Portland food news and views
Photo credit: ChiMcking
Last Sunday I was doing a little research on Portland Thai restaurants and it became clear that Saima Thai & Sushi in the Hollywood District has closed. They opened originally in early 2018. Turns out a new restaurant is moving into that space: ChiMcking, a franchise that offers “Korean Style Chicken & Fresh Beer.” That’s right—an expansive menu of Korean fried chicken is coming to the Hollywood District. Continue reading “Goodbye Saima Thai & Sushi, Hello ChiMcking”
[Another revival, please enjoy! -Ed]
Ben & Esther’s, which is now fully vegetarian, announced that their “soon-to-be-famous vegan cinnamon rolls” will launch this Saturday—that’s tomorrow. In the words of the owner, “Come get some. Don’t be a crazy person.” 6912 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Vivienne is making what they call “baby cakes,” which are literally small-sized layer cakes: “That absolutely delicious and adorable Baby Cake is black and white this week. That is, the best chocolate cake layers filled in the center and wrapped in vanilla buttercream and rainbow sprinkles. This cake serves two big pieces or 4 perfect mini pieces.” 4128 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Sebastiano’s is expanding their cheese program, stocking “a selection of Italian cheeses that are curated, cut-and-wrapped by the team at Cowbell.” Like a lot of us, the closure of Cheese Bar on Belmont was a very sad thing, so it’s good to see other places stepping into that void. Sebastiano’s will be consulting with Portland’s favorite cheesemonger Steve Jones, owner of the late great Cheese Bar, on their own cheese program. 411 SE 81st Avenue, Portland
Did you know you can get freshly made perogies every Saturday? Head to St. John the Baptist Ukranian Orthodox Church on Saturdays from 11am to 2pm. Along with perogies, you can pick up stuffed cabbage and sausages—enjoy them hot or take home frozen items for later. 8014 SE 16th Avenue, Portland
Sausage and peppers on a roll. Photo credit: Piccone’s Corner
Piccone’s Corner, a whole-animal butcher shop/osteria/salumeria, is open today after months of preparation and waiting. Named after Austin Piccone, farmer and owner, they are located at 3434 NE Sandy Blvd, corner of Sandy and NE Imperial. Read more about the people involved, here.
Sandy is one of my main travel routes, both as a driver now and when I was taking the bus a lot in my car-free days. I’ve been watching this space for months, looking forward to stopping by and checking it out whenever it did open. I like their ethics of their meats being “focused on mindful sourcing” and the fact that they raise much of the meat themselves (at Wallow & Root Farm) as well as “animals from our friends and peers in the community.” This is going to be a prime place for nourishing, nutrient-dense, sustainable meats.
Continue reading “Butcher Shop and Restaurant Piccone’s Corner is Finally Open”
The soda fountain at Paulsen’s Pharmacy in 2014. Photo credit: Wikimedia
Yesterday I learned from the Hollywood Boosters that Paulsen’s Pharmacy (4246 Sandy Blvd) has closed. Today I came across a post from Chris Balo in the Dead Memories Portland public Facebook group with more details:
“On Wednesday 1/27/2021, Paulsen’s Pharmacy closed it’s doors for the last time. My parents worked there, my dad Gary since 1970 and my mom Karen from 1984 until their retirement in 2016 when they sold the business. It’s hard to see this place close after 103 years in business. My family and I have so many fond memories of this place after it played a major part of our lives for so many years. One of Portland’s only 2 remaining soda fountains is now gone.”
Continue reading “Another Soda Fountain Bites the Dust? Paulsen’s Pharmacy Has Closed”
Roseway neighbors lament the shuttering of local favorites D’s Bar and Brickhouse Pizza (run by the same people) on Sandy Blvd at 68th Ave. On December 18 we became aware of an eviction notice and then on December 31, the businesses’ owner posted this on Facebook:
“Today is the last day for D’s and Brick House Pizzeria. Due to the past 9 months in a pandemic, it doesn’t make sense to continue with our business. Thank you for all your support since 2007. We are truly thankful for our wonderful staff, friendships that developed, loving relationships that started with a first date at our place memorable moments with KC Chiefs and Iowa Hawkeye football games, and devoted customers who are like family.”
I had heard great things about the pizza, and I know gatherings for Roseway Nextdoor members would meet there from time to time. Sadly, another one bites the dust in this crazy pandemic economy. Best of luck to the Martins and I hope we see them at some point again serving food and drink.
