PNWCSA Archives - Bridgetown Bites

February 19, 2025February 20, 2025

CSA Share Fairs Will Take Place in Hillsboro and Portland in 2025

Each year the Pacific NW CSA Coalition puts together a big gathering of CSAs in the area called CSA Share Fairs. These events have been an opportunity for folks to come by and check out the world of CSAs, and this year is no different. For years—really, since the late mid-1990s—I’ve been a fan of and subscriber to CSAs (and their cousin, the CSF—Community Supported Fishery—like Iliamna Fish Co). They are a fantastic way to access local produce and other products, so I’m thrilled to tell you about these events.

May 3, 2024May 3, 2024

Four Things I Learned This Week (May 3)

CSA Demystified. Head to Vivienne on Monday, May 6 for a free, informal CSA-centric event from the PNWCSA called “CSA Demystified.” It’s all “about the benefits of Community Supported Agriculture as well as the learning curve. Sip on wine while we have a lively conversation and Q&A with local farmers and CSA veterans.” As someone who ran a CSA for a decade, I can tell that these types of events are really informative and fun. You can RSVP here. 2724 NE Alberta Street, Portland

The Sudra is closing. This one hits hard, as I love their food: The Sudra, serving up vegan Indian-inspired food, is, as they say, calling it quits. They explain on Instagram: “This winter was the worst we’ve had in years. We were hoping things would pick up with the nicer weather but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case. We’ll be around until the end of May so please come through to eat, drink, and say good bye.” Another reminder that if there’s a place you’ve been meaning to check out, do it. 28 NE 28th Avenue, Portland

Oh mah gaw, The Deck returns next week! I love this floating restaurant on the Columbia River, with its classic American and pub fare (favorites include the steak bites, bay shrimp salad, and cheese curds), good beer, plus soothing views on the water. They reopen on Wednesday, May 8 and then 11am to sunset, daily (until they close back up again in the fall). New this season: a dessert menu and Sunday brunch. It’s dog-friendly, too. 2901 NE Marine Drive, Portland

Portland Cider Co wins big. From their PR folks: “Portland Cider Company’s Original Gold Cider took home the top award at this year’s International Brewing and Cider Awards held in Manchester and London, United Kingdom. Original Gold, the company’s most-awarded cider, earned its 12th gold medal at this year’s competition, then received the best-in-class trophy at the awards ceremony. This is the first time in the competition’s 136-year history that a U.S. cidery has brought home this trophy.” Congrats, Portland Cider Co! 8925 SE Jannsen Road, Clackamas

Bonus: 503 Day. There’s been a campaign going on this year to make May 3, “503 Day” in Portland. Best snark about it comes from Reddit: “503 day is a holiday made up by phone companies to sell more area codes.” City Cast Portland is behind the push. I kind of like it. Throughout the City of Portland

Here are some of the stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

Benditos Latin Fusion Has Opened in the Old Blossoming Lotus Space
There Be Monsters Is Closing This Weekend
Tikka Taco Rito To Open in the Pearl This Summer
The Willamette Wine Spa Will Open in Irvington Later This Year

February 13, 2024August 15, 2024

The 9th Annual CSA Share Fair Is March 3

Those of you who have read this blog for a while know my background with CSAs—I used to help run one in Astoria, Queens for about a decade. I think they are an excellent way to access fresh, seasonal produce (and in some cases, fish, meat, dairy, grains, beans, and more) from local sources. If you are curious about or want to reconnect with a CSA (which stands for Community Supported Agriculture), the CSA Share Fair is your answer.

February 20, 2023February 21, 2023

Find Your Farm at the 2023 CSA Share Fair Event

Beautiful plants from the Lucky Crow CSA

It’s that time again: time to choose your CSA share! CSAs, as I’ve written about before, are an excellent way to access a variety of local foods (produce, meats, eggs, etc.) and support local farmers, fishers, and ranchers at the same time. An easy way to hone in on what you want in a CSA is to attend the annual CSA Share Fair event, this year on Sunday, February 26, 10am to 2pm. It’s free to attend!

June 7, 2022June 5, 2022

Achieving Peak Salad Enjoyment Through Your CSA Share and Farmers Market

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares and farmers markets are in full spring-vegetable mode right now, and it’s a perfect time for salad-making. So how do you put together a salad from your box items and the plethora of options at the farmers market? There are ways to work it to your advantage and we are here to show you how.