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VANCOUVER—Are Portland restaurateurs running out of available commercial space? Is the market growing too saturated to compete? Are restaurateurs looking for populations outside of Portland that are hungry for more than big box chains? Whatever the answer, it looks like Vancouver could be Portland's next big thing. Last week, The Oregonian reported that Ken's Artisan Pizza veteran Alan Maniscalco is opening a pizzeria—Rally Pizza—in Vancouver, while The Mercury broke news that Hopworks plans to do the same. These moves come on the heels of chef BJ Smith announcing two months back that he's opening Smokehouse Provisions just across the state line. [The Oregonian / The Portland Mercury]
MONTAVILLA—To celebrate its first year in business, Montavilla Brew Works is throwing a weekend-long beer party at their neighborhood pub, where celebrants can sample new birthday drafts while snacking on tacos and tamales from the Mixteca food cart, which will provide the weekend's eats. The party lasts from open to close, Friday through Sunday. Mixteca snacks will be available from 4 to 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. [EaterWire]
SOUTHEAST—On Sunday, July 17, Nostrana's Cathy Whims is hosting an afternoon of snacking with her friend Fabrizia Lanza, the head of Sicily's famed Anna Lanza Cooking Experience cooking school, which Lanza's mother founded 27 years ago. Starting at 1 p.m., Sicilian starters like arancini, zucchini carpaccio and fig-filled cookies will be served. Tickets at $65 per person and can be purchased by visiting Nostrana's Square page. [EaterWire]