Boulot's French Honor; Punch Bowl Social; Fizzy Details

LE FRANCE: The Heathman's head honcho Philippe Boulot has another fancy piece of hardware to add to his collection — the Ordre National du Mérite Agricole (aka Officer in the National Order of Agricultural Merit). According a press release, Boulot, whose selection comes courtesy of the French National Minister of Agriculture, was recognized for "his leadership role and continued achievements elevating French Cuisine" in the Pacific Northwest. Boulot had previously received an Agricole Chevalier honor in 2004; the Officer upgrade means a fancier medal, to be presented in a ceremony, date TBA. [EaterWire]

DOWNTOWN: Pioneer Place mall is getting another out-of-state chain: The Oregonian reports that the Denver-based Punch Bowl Social, a combination bowling alley, diner, and bar, has announced plans to build in the mall's second story rotunda. According to developer Robert Thompson, "We have an affinity with Portland. We really designed our concept based on the culture, aesthetic and ethos of Portland." Thompson adds that Punch Bowl's parent company is considering moving its corporate headquarters to the Rose City and is actively seeking local investors. [OregonLive]

SOUTHEAST: PoMo collects more details about retro soda/candy shop Fizz, set to open on SE Belmont at the end of November. Proprietor Sarah Leonard promises that a soda fountain will take center stage in the space, which will also feature "72 containers of bulk candies, four refrigerated coolers with hard-to-find bottled sodas, the shrine for Ramblin' Rod, and boxes of nostalgic candy." [Eat Beat]

Image of Philippe Boulot by Dina Avila