Bird + Bear Restaurant and Bar Set to Open This Week

Donald Kotler cornered Woodstock's brunch market with his popular Toast cafe and  Yolk food cart. This Thursday, June 11, he's entering the lunch and dinner arena when his new restaurant, Bird + Bear, opens on SE Holgate.

As we previously reported, Kotler and a partner took over half of the building that houses Portland Picture Frame shop. They began transforming the space into a neighborhood restaurant and bar in March, adding a small bar and window seating.

Running the kitchen is chef Lawrence Gable, who has worked at The Country Cat and Ava Genes. The menu is stocked with comforting Italian classics like arancini, calzones, and chicken or eggplant parmesan with polenta prepared whichever way you like it — either creamy, baked or fried. And there's an emphasis on hearty hot or cold sandwiches, like meatball subs, burgers, or spicy capicolla with olives and beets. Plus, everything can be ordered ahead and taken to go. "The restaurant hopes to be a fusion of quick service and full service," says Kotler.

To drink, the small bar offers eight wines by the glass or bottle, three local beers on draft, plus a few in cans that can be taken home by the six-pack, and eight cocktails — including a house margarita

Bird + Bear: 2801 SE Holgate Blvd., Portland, 503-954-2801. Hours: Sunday, and Wednesday through Thursday 11:30am - 9 pm; Fri - Sat 11:30am - 10 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.