Get Ready for Portland’s Newest Culinary Bookstore from Vivienne

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Vivienne back in 2017.

I knew Vivienne, the little cafe next to the Hollywood Theatre, was going to make some changes (i.e., the end of brunch) but I didn’t anticipate they would be on as high a level as they are. On Friday, September 3, Vivienne’s owner Robin Wheelright sent out an email announcing the changes—departing from being a full-time cafe and turning into a culinary bookstore to be located in what has been their dining room.

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Small Bites – Norse Hall, Poke Qube, Birrieria PDX, and More

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A bunch of tidbits have crossed my desk and I thought I’d put them all together for you here.

Portland’s Norse Hall at risk. The Norse Hall over on Couch and 11th is running in the red, thanks to—you guessed it—COVID-19. Known for various Scandi cultural events, including the annual Lutefisk Dinner, I’ve spent time there for their tasty Viking Breakfast that happens during certain months of the year. It’s an important cultural space and is worth saving; the fear is out there that developers might be eyeing the property. You can help by donating to their GoFundMe campaign. 111 NE 11th Ave, Portland

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Goodbye Saima Thai & Sushi, Hello ChiMcking

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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”

Four Things I Learned This Week (February 5)

[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