Fifty Licks to open in early April 

Eat Beat broke the news last year that Portland’s best alt-ice cream shop (relative to Salt & Straw) would open a second location on East Burnside, right across from the Laurelhurst Theater. Owner Chad Draizin aimed to open in August, but a series of permitting issues set him back through winter. Draizin tells Eat Beat that the second Fifty Licks will now open in early April. Caramelized honey ice cream and sorbet cocktails, here we come. 

Executive chef Eli Dahlin leaving Dame

Eat Beat has learned that former Seattle chef Eli Dahlin (Walrus and the Carpenter, Damn the Weather) is leaving his short-lived post as Dame's executive chef. Dahlin brought a light touch and seafood-focused palate to the budding natural wine restaurant. He is replaced by Dame sous chef Tyler Jaskey (formerly a sous chef at Dudley Market in LA). 

Jenn Louis to close Lincoln, reopen as Ray

EaterPDX was the first to report that Louis will close her almost decade-old eatery on March 18. (Her other restaurant, Sunshine Tavern, was sold late last year). In its place, Louis will open Ray, an on-trend Israeli restaurant that celebrates the country's "diverse cultures and culinary traditions with a modern, seasonal menu imbued with a straight-forward, full-flavored style."

Sunset Fried Chicken to close 

Sunset Fried Chicken, the Seattle-based fried chicken sandwich concept inside Southeast Hawthorne’s Rachel’s Ginger Beer, will close at the end of April. RGB’s Rachel Marshall tells Eat Beat that she is currently in talks with local chefs for a Portland-born replacement. 

Afuri Ramen to open second location in Old Town 

The Mercury reports that Afuri Ramen, one of Tokyo’s hottest ramen imports, has (unconfirmed) plans for a second location at 50 SW 3rd Ave, inside the former Captain Ankeny’s Well space. Here’s hoping for more yuzu shio broth.

Wares now open inside the Zipper

After a teary goodbye in September 2016, Johanna Ware's Smallwares is officially reborn inside the Zipper micro-restaurant complex (2713 NE Sandy Blvd). The scaled-down menu has a handful of bowls, like chicken ramen and kimchi stew, snacks, like fried kale with fish sauce, and specials, including a salmon ceviche with aji amarillo, lychee, and pink peppercorns. The new spot, simply called Wares, is open 11 a.m.–midnight Tuesday–Sunday, with brunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The full menu is online right here.

Chongqing Huo Guo closes for good

Portland Monthly Chinese hot pot favorite Chongquing Huo Guo has closed for good, according to EaterPDX. “The lights are out; the booths are in disarray; and the counter has been dismantled.” We’ll miss the fragrant, flu-fighting steam treatments at this SE 82^nd Avenue gem.