New pub The Stranded is serving up the popular Chinese staple xiaomian this winter, partnering with Kingly Court success story Liu Xiaomian, who has been serving these steamy bowls of spicy noodle soup since 2017. The Stranded, surprise surprise, on the Strand, is hosting Liu Xiaomian in a pop-up space at the back of this roomy taphouse. They specialise in frothy milko' Czech beer served in hefty mugs.
But one area where the city is less developed is barbecue, not in quality so much as quantity: The places we have tend to be excellent, but number few. So, when news arrived this summer that Austin's La Barbecue was opening a Portland offshoot, there was plenty of excitement. Originally planned as a brick-and-mortar, Lil' Barbecue instead landed this October at Woodlawn cocktail bar Tough Luck. Seven days a week, diners can find brisket, sausages, pork ribs, and vegan "beet ends."