Sometimes, thereās simply too much good stuff happening out there to dedicate a whole column to just one spot. So I have to take a step back and let everyone know about all the good bites, nibbles, content, and sips Iāve been digging lately and how you can get in on them, too. Letās start with....
The $25 chicken bucket dinner from Noraneko! For years now, Noraneko has been low-key making some of the cityās most underrated fried chickenābreaded in rice flour thatās oh-so-crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. And for the last few months, theyāve been serving up a to-go special thatās super killer: $25 nets you a giant bucket of karaage chicken, Japanese potato salad, cucumber salad, and two rolls from Beavertonās Oyatsupan bakery. It should feed three to four, no problemo. Call ahead (503-238-NEKO) so itās ready to go when you roll up. Noraneko, 1430 SE Water
The chicken sandwich and jojos from Jojo! Iāll stay on the fried-chicken train for one more stop: Itās criminal that the food cart Jojo has heretofore not been mentioned in these hallowed pages, because their massive sando ($10) and perfect wedges ($3) are the anecdote to all thatās wrong with the world. And their Instagram (@jojo.pdx) is the funniest food account in town. Jojo, 3582 SE Powell
Happy-hour sushi handrolls at Tekka Bar! Weāve had some disappointing imports from Vegas (Holsteins burger bar, we hardly knew ye), but I say Tekka Bar can stay. Especially during happy hour (3-5 pm daily), when they serve their handrolls and sake at deeply discounted prices. They roll each roll as you finish the one before, so the seaweed stays crispy and everythingās fresh as can be. Go with a bay scallop handroll ($4), their signature spicy Tekka roll ($5), and an ample carafe of sake ($6). Tekka Bar, 1237 SW Washington
Vegan Coconut Bliss shakes at Burgerville! It must be the crunchy hippie in me (or my mild case of lactose intoleranceāWHO KNOWS), but Iām loving the new vegan shake options from Eugene-based Coconut Bliss at Burgerville. Iām partial to the chocolate variety, but you can get any shake made vegan by request. Burgerville, various locations
Pickled avocados at Bark City BBQ! This is another cart I havenāt written about that deserves your taste buds and time. Thereās lots to love at Bark City, located in the exemplary yet poorly named Hawthorne Asylum pod, including a smoked turkey you just donāt see elsewhere and great brisket. One extra little side really kicks this cart up to 11, though: pickled avocado ($4). Lightly tart and almost effervescent, the creamy fruit really adds complexity to the meats and is great on its own. Iād buy a jar for home if I could. Bark City BBQ, 1080 SE Madison
Cool chef merch from Ava Geneās and Departure! If youāre in the market for high-end chef swag, check out the collab between Portlandās Orox Leather and Departureās Gregory Gourdet. This fourth-generation family of leather makers, originally from Oaxaca, teamed with Gourdet to create a knife roll ($380) thatās fancier than any of my purses. With a zippered pouch, six knife sleeves, and a lifetime warranty, this is the way to carry your blades in style. Meanwhile, Joshua McFadden of Ava Geneās has paired with NYC brand Tilit to make an apron that blows the ass off your dadās āMay I suggest the sausage?ā apron. Itās reversibleāpine canvas on one side and a natural shade to the otherāwith plenty of pocket space and a sweet leather neck strap that comes off for cleaning, Iāve been wearing mine nonstop since I got itāeven if Iām just watching TV. (JK. Kinda.)
Depression Dining by Eater PDXās editor! Itās weird to put an exclamation point on something like depression, but Eater PDXās editor, Brooke Jackson-Glidden, started an Insta account (@depressiondining) devoted entirely to how to best feed yourself if youāre in the throes of depression. Jackson-Glidden, who has depression herself, gives tips on what to keep stocked in your pantry and freezer and rates recipes on a zero-to-three spoon ranking of effort. Be well and stay nourished.