Work isn't a word generally associated with the month of December. No, work gets lost in decorating and shopping, baking and eating, watching movies, and well, partying. And believe me, I'm not complaining! But I couldn't help feeling like a bit of a slacker when I got back from visiting family to find over twenty new businesses in town. (*Some of which opened in November. I know, it's hard for one lady to keep up! So if you hear of anything new in the works, drop me a tip at newbizpdx@gmail.com.)
Seems that while the rest of us were busy unwrapping presents, these industrious Portlanders were even busier unveiling new shop displays and unlocking the doors to some of the city's most hotly anticipated restaurants. Good thing, too, because Portland lost some biggies in the past month: Eddie Bauer, Adidas Pearl, Holden's, Greek Cusina, Sydney's Cafe, Pop Culture Frozen Yogurt, Blossoming Lotus Pearl (visit them in Irvington!), Bay 13 (which will reopen under a new name and concept in April). But after a moment of silence to honor the businesses that have passed, you should get to reading about this fresh crop—many of which are new projects spun off from old favorites—that kicked 2009's butt on the way out the door. I can't think of a better way to welcome a busy, fun, and prosperous 2010.
Kalkhoff's pedal-assisted bike
NORTHWEST
Kalkhoff Bikes Portland One of these things is not like the other: Pedals. Spokes. Motor? Our devoted bike community is welcoming e-bikes into their ranks with the first U.S. outpost of 90-year-old German bicycle-maker Kalkhoff. The Pearl District showroom stocks the six pedal-assisted models, which can be ridden with or without the 250-watt, battery-powered motor helping you along (you still always have to pedal, it just makes it a helluva lot easier on those inclines), as well as five traditional (read: human power only) models, plus Ortlieb bags, Nutcase helmets, and Nantucket baskets. More styles, including my favorite mint green retro-styled Nostalgia, and European accessories will arrive soon, but don't wait to stop by for a test ride. These are bikes that will have you seriously considering ditching that four-wheeled monster for good.
528 NW 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
888.732.7234
www.kalkhoffusa.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Theo's Formerly Ford's on 5th, Theo's maintains the burgers, cheesesteaks, and other deli sandwiches that made it a lunchtime destination—as well as insanely late weekend hours to satisfy the boozy hordes. But also adds $3 breakfast sandwiches and all the morning favorites for just $5. Thin crispy fries and craft sodas round out the all-American mix.
121 NW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503.226.2828
www.theosportland.com
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 a.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.-4 a.m.
*Pinky Jewelry Pretty, pretty princesses now have a pink palace to call home in Northwest District. And I'm not exaggerating. The walls of this (literally) hot pink boutique are lined with every kind of costume jewelry you can imagine—and some you can't (there may be one too many rhinestone Hello Kitty pendants). Yes, a lot of it is garish, but with a discerning eye, you can stock up on exotic metal cuffs, gemstone chandelier earrings, and long strands of convincing fake pearls. And with 20% off the already very affordable prices through the rest of the month, I'm sure you can find a reason to play dress up.
1015 NW 23rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97210
503.227.3662
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. & Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Couture The Old Town nightlife scene just got a huge boost of class thanks to this new "ultra lounge." Boasting high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, multi-hued lighting, dark leather banquettes—even a separate VIP bar—Couture certainly lives up to its stylish name. But is there substance behind that pretty facade? Well, how about mussels and clams with chorizo and fennel? Or an organic burger stuffed with Fourme D'Ambert cheese and topped with Fontina, applewood smoked bacon, tomato jam, aioli, and housemade pickles? The European dishes (Osso Bucco, duck papparadelle) are complemented with Asian flavors (Korean bbq shortribs, kimchi fritters) and artisan cocktails like the Trolley Car (fig-infused bourbon, Grand Marnier, fresh orange & lemon served with a cinnamon cugar rim). Even better: it's affordable glitz, with entrees priced $13-$22, and happy hours deals $4-$8 (4 p.m.-7 p.m. & 10 p.m.-12 a.m.).
28 NW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
971.275.4272
www.coutureultralounge.com
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. & Thursday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Grüner, Alpine cuisine in Portland
SOUTHWEST
Grüner Leave it to groundbreaking chef Chris Israel to bring Alpine cuisine to Portland. Israel redefined the local restaurant scene with Bruce Carey at Zefiro nearly 20 years ago, and followed that up with Saucebox in 1995. After a stint in New York as an Art Director at Vanity Fair (yeah, the guy is talented, to say the least), he returned to Portland and Carey's restaurant mini-empire at 23Hoyt. Grüner is Israel's first solo project (though he's partnered with ChefStable, which brought us Ping), and as with all his endeavors, a labor of love. The 32-seat restaurant resides in the SkyLab building, so is, of course, architecturally striking. But it's the menu of hearty German and Austrian dishes—like housemaid bratwurst and wine-braised sauerkraut, buckwheat späetzle with rabbit, beef short rub goulash—that really have my attention. It's a culinary adventure that shouldn't be missed.
537 SW 12th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503.241.7163
www.grunerpdx.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. & Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Fat Fancy Speaking of fashion, who said you had to be model-thin to look absolutely fabulous? If ever there were ladies to throw that notion out the window, it's those behind Fat Fancy, a vintage and modern plus-size clothing boutique that grew out of their Northeast basement. And these are not hide-behind-your-clothes styles; think Hairspray (the theme of their grand opening party) or Gossip's Beth Ditto. There's even handcrafted pieces by Leslie Hall from Leslie and the Ly's (just click the link, you'll love it). Affordable prices make fashion available for all sizes and budgets.
1013 SW Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97205
www.fatfancyfashions.com
Hours: Monday & Thursday, 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; Tuesday, Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Rocco's Bar The iconic pizzeria's slice of SW 10th and Burnside (Downtown) just got a whole lot bigger with the addition of this two-story bar. Pizza and beer—duh, makes perfect sense! I especially love the Gilligan's Island pinball, '60s rec room furniture on the cozy mezzanine, and the giant windows looking out on Burnside (often more entertaining than the three flat screens). Happy hour is killer, too: five hours, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., with $2.50 wells, $4.50 top shelf, $3 micros, $1 off wine, and meatball subs and pizza slices to soak up all the booze.
931 SW Oak Street
Portland, OR 97205
503.223.9835
www.roccosbar.com
Hours: Daily, 2 p.m.-close
Spella Caffe The cart with a rabid following of caffeine addicts now has a permanent outpost where espresso artist Andrea Spella will combine his cafe and roasting operations. If you haven't heard, Spella has been making what many locals deem the best espresso in town, a delicate process made all the more difficult done in a cramped cart in the outdoors. So if the proprietary blend and smooth pulls worked their magic in those conditions, I can only imagine what transcendent coffee will be pouring out of the brick-and-mortar spot. Certainly an upgrade from the bikini "baristas" who briefly called it home.
520 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503.752.0264
www.spellacaffe.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
*Westside Academy of Kung Fu and CrossFit Hillsdale After a collective 25 years spent mastering martial arts, and the last three spent bringing Kung Fu programs into the community, black belt Wally Jones and his wife, Lara, a teacher, opened this combined Mo Duk Pai (the specific martial style that emphasizes ethics and teaching) and CrossFit (a multi-faceted athletic training program) gym in Hillsdale. According to the couple, the two practices complement each other, empowering people to both physically and mentally roll with the punches of life. With attentive instruction and personal progress plans, now everyone can keep up with the Joneses. (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)
1509 SW Sunset Boulevard, Suite B-1
Portland, OR 97239
503.432.7450
www.westsideakf.com
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (classes vary)
Foster Burger with aged cheddar and caramelized onions
SOUTHEAST
Foster Burger This town has seen super-bands, with musicians from various other projects working on something new. But not a super-restaurant—until chefs Dan Mondok (Sel Gris) and Andy Ricker (Pok Pok) got together and opened Foster Burger in the Foster Powell neighborhood just last week. The feel is a little rock 'n roll (smoking patio, late hours, full bar), a little bit retro (milkshakes, floats, Shirley Temples), and a whole lot gourmet-for-all. The short and sweet menu features four burgers (beef, lamb, portobello mushroom, fish), three salads, daily soup, fries, potato salad, coleslaw, and housemaid pickles. It's the ingredients (Ax Xuyen Bakery sesame rolls, pickled beets, aged cheddar) and execution that elevate the $7.50-$11 burgers to a truly memorable meal.
5339 SE Foster Road
Portland, OR 97206
503.775.2077 See the menu
Hours: Sunday, Monday & Thursday, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. & Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Genoa & Accanto When Portland's first and oldest fine dining establishment, Genoa, closed in 2008, it was the end of an era. The incredible Italian cooking that happened in that unassuming Belmont space (in Sunnyside) over 30 years was ahead of its time—seasonal, local, organic, artistic. But even the best need to evolve, and with a new chef (David Anderson, from Vindalho), a new investor, and one veteran manager, Genoa 2.0 debuted last month, with an entirely modernized dining room (and, finally, open windows!) that is a proper setting for the amazing food. What remains: the trademark antique sideboards and entry table with oversize floral display, and of course, the five-course prix fixe menu (updated to a 2010 budget-conscious $55/person). Not ready to make that kind of commitment? Now you can also grab a taste of Genoa at the next door Accanto cafe and bar. The clean and sophisticated "enoteca" is open for lunchtime paninis, after work cocktails, and casual dinners and pints. New and improved, indeed.
(Genoa)
2832 SE Belmont Street
Portland, OR 97214
503.238.1464
www.genoarestaurant.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
(Accanto)
2838 SE Belmont Street
Portland, OR 97214
503.235.4900
www.accantopdx.com
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. & Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
*Marguerite Sellwood is easily Portland's romantic home decor destination—from the extensive antique mall to the whimsical Coco & Toulouse to the museum-quality accessories at Ste. Maine—and Marguerite is the latest addition to the family. Interior decorator Daisy Phillips ("marguerite" means "daisy" in French) combines classic and feminine and modern, with fine linens, antique teapots, rich soaps, French country furniture, even some silk tops and jackets to make your body look as gorgeous as your abode.
1520 SE Bybee Boulevard
Portland, OR 97202
503.234.7202
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sequel Apparel Both budget- and earth-friendly, resale clothing boutiques are certainly experiencing a moment. It seems like we'll have one in every neighborhood in a few years (FYI: Sequel's in Mt Tabor). And if they're as well organized and stocked with as many great styles as Sequel, we're all for it. There's designer denim like 7 for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity, Dansko clogs, and Stuart Weitzman boots in the mix of women's and men's clothing and accessories. These are quality items that deserve a second (or third or fourth) life in your closet.
6012 SE Stark Street
Portland, OR 97215
503.235.5610
www.sequelapparel.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Spring Pilates Studio The first tenant in the Sunrose condos on the corner of 28th & East Burnside (Kerns) is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The bright and light space would motivate even the most dedicated couch potato, and that's their goal—to make Pilates accessible to everyone, from kids to adults, the soft and inexperience to the diehard hardbodies. A variety of classes, including a class specifically for those with Parkinson's Disease, as well as private sessions assure that there is an option to meet any need and fitness level.
12 SE 28th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
503.235.8445
www.springpdx.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday, class times vary (and they are open to new class times if there is demand)
Swirl Frozen Yogurt Just a few blocks down from candy + ice cream headquarters Cold Stone, Swirl opened up to offer a healthier DIY option (in Richmond). Choose from ten self-serve frozen yogurt options—which change often but now include flavors like Green Tea, Irish Mint, and Pomegranate Sorbet, in addition to the usual suspects—and top your dish with healthy fresh fruit or sweet junk like marshmallows, Fruity Pebbles, and Oreos crumbles. The colorful, slightly space-age shop is candy store fun, but so much better for you. It's a trend that took a while to get here, but there are already devoted fans.
3538 SE Hawthorne Boulevard
Portland, OR 97214
503.235.0422
www.swirl-frozenyogurt.com
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Union Rose All local, all the time. That's the philosophy at Union Rose, which outgrew its space on NE MLK and recently moved east to Montavilla (it's so hot right now–look for a profile on the area next week). The community vibe suits the store perfectly, which deals in women's and kid's clothing, accessories, and gifts from local designers, and will be hosting more gatherings like Thursday Knitting Night (at 6 p.m.). You'll find favorites like Sofada styles and Knot Ugly knits, as well as new discoveries like Wonderlust and Amy Wing Designs jewelry.
7909 SE Stark Street
Portland, OR 97215
503.287.4242
www.unionrosepdx.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Whiskey Soda Lounge Ever give up on the interminable wait for dinner at Pok Pok and just opt for the quick eats at the shack? The delicious sateh and skewers and game hens made huddling under the heaters in the rain a fantastic dining experience. Thankfully, Andy Ricker (yep, he's been a busy guy) found some shelter for these and other Thai "drinking snacks" in the basement of his home across the street from the original, much-lauded, and still insanely popular restaurant. You'll find the same tasty cocktails and drinking vinegars, but the food menu is studded with new flavors like Vietnamese fish sauce chicken wings and curry paste battered pumpkin fritters, with nothing over $12 and most hovering around $6. That's a feast that deserves a table.
3131 SE Division Street
Portland, OR 97214
503.232.0102
www.whiskeysodalounge.com
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Zimzim Department Store When Cheeky b closed, I wasn't sure where I would get my kitsch fix, but now there's Zimzim right near my house in the Sunrose condos building. Like a toy store for grown ups, there are ice cube trays shaped like teeth, totes made from recycled billboards, staplers shaped like frogs—basically a gift for every inside joke with every friend you've ever had. There's also stylish accessories like bird necklaces and wood cuffs, and fun home details like chandelier wall decals and plastic origami bird houses. A fun diversion to shop for stuff you never knew you needed. (Yes, I really do need a bar of absinthe soap.)
2805 SE Ankeny Street
Portland, OR 97214
503.236.7178
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Spints Alehouse
NORTHEAST
Spints Alehouse Could rustic European cuisine be the next big thing? In addition to Grüner, we now also have Spints on the east side, featuring German, Belgian, and Northern French dishes like borscht and smoked chicken paprikash with roasted root veggies. Of course, this being an "alehouse," the selection of German beers is impressive (over a dozen taps), and the vibe is a bit more casual, but no less stylish, which dark wood tables and glowing white candles evoking a modern—and much sexier—hillside Trappist monastery.
401 NE 28th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
503.847.2534
www.spintspdx.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
*Cabezon Restaurant & Fish Market Great seafood hasn't been readily available on the east side of the river for some reason, until this under-the-radar but excellent (according to rave online reviews) spot opened right off Sandy Boulevard in the Rose City Park neighborhood. The market stocks fresh catches like Hawaiian Walu, tuna, cod, salmon, and Dungeness crab that are delivered daily. And after the sun goes down, Chef Dave Farrell creates inspired, under-$20 meals with the selections (cioppino, mesquite grilled sturgeon, basil-wrapped Gulf shrimp), as well as other seasonal meats and produce. This is one of those hidden spots that you want to visit before it becomes a destination—and it will.
5200 NE Sacramento Street
Portland, OR 97213
503.284.6617
www.cabezonrestaurant.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. (fish market) & 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (restaurant)
Mee Sen Thai Eatery I wasn't sure that Portland needed another Thai restaurant, but this is something completely new. First of all, the interior was artfully crafted from ReBuilding Center supplies and other recycled materials, giving it a very-PDX DIY style. Second, the menu features Guay Tiew, a variety of noodle soups that are served everywhere in Thailand but often overlooked in the States in favor of stir-fry and curry dishes. There's still the beloved Pad Thai, but this is a spot for trying something different.
3924 N Mississippi Avenue
Portland, OR 97227
503.445.1909
www.meesenpdx.com
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. & Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Hey, Neighbor!
Are you opening a new business or hear of one coming to your neighborhood? I'd love to share it with everyone! Just send a quick email to me at newbizpdx@gmail.com.
Photos © 2010 Kenneth Aaron, Neighborhood Notes
All these entrepreneurs are my heros.
Now get out there and support these gutsy people, people!
Wow - lots going on! My favorite, of course, is that Spella (which IS the best coffee in town) now offers a lovely little indoor space in which to enjoy a perfectly pulled espresso. Though obviously a perfectionist, Andrea Spella also happens to be a really nice guy - so go in and say hello to him and to your new favorite cup of coffee:)
yes, these folks are the all such amazing, inspired people! so glad you enjoy hearing about them every month. it's so much fun to keep up with all the exciting plans and announcements.
everyone: start your day with some spella espresso, and you'll have enough energy to make the rounds to all of 'em!
Thanks so much Liz for including us in your write-up. We feel so supported in starting out our little mom-and-pop-dream-dojo here in Hillsdale➜Portland RULES! Open-source resources like Neighborhood Notes are such a boon to our community:)
Hey I've got another one for you. Check out Backpedal Cycleworks by the Mt. Scott Community Center off SE 72nd and Harold. It's a small local bike shop catering to a neighborhood that is also home to the much applauded Arleta Library Cafe.
lara - my pleasure! thank you for letting us know about your labor of love. it sounds like a great addition to the community, encouraging fitness of both mind and body. best of luck!
francine - thanks for the heads up! i actually included backpedal, which opened in november, in last month's edition: http://www.neighborhoodnotes.com/news/2009/12/now_open_30_new_businesses_in_portland_neighborhoods. i write a new roundup every month, so be sure to check out the past two before this one and stay tuned for all the action that's happening this month!
Please write a roundup for Beaverton and one for Tigard. Thanks.
As much as we'd love to oblige your request, our resources are focused on Portland—where we live, work and play. Just like Mama used to say: "do what you know best!"
Thanks for the lovely mention of my store! I appreciate that you--all of you--go out of your way to nurture the community. You're the reason the Portland is such a killer place to live, eat, practice yoga, drink coffee... and shop!
You're welcome, Rita. Thanks so much for your kind words. We really appreciate it.
Grüner and Foster Burger have become two of our favorite stops in Portland. Thanks for the introduction!
Great site. Appreciate the mention. Jackie and I are really excited to be following our passion in Portland.
Would love for you to come visit us.
~Dave
Thanks, David! We're definitely looking forward to visiting Cabezon. The menu looks fantastic.