Salad Royalty Roundup: Portland’s Greatest Salads

Salad Royalty, Portland's greatest salads.
Some of Portland’s greatest salads.

Portland is bursting with reasons to explore what it has to offer, and its exciting food scene tops the list—especially when it comes to Portland’s greatest salads.

The Bridgetown Bites crew had a blast curating this lineup of must-try salads, featuring everything from beloved classics at iconic restaurants to creative newcomers and even standout food carts. You never know where you’ll discover the salad of your dreams, so we invite you to dive into this list all summer long and share your favorites with us, which may or may not be included below.

Continue reading “Salad Royalty Roundup: Portland’s Greatest Salads”

Happy Birthday Bridgetown Bites! You Are Eight Years Old Today

Happy Birthday Bridgetown Bites!

Happy birthday Bridgetown Bites! That’s right: Bridgetown Bites turns eight years old today. On July 3, 2017, I launched this website with the desire to write about the Portland food and drink scene. It’s grown and changed over the years, but the mission remains the same.

In honor of these eight years, I thought I’d put together eight things I’ve enjoyed learning about over those years, in Portland food and drink. In some cases, I’ve changed my attitude about long-held beliefs. NB: This list is by no means comprehensive.

Continue reading “Happy Birthday Bridgetown Bites! You Are Eight Years Old Today”

Four Things I Learned This Week (May 2) in Portland Food

The Deck opens May 6. I love this casual spot on a big floating deck on the Columbia River—you are right on the water, it’s pretty chill, and birds fly through the restaurant. They serve American food like bay shrimp salad, calamari, fish & chips, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and more (including fried cheese curds); beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails. The views heading down the ramp to the restaurant are gorgeous, too. Plus, you can bring your dog.

They close down usually in September for the cold season, reopening in May, and this year opening day is Tuesday, May 6. They will be open every day 11am to sunset except on weekends for brunch, which starts at 9am and goes to noon. I’m looking forward to seeing them soon! 2901 NE Marine Drive, Portland

AKÂDI has a new menu. Yesterday, beloved West African restaurant AKÂDI launched their new menu, which you can find here. “Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with fresh flavors, innovative dishes, and delightful surprises that will tantalize your taste buds.” 1001 SE Division Street, Portland

Mexican lager fest “Put a Lime on It’ is tonight. Head to Mayfly today from 4pm to 8pm for Mexican lagers and tasty food. Beers are from 5440 Beer, Fort George Beer, Xicha Brewing, Lazy Days Brewing, and Loowit Brewing. Food provided by 4 Caminos (street tacos), The Street Corn Dude (elotes), La Oveja Negra (salsas), and Sweet Creature (chamoy). 8350 N Fenwick Avenue, Portland,

Lunch bistro menu at Coq Au Vin. This May, Rose and George at Coq Au Vin (which moved from NW Portland to North Portland last year) are adding a lunch service for the month. Coq Au Vin is a farm-to-table restaurant (Sea Breeze Farm is the farm) centered around traditions of French and Italian countryside homestyle cooking.

“Thursday through Sunday, enjoy an à la carte menu of the day showcasing our favorite spring flavors, paired with affordable, delicious wines by the glass. Walk-ins and reservations are welcome.” 938 N Cook Street, Portland

Bonus: Joe at FIKA will be popping up twice this weekend! On Saturday from noon to 6pm at The Spot Market (the old Ulta beaty space in Lloyd Center—entrance by Marshalls is the closest) and Sunday from 11am to 5pm at Stark Street Studios. Head his way for delicious pastries and other baked goods. 1241 Lloyd Center and 2809 SE Stark Street, Portland


Stories you may have missed this week on Bridgetown Bites:

Living Room Coffee To Open in Living Room Wines in Portland
Screaming Sammies Is Back in Sellwood-Moreland
Bennett’s Best Bites Will Open on Sandy Blvd in Portland
3 Doors Down Will Re-Open in Portland

The Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta starts tonight at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and the Portland Night Market is tonight and tomorrow, too. Learn more in our Portland Area Cultural + Food Festivals page and our Portland Food and Drink Festivals page.

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

Four Things I Learned This Week (September 22)

Zuckercreme is approaching its next chapter. Brittany over at Zuckercreme in Montavilla posted an update on the business and announced “we’re open through the end of the year as zuck ~currently~ exists.” She continues, “i love everything she has been and will be, and this is not a goodbye! however, a lot is going to happen in these next few months that will determine what the next chapter of zuckercreme is, and that’s where i’m writing to you.” However, she leaves the most important detail toward the end: she’s having a baby in March! Read more about her thoughts on Zuckercreme on Instagram. 414 SE 81st Avenue, Portland

Kaah Market is looking for a new space. Currently located—and there since the beginning—at the Portland Mercado, Kaah Market announced this week that they “have been given a no reason termination of their lease.” The market will close there Wednesday, November 1. They are looking for a new space, so if you have any leads, let them know. Maybe the Republica folks could fold them into their world? I love this little market and wish the Kaah people on the best as they navigate their next steps. 7238 SE Foster Road, Portland

Fig Fest is this weekend! One Green World Nursery, one of the most interesting places to buy plants in Portland, is holding their Fig Fest again. Head there on Saturday and/or Sunday to check out the range of fig trees they sell, taste figs—weather permitting—and enjoy fig-inspired drinks and treats. Maybe even buy some plants. It’s really a great nursery, and worth it for any plant lover to experience the place. 6469 SE 134th Avenue, Portland

The Deck’s closing party is Sunday. You may have seen me talk about The Deck on Instagram—a restaurant serving American food essentially out on the Columbia River. They are seasonal, and are closing up shop after this weekend. Sunday’s the party: “Join us for our season’s grand finale on September 24th! 🌟 Swing by and celebrate with us, and enjoy all-day happy hour specials! 🥂” 2901 NE Marine Drive, Portland