Bayside: Kick Start Kitchen

Proposals under consideration for West Bayside development on the site of the former public works department buildings include,

At 65 Hanover St., staff is recommending a proposal by Rory Strunk, of O’Maine Studios, for a “world-class culinary media and event center that has a global draw.” In addition to having a “Kick Start Kitchen” for incubating aspiring chefs, the building also could host food festivals.

Duckfat x Oxbow on Washington

Duckfat has announced a collaboration with Oxbow Brewing to create the Duckfat Beer Garden. The new venture takes advantage of the commissary kitchen Duckfat has on the back side of the CBD building on Washington Ave, and has involved renovating the courtyard outside the door to the Oxbow tasting room.

They plan to be open Wednesday through Sunday, 6-10pm during the summer. The menu (2nd image in series) includes items like Pickled Mussels with Potato Salad, and BBQ Pork Belly with Bean Salad and Corn Bread that are different from the staple items from the Duckfat menu on Middle Street.

Mobile Food: Mr. Tuna, Greeks of Peaks

Here’s the latest in mobile food news:

Development Off of Forest Ave

Today’s Press Herald reports on the growing number of restaurants that have opened or are in development along Forest Ave.

But there’s also a new hunger in off-peninsula neighborhoods for quality food served at family-friendly restaurants that are within walking distance – especially as these neighborhoods transition to homeowners of a younger generation. Millennials love to dine out, and expect more from the restaurants they frequent than their parents may have.

Under Construction: Higher Grounds Cafe

A new coffee shop has leased 1,400 sq ft on Wharf Street. Higher Grounds Cafe will be located at 51 Wharf Street and be taking over a portion of the space formally occupied by 51 Wharf.

In conjunction with Fore Street Partners, NAI The Dunham Group is reaching out to the market in search of restaurants, arts or retail users to fill the remaining space and complete the goal of transforming this block of Wharf St. The owner is flexible and welcomes creative ideas to help turn this area into a destination for food, coffee, retail and pubs. The remaining 3,500 s/f is available for lease. It can be subdivided into two smaller spaces and features a fully built-out kitchen for food users.

Under Construction: Little Woodfords

A new coffee shop called Little Woodfords (website, instagram, twitter, facebook) is under construction in Woodfords Corner at 643 Forest Ave in the IOOF Building.

The 1,000 sq ft LW is self described as “a tiny shop serving up coffee, snacks and community”.

Owners Andrew Zarro and TJ Quinn live in the neighborhood. They signed the lease for the space just a few days ago and hope to make quick work of the renovations to open by the end of August.

Zarro and Quinn have been in touch with a number of roasters and are narrowing down for a final selection. The finalists are coffee roasters that aren’t currently served in Portland and so would bring something new to the broader coffee loving community of Portland.