Veggie Grill's Downtown Debut; New Brunch Pop-Up

DOWNTOWN—California-based vegetarian chain Veggie Grill will officially swing the doors open at its downtown Portland location tomorrow (Thursday, May 31). The outpost, inside what was once a Carl's Jr. at SW 5th and Taylor, marks the chain's second location in the Portland area, with its first out-of-California restaurant debuting in Beaverton's Cedar Hills Crossing this past January. According to a press release, Veggie Grill recently expanded its menu in the Portland market, offering heartier entrees like fried "chicken" with cauliflower mashed potatoes, porcini mushroom gravy, and steamed kale on the side. [EaterWire]

OLD TOWN—Chef Andrew Garrett (formerly of Cafe Nell and now the founder of a retail hot sauce line, NW Elixirs), has announced a series of pop-up brunches at Old Town's KitchenCru. The "Sunday Antidote" series features a five-course, prix fixe menu for $30 per person, with the next date scheduled for this Sunday, June 3. Reservations and more information here. [EaterWire]