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The Largest Selection of Wholesale Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Products in Portland

When it comes to trying new, exciting cuisine, few foods hit the spot like a deliciously fresh Mediterranean meal. However, we know that it can be very difficult to find authentic Mediterranean grocery wholesalers in Portland, OR. Having lived in metro Atlanta for years, we realized that our customers needed an easy way to find quality wholesale Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in bulk. That is why we created Nazareth Grocery Mediterranean Market - to give everyone a chance to enjoy tasty, healthy food, desserts, and authentic Mediterranean gifts at wholesale prices.

Founded in 2009, Nazareth Grocery has become one of Portland's leading international wholesale grocery stores. We are very proud to serve our customers and do everything in our power to give them the largest selection of high-quality wholesale goods available.

If you're looking for the freshest, most delicious Middle Eastern wholesale products and ingredients, you will find them here at the best prices in the state. We encourage you to swing by our store in Marietta to see our selection for yourself. We think that you will be impressed!

The Nazareth Difference

At Nazareth Grocery Mediterranean Market, our mission is simple: bring you and your family the largest selection of wholesale Mediterranean products in Portland. When coupled with our helpful, friendly staff and authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere, it's easy to see why we are the top Middle Eastern grocery wholesaler in Portland, OR. We're proud to carry just about every kind of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern product that you can think of, from prepared meals and hookahs to fine seasonings and sweets. We're here for our customers and want each one of them to have a unique, one-of-a-kind experience when they shop with us.

Our loyal customers love our selection of the following wholesale foods and gifts:

  • Fresh Breads
  • OlivesOlives
  • HummusHummus
  • CheesesCheeses
  • SaucesSauces
  • Savory-FoodsSavory Foods
  • DessertsDesserts
  • DrinksDrinks
  • HookahsHookahs
  • TobaccoTobacco
  • SaucesGifts
  • Much More!Much More!

Our Service Areas

Most Popular Wholesale Mediterranean Foods

There is so much more to Mediterranean food than pizza and pasta. The perfect climate combined with delicious foods and amazing wine makes the Mediterranean incredibly irresistible. That's why our customers absolutely love to buy this kind of cuisine in bulk. Every country in this region has its own set of specialties and delicacies, each with its own flavors and styles of preparation.

Mediterranean countries include:

  • France
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • Turkey
  • Syria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Libya
  • Morocco
  • Tunisia
  • Spain
Mediterranean Grocery Portland, OR

So, when it comes to the most popular wholesale Mediterranean products in Portland,
what are we talking about?

 Mediterranean Supermarkets Portland, OR

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a classic Mediterranean dairy product that is often enjoyed on its own, in Greek salads, on bread, or mixed with zucchini. Depending on where the feta is sourced and produced, the cheese can be made from cow, sheep, or goat milk, or even a combination of the three. Regardless of the animal it comes from, this delicious cheese is a crowd favorite.

 Mediterranean Grocery Store Portland, OR

Baba Ganoush

This Levantine dish is one of the most well-known Mediterranean dishes to eat in the United States. It typically comes in the form of a dip, served with pita or another kind of dipping bread. Commonly served before dinner as an appetizer of sorts, it usually features tahini, eggplant, garlic, spices, and sometimes yogurt. This tasty cuisine works great as a spread on a sandwich, or you can even eat it with a spoon, all on its own.

 Middle Eastern Grocery Portland, OR

Baklava

If you have never tried authentic baklava before, get ready to have your mind blown. This dessert is a traditional Mediterranean food that will have your taste buds craving more and more. Once you open a box of baklava from our Mediterranean grocery wholesaler in Portland, OR, you won't want to stop eating! Baklava is made with layers of thin filo dough, which is layered together, filled with chopped nuts (think pistachios), and sealed with honey or syrup. Baklava is so good that its origins are debated, leaving many wondering which country invented the dessert. Everyone from the Turks to the Greeks and even Middle Easterners hold unique takes on baklava. Try each one to discover your favorite!

Most Popular Wholesale Middle Eastern Foods

Fresh, healthy, aromatic, rich: it's no wonder that the popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine and products has skyrocketed in the United States. This genre of cuisine features a large variety of foods, from Halvah to Labneh. If there were one common theme throughout all Middle Eastern food, it would be the bright, vibrant herbs and spices that are used. These flavorings help create rich, complex flavors that foodies fawn over. Typically, Middle Eastern food is piled high for all to eat, with enough food for an entire republic to put down.

 Mediterranean Food Stores Portland, OR

Tabbouleh

This refreshing, healthy dish is chock-full of greens, herbs, tomatoes, and bulgur (or cracked wheat), creating a memorable, bold flavor. This dish may be eaten on its own or paired with a shawarma sandwich or helping of falafel. It's best to buy your ingredients in bulk to make this dish because it tastes best freshly made with family around to enjoy. Just be sure to bring a toothpick to the tabbouleh party - you're almost certain to have some leafy greens stuck in your teeth after eating.

 Middle Eastern Market Portland, OR

Shawarma

We mentioned shawarma above, and for good reason - this dish is enjoyed by men and women around the world, and of course, right here in the U.S. Except for falafel, this might be the most popular Middle Eastern food item in history. Shawarma is kind of like a Greek gyro, with slow-roasted meat stuffed in laffa with veggies and sauce. The blend of spices and the smoky meat mix together to create a tangy, meaty flavor that you will want to keep eating for hours. For western-style shawarma, try using beef or chicken. For a more traditional meal, try using lamb from our Middle Eastern grocery distributor in Portland, OR.

 Greek Grocery Store Portland, OR

Hummus

Traditionally used as a dip meant for fresh pita, hummus is a combo of chickpeas, garlic, and tahini, blended together until silky, smooth, and creamy. You can find hummus in just about any appetizer section of a Middle Eastern restaurant menu. That's because it's considered a staple of Middle Eastern food that can be enjoyed by itself, as a spread, or with fresh-baked pita bread. Hummus is also very healthy, making it a no-brainer purchase from our grocery store.

Benefits of Eating a Mediterranean Diet

If there's one diet that is most well-known for its health benefits, it has got to be the Mediterranean diet. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report listed the Mediterranean diet as No. 1 on its best over diet list. This incredible diet has been cited to help with weight loss, brain health, heart health, diabetes prevention, and cancer prevention.

Whether you already love Mediterranean food or you're looking to make some positive changes in your life, this "diet" is for you. Eating cuisine like Greek food, Persian food, Turkish food, and Italian food is healthy and tastes great. Even better than that? At Nazareth Wholesale Grocery, we have many staples of the Mediterranean diet for sale in bulk so that you can stock up on your favorites at the best prices around.

So, what exactly is the Mediterranean diet?

It is a way of eating that incorporates traditional Greek, Italian, and other Mediterranean cultures' foods. These foods are often plant-based and make up the foundation of the diet, along with olive oil. Fish, seafood, dairy, and poultry are also included in moderation. Red meat and sweets are only eaten in moderation, not in abundance. Mediterranean food includes many forms of nuts, fruits, vegetables, fish, seeds, and more. Of course, you can find at them all at our wholesale Mediterranean grocery store!

Here are just a few of the many benefits of eating a healthy Mediterranean diet:

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Reduced Risk
of Heart Disease

Many studies have been conducted on this diet, many of which report that Mediterranean food is excellent for your heart. Some of the most promising evidence comes from a randomized clinical trial published in 2013. For about five years, researchers followed 7,000 men and women around the country of Spain. These people had type 2 diabetes or were at a high risk for cardiovascular disease. Participants in the study who ate an unrestricted Mediterranean diet with nuts and extra-virgin olive oil were shown to have a 30% lower risk of heart events.

Reduced Risk of Stroke for Women

Reduced Risk
of Stroke for Women

In addition to the heart-healthy benefits of a Mediterranean diet, studies have shown that eating healthy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods can reduce the chances of stroke in women. The study was conducted in the U.K., which included women between the ages of 40 and 77. Women who stuck to the Mediterranean diet showed a lower risk of having a stroke - especially women who were at high risk of having one.

Benefits of Eating a Mediterranean Diet

First and foremost, purchase your Mediterranean and Middle Eastern wholesale foods from Nazareth Grocery - we're always updating our inventory! Getting started on this healthy, delicious diet is easy.

Try these tips:

Try these tips

1.

Instead of unhealthy sweets like candy and ice cream, try eating fresh fruit instead. It's refreshing, tasty, and often packed with great vitamins and nutrients.

2.

Try eating fish twice a week, in lieu of red meat. Fish is much healthier and doesn't have the unfortunate side effects of red meat, like inflammation.

3.

Try planning out your meals using beans, whole grains, and veggies. Don't start with meats and sweets.

4.

They're tasty, but try to avoid processed foods completely.

5.

Instead of using butter to flavor your food, use extra virgin olive oil instead. Olive oil contains healthy fats and tastes great too.

6.

Try to get more exercise and get out of the house. The Mediterranean lifestyle is an active one, best enjoyed in the beautiful sunshine when possible.

Why Buy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Products Wholesale?

Buying wholesale and retail are quite different. When you buy products from a wholesaler, you're essentially buying from the middleman between a retail establishment and the manufacturer. Wholesale purchases are almost always made in bulk. Because of that, buyers pay a discounted price. That's great for normal buyers and great for business owners, who can sell those products to profit. This higher price is called the retail price, and it is what traditional customers pay when they enter a retail store.

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 Middle Eastern Store Portland, OR

Latest News in Portland, OR

Tito’s Taquitos Will Open a Third Location in Beaverton Around the New Year

Destination taquito and taco spot Tito’s Taquitos is expanding once again. Owner Anthony La Pietra will open a second cart at Breakside Beaverton’s cart pod in early 2024, announcing the news on Instagram on November 21.Tito’s Taquitos currently operates two locations in greater Portland: a food cart in Southwest Portland and restaurant on Swan Island. But Tito’s will go even further this month, before the second cart opens: ...

Destination taquito and taco spot Tito’s Taquitos is expanding once again. Owner Anthony La Pietra will open a second cart at Breakside Beaverton’s cart pod in early 2024, announcing the news on Instagram on November 21.

Tito’s Taquitos currently operates two locations in greater Portland: a food cart in Southwest Portland and restaurant on Swan Island. But Tito’s will go even further this month, before the second cart opens: Pietra will bring Tito’s Taquitos’ full menu southeast on Friday, November 24 with a pop-up at Breakside Brewery’s Milwaukie taproom. In addition to Tito’s hand-rolled taquitos — which are filled with mashed potato and served with toppings like butter garlic shrimp, al pastor-style garbanzo beans, and asada-style mushrooms — diners can order tacos, aguas frescas, and desserts like tres leches cake or Mexican chocolate brownies. The pop-up will run from noon to 6 p.m. and minors are welcome.

Brewmaster John Harris, who announced the sale of his space-themed brewery Ecliptic to Oregon-California collective Great Frontier Holdings in early November, will hold a sale of Ecliptic’s beer archive at its recently closed brewpub this Friday, November 24. From noon to 3 p.m., beer aficionados can snag rare brews dating back to 2014, predominantly available in bottles, such as the 2017 syrah barrel-aged Ultra Violet Blackberry Sour and the 4th Orbit Imperial Mango IPA.

The Holiday Ale Fest, a popular winter tradition typically staged over four days in Pioneer Courthouse Square, is not happening for the fourth year in a row. “We worked until the last possible minute trying to find a way to do the event somehow, some way,” festival organizer Preston Weezer told Willamette Week’s Andi Prewitt. Organizers considered holding a scaled-down event with limited days and/or hours before deciding to postpone for another year.

Where to Find Tasty Tamales in Portland and Beyond

When trying to track down top-notch tamales, there are more places to look than your local Mexican restaurant. Tamale vendors outside grocery stores and gas stations have sold corn-husk-wrapped gold for decades, filling moist, pillowy masa with everything from chicken mole to Oaxacan cheese. In Portland, you’ll find tamales across the city and in its surrounding suburbs — on restaurant menus, at food carts, in the deli cases of Mexican markets, and out of coolers. Some of these tamale vendors even use masa nixtamalized in the cit...

When trying to track down top-notch tamales, there are more places to look than your local Mexican restaurant. Tamale vendors outside grocery stores and gas stations have sold corn-husk-wrapped gold for decades, filling moist, pillowy masa with everything from chicken mole to Oaxacan cheese. In Portland, you’ll find tamales across the city and in its surrounding suburbs — on restaurant menus, at food carts, in the deli cases of Mexican markets, and out of coolers. Some of these tamale vendors even use masa nixtamalized in the city, whether it’s done in-house or at the lauded Three Sisters masa factory.

Below, find our guide to tracking down tamales in Portland and beyond. Note that some of these tamales are served chilled, to be reheated at home. Also, many restaurants offer holiday-specific tamales; it’s worth reaching out to your favorite Mexican restaurant in town to see if they’ll offer holiday tamales. For more Mexican food, check out this map.

Note: Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

This sweet little hut in Vancouver serves stellar tamales out of a walk-up window, absolutely smothering them in either tomato or tomatillo salsa, avocado salsa, and sour cream. The tamales themselves are both soft and tender but also light, sopping up the flavor of their various sauces with aplomb. They’re available with fillings like pork, chicken, and rajas.

Likely the most famous spot in Portland for tamales, Tamale Boy’s wide range of both Oaxacan and Northern Mexican variations make it a local favorite. In the former, custardy, banana-leaf-steamed masa arrives filled with mole negro or citrusy cochinita pibil, while the fluffy, plump, corn-husk-steamed cousin comes with options like chile verde or chicken tinga. Another fun route at Tamale Boy: Ordering a tamale frito, a fried Northern Mexican tamale with avocado salsa and two fried eggs. You can pre-order Christmas tamales online.

This Alberta cart is making some of the most inventive tamales in the city right now, a culinary cross-section of Eastern Europe and Mexico. Tamales here have arrived stuffed with things like chile-bolstered lamb, drenched in mushroom stroganoff, or filled with beets and beef with a borscht-esque sauce. Right now, the cart is offering chicken and vegan mushroom stroganoff tamales: The former is stuffed with guajillo-braised chicken and smothered in a chipotle-mushroom cream sauce, while the latter is stuffed with guajillo-braised porcini, oyster, shiitake, and cremini mushrooms and blanketed in spicy cashew cream sauce. The cart uses Three Sisters Nixtamal for its masa.

Going to La Bonita and not ordering a burrito may feel like sacrilege, but the tamales on this Alberta Street Mexican restaurant’s menu are a sleeper hit. Corn-husk-steamed tamales arrive plump with things like chicken in salsa roja or pork in chile verde, and La Bonita isn’t skimpy with the filling — these guys are stuffed. Vegans will find something here as well: a tamale teeming with fajita vegetables, namely peppers and onions.

While many Mexican markets have large, devoted followings in Portland, La Oaxaqueña stays relatively under the radar. However, this market’s selection of banana leaf tamales is very strong, with a nice, luscious texture and plenty of filling. Expect a classic roundup: Pork in chile verde, chicken in salsa rojo, rajas, and sweet corn.

This Yucatecan spot near Rocky Butte serves the region’s style of tamales, akin to Oaxacan with a banana-leaf wrap. Mestiza’s tamales do hew a little smaller, but the texture of the masa and generous portion of filling make them stand out. They come stuffed with a tender chicken; order them alongside some of Mestiza’s fantastic panuchos.

Cooks at this Northeast 82nd Yucatecan restaurant mix pork and chicken in an achiote-laden sauce and pat the mixture into masa, wrapping the tamales in banana leaves for a rich, silky texture. Often, the restaurant also serves a specifically Yucatecan tamal variant, brazo de reina, as a special. stuffed with hard-boiled eggs.

Tamale Factory is a Gresham institution, thanks to its parcels of masa-stuffed corn husks with fillings like pork in salsa verde or jalapeno-cheese. The sweet corn here is a particular standout; order them all for delivery.

Parked within the Eastport Food Carts pod, Los Tamales Locos serves its namesake with fillings like mole-braised pork, chicken in chile verde, and rajas. Tamales here strike the right balance of moist and fluffy, though the mole with the pork may even outshine the masa. The cart’s take on a Oaxacan tamale comes with shredded chicken and tomatillo.

When it comes to sheer variety of tamales, it is extremely difficult to beat this Milwaukie tamale shop. The frozen selection is staggering, with options like chorizo-potato, pork and asparagus in red chile, chicken-pesto with cheese, and even tiger prawn with tomato-jalapeno sauce. Canby Asparagus also offers tamales from other parts of Latin America, including Nicaraguan nacatamales. Be prepared to steam them at home.

This sweet little hut in Vancouver serves stellar tamales out of a walk-up window, absolutely smothering them in either tomato or tomatillo salsa, avocado salsa, and sour cream. The tamales themselves are both soft and tender but also light, sopping up the flavor of their various sauces with aplomb. They’re available with fillings like pork, chicken, and rajas.

Likely the most famous spot in Portland for tamales, Tamale Boy’s wide range of both Oaxacan and Northern Mexican variations make it a local favorite. In the former, custardy, banana-leaf-steamed masa arrives filled with mole negro or citrusy cochinita pibil, while the fluffy, plump, corn-husk-steamed cousin comes with options like chile verde or chicken tinga. Another fun route at Tamale Boy: Ordering a tamale frito, a fried Northern Mexican tamale with avocado salsa and two fried eggs. You can pre-order Christmas tamales online.

This Alberta cart is making some of the most inventive tamales in the city right now, a culinary cross-section of Eastern Europe and Mexico. Tamales here have arrived stuffed with things like chile-bolstered lamb, drenched in mushroom stroganoff, or filled with beets and beef with a borscht-esque sauce. Right now, the cart is offering chicken and vegan mushroom stroganoff tamales: The former is stuffed with guajillo-braised chicken and smothered in a chipotle-mushroom cream sauce, while the latter is stuffed with guajillo-braised porcini, oyster, shiitake, and cremini mushrooms and blanketed in spicy cashew cream sauce. The cart uses Three Sisters Nixtamal for its masa.

Going to La Bonita and not ordering a burrito may feel like sacrilege, but the tamales on this Alberta Street Mexican restaurant’s menu are a sleeper hit. Corn-husk-steamed tamales arrive plump with things like chicken in salsa roja or pork in chile verde, and La Bonita isn’t skimpy with the filling — these guys are stuffed. Vegans will find something here as well: a tamale teeming with fajita vegetables, namely peppers and onions.

While many Mexican markets have large, devoted followings in Portland, La Oaxaqueña stays relatively under the radar. However, this market’s selection of banana leaf tamales is very strong, with a nice, luscious texture and plenty of filling. Expect a classic roundup: Pork in chile verde, chicken in salsa rojo, rajas, and sweet corn.

This Yucatecan spot near Rocky Butte serves the region’s style of tamales, akin to Oaxacan with a banana-leaf wrap. Mestiza’s tamales do hew a little smaller, but the texture of the masa and generous portion of filling make them stand out. They come stuffed with a tender chicken; order them alongside some of Mestiza’s fantastic panuchos.

Cooks at this Northeast 82nd Yucatecan restaurant mix pork and chicken in an achiote-laden sauce and pat the mixture into masa, wrapping the tamales in banana leaves for a rich, silky texture. Often, the restaurant also serves a specifically Yucatecan tamal variant, brazo de reina, as a special. stuffed with hard-boiled eggs.

Tamale Factory is a Gresham institution, thanks to its parcels of masa-stuffed corn husks with fillings like pork in salsa verde or jalapeno-cheese. The sweet corn here is a particular standout; order them all for delivery.

Parked within the Eastport Food Carts pod, Los Tamales Locos serves its namesake with fillings like mole-braised pork, chicken in chile verde, and rajas. Tamales here strike the right balance of moist and fluffy, though the mole with the pork may even outshine the masa. The cart’s take on a Oaxacan tamale comes with shredded chicken and tomatillo.

When it comes to sheer variety of tamales, it is extremely difficult to beat this Milwaukie tamale shop. The frozen selection is staggering, with options like chorizo-potato, pork and asparagus in red chile, chicken-pesto with cheese, and even tiger prawn with tomato-jalapeno sauce. Canby Asparagus also offers tamales from other parts of Latin America, including Nicaraguan nacatamales. Be prepared to steam them at home.

The Best (and Worst) Chile Crisps from Portland and Beyond

Whether you’re new to chile crisp (read on!) or obsessed, we’ve got answers: we pitted Lao Gan Ma and Fly By Jing against local brands. By Katherine Chew Hamilton November 14, 2023 It’s only been a few years since commercially made chile crisp entered the mainstream American supermarket, but since then, its popularity has spread like hot chile wildfire. In case you’re unfamiliar: there’s no ...

Whether you’re new to chile crisp (read on!) or obsessed, we’ve got answers: we pitted Lao Gan Ma and Fly By Jing against local brands.

By Katherine Chew Hamilton November 14, 2023

It’s only been a few years since commercially made chile crisp entered the mainstream American supermarket, but since then, its popularity has spread like hot chile wildfire. In case you’re unfamiliar: there’s no vinegar in chile crisp like you’d find in a hot sauce. Chile oil and chile crisp are similar, but chile crisp has a higher ratio of particles to oil, including not just chiles but ingredients like onions and garlic, which remain crispy even after they’re drenched in hot oil during the cooking process. Worldwide megabrand Lao Gan Ma launched in China in 1997, while Fly By Jing, an Instagram-viral brand, launched via Kickstarter in 2018. It’s hard to imagine life before chile crisp. What other condiment works just as well on eggs, rice, and avocado toast as it does on dumplings or even soft-serve ice cream, delivering not just on flavor, but also texture?

We tried several small brands from Portland and the Bay Area alongside Lao Gan Ma, Fly By Jing, and Trader Joe’s, all served on white rice with fluffy scrambled eggs. Read on to find our favorite.

Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic

This Cambodian-style chile crisp is made in Oakland, California, using a recipe from Mama Teav herself, a Cambodian refugee whose son and daughter founded the business after years of working in restaurants. Testers loved the big, audibly crunchy pieces of garlic and the assertive heat. It was the unanimous favorite. It’s the second-most expensive we tried, at $16 for six ounces, and we think it’s well worth the splurge.

The Flavor Society Pizza Chili Crunch

We were curious how this Portland-made chile crisp could taste like pizza, absent any tomato sauce or dough. Yet it came surprisingly close. “Is that pepperoni?” one tester asked. A glance at the ingredients reveals herbs, garlic, onion, and paprika, plus yeast extract for a wallop of umami. All testers loved its unique flavor and would happily put it on rice, eggs, or avocado toast, though it might overpower more delicate flavors. If you’re looking for spice, though, you won’t find it in this one. It’s also on the pricey side at $15 for six ounces.

Sao Noi Ginger Chili Oil

While not technically a chile crisp, this Portland-made Good Food Award winner packs a concentrated, spicy punch, with intriguing depth of flavor. We tasted lots of sweet, caramelized onion, plus a hit of ginger. All our testers reached for more water to cool the spice. “That’s quite good,” remarked a tester.

Lao Gan Ma Chili Oil with Black Bean

Our food editor keeps this stocked in her fridge for its all-purpose, hot-but-not-too-hot flavor and low price. (We spotted it at $3.29 for a 9.88-ounce jar.) The black beans give it a hit of salty, funky umami, while the spice is present but not overwhelming. Try it on eggs, meat, rice, noodles, or—as the viral Internet suggests—vanilla ice cream.

Hot Mama Salsa Smoky Coffee Chili Oil

We loved the smoky, toasty notes of this Portland-made version. It’s moderately spicy, and it also has a hint of nuttiness thanks to sesame seeds. The coffee makes it especially appropriate for breakfast; we’d happily put it on eggs and bacon.

Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp

You’ve undoubtedly seen ads for Fly By Jing all over Instagram—yet our testers were unimpressed, finding it both too salty and not particularly crispy. Some testers also weren’t fans of the pronounced spices, which included coriander and mushroom powder. What makes this chile oil stand out: it’s the only one we tried that had Sichuan peppercorn in it, giving it a pleasant tingliness. At $17 for six ounces, it was the priciest chile crisp we tried.

Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion

While we appreciated the crunchy texture, we found the chile taste barely present, while the onion and garlic overwhelmed the flavor profile. The result is bland, boring, and almost gritty. We were also a little thrown off by the choice to use olive oil as the base (others use neutral oils like grapeseed oil, soybean oil, or peanut oil).

Where to Find Fully Loaded Lobster Rolls in Portland and Beyond

Portland is a town with plenty of fish and seafood, thanks to its access to various rivers and proximity to the ocean; however, East Coast expats often find themselves craving the quintessential New England staple, the lobster roll, with very few sources of relief. Because lobsters primarily scuttle around the waters of the North Atlantic, Pacific Northwestern seafood aficionados often prefer the more local alternative of Dungeness crab rolls or bay shrimp rolls — but firm-yet-tender, sweet and briny lobster cannot be substituted when ...

Portland is a town with plenty of fish and seafood, thanks to its access to various rivers and proximity to the ocean; however, East Coast expats often find themselves craving the quintessential New England staple, the lobster roll, with very few sources of relief. Because lobsters primarily scuttle around the waters of the North Atlantic, Pacific Northwestern seafood aficionados often prefer the more local alternative of Dungeness crab rolls or bay shrimp rolls — but firm-yet-tender, sweet and briny lobster cannot be substituted when the mood strikes. The good news: A number of local carts and restaurants have started serving their version of the quintessential East Coast sandwich, whether it’s served hot with butter (a.k.a. Connecticut-style) or cold with mayo (typical of Maine). And of course, because it’s Portland, a few chefs have even gotten a little creative with their versions, topping the roll with shaved truffle or buttermilk powder.

Below, we dive into the lobster roll offerings available in greater Portland, served out of carts, seafood shacks, and grocery stores around town. Note that the city is home to a few roaming lobster carts to catch — Cousins Maine Lobster travels around greater Portland throughout the week, from Wilsonville to Troutdale, and is worth tracking down if none of the spots on this list strike your fancy. For more seafood, this map should help.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Lobster Dogs laughs in the face of the great butter vs. mayo debate, insisting diners can have it both ways. A swipe of mayo is applied inside their toasted split-top bun, and the lobster roll is drizzled with warm butter. Seafood lovers will appreciate the “ultimate dog,” which contains lobster, crab, and shrimp. Each order comes with a bag of chips. This North Carolina-based chain expanded to Portland this spring, popping up at local businesses in and around Portland in its roving food cart. For a weekly schedule, visit the cart’s Instagram page.

This local grocer has one of the most picnic-friendly lobster rolls you can find in town — order at the deli, where they will be conveniently boxed up and ready to accompany on-the-go diners along with grab-and-go sides, desserts, and drinks. The roll boasts a quarter-pound of North Atlantic lobster tossed with mayo, lemon juice, and herbs and includes a crisp leaf of butter lettuce to minimize bun sogginess for later consumption. Something to note: this lobster roll is available at all Zupan’s locations only on Fridays, starting at 10 a.m.

Chef Alexander Diestra, formerly of Andina, now runs this waterfront seafood restaurant within the Riverplace hotel. His take on the lobster roll doesn’t shy away from the seafood-salad model, pairing the lobster with crunchy complements like red onions and celery. The touch of dill doesn’t overpower the lobster, but adds a nice dimension to the overall roll; the sweetness of the kewpie in the mix plays off the shellfish’s natural sweetness. It all arrives on a brioche bun, paired with fries.

At this coastal-inspired restaurant, large chunks of lobster are mixed in with Dungeness crab, fines herbes, and yuzu aioli before the mixture is nestled on a thick, house-baked brioche roll. For extra decadence and extra bursts of umami, the whole thing is finished with a smattering of trout roe. Round out your meal with some oysters or fries and a glass of sparkling wine.

In Portland, Maine, the brown butter lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Company changed the game when it came to an inventive, bite-sized take on the classic. Câche Câche, tucked behind the Lil’ America pod in Southeast Portland, may offer the West Coast Portland’s version of that roll, bite-sized and truly creative in its approach. A toasty square of brioche, nutty with brown butter, arrives with a wallet slit stuffed with juicy lobster meat, tossed in aioli with just a hint of tarragon for a French touch. But to give the lobster some acidity without watering down the mix, chef John Denison finishes the roll with a dusting of sweet cream buttermilk powder. It’s exceptionally well executed without losing sight of the source material.

Petite lobster buns are regularly rotated on-and-off the menu at this charming seafood destination on Southeast Clinton. Cold, creamy lobster salad meets a warm butter-basted, crunchy-on-the-outside steam bun for a match made in heaven. Time your meal right and start off with dollar oysters, served every day from 5 to 6 p.m.

Chef Spencer Ivankoe’s lobster roll is a bit of a twist — his cafe uses Maine lobster for its Connecticut-style lobster rolls. Fans of garlic and butter will be especially satisfied by this roll, which also comes in a deluxe version crowned with sea urchin and shaved French truffles. The restaurant’s lobster roll Wednesdays are a steal — $20 gets diners a lobster roll and a mimosa, orange or grapefruit. Or, opt for the trio of rolls, a sampler of Maine lobster, Dungeness crab, and Oregon bay shrimp.

What started as a Washington food cart has become a Camas seafood house, with a focus on Midcoast Maine seafood. That means the shop’s take on a lobster roll is straight out of Rockland — A large, buttery roll, stuffed with fresh lobster tossed in little more than a little mayo. New England expats missing home, this is the closest you’re going to get. For something a little more bite-sized, opt for the slider.

Lobster Dogs laughs in the face of the great butter vs. mayo debate, insisting diners can have it both ways. A swipe of mayo is applied inside their toasted split-top bun, and the lobster roll is drizzled with warm butter. Seafood lovers will appreciate the “ultimate dog,” which contains lobster, crab, and shrimp. Each order comes with a bag of chips. This North Carolina-based chain expanded to Portland this spring, popping up at local businesses in and around Portland in its roving food cart. For a weekly schedule, visit the cart’s Instagram page.

This local grocer has one of the most picnic-friendly lobster rolls you can find in town — order at the deli, where they will be conveniently boxed up and ready to accompany on-the-go diners along with grab-and-go sides, desserts, and drinks. The roll boasts a quarter-pound of North Atlantic lobster tossed with mayo, lemon juice, and herbs and includes a crisp leaf of butter lettuce to minimize bun sogginess for later consumption. Something to note: this lobster roll is available at all Zupan’s locations only on Fridays, starting at 10 a.m.

Chef Alexander Diestra, formerly of Andina, now runs this waterfront seafood restaurant within the Riverplace hotel. His take on the lobster roll doesn’t shy away from the seafood-salad model, pairing the lobster with crunchy complements like red onions and celery. The touch of dill doesn’t overpower the lobster, but adds a nice dimension to the overall roll; the sweetness of the kewpie in the mix plays off the shellfish’s natural sweetness. It all arrives on a brioche bun, paired with fries.

At this coastal-inspired restaurant, large chunks of lobster are mixed in with Dungeness crab, fines herbes, and yuzu aioli before the mixture is nestled on a thick, house-baked brioche roll. For extra decadence and extra bursts of umami, the whole thing is finished with a smattering of trout roe. Round out your meal with some oysters or fries and a glass of sparkling wine.

In Portland, Maine, the brown butter lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Company changed the game when it came to an inventive, bite-sized take on the classic. Câche Câche, tucked behind the Lil’ America pod in Southeast Portland, may offer the West Coast Portland’s version of that roll, bite-sized and truly creative in its approach. A toasty square of brioche, nutty with brown butter, arrives with a wallet slit stuffed with juicy lobster meat, tossed in aioli with just a hint of tarragon for a French touch. But to give the lobster some acidity without watering down the mix, chef John Denison finishes the roll with a dusting of sweet cream buttermilk powder. It’s exceptionally well executed without losing sight of the source material.

Petite lobster buns are regularly rotated on-and-off the menu at this charming seafood destination on Southeast Clinton. Cold, creamy lobster salad meets a warm butter-basted, crunchy-on-the-outside steam bun for a match made in heaven. Time your meal right and start off with dollar oysters, served every day from 5 to 6 p.m.

Chef Spencer Ivankoe’s lobster roll is a bit of a twist — his cafe uses Maine lobster for its Connecticut-style lobster rolls. Fans of garlic and butter will be especially satisfied by this roll, which also comes in a deluxe version crowned with sea urchin and shaved French truffles. The restaurant’s lobster roll Wednesdays are a steal — $20 gets diners a lobster roll and a mimosa, orange or grapefruit. Or, opt for the trio of rolls, a sampler of Maine lobster, Dungeness crab, and Oregon bay shrimp.

What started as a Washington food cart has become a Camas seafood house, with a focus on Midcoast Maine seafood. That means the shop’s take on a lobster roll is straight out of Rockland — A large, buttery roll, stuffed with fresh lobster tossed in little more than a little mayo. New England expats missing home, this is the closest you’re going to get. For something a little more bite-sized, opt for the slider.

Portland Board Game Bars and Stores

Portland is a city of makers, doers and, of course, gamers. Whether you’re more of a Go Fish aficionado, Choose Your Own Adventure chaser, Dungeons and Dragons slayer, or, perhaps, a still-aspiring gamer, you’ll find a perfect match at these Portland game shops. Take your shopping experience to the next level at these stores and bars, which boast open invitations to gather and game in-house. From casual open-play hours to competitive tournaments, opportunities to discover new games (and friends) abound.Gaming Voca...

Portland is a city of makers, doers and, of course, gamers. Whether you’re more of a Go Fish aficionado, Choose Your Own Adventure chaser, Dungeons and Dragons slayer, or, perhaps, a still-aspiring gamer, you’ll find a perfect match at these Portland game shops. Take your shopping experience to the next level at these stores and bars, which boast open invitations to gather and game in-house. From casual open-play hours to competitive tournaments, opportunities to discover new games (and friends) abound.

Gaming Vocab Speed Run

If you’re new to gaming, all you need to know is that games come in broad categories. “Tabletop games” is an umbrella catchall term for those typically played around a table. You can ask for specific games based on what tools they use: board games, card games, dice games, game miniatures, etc. Another popular phrase you may hear is “RPG,which stands for “role-playing game,” in which players enact or embody the characters they’re playing with. RPGs can be a method of play for video games, board games and more, so a single game can fall into several categories. But don’t let the lingo scare you away; the Portland gaming community is friendly and happy to help new players.

The Portland Game Store

The cozy Portland Game Store on North Killingsworth Street prides itself on crafting a welcoming atmosphere and a stellar selection of games, boasting the largest lineup of Magic: The Gathering products and board games in North Portland. Although the store almost closed its doors during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a dedicated patron used his life savings to buy PGS and ensure the exceptional gathering place continued. This zeal for community is apparent in the generous open-play hours, during which gamers can pick from the extensive in-house game library or bring in their own games — all free of charge — Monday through Friday, from noon5 p.m. Check their calendar for frequent recurring events and tournaments. If you’re in on a Saturday, check out their painting primer, which provides free paints, miniatures and lessons in the craft of board game figurine customization. Four rotating taps of draft beers, canned cocktails and other beverages, plus munchies on munchies are sure to keep you sustained through all the action.

Where Find Board Game Bars and Stores

Red Castle Games

Strolling through the spacious Red Castle Games in Foster-Powell might feel like fantasy, but thankfully it’s real life. Peruse well-stocked pine shelves filled with today’s most popular games, jigsaw puzzles, dice in every color and denomination imaginable, and even some spiffy store swag. In addition to a robust calendar of recurring events such as Digimon Tournament Mondays and Warhammer Sundays, you can rent a sleek room and/or a Dungeon Master for a private night of fun, or borrow a game from their rental library for just a few dollars. Open daily, the Cafe at Red Castle offers fuel — caffeinated, fried and adult. This Portland board game bar can appease palates of all ages.

Mox Boarding House

Transport yourself into a gaming experience that oozes opulence at Mox Boarding House, an expansive retail shop and restaurant in a self-described “Parisian-inspired” atmosphere. Pick from over 200 games to play while you nosh on a rotating menu with many dietary-friendly options and sip cocktails (including zero-proof options) at long, communal tables, or snag a private room rental for a unique, whimsical space for you and your pals. The elevated excursion at this Portland board game bar comes with a price point to match, but it’s a memorable outing worth dressing up for. Tip for newbies: Worried about parking? Use the nearby parking garage, accessed through Southwest Morrison Street between the Mox building and Providence Park, and ask a Mox employee to validate your slip for up to 90 minutes on the house.

Puddletown Games & Puzzles

Splashing onto the scene in the summer of 2021, Puddletown Games & Puzzles is already beloved in the Beaumont neighborhood and beyond. Enter the brick building to discover all that this charming Black- and veteran-owned spot has to offer. It’s the perfect place to peruse and play in a homey, inclusive setting featuring high ceilings, baroque rugs, friendly faces and amazing natural light. A great assortment of games like Pokémon cards, indie RPGs, lawn games and more can suit every need. Stay updated on weekly events via social media, such as Adult Casual Commander on Wednesdays, Board Games on Thursdays, and Magic: The Gathering for Teens on Fridays. With every inch of the shop preserved for precious inventory, don’t forget to BYO snacks — and perhaps consider bringing enough to share with all the new friends you’ll make!

Guardian Games

Last but not least, we’d be remiss to not mention Guardian Games, one of Portland’s largest retail stores and long-time favorites. Visitors, beware: With over 10,000 square feet (929 sq m) of space, be prepared to get lost in this enormous, well-kept space that feels like a warehouse filled with every goodie you could imagine. It even has a bar with rotating craft beers and snacks! Among its best features, Guardian Games stocks an extensive used game selection — good for the environment and your wallet — and a spectacular in-store display of locally created games like Dungeon Degenerates and Formation for the ultimate Portland souvenir. Stop by any night of the week for live events and to check out the 450+ game demo library.

Where to Find Flaky, Buttery, Sweet and Savory Pies in Portland

Portland loves its baked goods. And pie — that magical amalgamation of pastry stuffed with fruit or meat, baked to warm, flaky perfection — is no exception. Portland, a city known for its seasonal fruits and vegetables, is home to a number of pie cafes that feature Oregon produce between their crusts, from summer marionberry to fall apple. Dedicated to the best pies and pie shops, the map below serves some of Portland’s most exce...

Portland loves its baked goods. And pie — that magical amalgamation of pastry stuffed with fruit or meat, baked to warm, flaky perfection — is no exception. Portland, a city known for its seasonal fruits and vegetables, is home to a number of pie cafes that feature Oregon produce between their crusts, from summer marionberry to fall apple. Dedicated to the best pies and pie shops, the map below serves some of Portland’s most exceptional slices and whole pies; these include sweet pies filled with fruit, cream, and/or nuts, as well as savory pies that cram as much meat as possible between two golden crusts. Note that crumbles, tarts, and cakes (including cheesecake) may receive some sort of recognition, but only if the shop already nails its pie. For more pastries, feel free to peruse our bakery map.

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Originally a St. Johns pie cart, Paiku now serves its sweet, savory, and occasionally game-filled pies in a roomy cafe space in the North Portland neighborhood. Its rustic fruit pies, with flavors like apple and blueberry, consistently delight, but it’s really all about this cafe’s hard-to-find varieties, like the old school Italian Easter pie with Olympia Provisions ham and salami. The shop’s nut pies, like honey almond and chocolate walnut, are no slouch, either.

This quaint neighborhood coffee shop always offers a wide selection of pies, both by the slice and whole, all visible in a glass case by the cashier. Varieties include Oregon berry, butterscotch, and lemon cream, but the true standout is the key lime pie, with beautifully piped stars of whipped cream and slices of lime. All pies can also be ordered in advance.

Lined with chic subway tile, Kim Boyce’s iconic bakery is known for its whole grain pastry, and the fruit hand pies regularly available in the bakery often feature seasonal ingredients and whole grain flour, whether spelt or wheat. Slices are less common, but you can order individual hand pies and whole pies, like the fall-vibed brown butter apple hand pie, at the shop on the weekends.

Specializing in individual-sized pies, The Pie Spot’s tiny, cutesy cafe offers a fun alternative to the slice, in flavors like s’mores, brown butter pecan, and blueberry ginger. Plus, the restaurant offers killer pot pies, bacon jam hand pies, and quiches for lunchers. Gluten-free options are available, though the kitchen is not 100 percent gluten-free.

Making standout pies within Portland’s crowded gluten-free and vegan scene, owner Lisa Clark churns out flavors like marionberry hazelnut and apple crumb amid her charming cafe’s gleaming white countertops, wood beams, and exposed brick walls. Any given day, diners can pop in for slices of sour-cherry-peach or bumble berry peach pie, loaded with marionberries, raspberries, blueberries, and peaches with a layer of hazelnut and coconut, as well as seasonal slices. Those interested can also pre-order whole pies online.

Other than Lauretta Jean’s, Bipartisan Cafe is one of the most reliable spots for a mid-week slice with a range of options. Operating in Montavilla since 2005, Bipartisan serves a selection of handmade standbys like marionberry and chocolate silk in a space with classic Portland coffeeshop vibes. With slices and whole pies in vegan and gluten-free varieties, the bakery accommodates all, and will make custom pies based on customer preference. Orders are accepted by phone and in-person.

This casual, cheery Aussie-inspired café is a one-stop shop featuring both savory and sweet pies. After a hearty beef-and-mushroom pie or a curried vegetable pasty, pros know to finish with a slice of tangy whiskey-apple or a silky chocolate-peanut butter cream pie. Pacific Pie Company also offers frozen pies that you bake at home in a self-serve refrigerated case.

For those who rank, this homey spot is easily one of the city’s top three pie shops, if not Portland’s best: The crusts are always crisp and the fillings fresh. Lauretta Jean’s is a leader in both summery and holiday-vibed pies — the sweet potato marshmallow meringue screams Thanksgiving, while the coconut Key lime tastes like Fourth of July in Florida. Kate McMillen particularly shines with her cream pies, as well as the standout salted honey pie. Order pies by-the-slice or whole pies from the pie window on Division, or pre-order pies online.

Baker Julie Richardson built her reputation on fresh fruit hand pies sold at farmers markets back in 1998. Today, she makes seasonal pre-ordered whole pies (frozen or fully baked), tartlets, and hand pies at this Hillsdale bakery. Go-tos include the jammy tayberry hand-pies and the intricate pecan tart, though flavors rotate; for pre-ordered pies, customers can call in orders with 24 hours notice or order online.

This old school spot is known for its pies and desserts, with Oregon-centric flavors like marionberry and blueberry-gooseberry. For the holidays, the apple mincemeat pie and sweet potato pie are a long-standing tradition in many Portland homes, which folks can order via email or by calling.

This Tigard-area diner has been a neighborhood standby for a cup of coffee and a slice of fruit pie since the ’70s. Here, the strawberry pies are glistening domes of red, the cream pies — from peanut butter to banana — are luscious and nostalgic, and the mixed berry pie is encased in a golden, toasty crust. The real move is to start with the restaurant’s chicken pot pie, the platonic idea of comfort food.

Originally a St. Johns pie cart, Paiku now serves its sweet, savory, and occasionally game-filled pies in a roomy cafe space in the North Portland neighborhood. Its rustic fruit pies, with flavors like apple and blueberry, consistently delight, but it’s really all about this cafe’s hard-to-find varieties, like the old school Italian Easter pie with Olympia Provisions ham and salami. The shop’s nut pies, like honey almond and chocolate walnut, are no slouch, either.

This quaint neighborhood coffee shop always offers a wide selection of pies, both by the slice and whole, all visible in a glass case by the cashier. Varieties include Oregon berry, butterscotch, and lemon cream, but the true standout is the key lime pie, with beautifully piped stars of whipped cream and slices of lime. All pies can also be ordered in advance.

Lined with chic subway tile, Kim Boyce’s iconic bakery is known for its whole grain pastry, and the fruit hand pies regularly available in the bakery often feature seasonal ingredients and whole grain flour, whether spelt or wheat. Slices are less common, but you can order individual hand pies and whole pies, like the fall-vibed brown butter apple hand pie, at the shop on the weekends.

Specializing in individual-sized pies, The Pie Spot’s tiny, cutesy cafe offers a fun alternative to the slice, in flavors like s’mores, brown butter pecan, and blueberry ginger. Plus, the restaurant offers killer pot pies, bacon jam hand pies, and quiches for lunchers. Gluten-free options are available, though the kitchen is not 100 percent gluten-free.

Making standout pies within Portland’s crowded gluten-free and vegan scene, owner Lisa Clark churns out flavors like marionberry hazelnut and apple crumb amid her charming cafe’s gleaming white countertops, wood beams, and exposed brick walls. Any given day, diners can pop in for slices of sour-cherry-peach or bumble berry peach pie, loaded with marionberries, raspberries, blueberries, and peaches with a layer of hazelnut and coconut, as well as seasonal slices. Those interested can also pre-order whole pies online.

Other than Lauretta Jean’s, Bipartisan Cafe is one of the most reliable spots for a mid-week slice with a range of options. Operating in Montavilla since 2005, Bipartisan serves a selection of handmade standbys like marionberry and chocolate silk in a space with classic Portland coffeeshop vibes. With slices and whole pies in vegan and gluten-free varieties, the bakery accommodates all, and will make custom pies based on customer preference. Orders are accepted by phone and in-person.

This casual, cheery Aussie-inspired café is a one-stop shop featuring both savory and sweet pies. After a hearty beef-and-mushroom pie or a curried vegetable pasty, pros know to finish with a slice of tangy whiskey-apple or a silky chocolate-peanut butter cream pie. Pacific Pie Company also offers frozen pies that you bake at home in a self-serve refrigerated case.

For those who rank, this homey spot is easily one of the city’s top three pie shops, if not Portland’s best: The crusts are always crisp and the fillings fresh. Lauretta Jean’s is a leader in both summery and holiday-vibed pies — the sweet potato marshmallow meringue screams Thanksgiving, while the coconut Key lime tastes like Fourth of July in Florida. Kate McMillen particularly shines with her cream pies, as well as the standout salted honey pie. Order pies by-the-slice or whole pies from the pie window on Division, or pre-order pies online.

Baker Julie Richardson built her reputation on fresh fruit hand pies sold at farmers markets back in 1998. Today, she makes seasonal pre-ordered whole pies (frozen or fully baked), tartlets, and hand pies at this Hillsdale bakery. Go-tos include the jammy tayberry hand-pies and the intricate pecan tart, though flavors rotate; for pre-ordered pies, customers can call in orders with 24 hours notice or order online.

This old school spot is known for its pies and desserts, with Oregon-centric flavors like marionberry and blueberry-gooseberry. For the holidays, the apple mincemeat pie and sweet potato pie are a long-standing tradition in many Portland homes, which folks can order via email or by calling.

This Tigard-area diner has been a neighborhood standby for a cup of coffee and a slice of fruit pie since the ’70s. Here, the strawberry pies are glistening domes of red, the cream pies — from peanut butter to banana — are luscious and nostalgic, and the mixed berry pie is encased in a golden, toasty crust. The real move is to start with the restaurant’s chicken pot pie, the platonic idea of comfort food.

1,800 Providence nurses on strike in Portland and Seaside

Providence confirms it’s pulling part of its offer in response to the strike As of 5 a.m. Monday, more than 1,300 nurses from Providence Portland Medical Center have gone on strike. Another several hundred nurses from Providence Seaside on the Oregon Coast, and a home health and hospice unit run by the Providence Health System joined them at 7 a.m.Some nurses were asked to leave the Portland hospital at 4:30 a.m., according to the ...

Providence confirms it’s pulling part of its offer in response to the strike

As of 5 a.m. Monday, more than 1,300 nurses from Providence Portland Medical Center have gone on strike. Another several hundred nurses from Providence Seaside on the Oregon Coast, and a home health and hospice unit run by the Providence Health System joined them at 7 a.m.

Some nurses were asked to leave the Portland hospital at 4:30 a.m., according to the nurses union’s Twitter account. Just after 7 a.m., about 100 nurses stood in front of the hospital holding signs and cheering in response to supportive honks from morning commuters.

Maternity nurse Erin Anderson held a Taylor Swift-inspired sign that said “Providence, now we’ve got bad blood.”

“I’m on the picket line because I think we’re very undervalued and the hospital just does not respect us enough to give us a good and fair contract for how much we’ve sacrificed in the past couple years,” Anderson said.

Another sign read, “I’d rather be nursing, but this is important.” And a third: “Do better, Providence.”

Nurses on the picket line Monday morning complained that the hospital has put profits ahead of both its patients and its staff. They told OPB they have to work with subpar equipment and that they don’t have enough sick leave and aren’t fairly paid.

Some also said they worried Providence intended to punish nurses for going on strike.

An email sent to nurses on June 8 and signed by Providence Portland’s chief nursing officer, Lori Green, states that the last offer made to nurses during bargaining was contingent on there being no work stoppage and on the contract being ratified by June 30.

“We were very clear in our communications to ONA that our economic proposals following a work stoppage will be very different and not nearly as lucrative as the package they walked away from,” reads the email, which was shared with OPB by two sources. ONA is the Oregon Nurses Association, the union representing Providence’s striking staff.

Nurses on the picket line told OPB they were worried Providence was willing to “crush” nurses to prove that strikes aren’t effective at improving working conditions and wages.

Late Monday, Providence spokesman Gary Walker confirmed that Green’s email was accurate.

Walker said three elements of Providence’s final offer were contingent on nurses not striking: retroactive pay, a ratification bonus of $2,500, and 30 additional hours of paid time off.

“The union was informed on repeated occasions that these contingent offers would no longer be available if the union chose to strike,” Walker said. “Providence Seaside Hospital and Providence Home Health and Providence Hospice also made similar offers contingent on ONA not striking.”

Jennifer Gentry, Providence’s chief nursing officer for the division that includes Oregon,said during a press conference on Monday that Providence supports its nurses’ right to strike. She said she did not know how much the five day strike is costing Providence.

Negotiations between the nurses, who are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association, and Providence, one of the state’s largest health systems, broke down in early June. When nurses declared their intention to strike earlier this month, Providence leaders canceled additional negotiating sessions and pivoted to preparing to run their services during the strike.

“We have focused, as I think is appropriate, on ensuring that we can continue to provide safe patient care while our nurses take care of that business,” Gentry said.

Providence Portland Medical Center had been able to reach its target census of about 300 patients on Monday, a 25% reduction from normal, according to Gentry. She said that after a brief transition period Monday morning when ambulances were diverted elsewhere the hospital was able to start accepting new patients in the emergency department again. Providence has hired temporary nurses to fill in while staff nurses are on strike this week.

“I hope they find what they need. I wish I could help them,” said Levi Cole, an ICU nurse picketing Monday morning. Cole, a 20-year veteran of Providence, said he feels no ill will toward the temporary nurses who have come from across the country to keep the hospital operating during the strike.

Cole joined the picket line at 5:30 a.m. dressed in a nun’s habit. He said he cast his vote to authorize a strike but never imagined it would happen.

“I didn’t think the hospital would hold its ground the way it did.” Cole said “I thought negotiations would lead us away from this. I really did.”

Cole, who worked last week, said the ICU had been emptied out in preparation for the strike. He said he felt sorry for the patients and his immediate supervisors, who were working inside the hospital on the other side of the picket line.

“This has a real effect on a lot of people in the community, and it’s not making us happy to have to do this,” he said.

Nurses at Providence Portland, Cole said, are asking to be brought up to the same level of pay, paid time off and benefits that their colleagues receive at other major medical centers in town.

In the days leading up to the strike, staff nurses – more than 90% of whom voted to strike – said they wanted respect, improved compensation and better working conditions.

More than 1,300 nurses from Providence Portland, 120 from Providence Seaside and about 400 home health and hospice nurses and other workers are on strike together. Each group has a separate work contract and distinct issues they are most focused on.

Providence reported that its latest offer to the nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center included an average wage increase of 12% in the first year of the contract, followed by 3% raises in the two following years, and an additional 10 hours of paid time off per year of the three-year contract.

The Oregon Nurses Association disputes some of these points. Members of the bargaining team say they are seeking a two-year contract instead of a three-year contract, a shift that would allow nurses at Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent, the health systems’ two largest hospitals in the area, to bargain at the same time. They are also pushing for double pay for nurses who pick up shifts to help with short staffing, which they say would cost the hospital less than paying for travel nurses.

The union is also pushing for more paid time off than Providence has offered. That’s a personal priority for many nurses who are unhappy with a short-term disability insurance program that they now must use to access extended sick leave.

Providence says its last offer included up to eight weeks of fully paid disability leave.

New full-time nurses receive five weeks of paid time off each year, according to Walker, while full-time nurses with more experience receive more than seven weeks of paid time off per year. That PTO is though a single bank of hours for holidays, vacation and sick days.

But several parts of the last contract offer are off the table now that the nurses have chosen to strike, a Providence spokesperson said.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley was out supporting the Portland nurses on Monday morning. His wife is a hospice nurse who has joined the strike.

Merkley said that he has seen, through his wife’s experience, how nurses’ frustration has reached a boiling point, first, as a wave of retiring baby boomers led to short staffing, and then as nurses cared for the sick and dying during the pandemic, often at personal risk, and with inadequate support from Providence.

“It takes an awful lot for nurses to strike. It really shows how strongly they feel that Providence has gone off track,” Merkley said. “Rather than complaining about paying travel nurses so much, why don’t we treat the people that we have better so that they want to stay with us?”

A disagreement over productivity targets is the most significant obstacle in the contract negotiations for the Providence Home Health and Hospice nurses, according to the union. Pay inequity between nurses working at the coast compared to their metro-area counterparts and disparities between earnings for hospital nurses and clinic nurses are critical sticking points for the Seaside nurses.

The nurses association urged patients to continue to seek medical care at Providence in a statement released Sunday night.

“Going into the hospital to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line,” the statement reads.

The two affected hospitals will continue to accept emergency patients. The strike is expected to last five days.

Second landslide extends Amtrak pause between Portland and Seattle

Train service was supposed to resume Thursday after being halted by a landslide Tuesday, but Amtrak reported the second landslide Thursday morning.PORTLAND, Ore. — Amtrak has extended a pause on train service between Portland and Seattle through Saturday morning due to a second landslide along the route between the two cities. Alternative transportation will continue to be provided for passengers, according to a message on the Amtrak Cascades website....

Train service was supposed to resume Thursday after being halted by a landslide Tuesday, but Amtrak reported the second landslide Thursday morning.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Amtrak has extended a pause on train service between Portland and Seattle through Saturday morning due to a second landslide along the route between the two cities. Alternative transportation will continue to be provided for passengers, according to a message on the Amtrak Cascades website.

Train service was suspended following an initial landslide on Tuesday and was scheduled to resume Thursday, but Amtrak Cascades reported the second landslide on its website Thursday morning and said train service would instead resume Friday. Subsequent tweets from the Amtrak Alerts account pushed the resumption of service back to Saturday.

The closure impacts Amtrak Cascades and Amtrak Coast Starlight trains. Trains between Portland and Eugene and between Seattle and Vancouver, BC are still operating normally. Riders with booked tickets can modify their trips on the Amtrak app, Amtrak.com or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Cancellation fees will be waived, Amtrak said.

As of 12:42 PM PT: Amtrak Service Temporarily Disrupted Between Seattle and Portland. pic.twitter.com/7Yik4aj2r1

— Amtrak Alerts (@AmtrakAlerts) December 7, 2023

Most of the Portland-to-Seattle section of both lines runs on track owned by BNSF Railway. According to BNSF, the first slide happened about 6 miles north of Vancouver, stopping traffic around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Freight trains began moving through the area again later in the day, but Amtrak said BNSF put a longer passenger train moratorium in place. BNSF said Thursday that the extended closure is due to mud and debris in the same location as the first landslide.

Amtrak and BNSF have not specified a cause for either landslide, but the news comes amid around of heavy rain in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington caused by a series of atmospheric rivers hitting the region. A Flood Watch was in effect for most of the area through Wednesday night.

Portland officials warned residents to prepare for possible flood impacts, and localized flooding on roadways along the Oregon coast prompted the Tillamook and Seaside school districts to cancel classes Tuesday. Sections of U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 6 near those two cities were closed Tuesday morning due to flooding. Several counties in western Washington were also warned to prepare for possible flood impacts.

Where to Find Serious Greek Food in Portland and Beyond

Let’s face it: While we have an incredible culinary scene, Portland isn’t known for its Greek food. Compared to cities like New York or Chicago, Portland’s Greek population is minuscule; Portland proper is home to very few restaurants and markets that actually identify as Greek, more often labeling themselves as “Mediterranean.” However, the Greek establishments we have are stunners — spots wrappi...

Let’s face it: While we have an incredible culinary scene, Portland isn’t known for its Greek food. Compared to cities like New York or Chicago, Portland’s Greek population is minuscule; Portland proper is home to very few restaurants and markets that actually identify as Greek, more often labeling themselves as “Mediterranean.” However, the Greek establishments we have are stunners — spots wrapping their own dolmas, slicing juicy gyro from the spit, and setting slabs of cheese on fire for saganaki. In this map, we’re celebrating the city’s specifically Greek restaurants and food carts, as well as a few outliers outside Portland proper. Note that this map is specifically focused on Greek restaurants, as opposed to Lebanese or broader Mediterranean restaurants; for other dishes from around the Mediterranean, check out our hummus map and Italian map.

Note: Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

A relative newcomer to Vancouver’s Hazel Dell neighborhood, Patras Gyros is already a local favorite. Whether served on fries, in a gyro, or as part of a platter, Patras Gyros does not skimp on the meat; however, if one really wants to up their protein intake, an extra pound of gyro lamb is also available for $14. The sauces are all house-made and the fries are beautifully golden and crispy.

This family-owned Vancouver drive-thru — now with an outdoor seating area — has developed a cult following for its flavorful gyros, stuffed with produce and feta. The meat comes thinly sliced, and the fresh lettuce and tomatoes add a great crunch to counterbalance the soft, fluffy pita. If you like spice, don’t skip out on the house-made hot sauce.

Eleni’s Philoxenia has served flaming saganaki and racks of New Zealand lamb in Northwest Portland for more than two decades, specifically focusing on organic produce and hormone-free meats. While dinner is always a fun affair at Eleni’s, the restaurant’s happy hour is the real draw, complete with a satisfyingly salty, Cognac-flamed Kefalograviera cheese and a delicate, sweet-and-salty feta phyllo.

This downtown Greek restaurant sits near the waterfront in a small, bright space, though Angelina’s also has a strong cart presence at the Portland Saturday Market downtown. The Bomb.com gyro, wrapped in handmade pita, comes stuffed with a generous portion of seasoned meats — the beef and lamb combo is the move — as well as tangy tzatziki and various vegetables. For those seeking something more vegetarian friendly, Angelina’s falafel is distinct from others found around town, toasted in a waffle iron to give it a mini waffle look.

This neighborhood stalwart is known for its longevity as much as it’s know for its gyros: Established in 1977, the Burnside deli remains family-owned and run. Mad Greek’s approach to the cuisine blends the traditional — moussaka, gyro, souvlaki — with more free-wheeling dishes, like the restaurant’s feta-topped pondo tots and buffalo calamari. Interestingly, in 2014, it held a challenge where a Nebraskan woman consumed a 12-pound sandwich, one pound of fries, and a large soda in 54 minutes.

Located downtown on Southwest 2nd, this bright yellow food cart specializes in gyro and falafel, either wrapped in fluffy pita or served as a platter. The lamb gyro is a reasonably priced, popular item, covered in light and flavorful tzatziki. The cart’s baba ghanoush’s blends grilled eggplant, greek yogurt, and tahini for a nice accompaniment to anything on the menu.

This Southeast walk-up counter restaurant is the creation of the Lardo team, helmed by chef Rick Gencarelli, specializing in wood-fired souvlaki and various spreads. The hummus is a visually gorgeous dish, incredibly creamy and topped with vibrant flavorful zhug. The grilled pita, made daily in-house, and the juicy lamb souvlaki are hard to resist. Bluto’s also serves chocolate and vanilla soft serve yogurt with a tahini magic shell.

Located in Milwaukee, this bright red food cart is easy to spot and is consistently open, hawking not only gyro but also salads, dolmas, and Greek fries. The cart’s lamb is full of flavor, served in chunks instead of the typical slice; it’s available wrapped in a pita with vegetables and tzatziki or in a salad. For those interested in dessert, the baklava should not be missed.

A relative newcomer to Vancouver’s Hazel Dell neighborhood, Patras Gyros is already a local favorite. Whether served on fries, in a gyro, or as part of a platter, Patras Gyros does not skimp on the meat; however, if one really wants to up their protein intake, an extra pound of gyro lamb is also available for $14. The sauces are all house-made and the fries are beautifully golden and crispy.

This family-owned Vancouver drive-thru — now with an outdoor seating area — has developed a cult following for its flavorful gyros, stuffed with produce and feta. The meat comes thinly sliced, and the fresh lettuce and tomatoes add a great crunch to counterbalance the soft, fluffy pita. If you like spice, don’t skip out on the house-made hot sauce.

Eleni’s Philoxenia has served flaming saganaki and racks of New Zealand lamb in Northwest Portland for more than two decades, specifically focusing on organic produce and hormone-free meats. While dinner is always a fun affair at Eleni’s, the restaurant’s happy hour is the real draw, complete with a satisfyingly salty, Cognac-flamed Kefalograviera cheese and a delicate, sweet-and-salty feta phyllo.

This downtown Greek restaurant sits near the waterfront in a small, bright space, though Angelina’s also has a strong cart presence at the Portland Saturday Market downtown. The Bomb.com gyro, wrapped in handmade pita, comes stuffed with a generous portion of seasoned meats — the beef and lamb combo is the move — as well as tangy tzatziki and various vegetables. For those seeking something more vegetarian friendly, Angelina’s falafel is distinct from others found around town, toasted in a waffle iron to give it a mini waffle look.

This neighborhood stalwart is known for its longevity as much as it’s know for its gyros: Established in 1977, the Burnside deli remains family-owned and run. Mad Greek’s approach to the cuisine blends the traditional — moussaka, gyro, souvlaki — with more free-wheeling dishes, like the restaurant’s feta-topped pondo tots and buffalo calamari. Interestingly, in 2014, it held a challenge where a Nebraskan woman consumed a 12-pound sandwich, one pound of fries, and a large soda in 54 minutes.

Located downtown on Southwest 2nd, this bright yellow food cart specializes in gyro and falafel, either wrapped in fluffy pita or served as a platter. The lamb gyro is a reasonably priced, popular item, covered in light and flavorful tzatziki. The cart’s baba ghanoush’s blends grilled eggplant, greek yogurt, and tahini for a nice accompaniment to anything on the menu.

This Southeast walk-up counter restaurant is the creation of the Lardo team, helmed by chef Rick Gencarelli, specializing in wood-fired souvlaki and various spreads. The hummus is a visually gorgeous dish, incredibly creamy and topped with vibrant flavorful zhug. The grilled pita, made daily in-house, and the juicy lamb souvlaki are hard to resist. Bluto’s also serves chocolate and vanilla soft serve yogurt with a tahini magic shell.

Located in Milwaukee, this bright red food cart is easy to spot and is consistently open, hawking not only gyro but also salads, dolmas, and Greek fries. The cart’s lamb is full of flavor, served in chunks instead of the typical slice; it’s available wrapped in a pita with vegetables and tzatziki or in a salad. For those interested in dessert, the baklava should not be missed.

Flood watch issued as heavy rain targets western Oregon, Washington

A Flood Watch is in effect for areas west of the Cascades through late Wednesday night.PORTLAND, Ore. — A Flood Watch is in effect for most of western Oregon and Washington due to an ...

A Flood Watch is in effect for areas west of the Cascades through late Wednesday night.

PORTLAND, Ore. — A Flood Watch is in effect for most of western Oregon and Washington due to an atmospheric river that is expected to bring heavy rainfall to much of the region.

The Flood Watch will remain in effect through late Wednesday night.

The National Weather Service said flooding is possible Tuesday through Wednesday due to another round of heavy rain Monday night and Tuesday.

"PDX has picked up nearly 2.5 inches of rain since Thursday night, and it's possible we pick up another 2 to 2.5 inches by Wednesday night," said KGW Meteorologist Chris McGinness. "With recent snow, and now very high snow levels over 8,000 feet, melting snow and additional heavy rain are a concern for smaller rivers and tributaries."

Where could we see flooding?

All locations at risk of flooding are west of the Cascades. The National Weather Service posted a chart showing the flood chances at several area rivers. The National Weather Service tracks 203 gauges around the area.

Get the latest river levels around Oregon and Washington here

Credit: National Weather Service

What are the possible impacts?

Flooding is possible along some rivers and creeks as well as flood-prone roads and trails, the National Weather Service said. Snowmelt will also add runoff for rivers in the Cascades.

On Monday, a spokesperson for Portland Fire and Rescue urged people to stay away from local rivers over the next few days.

Credit: Nick Beber, KGW

RELATED: Crews searching for person in water at Johnson Creek

The Portland Bureau of Transportation said workers cleared storm drains around the city during the weekend. With rain also bringing risks of landslides, crews on Monday were checking locations in the West Hills for potential landslides to see if "there's anything that could warrant some preventive maintenance."

With the forecast of additional rain on already soaked soil, we are mindful of the risk of landslides. We’re checking locations in the West Hills for potential landslides to see if there’s anything that could warrant some preventive maintenance. https://t.co/LNOHQMf97Y

— Portland Bureau of Transportation (@PBOTinfo) December 4, 2023

What's an atmospheric river?

Atmospheric river is a newer name for a weather pattern in the Pacific Northwest also known as the Pineapple Express. They are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport moist air from the tropics to higher latitudes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The plumes of precipitable moisture are often formed in areas just north of Hawaii and channel directly into the Pacific Northwest. They often release water vapor in the form of heavy rainfall and high snow levels. Atmospheric rivers can result in flash flooding and mudslides.

The difference between a flood warning and a watch?

The National Weather Service issues an advisory, warning or watch based on the severity of the event. The Flood Watch in effect now goes through Wednesday afternoon.

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