I was going to call this post in-food-mation. But it just doesn't have that special ring to it.

Save the Delicatessen

Journalist and author David Sax is concerned with the future of the Jewish delicatessen and what the worldwide decline in the deli means for the future of cured meat and sandwich artistry. His book Save the Deli is not only a call to action, but also a travelogue and meditation of the deli and deli lovers. During his journeys across the world, Sax found our own beloved deli Kenny and Zukes and was smitten.

Sax will be at K&Z tonight at 6 pm for a reading/talk/deli rally of sorts that will include drink and, of course, bagels and pastrami. $15 will get you in the door. Copies of Sax's book will be available for purchase.

North Portland: Lucky

According to the Urban Works Real Estate blog, a new Lucky Lab pub will be opening in the old Roux location at 1700 N Killingsworth. Lucky North Portland residents will be able to have a pint of Lucky Lab's fine brews beginning sometime in March.

Carlyle: Closing

Once (and still for a time) boasting one of the best happy hour burgers in Portland, Carlyle restaurant [1632 NW Thurman] will be closing its doors on February 14th. Until then, customers are encouraged to stop in and dine from a recently updated menu, or stop in for a special end-of-an-era-esque prix fix menu on the 13th and 14th. Also, any former employees of Carlyle are specifically being asked to come by and have a farewell drink at the place on Valentine's night (10 pm).

Meat Raffle!!

If you're not a Midwesterner then you may not know that meat raffles are a common charity event in the “flyover” states. I'd gotten word that our own Midwest darlings at Saraveza [1004 N Killingsworth] were holding a meat raffle during the Superbowl to benefit Ethos Music Center, but I had not understood the extent of the thing until I received an e-mail detailing the donations, which include goodies from Laurelhurst Market, and meat purveyor Nicky USA, along with beer schwag, and this:

MEAT TICKETS:
3 — 1 lb. packages of Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Sliced Bacon
3 — 12 oz. packages of the new Nueske’s Wild Cherrywood Smoked Uncured Sliced Bacon
2 — 1 lb. packages Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Natural Casing Wieners
2 — 1 lb. packages Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Natural Casing Cheddar Brats
2 — 1 lb. packages Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Pork Chops (2 chops per pkg)

VEGGIE TICKETS:
2 — Nueske’s Stainless Steel 5-Piece BBQ Sets with Stainless Cases
2 — Nueske’s Aprons & 4 Nueske's Hats

Yowza! Tickets are on-sale until the drawing: 1 for $1, 6 for $5, or the bargain at 15 for $10.