TOKYO — Portland gourmet doughnut chainlet Blue Star Donuts launches its first location outside the city today, and it's all the way in Tokyo, Japan. Owners Micah Camden and Katie Poppe opened a branch of Blue Star in the Fred Segal department store's new Tokyo flagship, located in the trendy Daikanyama neighborhood. The donut shop will be located in The Mart food market area, and though it has the same clean, bright look as the Portland stores, it has a slightly different name: Camden's Blue Star Donuts. The selection of raised and cake doughnuts is similar to what's on offer at the Portland shops, including the ever-popular Apple Cider Fritter and Cointreau Creme Brulee options.
HAPPY HOUR — In honor of Burger Week, Eater Portland rounded up the best happy hour burgers around town. Many of the city's best restaurants put a special burger on their happy hour menus, or offer their signature burgers at a steal of a deal during those limited hours. Check out the map with 20 top-notch options.
HAWTHORNE — An all-natural ice cream sundae bar will take over the old Swirl frozen yogurt space. The Maple Parlor will offer a self-serve, soft-serve sundae bar that's inclusive of all dietary restrictions, whether you're gluten-free, paleo, vegan, diabetic, or just want to keep the artificial colors and flavors to a minimum. The eight soft serves will all be made in house, and will include a browned butter, full-fat ice cream, a dairy-free coconut option, one that's stevia-sweetened, and traditional tart frozen yogurt. Owner April Eklund is partnering with other purveyors to source some of the toppings for the sundae bar, including stevia-sweetened chocolate from Lily's Chocolate in Seattle. To get it off the ground she launched a Kickstarter this week.