Neighborhood Notes

Portland Food and Drink reported yesterday that Mercato has closed. No details are given. Food Dude says he's hearing rumors about several other Pearl restaurants. You can't help but notice just how empty many restaurants are on weeknights.  Be sure to visit your favorite restaurant to support them through this down economy.

The Tribune has a nice list of new eateries that have opened over the last few months. Included on the list are a couple of our recent favorites, 50 Plates , which we've talked about, and D.O.C , which we'll dish about very soon.

The restaurant that caught my eye, and that the Mercury talked about in great detail, is Tastebud . Chef-owner Mark Doxter has sold his rustic baked goods at famers markets around Portland for several years. After many customer requests, he opened a dining room at 3220 SE Milwaukie.

I like his story because he's someone who didn't gain a name by working in great restaurants or with "star" chefs—he gained a reputation by selling high-quality products at the local farmers markets.

Tastebud (Brooklyn) is high on my list of new restaurants to try.

Here are the other restaurants mentioned: 50 Plates (Pearl District) Belly Timber (Sunnyside) D.O.C. (Concordia) Belly (King) Lincol
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