Word is that the humble 16-seat izakaya Tanuki will be dragging veggies out of their Southeast Portland garden plot to be featured in menu items throughout the year. The veggies, grown by the Sellwood Garden Club, will be out of the dirt in the morning and on the plate the same day. It's just one of several new changes to Tanuki for the coming year—changes that include $1 ribs on Wednesdays and a regular Friday Okinawan goat roast.

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Tiger's Café (2045 SE Belmont) is now open in the space formerly known as Jace Gace. Owner Joseph Nemr is intent on bringing a Middle Eastern flair to the old waffle stop, but has also decided to keep much of the waffle menu. In addition to Lebanese specialties, he plans to add a falafel waffle to the menu: "Traditional falafel mix served as a waffle served on a bed of lettuce with tahini, mint, parsley, and thinly sliced tomato." Okay, I'm game.