Small Bites: Tamalada, Crispy Cones, ZabPinto Thai, and More

Making tamales during a tamalada in 2019 in Portland, Oregon.
The tamalada from 2019.

Tamalada in Portland is back! I attended a tamalada—a group tamale-making party around the holidays—organized by Hot Mama Salsa and Three Sisters Nixtamal pre-pandemic (2019) and loved it. We learned how to prepare the masa, fill the corn husks, and steam the tamales—and we got to take some tamales home. It was fantastic!

So you can imagine how happy I was to see that these same two women-owned and led businesses have brought it back this year. This time it will take place at Hot Mama Salsa’s headquarters in Southeast Portland. There are two sessions on Sunday, December 14: 2pm to 3:30pm and 4pm to 5:30pm. It’s $65; you can reserve your spot and pay them on Venmo. DM them with questions. 333 SE 2nd Avenue, Portland

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Valentine’s Day 2025 in Portland: Food and Drink

Dove with a rose for the Rose city.

It’s almost that time—Valentine’s Day 2025 is right around the corner. Lots of places are doing special dinners and meals, and we’ve gathered them together here for you. And don’t let V-Day just be for romantic couples! Loving yourself and your friends is just as valid on this day of love.

These listings all take place on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, unless otherwise indicated.

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Small Bites: Pho DaLat, Speedboat Coffee, Tamales and Other Portland Food News

Photo credit: Phở DaLat

Pho DaLat turns ten. If you drive east on Sandy past 205 into Parkrose, no doubt you’ve seen this Vietnamese restaurant on the south side of NE Sandy Blvd and NE 103rd. They’ve been around for ten years, though I always had the impression it was longer than that. They are celebrating their 10th anniversary all throughout December by giving you 10% off your bill. 10232 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

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