Mei Lin Is Not About to Open a Portland Restaurant, Sorry

Earlier today, Portland Monthly reported that Thai food mastermind Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom (Langbaan) will open another Hat Yai this August in the Modera Belmont building alongside posh pop-up Jolie Laide’s new restaurant. But that’s not all: The mag also reported that a possible congee shop from Top Chef winner Mei Lin could slide into the ground floor at Modera, as well.

That ‘possible’ is a pretty slim possible, bordering on a serious ‘no.’ Lin’s publicist Joy Limanon said she has no intention of opening anything in Portland anytime soon.

“Obviously she’s very close to Earl and loves the city,” Limanon said. “There have been a couple different opportunities offered to her over the years, and while yes, she’s obviously had conversations with Earl, her focus is LA for now.”

That doesn’t detract from the other news of the day: Jolie Laide, currently housed in Langbaan on Mondays, will open its new restaurant with a new name: Berlu. The O reported earlier this year that Ninsom would open another Hat Yai in that building, with no serious details. Meanwhile, down in Los Angeles, Lin’s real restaurant Nightshade will open this summer.

• Hat Yai to Team with Modernist Pop-Up Jolie Laide and (Maybe!) Top Chef Winner Mei Lin [PoMo]
• Mei Lin Will Make Her Solo Debut at LA Restaurant Nightshade [Eater]
• Pop-Up Jolie Laide Lands at Langbaan [EPDX]
• Portland restaurant and bar news: 10 things you need to know this week [The O]