In-N-Out burgers: Sure, if you like supporting the GOP.
In-N-Out burgers: Sure, if you like mediocre burgers and supporting the GOP. Tommaso Boddi | Getty Images

As we hurtle headlong into the holidays, let's pause to reflect on all the week's food news—and then stick more food into our mouths. LET'S DO THIS.

CLOSINGS
The beloved and popular Bernstein's Bagels (8408 N Lombard) announced it will be closing on December 22, according to Eater. Their North Russell location remains open.

(NOT) CLOSINGS
What's this? After reporting last week that On Deck Sports Bar & Grill (910 NW 14th) was closing at the end of the year due to negotiation breakdowns with their landlord, it appears the reports of their death were premature! On Deck will continue operations, according to their Facebook.

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OPENINGS AND CHANGES
Pok Pok's Andy Ricker is opening a new restaurant this month called Ping Yang Pow, which as Portland Monthly reports, will use Thai-style charcoal logs to grill up high-quality meats as well as salads. Expect it to arrive December 20 inside and upstairs from Pok Pok Northwest at 1639 NW Marshall.

Fancy-pantsy Pacific Northwest grocery chain New Seasons is being sold to Good Food Holdings, a west coast company owned by South Korean food company Emart, according to OPB.

OPENING TODAY: The owners of food carts Jojos and Matta are teaming up to create Chơi Luôn (726 SE Grand), a "bougie banh mi” joint that will also serve loaded jojos inside Lulu's bar at 726 SE Grand, as described by Eater.

In-N-Out—the national burger chain that you people are in love with, even though it's not very good—is opening a restaurant in Keizer today, 45 minutes away from Portland. But as the Mercury reports, you should temper your excitement: They're a Christian run business that makes BIG donations to Trump's GOP.

Former Noble Rot (1111 E Burnside) executive chef Greg Smith is back at the wine/small plate bar following a ten year absence; he was most recently working the burners at Grain & Gristle.

A rash of bar stickups have gone down this month, with eight joints (including the beloved Mock Crest Tavern and Lotsa Luck) being robbed late at night and early in the week, writes the Oregonian.

LOCAL FOOD EVENTS YOU SHOULDN'T MISS
Broder Nord Julbord Nordic Christmas Feast
Broder Nord gets in the spirit with their 3rd annual Julbord celebration, bringing Nordic tradition to Portland food lovers through a carefully planned feast, hosted by Nord's head chef Charlie McMullin. (Fri Dec 13, Broder Nord, 6 pm, $65)

Pearl Ball 2019
10 Barrel Brewing celebrates the season with the third installment of their annual Pearl Ball, dedicated to the brewery's most popular concoction, Pearl IPA, which comes in three varieties for the night, alongside entertainments including music, dancing, fortune telling, a champagne bar, and whiskey & beer pairings. Cocktail attire (which should include pearls if possible) is recommended. (Sat Dec 14, 6 pm, 10 Barrel Brewing, $30)

Gospel Music Brunch with Saeeda Wright
Portland is a city world-renowned for how seriously it takes its brunch, so there's no shortage of awesome options, but there aren't too many other brunch choices where a vocal powerhouse like Saeeda Wright adds a lot of gospel to your three-course meal. (Sun Dec 15, 11 am, Bluehour Northwest, $35, 21+)

Gluten-Free Winter Solstice Supper
Ground Breaker's big seasonal dinner is a gluten-free affair, featuring three courses (or a-la-carte, it's up to you) of delicious holiday-inspired fare, including items like hazelnut-finished pork charcuterie, pork chops with three-root mash, kale and three-bean salad, and more, with dessert provided by Estelle Bakery. (Thurs Dec 19, 5 pm, Ground Breaker Brewing and Gastropub Southeast)

Check out lots more food and drink events in the Mercury's Food & Drink calendar. Got a food or drink tip? Drop it off at food@portlandmercury.com.