Today here’s some food and drink updates for you:
🥛 Vegan Milks Are on the Rise
A Portland-based market research firm has ranked the popularity of five types of vegan milk. The least popular, globally, is oat milk, which may be surprising to a lot of Portlanders (as well as Starbucks customers, who can get oat milk for no extra charge). The most popular (in order of worldwide sales) are soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and rice milk. There were $2.3 billion in vegan milk sales in 2022, and the global market is expected to grow to $7.3 billion over the next decade. [Portland Monthly]
🫙 A Vegan Bar Closes
Last call for the popular vegan bar Sweet Hereafter, on Southeast Belmont, is Feb. 29. It’s closing after 13 years, though its affiliate bars, including Northeast Alberta’s Bye and Bye, remain open. [Portland Mercury]
🍔 A Favorite Burger Returns
The Mule Bar has opened in the spot that was previously Stanich’s, and good news: it’s brought back “The World’s Greatest Hamburger,” after acquiring the recipe from previous owners. Bonus: There are better fries than Stanich’s. [Oregonian 🔒]
🌯 Tex Mex Breakfast Burritos to Replace Lardo
The downtown location of popular sandwich shop Lardo closed last week. But chef Rick Gencarelli is planning a pop-up for the space: Rhinestone, which will serve Tex Mex-style breakfast burritos filled with smoked meat. The exact opening date has yet to be announced. [Oregonian 🔒]
