Veggie Grill Forthcoming; A New 23rd Wine Bar

MYSTERY SPOT: The Los Angeles-based chain Veggie Grill, a quick-service vegetarian sandwich and burger joint, is expanding into Portland. The chain, which operates seven locations throughout Southern California, will open its first out-of-state spot in Portland in January 2012. Reps are mum on where exactly the PDX location is — if you have a tip, you know what to do. [EaterWire]

NORTHWEST 23rd: This one missed our radar back in November, but Taste on 23rd, a combination wine bar and bottle shop, has quietly opened at NW 23rd and Johnson. The menu features smalls plates like house-made soups, crostinis, and meat-and-cheese plates, and the spot pours more than just wines, with a full liquor license and cocktail menu. [EaterWire]

Image of Veggie Grill courtesy Facebook