Only in Portland does our Mayor address diners at a sushi restaurant's pre-opening.

To be fair, Bamboo Sushi does represent a gold standard of sustainable business. As ethically iffy as seafood can be, Bamboo makes a point to run their ship "with the greatest consciousness to marine stewardship." They avoid using fish that is on the "avoid" lists kept by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Blue Ocean Institute, and are the first American sushi joint to earn a "Certified Green Restaurant" title.

Also, they make really, really good food. Highlights of the media preview tasting included tuna prosciutto, hamachi crème brûlée, scorched mackerel, and... well, everything they do with fish ends up pretty damn tasty. Their new space is gorgeous, with (environmentally-friendly) low lighting, rescued old-growth wood detailing, and a sushi bar that's set low to encourage maximum interaction with your skilled chefs. And as of this evening, they're serving up great fish on both sides of the river—they open for dinner this evening at 836 NW 23rd Ave, about four years after opening their first location at 310 S.E. 28th Ave.

And yes, Sam Adams likes them. At least enough to give a quick speech before a complimentary meal.

Sashimi of Tasmanian Ocean Trout, Yellowfin Tuna Tataki and Truffled Striped Bass
  • Clare Gordon
  • Sashimi of Tasmanian Ocean Trout, Yellowfin Tuna Tataki and Truffled Striped Bass