Dishin' It

[March 22nd, 2006] Sellwood Italian house Assaggio has closed its second location in Beaverton . "We grew too fast," co-owner May Rhodes wrote customers. "It was a challenge to maintain...the 'Assaggio Experience' at two locations." We can't help thinkin' the news is bittersweet. Maybe now the original Assaggio's flagging kitchen will get the TLC it needs to return to its former luster. >> In a bizarre coincidence, Assaggio's original owners, Darryl and Sarah Joannides , have their own news. The couple will open Cork , an "unpretentious" wine shop focused on bottles from small wineries that dig sustainable agriculture, in early May at 2901 NE Alberta St. >> Dog walkers and good-natured drunks, rejoice! Lucky Labrador Brewing Company quietly opened its third local outpost last week, a new brewery and pub at 1945 NW Quimby St. The location, an old Freightliner warehouse in a gritty corner of Northwest Portland, is way under-the-radar, but a drive-by peek through its huge garage doors reveals a tall, welcoming wall of bright, Warhol-style Labrador doggie portraits happily pantin' back at-cha. The grand-opening party is set for this Friday, with cheap pints and live music.

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