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Composting rules roll out for majority of Portland businesses

The new requirement is an effort to cut down on excessive food waste .

Business

OSU and WSU weighing Pac-12 options

Officials say they expect to have  more information within about a month.

News

How earthquake research can help save the PNW from "The Big One"

A new center aims to answer questions like how high tsunami waters could go and how long shaking might last.

Oregon's public defender shortage reaches tipping point

The shortage affects both crime victims and criminal defendants

Bite Club: Turmeric catfish at Matta's Lil'Dame residency

The folks behind Matta are trying something new.

Food and Drink

Initially known for Vietnamese riffs on American fast-food classics — like its fried catfish sandwich with a pandan brioche bun — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matta" data-vars-click-url="https://mattapdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="01d3cfdb-b8aa-4c52-bb81-e8e19b034392" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: Turmeric catfish at Matta&#x27;s Lil&#x27;Dame residency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mattapdx.com/" target="_blank">Matta</a> is trying something new.<ul><li>After the food cart <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portlandmercury.com/fall-arts-2023/2023/09/06/46706059/making-matta-moves?fbclid=PAAaYA9vJy-V93IfHNk-NDW0G9Zsfo1ADuOfgynYMSn4kS4Gvex5Pvl-yoK9Y_aem_AWBZ4C8ymj6LSSDC05Z4JuruyMyJ8e4_WoF6VEmd3u3kp4qeUKkd03QkCWrUqAD5ldU" data-vars-content-id="01d3cfdb-b8aa-4c52-bb81-e8e19b034392" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: Turmeric catfish at Matta&#x27;s Lil&#x27;Dame residency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portlandmercury.com/fall-arts-2023/2023/09/06/46706059/making-matta-moves?fbclid=PAAaYA9vJy-V93IfHNk-NDW0G9Zsfo1ADuOfgynYMSn4kS4Gvex5Pvl-yoK9Y_aem_AWBZ4C8ymj6LSSDC05Z4JuruyMyJ8e4_WoF6VEmd3u3kp4qeUKkd03QkCWrUqAD5ldU" target="_blank">closed</a> earlier this summer, owner and chef Richard Văn Lê took up residency at Lil&#x27; Dame, the collaborative restaurant space on NE 30th and Killingsworth, to experiment with the concept of farm-to-table food with help from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mora Mora" data-vars-click-url="https://www.moramorafarm.com/" data-vars-content-id="01d3cfdb-b8aa-4c52-bb81-e8e19b034392" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: Turmeric catfish at Matta&#x27;s Lil&#x27;Dame residency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.moramorafarm.com/" target="_blank">Mora Mora</a> farm.</li></ul>

Oregon brewers win big at Great American Beer Festival

Oregon brewers won 23 medals at the national competition.

Portland area brewers took home 10 medals at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver over the weekend, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Breakside" data-vars-click-url="https://breakside.com/" data-vars-content-id="86f4e470-161e-4338-a1c0-146b5390919d" data-vars-headline="Oregon brewers win big at Great American Beer Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://breakside.com/" target="_blank">Breakside</a> picking up three golds — two of those for its stouts.<ul><li>Overall, Oregon brewers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won 23 medals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2023-winners/" data-vars-content-id="86f4e470-161e-4338-a1c0-146b5390919d" data-vars-headline="Oregon brewers win big at Great American Beer Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com/the-competition/2023-winners/" target="_blank">won 23 medals</a> at the national competition.</li></ul>

A group of 15 smiling people, most of them wearing jeans, t-shirts and yellow badges on black lanyards around their necks, smile and raise their hands in the air in a victory sign.

Arden's Kelsey Glasser shares her last meal

Her cocktail of choice is inspired by James Bond.

Nestled in the Pearl District, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ardenpdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="fc2d6987-4c00-4e1e-8fb9-7cd290f09f92" data-vars-headline="Arden&#x27;s Kelsey Glasser shares her last meal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ardenpdx.com/" target="_blank">Arden</a> is not only known for its seasonal menu, which includes koji-rubbed bavette steak and sweet corn cappelletti, but its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sprawling wine list" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5aebe40b96e76f95fda9095a/t/64f90a6f142a0900cc125808/1694042736316/ArdenWineList2392v2.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fc2d6987-4c00-4e1e-8fb9-7cd290f09f92" data-vars-headline="Arden&#x27;s Kelsey Glasser shares her last meal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5aebe40b96e76f95fda9095a/t/64f90a6f142a0900cc125808/1694042736316/ArdenWineList2392v2.pdf" target="_blank">sprawling wine list</a> — thanks to owner and in-house sommelier Kelsey Glasser.Driving the news: After two years of development, Glasser is launching her &quot;Seven Day Sommelier&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online course" data-vars-click-url="https://www.raiseaglasswine.com/" data-vars-content-id="fc2d6987-4c00-4e1e-8fb9-7cd290f09f92" data-vars-headline="Arden&#x27;s Kelsey Glasser shares her last meal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.raiseaglasswine.com/" target="_blank">online course</a> this fall. Coursework includes learning grape varieties, food pairing, and major growing regions.

Photo illustration of a place setting shaped like a skull and crossbones containing a photo of Kelsey Glasser.

Bite Club: Eggs Florentine at City State Diner

It&#x27;s Bite Club, y&#x27;all! While some of the city&#x27;s award-winning restaurants are considered the most coveted reservations, on any given weekend, it&#x27;s the diners that have the longest waitlists.On Sunday, my husband, Julian, and I braved a 45-minute wait at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City State Diner and Bakery" data-vars-click-url="https://citystatediner.com/" data-vars-content-id="32d6302a-a7c4-42c3-8ce8-3620a42b6c37" data-vars-headline="Bite Club: Eggs Florentine at City State Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://citystatediner.com/" target="_blank">City State Diner and Bakery</a> on NE 28th Street in Kerns for a post-spin-class meal.

Canard chef Gabriel Rucker shares his last meal

Since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Award-winning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamesbeard.org/chef/gabriel-rucker#" data-vars-content-id="5b728903-1465-41e3-81aa-8c84a3999aaf" data-vars-headline="Canard chef Gabriel Rucker shares his last meal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/chef/gabriel-rucker#" target="_blank">James Beard Award-winning</a> chef and ambitious Portland restaurateur Gabriel Rucker opened his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second Canard location in Oregon City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.canardrestaurant.com/" data-vars-content-id="5b728903-1465-41e3-81aa-8c84a3999aaf" data-vars-headline="Canard chef Gabriel Rucker shares his last meal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.canardrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">second Canard location in Oregon City</a> last summer — serving its signature steam burger and steak frites — he&#x27;s been figuring out his next move.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s something, but not quite sure what yet,&quot; he tells Axios.</li></ul>

Photo illustration of a place setting shaped like a skull and crossbones containing a photo of Gabriel Rucker.

Portland diners hesitant to embrace service charges

Businesses are not required to hand over service charges to employees, unlike tips.

While some restaurant owners are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="embracing service charges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/24/portland-restaurants-service-charge-tipping" data-vars-content-id="fa5ce3ce-aed9-4ee0-b297-2534295789d2" data-vars-headline="Portland diners hesitant to embrace service charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/24/portland-restaurants-service-charge-tipping" target="_self">embracing service charges</a>, which they say allow them to close the wage gap between servers and kitchen staff, Portland diners may be more comfortable with the industry&#x27;s current tipping structure.Driving the news: Nearly half of readers who took <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week&#x27;s Axios survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/24/tipping-service-fees-survey-axios-portland-readers" data-vars-content-id="fa5ce3ce-aed9-4ee0-b297-2534295789d2" data-vars-headline="Portland diners hesitant to embrace service charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/24/tipping-service-fees-survey-axios-portland-readers" target="_self">last week&#x27;s Axios survey</a> said they prefer to tip when dining out — 48% of 249 respondents.

Illustration of a payment tablet with a tip button showing numbers changing from zero to 20 percent.

Food Fight: Portland's best popsicles

From zingy lemon to rich cocoa to chile and saffron, you'll find your favorite here.

Thank you for sharing your favorite popsicle places!Here&#x27;s our definitive list, in alphabetical order, of Portland&#x27;s best spots for a chill treat on a stick.

A colorful one-story building with a neon open sign flashing and a sign reading Frozen Treats.

Portland restaurants embrace the service charge

Restaurant owners who've recently incorporated the fees told Axios customers are overwhelmingly supportive.

Some Portland restaurants — from counter service cafes to fine dining establishments — are implementing service charges in lieu of tipping to ensure higher retention and hourly pay for all staff as the industry experiments with a new business model <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="amid rising costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/06/restaurant-fees-fuel-surcharge-inflation" data-vars-content-id="8b674cc4-f972-46a7-9299-55b895c12ca6" data-vars-headline="Portland restaurants embrace the service charge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/06/restaurant-fees-fuel-surcharge-inflation" target="_self">amid rising costs</a>.Driving the news: Restaurant owners who&#x27;ve recently incorporated the fees, ranging from 15% to 22% of the bill, told Axios customers are overwhelmingly supportive and see the practice as a way to replace <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/10/tips-restaurants-tipping-inflation-technology-social-pressure" data-vars-content-id="8b674cc4-f972-46a7-9299-55b895c12ca6" data-vars-headline="Portland restaurants embrace the service charge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/10/tips-restaurants-tipping-inflation-technology-social-pressure" target="_self">tipping</a>, which is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rooted in racial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tipping-jobs-history-slave-wage-cbsn-originals-documentary/" data-vars-content-id="8b674cc4-f972-46a7-9299-55b895c12ca6" data-vars-headline="Portland restaurants embrace the service charge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tipping-jobs-history-slave-wage-cbsn-originals-documentary/" target="_blank">rooted in racial</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gender discrimination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2021/03/22/980047710/the-land-of-the-fee" data-vars-content-id="8b674cc4-f972-46a7-9299-55b895c12ca6" data-vars-headline="Portland restaurants embrace the service charge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/03/22/980047710/the-land-of-the-fee" target="_blank">gender discrimination</a>.

an illustration of a 100 dollar bill on a fork

Take the survey: How Axios Portland readers prefer to tip

How do you feel about new service fees and automatic gratuity?

As many Portland restaurants replace tipping with service fees (automatic gratuity, health and wellness charges, etc.), we want to know your thoughts on the mandatory charges.Catch up quick: The fees, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grew in popularity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/06/restaurant-fees-fuel-surcharge-inflation" data-vars-content-id="f2c830c9-35cf-479a-a463-849ea7c6ff47" data-vars-headline="Take the survey: How Axios Portland readers prefer to tip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/06/restaurant-fees-fuel-surcharge-inflation" target="_self">grew in popularity</a> during the pandemic, typically range from 15% to 22% of the bill and are often cited as a way to ensure higher hourly pay for all staff.<ul><li>But they can confuse customers who are unsure what it goes toward and whether it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="substitutes for a tip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/10/tips-restaurants-tipping-inflation-technology-social-pressure" data-vars-content-id="f2c830c9-35cf-479a-a463-849ea7c6ff47" data-vars-headline="Take the survey: How Axios Portland readers prefer to tip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/10/tips-restaurants-tipping-inflation-technology-social-pressure" target="_self">substitutes for a tip</a>, or frustrate those who feel forced into a high gratuity, Axios&#x27; Kelly Tyko writes.</li></ul>Weigh in: Take our poll to share your preference.<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/e0996769-185a-4248-83f1-282e38487741/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="e0996769-185a-4248-83f1-282e38487741" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="e0996769-185a-4248-83f1-282e38487741" data-vars-content-id="f2c830c9-35cf-479a-a463-849ea7c6ff47" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>

Illustration of a salmon with a word balloon with a question mark in it coming out of its mouth.

Akadi's Fatou Ouattara shares her last meal

Hint: It's the national dish of Côte d’Ivoire.

The Côte d&#x27;Ivoire-born chef of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Akadi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.akadipdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="3342fec8-ee16-46e6-8add-141f81911788" data-vars-headline="Akadi&#x27;s Fatou Ouattara shares her last meal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.akadipdx.com/" target="_blank">Akadi</a>, Fatou Ouattara, is best known for bringing celebrated West African delicacies, like spicy curry-style stews and jollof rice with coleslaw and plantains, to Portland.<ul><li>After Ouattara closed the restaurant in late 2020 to spend more time with her family, she assured diners a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bigger and better" data-vars-click-url="https://pdx.eater.com/2022/9/1/23331677/eater-portland-dining-starter-pack-new-to-portland-visitors" data-vars-content-id="3342fec8-ee16-46e6-8add-141f81911788" data-vars-headline="Akadi&#x27;s Fatou Ouattara shares her last meal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pdx.eater.com/2022/9/1/23331677/eater-portland-dining-starter-pack-new-to-portland-visitors" target="_blank">bigger and better</a>&quot; comeback — and has since made good on that promise.</li></ul>

Photo illustration of a place setting shaped like a skull and crossbones containing a photo of Fatou Ouattara.

Food and Drink 🍽