Virtuous Pie has closed. A Bridgetown Bites reader brought this to my attention, that this vegan pizzeria closed on Sunday, April 20. Founded by Vesal and Lia Loukas, they opened the first Virtuous Pie in Vancouver, BC, the second here in Portland. It was a hard decision for them to close, and they are grateful for the time they spent making pies in PDX. Here’s part of their farewell message:
“We’re proud to finish strong with Portland Pizza Week — one final celebration with the community that has supported us from day one … To our Portland community: you showed up for us, again and again. From first dates to family dinners, late-night cravings to vegan firsts — it’s been an honor to be part of your lives. We’re deeply proud of what we’ve built over the years, but the reality of today’s challenging climate has brought us to this hard decision.” 1126 SE Division Street, Portland
Rhinestone pops up on Sunday. Head to Deadshot this Sunday starting at 5pm for this tasty takeover. “Rhinestone, a Vegas/Western themed cocktail & food concept from long time industry friends Chef Graham Chaney & Bartender Trevor Thorpe, will be taking over Deadshot Lounge Sunday. After a killer first PopUp at Too Soon in February, we’re coming back with some new drinks, new snacks and the same attitude. Come hungry. Leave happy.” 2133 SE 11th Avenue, Portland
New bakery additions to the Montavilla Farmers Market. Starting on Sunday, May 4, some new bakeries are joining the Montavilla Farmers Market for their 19th season:
- Delectable Delights: handmade milk cakes, cookies, and chai beverages popular in Somali culture (every other week).
- Labyrinth Bread: stone milled, naturally-leavened sourdough bread made with whole grains. They are considered a micro-bakery. Note: The day before, May 3, is World Labyrinth Day.
- Nate’s Oatmeal Cookies: vegan and gluten-free oatmeal cookies (every other week). Here’s our coverage from last year.
- Propaganda Pastry: seasonally-drive cake by the slice made from local grains, foraged flowers, and farm herbs
You can see some photos of their work, here. SE Stark Street & SE 76th Avenue, Portland
Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:
Old Pal Is Now Old Pal Kitchen + Market in Portland
Iliamna Salmon Shares Are Now Available To Order in Portland
Bar Hollywood Opens in Portland
Delta Carts Food Pod in Portland: An Update
The annual New Year in the Park celebration is this Saturday, celebrating Cambodian, Lao, Thai, and Burmese cultures. Filipino Food Month continues (here are some places to enjoy Filipino food in the area). And big congrats to the Kitchen Table Magazine folks—they met their crowdfunding goal!
