Katherine Chew Hamilton is a former food editor at Portland Monthly.

Water Watch

Cyanobacteria Spreads across the Willamette River and Sauvie Island as Temperatures Spike

It looks like algae, but it’s not. Swimming is banned for people and pets, according to the Oregon Health Authority, just as Portlanders need to cool off.

08/16/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

The Best (and Worst) Kombucha, Local and Not

We pitted local brands like Camellia Grove, Humm, and Brew Dr. against nationwide giant GT’s.

08/15/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Heat Wave

It’s Hot AF in Portland This Week. Will We Break All-Time Records?

Temperatures are forecasted for 100–108 degrees for three consecutive days.

08/15/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Wildlife Watch

This Week in Cougars, Raccoons, and Wolves in Oregon

Cougars, raccoons, and wolves, oh my. Residents are confronting a new normal with carnivorous wildlife in Portland and on the coast.

08/09/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Uh-Oh

The End of Pickathon? Festival’s Permit Expires This Year

The music festival’s fate sits in the hands of a volunteer committee in Happy Valley. Will its permit be renewed?

08/04/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Food & Music

What Food Do You Pair with Esperanza Spalding? Elliott Smith? Aminé?

Pickathon's Curation series partners musicians and chefs on the precipice of stardom for a dreamy fan experience.

08/01/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Taste Test

PoMo Taste Test: The Best (and Worst) Hot Sauces

We compared eight Oregon-made hot sauces, including classics like Secret Aardvark and newcomers including Hab Sauce and Newks. Which one belongs in your fridge?

08/01/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Cycling

Get Naked: Pedalpalooza’s Essential August Rides

The bike festival’s most famous ride, the World Naked Bike Ride, is back, plus four other recommended rides featuring lizards, gravel, freeway history, and ice cream.

08/01/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Food News

Eats This Week: Say Goodbye to La Moule, and Hello to Giant Quesadillas

Visit La Moule and Yui before they shutter, and catch giant quesadillas and towering hamburguesas from two new pop-ups.

07/28/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Live Your Dream

Malibu Barbie Comes to Portland: Where to Eat and Drink Pink

While some Portlanders are indifferent about the Barbie movie, these businesses are going all-in with pink food, drinks, and parties.

07/21/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Wildlife Watch

This Week in Unusual Oregon Cougar Sightings

Big cat sightings continue at Nehalem Bay State Park, and one was spotted for the first time ever on Haystack Rock.

07/20/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Crisps

Taste Test: Best (and Worst) Tim’s Potato Chips

We compared 7 flavors, from original to Sasquatch Surprise, to choose the chips to stock in your pantry.

07/18/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Fridge Necessities

Taste Test: Best (and Worst) Mustards, Local and Not

We compared five Oregon-made mustards to a national brand. Which one belongs in your fridge?

07/11/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Yum

What’s a Botanical Bakeshop? Visit Portland’s Newest

The crowdfunded shop, featuring Filipino-inspired baked goods and houseplants, opens in Woodstock, one of just two Filipino bakeries in the city.

07/07/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Eat This Now

Which of Portland's 10 Best Hot Dogs Is for You?

Whether you want a classic hot dog, a late-night bar dog, a fusion creation, or a vegan wiener, we found the best Portland has to offer.

07/07/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton and Nick Campigli

Summer Eats

Taste Test: Best (and Worst) Hot Dogs for Grilling—Local and Not

Oh, snap. We compared five Oregon-made hot dogs to a national brand. Which should you buy?

07/05/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Java

What to Order at the New Location of Our Favorite Coffee Shop

Wild drinks fill the menu at Less and More: beet lattes, toasted soybean powder lattes, pour-overs with strawberry notes, and pineapple-coconut espresso tonics.

06/29/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton