RIP Sarah Pliner. I first heard about the “crash with a bicyclist” on the news and via a FlashAlert, when the name of the victim hadn’t been released. It all came quickly into view when I read a post on the Bluto’s Instagram page that it was Sarah Pliner who died. She was a chef previously at Aviary and, most recently, Bluto’s (hence their post). There have been a number of recent articles about her, the tragedy forced upon her, and her work here in Portland’s restaurant world—you can read them on Willamette Week, Bike Portland, The Oregonian, Eater, and listen to the most recent podcast at Right at the Fork.
I’m also intrigued by Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty’s call to transfer SE Powell (US 26) from ODOT to PBOT, with the hopes of increasing safety on this dangerous stretch of road. My heart goes out to Sarah’s friends and family during this difficult time.
Nico’s Coffee is open. In his fourth act, Nico Vergara has opened a coffee shop (previously he opened an ice cream cart, then an ice cream shop—soon to be two—and a cantina). Along with the usual menu suspects like lattes, cappuccino, and matcha, the coffee house is offering interesting drinks like a chicha cold brew and cafecito, as well as empanadas. At this point, I think it’s safe to say that a twist on the old Smucker’s slogan, “With a name like Nico’s, it has to be good,” is appropriate. Definitely stop by and check it out. 5308 NE 30th Avenue, Portland
Birrieria PDX is opening a brick & mortar spot. One of the places in Portland that really put birrieria on the map in town is the Birrieria PDX cart. Their OG car is out in east Portland near the city limits, but are moving a little closer with their newest spot in what I believe used to be home to Amai Teriyaki in a strip mall near NE Glisan and 122nd. 12118 NE Glisan Street, Portland
Thien Hong for sale? Apparently yes—at least the building, anyway. Folks in Roseway are worried that the restaurant will also close if the property is sold. This longstanding Chinese-and-Vietnamese restaurant is known especially for their salt & pepper squid. According to LoopNet, the price of the property is for sale for $1.4M—and this is on two tax lots. One callout in the ad says, “Ideal for Owner-User, Potential Redevelopment or Lease.” There’s a fancy sales document on this property, too. But for you salt & pepper squid fans, apparently you can get it down the road at Zien Hong, which is owned by the same family as Thien Hong—in case the restaurant really does close. 6749 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
