Although I’ve been under a pile of editing work these past couple of weeks (I love my job as an editor) that has kept much of my attention from the blog, it hasn’t squelched my anticipation and excitement about the opening of Nico’s Cantina. I’ve been eager to know of their opening day and Nico finally released that detail: Saturday, September 24 at 3pm.
The game of Janken, the namesake of the new restaurant.
A new self-identified “hot spot” will open in the old Bluehour space on NW 13th Avenue in the Pearl. Called, Janken, it offers “Japanese/Korean fusion cuisine.” Additionally, “Janken [has] a strong cocktail program influenced by Korean & Japanese flavours.” Rodrigo Ochoa is the executive chef (formerly of Groot Hospitality in Miami).
I enjoy seeing what Bridgetown Bites readers gravitate toward and August 2022 was no exception to that. It was a bit of a mix this time around: the sad news of Yohhei Sato’s untimely death; restaurant news; and event info. I did attend the Middle Eastern Festival and it was lovely as always—highlights were the chicken skewers and the ma’amoul that melted in your mouth. And remember: O’Dear opens their doors this week! The grand opening is Thursday at noon.
Earlier this week I was shocked to learn of the sudden death of beloved Portland mobile knife sharpener Yohhei Sato. He sharpened knives under the name Sato Sharpening, and was beloved among so many Portlandersāchefs, food industry pros, and regular people alike. I wanted to take this space to recognize him, honor him, and express my sympathy to those who loved him.
I noticed a liquor license application posted for Ora et Labora this week, and I have to admit—I was enticed by its mellifluous name. According to the website, Ora et Labora plans a fall 2022 opening or a December 2022 opening, depending on the source, located on that hip strip of businesses on N Williams (think EEM, Eat: An Oyster Bar, Crisp Salads, etc).
Looks like a new food cart pod is coming to the Brooklyn neighborhood. I saw an Instagram post about it over the weekend and did a little digging. It’s going to be on the site that was formerly home to La Carreta Mexican Restaurant.