Fire and Stone in NE Portland to Open Dec. 30

The epic transformation of the old Wilshire Market on NE Fremont into Fire and Stone restaurant is complete. The staff is hired and trained. And now owner/baker Jeff Smalley is just tying up a few loose ends and waiting for the inspectors. "If we pass all of our inspections, we'll be open Dec. 30."

It's been a long road for Smalley, who is not only rising to the challenge of opening his own place after years at top Portland bakeries like Grand Central, Baker & Spice, and New Seasons, he also took on the role of general contractor to turn the 3,000-square-foot corner market into an 80-seat restaurant.

Once the doors open, he'll be in charge of the pizza dough and breads, while Ken's Artisan Pizza alum Joey Alvarez oversees the rest of the menu. Running the front of the house is Alvarez's partner, Juliana Santos, formerly the General Manager at Little Bird Bistro.

An early glimpse of the menu revealed starters like salt cod croquettes, pizzas built on sourdough crust, hearty meatball sandwiches, and wood-oven-roasted vegetables. Plus Smalley plans to have morning counter service for Ristretto Roasters coffee and pastries. To drink, there's a full bar and six taps.

Stay tuned for for full menu details and an Eater Inside gallery once it's open.

Fire and Stone: 3707 N.E. Fremont St., Portland; 503-719-7195

Hours Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.