Flock, the Ritz-Carlton’s long-awaited food hall, appears to be ready to open early next month. Pan Roast, one of the vendors, has announced they’ll be ready to serve diners there, beginning on Feb 2. To celebrate, Pan Roast is offering a loaded clam chowder bread bowl (which will be an exclusive on their menu at Flock) at their Oak Tree Station location, this weekend, Jan. 18 - 19 until they sell out.
In other January event news, this Wed., G-Love, in Northwest, is having a five-course dinner with CHO Wine. As of Friday, there were reservations left for 8:00 - 8:30 p.m. seatings. It’s $125 per person.
Here’s more on what’s happening in the food and drink scene in Portland:
Good News, Bad News for the Downtown Restaurant Scene
Nodoguro, which the Oregonian last year crowned as Portland’s best restaurant, is betting on a downtown revival. It’s moving to a spot near hotels and the planned James Beard Market. Nodoguro, which the Oregonian describes as serving “creative” Japanese cuisine, can now expand to offering more than one menu option. They’ll keep their Kerns neighborhood location for special events. [Oregonian]
At the same time, Afuri is closing its Old Town location, blaming “public safety” downtown. The Japanese-based ramen empire has locations on the Central Eastside, as well as Slabtown and Beaverton. [Willamette Week]
Burgers and Ice Cream
The beloved California-based chain In-N-Out Burger has been working on a Beaverton location for years. But now In-N-Out Burger is pursuing a location in East Portland near Airport Way. [Daily Journal of Commerce]
Salt and Straw is expanding (again) with an opening this spring in Tigard’s Bridgeport Village. [Oregonian]
- Related (or not, depending on your view of the ice cream chain): Today’s City Cast Portland podcast explains how the suburbs have become a foodie destination.
Please email me about other upcoming food and drink events you hear about — as well as any restaurant and bar openings around town.
