The vibrant culinary landscape of Portland, Oregon, continues to impress with exciting new developments in its dynamic restaurant scene. The Kerns neighborhood’s popular vegan spot, Epif, has just launched a dedicated vegan brunch menu, offering a fresh take on familiar favorites. Meanwhile, SE Belmont Street welcomes the highly anticipated Bangkok Belly, bringing authentic Thai cuisine and a lively bar atmosphere to the area, further enriching the offerings of Portland restaurants.
Epif’s Portland Brunch Transformation in Kerns
Epif, a restaurant previously known for its vegan empanadas and Pisco sours inspired by the Andes region, has found a new identity after a strategic two-month closure. Co-owner Nicolle Dirks cited dipping sales and a desire for change as motivations for the pivot. “We knew it was time for a change. And personally, we were ready for a change as well,” Dirks explained. The revived Epif now focuses on the lucrative brunch market, a concept that proved successful during previous pop-up events for this Portland restaurant.
The new Epif menu features popular brunch staples reimagined with plant-based ingredients, making it a prime destination for Portland vegan brunch enthusiasts. Diners can expect vegan pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, scrambles, Benedicts, quiches, and mimosas. While an empanada still graces the menu, now filled with imitation eggs and chorizo, the restaurant is leaning away from strict South American influences to offer chef Jose “Pepe” Arancibia more creative flexibility. Mung beans are a key ingredient, often standing in for eggs, a testament to the innovative spirit of these Portland restaurants.
Located on NE 28th Avenue, an area often dubbed “Restaurant Row,” Epif’s relaunch positions it within a bustling culinary corridor known for its diverse array of Portland restaurants. The establishment itself has a unique history, with owners Pepe and Nicolle having built the commercial space on their front yard after moving from Boston and running a vegetarian restaurant in Chile. The building’s interior boasts reclaimed materials and artistic touches, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for enjoying Portland restaurants. Epif is now open for brunch from Friday through Sunday, 9 am to 2 pm.
Bangkok Belly Arrives on SE Belmont Street, Enhancing SE Belmont Restaurants
Adding to the eclectic offerings along SE Belmont Street, Bangkok Belly has opened its doors, marking the first restaurant venture for owners David Fiske and Kat Thirakomen. Drawing inspiration from a decade spent living in Thailand, the couple aims to capture the fun, casual bar culture they experienced there. Bangkok Belly offers a curated menu that includes grilled meat and tofu skewers, vibrant papaya and herb salads, and a selection of creative cocktails like coconut daiquiris and boozy Thai teas, all contributing to the diverse array of SE Belmont restaurants.
The establishment is situated in a historic 100-year-old building on SE Belmont, a street celebrated for its independent shops, bars, and a variety of eateries. The focus at Bangkok Belly is on comforting dishes that Fiske and Thirakomen miss from their time in Thailand, rather than adhering to a strict regional focus, providing authentic Thai cuisine Portland diners will love. The restaurant has a more intimate setting, with seating for fewer than 25 people, and operates in the evenings, adding another unique option to the SE Belmont restaurants scene.
Portland’s Ever-Evolving Culinary Landscape of Portland Restaurants
The arrival of Epif’s brunch service and Bangkok Belly’s debut highlight the continued evolution of Portland’s restaurants and food scene. The city has a reputation for embracing innovation, whether it’s a well-established eatery reinventing itself or new entrepreneurs bringing new Portland eateries to life. Both the Kerns and SE Belmont neighborhoods are trending hubs for culinary exploration, each offering distinct vibes and a wealth of dining and drinking establishments. These new ventures contribute to the rich tapestry of Oregon’s food culture, catering to diverse tastes and preferences and reinforcing Portland’s status as a gastronomic destination for outstanding Portland restaurants. The resilience and creativity shown by restaurateurs like those at Epif and Bangkok Belly underscore the enduring appeal of the city’s hospitality sector and the growing appeal of vegan restaurant transformation.
