Openings, closings and dishy gossip

[May 7th, 2008]

AHOY, BUZZ: Live in the FoPo neighborhood? The tiny cottage that used to house Mocha Master at 5115 SE Foster Road will formally transform this week into nautical-themed Speedboat Coffee, serving Portland-based Longbottom coffee and espresso, ice cream-based fruit smoothies and sandwiches. With a fireplace in the comfy mustard-colored dining room, an easy in-and-out drive-thru and even a brilliant-blue kids’ playroom, Speedboat seems to already be a hit. A steady stream of customers poured in last Monday morning during the “soft” opening while painters finished up last-minute details to prep for the Friday, May 9, grand opening—featuring free coffee for all.

MOM’S BREW: Looking for something a little different to give to mom this Mother’s Day? Rogue Ales has brewed up Mom Ale, a hefeweizen tribute to one of Newport’s most beloved moms, the late Mohava Marie Niemi, founder of Mo’s Restaurants, known as much for her chain-smoking as for her selfless nature. The ginger- and coriander-spiked brew will be available in 22-ounce bottles and on tap at Rogue’s brewpubs.

SUGAR HIGH: OK, so maybe beer isn’t the perfect Mother’s Day gift for everybody. Go more traditional and head over to the Beaverton Farmers Market season opener this Saturday (visit beavertonfarmersmarket.com for into) for some of Jennifer Bell’s all-natural Indulge caramels. Bell says these sinfully rich and soft caramels are heavy on all the good stuff like butter and cream, but she won’t tell us exact ingredients in her “secret” recipe. Who cares? The market newbie will be selling her hand-wrapped, hand-formed gems in cashew, chocolate and even ginger flavors, which are guaranteed to please even the toughest mom.