SE DIVISION: Food carts at 50th and Division's A La Carts pod are holding a fundraiser to help fellow cart owner Alfredo Franco, whose Azul Tequila Taqueria truck was stolen — and later found with $6,000 in damages — last week. Next Saturday (Feb. 5) from 4pm to 8pm, all carts in the pod will donate a portion of proceeds to help Azul get back in action; live music, raffles, and other TBA goodies also in the works.
SOUTHEAST: WWeek (whose solid "Drink Guide" hit stands today, btw) reports that Southeast's vegan Red & Black Cafe is looking to raise $50,000 to purchase its current space (if successful, the proprietors will turn the building's second floor into low-income group housing). The Red and Black courted its share of controversy last summer after refusing service to a city cop; the resulting media coverage nearly exploded our message boards. So we wish them the best.
NORTH PORTLAND: FoodDude reports that Alberta's Black Cat Pub will open its second location in North Portland, in the N. Interstate building that used to house the Krakow Cafe. Projected opening date: This spring.
Image of A La Carts courtesy Sean A. via Yelp