Get ready for a sugar rush this weekend with the arrival of a new Kate's Ice Cream location and the pandemic-borne bakery Nate's Oatmeal Cookies. Plus, the short-lived Il Paffuto says goodbye, and Kann chef/owner Gregory Gourdet gets a fancy new gig in New York. For more ideas, check out our food and drink guide.
NEW OPENINGS
Kate's Ice CreamLikeList
The popular vegan and gluten-free ice cream shop opens its second location on Northwest 23rd today, scooping up signature flavors like salted peanut brittle, rosewater cardamom almond, and marionberry cobbler.
Nob Hill
Nate's Oatmeal CookiesLikeList
Like morning walks, birdwatching, and early bedtimes, oatmeal cookies are one of those things I used to think were boring but have developed an appreciation for as I've aged into my 30s. Today, a new shop devoted exclusively to the classic baked good makes its debut on SE Belmont. Founder Nate Lown began baking his mom's oatmeal cookie recipe while in need of some comfort early on in the pandemic and eventually began selling them at the restaurant where he worked and at farmers markets. The new brick-and-mortar will sell six flavors to start: oatmeal raisin pecan, chocolate chip, cherry almond, triple chocolate, snickerdoodle, and "trailblazer" (hazelnuts, almonds, cranberries, dark chocolate, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds).
Sunnyside
CLOSURES
Demarco's SandwichesLikeList
Owner Reuben Demarco announced on May 25 that the Division location of his beloved sandwich shop will close on June 30. However, his mobile food truck will continue to be available for catering and at locations across Portland.
Richmond
Il PaffutoLikeList
Back in April, the "friendly neighborhood beneficial bacteria emporium" FermenterLikeList reopened as the plant-based, non-traditional Italian restaurant Il Paffuto, which employed seasonal and local ingredients and fermentation techniques to produce dishes like koji focaccia, sprouted grain pappardelle, and cultured cashew cheese ravioli. Sadly, chef Aaron Adams announced on May 24 that the restaurant would close on May 31 to allow him to focus on his newborn daughter and his other restaurant Astera: "In order to keep labor in line, I found myself needing to work at Paffuto while trying to figure how to clone myself for working at Astera as well AND somehow also make time for my wife and baby. It was a similar issue with Fermenter, but the new member of the family really amplified the issue. The wheels were starting to come off and I was feeling more and more depressed to a point that was no longer safe for my well being." However, he will keep the Il Paffuto space and hopes to use it to offer community events, pop-ups, fermentation workshops, and private parties.
Buckman
Magna KuboLikeList
Magna KusinaLikeList chef Carlo Lamagna's second restaurant Magna Kubo, which was inspired by the lechonerías of the Philippines and opened in Beaverton almost exactly a year ago, closed last month. Lamagna confirmed to the Oregonian that the closure was intended to be temporary but is now officially permanent and that he hopes to reopen in Portland.
Beaverton
Ole FrijoleLikeList
Bridgetown Bites reports that this family-run Mexican restaurant closed on May 5. An announcement posted on the door read, "As with many small restaurants struggling with the impact of the pandemic, the residual lingering effects of labor shortages, combined with increasing high cost of food and labor, and the increasing costs of leasing this building, we were not longer able to keep up with the expenses of running Ole Frijole. Not helping things in the matter, was also the impending sale of the property we currently lease which only served to accelerate our untimely closure. We thank you again for all your years of loyalty and for the memories you created."
Concordia
OTHER FOOD NEWS
Gregory Gourdet named culinary director of Printemps' New York City location
James Beard Award-winning Top Chef star and KannLikeList chef/owner Gregory Gourdet's newest title: culinary director at the upcoming New York City location of the Parisian department store chain Printemps, opening in spring 2025. Gourdet will oversee five different restaurant concepts at the store, including a fine-dining destination and a cafe, and has appointed a team to run Kann in his absence, including chef de cuisine Varanya Geyoonsawat and general manager Elishca Charles.
POP-UPS AND EVENTS
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
Zoo Brew RemindLikeList
It isn't too often you get the opportunity to sample offerings from over 50 Pacific Northwest breweries and cideries while surrounded by creatures ranging from primates to polar bears, but that's exactly what Zoo Brew provides. In addition, the evening will feature live tunes from Loose Cajun Zydeco Band, lawn games, and conversations with zookeepers.
Oregon Zoo, 6-9:30 pm
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Celebration of Oregon Brewers FestivalRemindLikeList
Beer lovers, rejoice: Two perennial favorite gatherings, the Portland Rose Festival and the Oregon Brewers Festival, are merging once again for a dual celebration, included with the purchase of a CityFair ticket. OBF founder Art Larrance will curate a lineup of hoppy offerings, and attendees will be able to take home a keepsake 2024 Rose Festival mug with any 12-ounce pour.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Dead Guy Music FestRemindLikeList
Rogue's signature Rogue Dead Guy Ale, which was originally brewed for the defunct Mexican restaurant Casa U-Betcha and has become the brand's flagship offering, continues to be a beloved staple for a reason. Now, the brewery is teaming up with Portland Radio Project for a three-day music festival revolving around their popular beer, complete with 21 artists, merch, a local vendor marketplace, and of course, plenty of Dead Guys, as well as other drink specials and mocktails. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Portland Radio Project.
Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot Brewery
The Portland Mercury's Highball 2024RemindLikeList
BEHOLD!It's the triumphant return of thePortland Mercury'sHIGHBALL! That's correct: Get ready for an ENTIRE WEEK (June 3-9) of specially crafted, original co*cktails mixed by the best bartenders in town… and get this, they're only $8 each! We've teamed up with the finest bars and restaurants in Portland—along with our co*cktail-lovin' pals atJim Beam—to bring you this one-of-a-kind booze-tacular! At each of Highball's locations, you'll find $8 specially crafted co*cktails, and even better? They'll be availableALL DAY (not just during happy hour)!
Various locations
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Boba DashRemindLikeList
Let Chris Fleming's "Boba Manifesto" be your theme song as you stroll through downtown Beaverton and Portland's metro region, picking up tapioca-studded beverages from 10 businesses. You'll get to partake in four-ounce samples, browse goods from local artists and vendors, and receive a complimentary reusable glass boba straw and souvenir boba cup, so you can be the most stylish person at the bubble tea cafe.
Umpqua Bank Parking Lot, Beaverton, 12-4 pm
Steelport's Annual Pre-Father's Day MarketRemindLikeList
When it comes to the hardest people to shop for, dads might be at the top of the list. Instead of getting him yet another tie or novelty T-shirt this Father's Day, head to this market hosted by Steelport Knife Co., which will feature samples, demos, and products from artisan vendors like FINEX Cast Iron Cookware, Smith Teamaker, Kachka, Jacobsen Salt Co., Olympia Provisions, Powell's Books, Wilderton, Westward Whiskey, and more, as well as music, raffles, and factory tours. If you really want to cement your status as the favorite child, consider gifting your dad a shiny new tool to help him flex his Top Chef skills in the kitchen—Steelport will be offering free custom engravings on any knife sheath.
Steelport Knife Co., 1-4 pm
Crux PDX 1st Anniversary PartyRemindLikeList
Bend's Crux Fermentation Project will celebrate one year of its Southeast Portland satellite location with an all-day birthday bash. Local musicians including funk band Hammerhead, blues aficionado Tevis Hodge Jr., and Brazilian rock troubadour Johnny Franco will provide the tunes while party guests enjoy food, vendors, and—of course—beer! AUDREY VANN
Crux Portland Pub, 12-8 pm
SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Made With Pride 2024RemindLikeList
The wine world is notorious for its snobbery and exclusivity, but RAM Cellars founder Vivianne Kennedy and Gonzales Wine Co. owner Cristina Gonzales founded Community Wine Bar in fall 2023 with the hopes of serving marginalized communities and increasing accessibility. They're making good on their word with this festival, which will showcase wines from over 10 queer-owned Oregon wineries (Augustina Cellars, Circadian Cellars, Hip Chicks Do Wine, Franchere Wine Co., K&M Wines, Landmass Wines, RAM Cellars, Remy Wines, Sis & Mae Wines, Westrey Wine Co, and Ze Wines) and several queer-owned food vendors, plus optional cheese plates from the cheesemonger La Femme Fromage. All ticket proceeds will benefit the local nonprofit Outside In, which aims to provide healthcare and social services for youth experiencing homelessness and other marginalized people in downtown Portland and the surrounding community.
Community Wine Bar
SPECIALS
Flour BloomLikeList
Need a refreshing beverage? Bree Licata's Italian-American-inspired bakery currently has three colorful chilled drinks: Gemini (turmeric mango iced tea with honey and sparkling water), Cosmic Strawberry (strawberry pineapple papaya iced tea with honey), and an iced matcha latte.
Lower Burnside
HeyDayLikeList
In case you didn't know, today is National Doughnut Day, and HeyDay is celebrating with strawberry sprinkle milk bread doughnuts at its CORE location for the day.
Lents
The Turning PeelLikeList
Happy Pride! This week, the Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzeria is featuring a special pride pie topped with fior di latte mozzarella and all the colors of the rainbow in the form of San Marzano tomato sauce, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, garlicky spinach, and beets.
Richmond
