Portland food news and views
The beautiful pastries at JinJu Patisserie. Stop by before February 16, when they go on a short hiatus.
Final weekend at Bee’s. The ice storm caused chaos, as we know, and delayed the final weekend at Bee’s in Roseway. Head over there today through Sunday to enjoy their cake slices, laminated pastries, cookies, and more. The cafe is open from 8am to 3pm each day. 7137 NE Fremont Street, Portland
Continue reading “Small Bites: Redwood, Hong Phat, Rift Valley Market, Yaowarat, and More”‘Tis the season for end-of-the-year lists. I haven’t done too many of them on the blog, but I thought this year I’d change things up. One of the topics I’ve seen talked about in food media is anticipated 2024 restaurant openings. I have a handful—and they’re not just limited to restaurants— that I’m eager to see become a reality, so I thought I’d share them here.
Continue reading “Looking Forward: Excited About These Restaurant Openings in 2024”
Artist’s rendering of Tréla, a Greek taverna planned to open in NE Portland’s North Tabor neighborhood. Photo credit: Tréla
Back in March 2022 I wrote about Tréla, a Greek taverna planning to open on the southeast corner of NE Glisan and 60th Avenue (the former O’Neill Public House). For a long time they seemed—from an outsider’s view—dead in the water. But about a month ago, their social media woke up and they have continued to post there. Most recently they announced a Kickstarter, which at the time of the writing of this article, has raised a little over $800 with 36 more days to go.
Continue reading “Tréla, a Greek Kitchen and Taverna, Has Launched a Kickstarter”Super King Buffet II to open on SE 82nd Avenue. The Willamette Week published an article about the building on SE 82nd Avenue that was most recently home to Super King Buffet, which closed during the COVID pandemic. The building has an interesting history: “From 1973 to 1996, the angular building at the corner of Southeast Raymond Street was home to the Organ Grinder, an 1890s-themed pizzeria where the star of the show was a monstrous 1927 Wurlitzer organ.” Read more about the organ, why it found itself to this location, and—spoiler—the fact that the instrument was sold and split up into parts. 5015 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland
Cider Summit PDX kicks off today. Cider lovers, this is for you: today and tomorrow, 150+ hard ciders, fruit spirits, and cider cocktails from more than 40 of the industry’s leading cidermakers will be available at the 11th annual Cider Summit Portland, the state’s largest cider festival, at The Redd on Salmon. Attendees will taste a selection of craft beverages, many of which will be poured by the cider makers and distillers themselves. The event is a benefit for Cascade Blues Association, Northwest Cider Association and DoveLewis Emergency Pet Hospital. Tickets are available at the door, $40 general admission. This is a 21+ event. 831 SE Salmon Street, Portland
Jeju should open end of June. The “wood-fired, whole-animal, Korean BBQ restaurant from the family that brought you Han Oak Restaurant” is expected to open at the end of June (that’s like next week) in the old Renata space. PoMo has the details. I think it’s going to be a hot ticket. 626 SE Main Street, Portland
Trela’s social media woke up! Trela, a Greek taverna to open in the North Tabor neighborhood that we reported on back in March 2022, has been dormant for months. The building got tagged and there was an “administrative dissolution” on their ORSOS record (they’ve now been reinstated), and honestly, I thought they were kaput. Well … I WAS WRONG. And happy to be wrong! Their Instagram has had some activity this month, including video of demo day and a date at the end of opening the restaurant “Fall 2023.” So freaking exciting! I can’t wait to try it. 6000 NE Glisan Street, Portland
Progress at Trela. Earlier this year I wrote about a new Greek taverna and bar, Trela, that’s opening up in the old O’Neill Public House space on the corner of NE Glisan and 60th. They’re getting closer to opening their doors, with a submitted liquor license application. Really looking forward to eating at this place. 6000 NE Glisan Street, Portland
Nathan Hart, aka The Watermelon Man, is back in Cully. He’s been there at least a few weeks now, selling Hermiston watermelons, cantaloupes, and more out of the back of his truck. You can find him Tuesdays through Saturdays (in general) at 72nd & Prescott, right near the Upright Brewing project. Northwest corner of 72nd and Prescott, Portland
RIP Choco Taco, Long Live Choco Taco! Yes, we’ve all heard the news: the Choco Taco has been discontinued. I loved the shape and concept but I have to admit: it tasted mediocre at best. I know, blasphemy. However, a couple local spots are taking up the Choco Taco mantle—at Kate’s Ice Cream it will “live on” this Saturday, July 30. They’ll make 50 available at 10 bucks a pop starting at noon. Later on this year, Salt & Straw will enter the ring and offer their version of the Choco Taco on National Taco Day, October 4. 3713 N Mississippi Avenue, Portland (Kate’s)
Accolades for Creo Chocolate. One of my favorite chocolate spots in Portland is Creo Chocolate. Believe it or not, their unsweetened chocolate bar is delicious. However, the most recent news is about their white chocolate bars. Whether or not you consider white chocolate to be legit chocolate, the world loves it. Three of their bars—Coffee & Cream, Meyer Lemon Pie, and Strawberry & Hibiscus—won Gold and Silver (x2) at the 2022’s Academy of Chocolate Awards in London. Their chocolate has now won a total of 100 awards over the years. 122 NE Broadway, Portland
