Bubbles of Culinary Paradise
Amidst all of the uncertainty and lack of consistent direction with the novel coronavirus, the amount of innovation taking place to create aspects of relative normalcy speaks novels for the human spirit. Some truly special and entertaining scenarios, ones that would only exist under the extreme, rule-re-writing conditions of a global pandemic, are showing that we humans are not only creative but highly and firmly resilient. After all, we haven’t come this many millennia to perish from an invisible killer like COVID-19. So when I see people picking up the pieces and making thoughtful changes for the future, it warms my heart. It’s easy to cry over spilt milk, yet it’s an entirely different path to sop it up, not lose a breath and build for the future.
For these reasons I am starting a series of sorts, highlighting items of what I call “bubbles of paradise.” These are safe creations by people looking to keep life moving. Today, we start with all-important restaurants, but watch for much more.
Taking it Outside
No doubt we’ve seen an uptick in food delivery options as restaurants were forced to shutter indoor service at the onset of the pandemic. Of course, this was months ago, and a “new normal” has begun to set in. Even with safety protocols in place, and the state moving into a phase allowing for inside dining (albeit it spaced out, masks for entry, masks on workers), most people are not yet comfortable to “eat inside.” Who can blame them? From the beginning, COVID-19 has been insidious, seemingly crafty. We are still learning about this novel coronavirus daily. We’ve heard over an over the dangers of prolonged, indoor exposure…and that wind, sunlight, and fresh air serve to drastically reduce concentrations of the virus. As a result, many restaurants and businesses have responded…moving things outside. And the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and City of Portland’s permitting department have been a gem…fast-tracking no-cost permits and licenses to allow for exterior expansion. Let’s talk today about a few, ethnically-inspired establishments (Italian, Russian and Brazilian) that are doing a “great job in the Corona”:
Amalfi’s
Amalfi’s is one of my very favorite places to get pizza, hands down. This place is iconic, and also the frequent choice of my mother who grew up going there in the mid-1960’s. It’s been around a long time (61 years) so I truly had my fingers crossed that this great Italian spot on N.E. Fremont would innovate and survive what’s surely the toughest business curve ball they’ve every fielded. Well, I’ve not been disappointed. After more than 90 days of boxing up take-out, Amalfi’s bought two gigantic tents (100’x50’ each) and set-up some very nice outdoor seating with 7, not 6, feet of distance apart (at a minimum). The pizzas and calzone are continuing to fly at Amalfi’s…thank you thank you!
Details:
Amalfi’s
4703 N.E. Fremont St.
Portland, Oregon
97213
Website HERE
Click for a MAP HERE
Kachka Alfresca (normally “Kachka”)
You might have seen the cool images of what Kachka has done about a month back when it was all over the web. This 1990’s comfort food “with a Russian twist” establishment has truly elevated things in the pandemic…literally. They moved their dining to their upstairs parking lot. Now called “Kachka Alfresca,” and sporting views of the city, one can dine on burgers, carrot and crab cakes, skillet fajitas, and so much more. Kachka has set up one of the neatest, rooftop response to COVID-19 that I’ve seen yet.
Details:
Kachka
960 SE 11th Ave.
Portland, OR
97214
Website HERE
Click for a MAP HERE
Carioca Bowls
Inspired by the açaí bowls served on the beaches of Rio, Carioca Bowls is the only place in stumptown to get the “real deal.” With over 70 outdoor seats between their two locations (all socially-distanced of course), they are ready to serve. Indeed, close your eyes and, well, you’re just about “there.” Truly, this food is other worldly and transformative. It’s not often that I find a truly unique cuisine like this that is soooo good and yet so different. And here I thought I knew everything I liked! Well, chalk up one more tremendous option here as these finely crafted açaí bowls are simply stunning. Just check out the menu. To get a better understanding, I did a little research beyond my own palette. Here’s how Wikipedia defines this great food option:
Açaí na tigela ("açaí in the bowl") is a Brazilian specialty from Pará and Amazonas. It is a dish made with the frozen and mashed fruit of the açaí palm. It is served as a smoothie in a bowl or glass,[1] and is commonly topped with granola and banana, and then mixed with other fruits and guaraná syrup.[2] Açaí na tigela is popular all over Brazil, but mainly in Pará, Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, São Paulo, Goiás and along the northeastern coast, where it is sold in kiosks lining the beach promenade and in juice bars throughout the cities.[3]
Preparation differs from region to region. Tapioca pearls are a common topping in northern Brazil. The original recipe, as eaten in the North, contains shrimp or fried fish and tapioca or farofa and is usually salty. The sweet variety, which contains granola, banana, blueberry, strawberry, goji berry, and other fruits, as well as sugar, is more common in southern parts of the country.
Açaí bowls became increasingly popular in the United States during the 2010s due to their health benefits and picturesque appearance.
Go get some!
Details:
Carioca Bowls (location 1)
827 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR
97211
Click for a MAP HERE of the Alberta location
Carioca Bowls (location 2)
1645 NW 21st
Portland, OR
97210
Click for a MAP HERE of the NW 21st location
Website HERE
More Outside Options
Looking for more outside options? While I’ll be highlighting more “Bubbles of Paradise” soon, here’s a very handy, interactive map that lets you explore PDX to see who is “getting things outside” for safer visiting during the pandemic. Thanks to