Openings, closings and dishy gossip.

[January 23rd, 2008]

»Even though Kenneth Pogson, co-owner of the infamous Voodoo Doughnut (22 SW 3rd Ave., 241-4704) , doesn’t yet know where his new high-production, “factory” retail store will be located (that’s right, another Voodoo Doughnut outpost), he knows it will be a grand entrance. “I can say that we’re planning to have a parade from our first location to the second,” Pogson told WW . The boisterous approach will be replete with marching bands, roller-derby teams and fryer oil from the original location to christen the new equipment. Want to smell those ’nuts a-fryin’ in your ’hood? Now’s the time to put in your two bits—Pogson said they’ve been looking all over town and should settle on a location in the next two months....

»January’s cold snap brings harsh news from two Northwest Portland restaurants. Chef Bill Sutherland’s under-the-radar bistro Filbert’s called it quits last week with a note tacked to the front door of its Northwest Thurman Street digs, reading: “Filbert’s is closed for business. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thanks to all those who have supported us over the past two years.” Filbert’s outgoing voice mail message confirms the news.

»Several blocks away, a more well-known Portland presence also said so long, as Tom Hurley —outspoken chef, former firefighter, foie gras proponent and animal-rights activist target—shuttered his eponymous eatery . The squabble-prone chef did not respond to WW’ s phone calls and emails, but told The Oregonian that the protesters dogging Hurley’s contributed to the restaurant’s closure. “Portland wasn’t ready for me,” he noted. “People in Seattle love what we do. They don’t mind paying for quality.” Or attitude, for that matter.