I'm calling bullshit. I think the problem food businesses were having was NOT opening during the storm. The smart ones (crema, ole ole, beulaland, etc) have been packed to the hilt with people. Sometimes busier than I have seen them at any given time. Portland peeps are adventurous for the most part. Places like The Montage would be popping off if they were open the last few days.

Everything you just listed is within a five minute walk of one another in the delicious and crunchy hotbed of my neighborhood.

But it's not necessarily indicative of the environment everywhere in Portland and for small businesses, just the particular intersection of gentrification & foodie love around 28th...

I've noticed that Staccato Gelato has been closing early lately!

lastfewdays, you're citing bars and bakeries, who do usually well if not better in economically struggling times. I think Patrick is shouting it out for restaurants. Places that might serve you more than snacks and pastries (not that these are to be knocked, it's just different than a place trying to keep a multi-course menu going.)I selll food to restaurants and what I hear right now for lots of places is struggle. We talk a lot of love of the local, but i agree with Patrick that if we don't throw some support to all those lovely small restaurants they will close.

Again I would also second calling ahead, trying to show up ten minutes before a place closes for late night vittles will likely leave you a. out in the cold b. unfed. Many places are closing early because cooks have to get home in this crap too.

All of this just reminds me: why isn't the Holgate Station ever open on Sundays, anyway? Not that they've been open much at all, lately.

I guess I am just using The Montage as an example. I bet they would have seen some impressive numbers had they been open for biz. Montage (like it or not) is a staple of Portland. Thats where you take people that are visiting Portland (especially, during the holidays). True, the smaller restaurants need some love for sure, but if you are in any kinda financial struggle, the last thing you should be doing is closing. I own a food establishment and you just have to make shit happen, even when it's snowing.

I'll second the calling bullshit. I've noticed that eateries fall into two groups when it snows like this: very busy or closed. It probably helps if the eatery is within walking distance though.

Lastfewdays, when you have guests to Portland the first thing you do is take them to a restaurant that is trying to be a taste of Louisianna?

I haven't been able to find anywhere open in the Pearl for three days now. I'm sick to death of eating my own cooking at home. I'd love to support local eateries if I could find one open.

Was at Good Neighbor Pizza on NE Dekum Monday night - split a calzone and a Caesar salad with my wife, and we both had drinks.