It’s spring, so you know what that means, right? (You do, don’t you?) That’s right! It’s time for our seasonal food and drink guide, so swing by your favorite bar (or street corner) to pick up a copy. And if you can’t, here’s the link! This week we also reported that brunch spot Flattop & Salamander is coming to Lents and that the owner of Analog Cafe is turning over the keys to his music joint after series of anonymous social media posts accused him of sexual harassment. Finally, our critic, Andrea Damewood recently revisited three well-know Italian restaurants under the leadership of three new chefs, and she likes what she sees—and tastes.
Speaking of reviews, Portland Monthly paid a visit to the still newish Master Kong out in Montavilla to see if it’s all that (it is), and they sent former Oregonian food writer Samantha Bakall to review it. Judging by what she wrote, you should go. The wonton noodle soup nearly brought her to tears.
Speaking of the O, it was on top of lots of scoops this week, including the news that Blue Star Donuts is opening a huge flagship shop at the corner of SW Morrison and 12th, where it’ll bring back its fried chicken donut and keep longer hours, as well as the fact that there’s a new fried dumpling cart (Shanghai’s Best) at the soon-to-be developed Alder food cart pod, so get down there while the getting’s still good.
Willamette Week had the first look on the recently opened Chapel Hill bar, courtesy of one of the fellas who brought Portland the cocktail club, Church.
And Eater was so chockfull of news that we’re only gonna focus on the big stuff, which is: Kenton is getting a new food cart pod this summer and will be anchored by New Haven-inspired Gracie’s Apizza; Lake Oswego is now home to a glitzy Salt & Straw outpost; Tilt is opening a third—and skatepark-themed—burger joint just east of the Burnside Bridge; Bamboo Sushi’s partnering with Bain Capital to open new locations in San Francisco and Seattle; the still spanking new Von Ebert Brewing is opening a second brewery and pub at the 10th hole of the Glendover Golf Course, possibly this summer; and that Moonstruck Chocolate is reopening on NW 23rd after a gas explosion two years ago totaled its digs. Finally, it reported that even though Portland got shut out in this week’s James Beard Foundation awards, Seattle’s Edouardo Jordan took home a pair of them: Best Chef Northwest and Best New Restaurant (Junebaby).
