Marukin Ramen Opens Its First Portland Outpost in Southeast

Tokyo-based ramen chain Marukin will officially open the doors to its first Portland outpost on March 18, but you can already get a taste of its thick, creamy chicken-based broth, with noodles and stocks made in-house at 609 SE Ankeny St (right next door to the Southeast location of Nong’s Khao Man Gai). And there's more on the way: Eat Beat broke the news of Marukin’s arrival stateside last year, when the much-loved noodle operators announced their second location (set to open May 2016) inside the upcoming Pine Street Market.

Hop Dog Shuts Its Doors 

According to EaterPDX, Blue Star Donuts owners Micah Camden and Katie Poppe have closed their hot dog eatery, Hop Dog, for good. We stopped in last year, only to find soggy, glorified ballpark franks during a time when Portland’s artisan hot dog movement was waning. Weenie lovers fret not: there are rumblings of a hot dog cart revival slated for summer 2016.

Aaron Adams’ Farm Spirit Makes Room for More Diners 

There's something special about eating at the chef’s counter … unless it’s the only seating, and it only happens once a night. Starting April 6, Farm Spirit will offer multiple seating times starting from 5:15pm until 8:30pm. The crew has also put together an exclusively natural wine list, offering pairings for each modernist, plant-based course at $65. Reservations are still required 24 hours in advance of dining, but keep your eye on social media and email notifications for last-minute spots.

Jolie Laide Pop-Up Moves into B&T Oyster Bar

Vince Nguyen (an alum of San Francisco’s celebrated COI and Portland's Castagna) is making a permanent spot for himself at the chef’s counter at B&T Oyster Bar on Sunday and Monday nights. The vegetable-focused modernist will launch with two dinner seatings at 5:30pm and 8:30pm with wine pairings by sommelier, Salvador Perdomo. Long, six-course Sunday lunches will be served weekly at 1pm.