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City Cast Portland

Dumplings are a comfort food, a Portland favorite, and perfect for the rain. Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden recently shared 

her three favorite dumpling meals in Portland

“I love, love, love xiao long bao. And there are a lot of intricacies to making them right; A perfect xiao long bao is so hard to do and if people do it right, it's mind-blowing. That first basket I had at Duck House was just such a masterclass: such a delicate wrapper. The broth was piping hot inside. It didn't have that weird nugget of meat in the middle, which happens sometimes; it was just all silky broth. It was just so great.”

“In terms of dim sum style dumplings — like har gow and shumai — I feel a lot of affection for Excellent Cuisine, which is one of the newer dim sum places. Their har gow is so springy in this really nice way, and the filling remains so juicy, so flavorful. They're not skimping with the ginger and the garlic and all the alliums — so they’re just super flavorful and really well-executed.”

“Like everyone in Portland, I just love the bowls of pelmeni that I've had at Kachka. When I'm really sad in the middle of winter, I will go in and I will get a bowl of the pelmeni with the fancy broth and the garlic.”

Bonus: Kachka sells frozen dumplings. “If I'm depressed, I usually keep a pack of the frozen ones in my freezer, take those out, and it's just straight up, maybe a little dollop of sour cream or yogurt, a little bit of vinegar, a little bit of butter. Stir, stir, stir. Inhale.”

For more dumpling options, you can catch her 

full list of local dumpling highlights for the City Cast Portland podcast

  Yay, It’s Dumpling Season

Dumplings are a comfort food, a Portland favorite, and perfect for the rain. Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden recently shared her three favorite dumpling meals in Portland.



Where to Find the Best Dumplings in Portland, Oregon

Where to Find Portland's Best Dumplings

Food & Drink

Seasonal affective disorder is a real thing. Sheila Hamilton, who founded the company and the podcast Beyond Well, shared her own experience and advice. It’s 

What has helped you during the rainy months?

“I did engage in an entire series of cognitive behavioral therapy lessons. That's all about training you to recognize your thoughts, the things you're telling yourself, and how to reframe in a way that might be more helpful for you to move into an action mode.”

What do you say to someone who is feeling really sleepy this time of year and doesn’t really want to leave the house?

“The most you should be focusing is an hour-and-a-half at a time. And then you should be taking a break for yourself. One of the best-kept secrets for people to avoid exhaustion at the end of the day is to get the F up. Walk away from your computer.”

“The most powerful thing you can do to change your mindset is to say, ‘I'm not doing very well. Can I talk about [it]?’, and it does not have to be to a therapist. Now, if you have a serious mental illness and you're actually considering suicide, you absolutely need to talk to a professional.”

 in a conversation with the City Cast Portland podcast, including a few wellness apps that might help during this time of year.

  Feel Better

Seasonal affective disorder is a real thing. Sheila Hamilton, who founded the company and the podcast Beyond Well, shared her own experience and advice. It’s a good reminder for the season ahead.

How to Feel Good During the Rainy Season in Portland, Oregon

How to Feel Good During Portland's Rainy Season

3 Questions With

American crows are incredibly common. If you’ve never been curious about them, here are a few nuggets to pique your interest as you see them noisily going about their business in our city:

American crows, like other birds, can see the color ultraviolet, which is invisible to humans.

Corvids, the family of birds to which crows belong, are among the most intelligent species on earth. Only humans and one species of corvid, 

, are able to not only use tools, but also to fashion them. (Not even apes have been found to do that.)

American crows can recognize individual humans, and they can remember them. They might even pass on the knowledge of an individual being a threat to their young, according to 

 of University of Washington professor John Marzluff.

How do small crow brains manage to process such complex information? Scientists think that it's because their neurons (brain cells) are packed much closer together than human neurons.

Another thing that helps American crows survive and thrive: They live in families. Siblings often stick around to take care of younger crows.

I got interested in crows from a kids' book called “

.” I recommend it for younger friends, as well as adults. Marzluff has his own book, “

,” for a general audience as well, and there are various documentaries on his work.

American crows are incredibly common. If you’ve never been curious about them, here are a few nuggets to pique your interest as you see them noisily going about their business in our city. American crows, like other birds, can see the color ultraviolet, which is invisible to humans.

Crows in Portland, Oregon, Are Smarter Than You Think

Portland's Crows Are Smarter Than You Think

Urban Almanac

It’s fall, but even though the rain has started, you can still get some fall planting in. Gabi Villaseñor from the local nonprofit Growing Gardens 

Pick your favorites — broccoli, spinach, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, chard, or mustard greens — and get them in the ground. Using starts instead of seeds is easier.

The vegetables “grow really well,” says Villaseñor. “It's really cool that the Pacific Northwest lets us have this second growing season, so take advantage of that.”

Plant some cover crops to help your garden be ready for spring. Two options are red clover or fava beans (yep, another veggie).

“They actually take nitrogen from the air and put it into the soil via their roots,” says Villaseñor.

If you’re not planting cover crops, mulching is a good alternative.

Get help online from Oregon State University Extension Service, staffed with volunteers from the Master Gardener program 

, offers help to low-income folks who want to start or work on their garden.

more advice for gardeners on the City Cast Portland podcast

Tend Your Garden  

Gardening Tips for the Fall Growing Season in Portland, Oregon

Gardening Tips for Portland’s Fall Growing Season

Portland's Best

The seasons are changing. Maybe you’re noticing there’s a heap of shirts, pants, or even jackets and sweaters you don’t wear (or fit into) anymore?

Here’s a few places to drop off the things that are cluttering your closet. Feel good while you ditch your hand-me-downs, because all these spots donate the clothes or sell them to fund their mission. (Note: Check each spot’s donation guidelines for what they accept before you go.)

Dropoff hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m - 4:30 p.m.

Note: You can also schedule a pickup for large donations.

The thrift store also operates as a work therapy location.

Hours: Monday - Saturday (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. - 6 p.m.). Closed the third Monday of each month.

Note: No kids' clothes are accepted. You can schedule a pickup for a fee.

The nonprofit provides food, counseling, clothing, and household items to people in need.

Plus, their thrift shop has reasonably priced used clothing if you need to replace the wardrobe you’re giving away. Proceeds from the store go to the nonprofit.

Next dropoff event: On Oct. 13, they ask for “in-season” business and casual attire, jewelry, and other items.

Their mission is helping women and gender-expansive folks get jobs and keep them.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. every day. It’s a super-easy drive-through and less selective about what you drop off.

find the closest Goodwill donation center to you

Where Do You Donate Clothes? Share Your Tips

The seasons are changing. Maybe you’re noticing there’s a heap of shirts, pants, or even jackets and sweaters you don’t wear (or fit into) anymore? Here’s a few places to drop off the things that are cluttering your closet. Feel good while you ditch your hand-me-downs, because all these spots donate the clothes or sell them to fund their mission. (Note: Check each spot’s donation guidelines for what they accept before you go.)

Where to Donate Used Clothes in Portland, Oregon

Where to Ditch Your Hand-me-downs in Portland

Portland Life Hacks

Oregonian restaurant critic Michael Russell recently traveled to Texas to get a sense of Portland’s competition and shared 

his list of notable barbecue spots around the region

. “These places are just as good as some of the top ten places on the Texas Monthly list, in my opinion,” he said.

“They’re really into that sort of big-game trophy-hunting style of barbecue. That barbecue is really good. If you're a fan of smoky meat, that's the place to go.”

Check out Ferment Brewery while you’re waiting. “They’re trying to create a line culture, which gives me shivers, but people do seem to be willing to wait half an hour to an hour.”

They have three locations — two barbecue spots and 

“They’re big now. They have a barbecue warehouse up on Columbia. For me the quality is really high.”

The restaurant serves Louisiana-style barbecue, with plenty of sauces.

“It’s delicious. [It’s] the older school style of barbecue, and also a Black-owned business.”

“One of the signature things about Daddy D's is that it's at the back of a Shell [gas] station so you can buy drinks from [there], and they opened a second location not far away.”

Don’t forget the highly acclaimed Haitian restaurant!

“He does a Texas-style beef rib, which is totally delicious. It's rubbed with a Haitian coffee, salt, and pepper, and it's really tender.”

 It’s Portland’s most difficult restaurant to get into. Recently they had an in-person giveaway of reservations. Keep an eye out for other opportunities.

As Good as Texas?

Oregonian restaurant critic Michael Russell recently traveled to Texas to get a sense of Portland’s competition and shared his list of notable barbecue spots around the region. “These places are just as good as some of the top ten places on the Texas Monthly list, in my opinion,” he said.

Where to Find the Best Barbecue in Portland, Oregon

Portland's Best Barbecue

Today I’ve got some nature news you can use, or at least delight in:

If you know anything about psychedelic mushrooms, you probably know they grow easily in the Pacific Northwest. But did you know they can be found in city parks? And also, it’s not clear why exactly they developed, but it seems they predated humans by millions of years, and the psychoactive compound might have formed to give 

 — or more precisely, to make the mushrooms unappealing to eat. [OPB]

causing a tourism boom in Southern Oregon

. It’s not a complete eclipse, but it’s dramatic: A “ring of fire” — a circle of light — will be visible around the moon as it passes in front of the sun. Accommodations in Klamath County are already hard to find because it’ll be visible there and the forecast calls for clear weather. That’s unlike the western part of the state (find out why 👇). [Oregonian]

The rainy season may begin with a dramatic flourish next week. There’s a high chance that starting Wednesday morning the Portland area will get more than the usual amount of rain for this time of year. There’s also a smaller chance that 

Today I’ve got some nature news you can use, or at least delight in: Psychedelics and Bug Bellyaches. If you know anything about psychedelic mushrooms, you probably know they grow easily in the Pacific Northwest. But did you know they can be found in city parks? And also, it’s not clear why exactly they developed, but it seems they predated humans by millions of years, and the psychoactive compound might have formed to give insects bellyaches — or more precisely, to make the mushrooms unappealing to eat. [OPB]

Psychedelics Give Bugs a Bellyache?

In honor of Rose City Comic Con this weekend, Eisner-award-winning Portland comic book writer Kelly Sue DeConnick shared with us three Portland artists and writers she admires and why people should check them out. (DeConnick is also a guest on 

today’s episode of the City Cast Portland podcast

Here are her suggestions in her own words:

“Steve’s not only one of the kindest and most generous comic book artists you could ever hope to meet, he also understands the form and is able to talk about it with a clarity few can match. He’s also hilarious — pick up the Jimmy Olsen book he did with Matt Fraction (my husband; I’m biased here) and see what I mean.”

Taki’s new book “Sleeping While Standing” is one you’ve got to check out. It’s a series of deeply vulnerable autobio comics that follow her from her childhood in Japan through to her life here in Portland today with her husband and fellow comic creator, Mike Oeming. Her real-life stories have an almost-surreal sense to them, equal parts pathos and humor.”

“Cat’s one of those artists who makes it look completely effortless. Pick up ‘My Boyfriend Is a Bear’ for an unexpectedly romantic tale of a young woman in love with a 500-pound American black bear. I mean, duh.”

favorite local comics artist or graphic novelist? Email us

Book Suggestions?

Best Comic Books by Portland, Oregon,Writers and Artists to Read Right Now

Best Portland Comic Books to Read Right Now 

Inner Northeast Broadway is an often-overlooked main street, but it’s full of classic Portland shops that have survived for generations.

True, there’s debate among City Cast Portland staff about whether the span from Hollywood to the river is awesome and enticing — or depressing (It does have its rough patches). But here are some-must-stop spots for fun (and errands):

The independent bookshop serves all your reading needs. Buy your books in person or online, and attend a robust calendar of readings, including one by 

The kitchen store has been around for generations, but it serves up some fresh must-have gadgets for Portland’s skilled and enthusiastic amateur chefs.

Go in for hand-pulled noodles that have a loyal following.

The old-school sweet spot has been around for 99 years. There are those who swear by their carrot cake, as well as their chocolate birthday cakes, complete with floral designs.

Stop in for everything your fur baby could want. This shop and the next make up an unexpected and delightful pairing (same owner).

Maybe you don’t want any furballs, so deck out your home with greenery.

This spot is a critical addition to Portland’s love of women’s sports. (They’re even leading the charge to recruit 

a professional women’s basketball team to Portland

You can always try the sub that shares the shop’s name: roast beef, turkey, and ham. But also you can find teriyaki and a side of kimchi, thanks to some 

There’s more, including frozen yogurt at 

Thanks to City Cast Portland audio producer Giulia Fiaoni and host Claudia Meza for some of these recommendations.

Favorite Spot I Didn’t Mention? Email Me.

Correction: I originally misspelled the name of The Sports Bra. Apologies to the coolest new bar in town and its patrons.

Inner Northeast Broadway Is Portland's Overlooked Main Street

Neighborhood Guides

Sara Campos has been working to make Portland’s robust skateboarding scene more welcoming to all. Campos joined the City Cast Portland podcast to talk about those efforts and their work with Queer Skate PDX 

to push the city to build a new skate park on the West Side

. We also asked them for their list of skate parks that have been most important to them:

“It's a queer- and trans-owned skate park and I'm also just really good friends with the owner, AJ [Waters]. AJ let us take a bunch of their obstacles that are movable to a random spot and entrusted us with all of that. It really helped to be able to create a new skate space somewhere temporarily.”

It’s “a very central location in the middle of Portland, but also it's a very big space, which is nice. The blacktop is really smooth. It just has a special place in my heart. It was really seeing different identities and different people in the skate community show up for each other.”

“It was skater-maintained, skater-started. It has become such a cool meeting point for community. There's obstacles for every single level of skating, so you don't really get intimidated too much by what's there, because there's always something for everyone, which is really cool.”

Skate Parks of the Future 

Which Portland, Oregon, Skateparks Are Most Welcoming to All

The Most Inclusive Skate Parks in Portland

Statewide candidates can now officially file for the 2024 May primary. Plenty have announced plans to seek higher office (or reelection):

State Sen. James Manning (D-Eugene) and Treasurer Tobias Read

 are running for Oregon secretary of state, a job that includes overseeing state elections and audits. Gov. Tina Kotek appointed the current secretary of state, former Portland Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade, after fellow Democrat Shemia Fagan resigned in May. [Oregonian]

Oregon has now had back-to-back woman governors, and multiple woman secretaries of state, but 

. State Sen. Elizabeth Steiner (D-Beaverton), a key budget writer and medical doctor, seeks to change that. The current treasurer, Tobias Reed, can’t run again because of term limits restrictions. [KGW]

Absent-Prone Republicans File for Reelection Anyway

Three senators who accumulated at least 10 unexcused absences have so far filed to run again. 

That’s despite the prohibition in Measure 113

, passed by voters last year, which outlawed reelection bids from legislators with that many unexcused absences. They’ll challenge the measure in court. One has announced plans to retire. And the other two whose terms expire next year have yet to decide. [OPB]

Statewide candidates can now officially file for the 2024 May primary. Plenty have announced plans to seek higher office (or reelection).

Oregon 2024 Election Season Kicks Off 

Local Civics

This week, here are a bunch of new restaurants to try:

 in the area. The restaurants that haven’t been on the list before are:

some of the best Chinese food in the city

 we can’t stop thinking about” (Happy Valley)

whole catfish is still the star of the show

mini-concepts in three neighboring spaces

Clandestino’s rustic-modern Mexican cooking

Akkapong Earl Ninsom’s New Montavilla Restaurant

Akkapong Earl Ninsom’s next restaurant will take over the space of his former spot in Montavilla. 

Yaowarat, which will be based on Bangkok’s Chinatown

, will open in the Lazy Susan space in early October. [Eater Portland]

Reo’s Ribs will reopen sometime this month. The beloved barbecue closed after a fire in 2022. Its founder Reo Varnado, who also had a claim to fame as the rapper Snoop Dogg’s uncle, died that year. The 2022 fire was the third at the spot. It’s a 

surprise and delight to hear those ribs will come back

This week, here are a bunch of new restaurants to try: Portland Monthly has released its annual list of the 50 best restaurants in the area. The restaurants that haven’t been on the list before are:

Most Exciting New Restaurants in Portland, Ore.

Portland's Most Exciting New Restaurants

This year, the Oregon Department of Energy began offering 

landlords incentives to install heat pumps and electrical upgrades in rental properties.

 The heat pumps offer the opportunity, despite the name, to cool down a home. OPB climate reporter Monica Samayoa 

answered the City Cast Portland podcast’s questions about the program

What makes this program different from other government clean energy initiatives that are already out there?

“What makes this unique is that it is focused solely on renters. It can be any type of rental property like a home, an apartment, a townhome, a manufactured home, an RV, or even a one-bedroom apartment as long as the tenant is renting it for more than 30 days.

“Why I say it's unique is because right now there's billions, with a ‘b,’ of dollars available for climate action, specifically for these kinds of energy efficiency retrofits. [But] it's mostly aimed for homeowners.”

“It's a start. I talked to a contractor in Bend that is part of this program and he was also like, ‘Check in with me in six months to see how this program's working. Because there are some homes that would need a lot of retrofits to make this happen.’”

“I think about this question a lot because what we're doing is ensuring people are comfortable in their homes. But is it helping with climate change? I mean, if your home is getting that renewable energy, and then that means we're producing more [energy]. I don't think that this alone will help fight climate change. I think we're just becoming more resilient, right? There's climate change, and then you can be climate resilient.

“Climate change is happening so quickly, we need to find quick ways to adapt, and this is what we're doing. But overall there does need to be more work in terms of other ways that we can fight climate change.”

Samayoa also offered her suggestions for 

keeping cool when the temperature gets hot:

“The city has started to increase the amount of cooling centers that are available.”

“Always remember to drink plenty of water. I think one of the scariest things about heat is that you don't know when you're in trouble until it's too late.”

“Just try to find the spaces that keep you cool. Go shopping. Go to Target. Go go to these places that are gonna have AC running all day.”

Listen To Our Podcast

Where to Find Portland's Best Dumplings

How to Feel Good During Portland's Rainy Season

Portland's Crows Are Smarter Than You Think

Gardening Tips for Portland’s Fall Growing Season

Where to Ditch Your Hand-me-downs in Portland

Portland's Best Barbecue

Psychedelics Give Bugs a Bellyache?

Best Portland Comic Books to Read Right Now

Inner Northeast Broadway Is Portland's Overlooked Main Street

The Most Inclusive Skate Parks in Portland

More from City Cast Portland

Oregon 2024 Election Season Kicks Off

Portland's Most Exciting New Restaurants

Will Oregon’s Incentives Work to Give Renters AC?

South Waterfront Is Portland's Most Recent High Rise Neighborhood

Backpacking? Try These Trails Near Portland

Who Is Running for Portland City Council So Far?

Portland Contributes to Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Stumptown Moves, and Beers for Farms

What's the Deal with Portland's Swarming Swifts?

The Best Portland Sunsets