Aviv (restaurant)
Aviv is a Middle Eastern and vegan restaurant in Portland, Oregon.[1]
Description
Aviv's plant-based menu includes baba ganouj, falafel, Gonzo shawarma fries, hummus, labneh, shakshuka, and spiced Moroccan-style carrots with harissa and tofu feta.[2][3] Shakshuka was only available as a brunch option on weekends, as of 2020.[4]
History
Following a successful run as a pop-up, Aviv was established by owners Tal Caspi and Suzanne Prinsen in partnership with Sanjay Chandrasekaran. The original brick and mortar restaurant opened on Southeast Division in May 2017, in the space previously occupied by Chandrasekaran's Heart Bar.[2][3]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aviv operated via takeout and delivery at times. The restaurant also carried Be Sweet ice cream from Tal Caspi's shop which closed during the pandemic.[5][6] For Hanukkah in 2020, Aviv's special menu included matzo ball soup, jackfruit brisket on matzo, grilled cheese latke, and challah bread.[1][7]
By May 2021, Aviv had moved out of the Southeast Division space and was operating from spaces in northwest Portland's Pearl District and on Killingsworth Street in Northeast Portland's Vernon neighborhood.[8] In August, another location called Tiny Aviv opened on Madison.[9]
On September 23, Eater Portland confirmed plans for all locations to close; the restaurants Killingsworth and Madison closed immediately and the Pearl District restaurant continued operating through the end of the month. Owners said on social media: "The pandemic hit us hard, and like every single restaurant across the world, we have come up against our share of struggles and setbacks. It's been a challenging year and a half to say the least. Unfortunately, we have made the hard decision to close all Aviv locations this month. We really hoped this day would not come, but it is time."[9]
Reception
In 2017, Aviv was nominated in the Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant of the Year category of Eater Portland's annual Eater Awards.[10] Lauren Carlos and Michelle DeVona included Aviv in the website's 2020 overview of "Where to Find Next-Level Hummus in Portland".[11] Waz Wu included Aviv in Eater Portland's 2021 list of "15 Essential Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Portland".[8]
References
- ^ a b Frane, Alex (December 16, 2020). "Where to Find Holiday Meals in Portland". Eater Portland. Vox Media. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ a b Bamman, Mattie John (April 27, 2017). "One of Portland's Hottest Pop-Ups Announces SE Division Brick and Mortar". Eater Portland. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ a b Bamman, Mattie John (May 4, 2017). "Plant-Based Israeli Restaurant Opens on SE Division, Menu Revealed". Eater Portland. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Woo, Nick (February 12, 2020). "Where To Find Saucy Shakshuka in Portland". Eater Portland. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Wu, Waz (March 30, 2020). "Portland Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants Offering Delivery and Takeout During the COVID-19 Outbreak". Eater Portland. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Wu, Waz (June 24, 2021). "This Summer's Top Spots for Dairy-Free Frozen Treats". Eater Portland. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
- ^ Wu, Waz (December 18, 2020). "Vegan Holiday Meals and Desserts for Takeout". Eater Portland. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ a b Wu, Waz. "15 Essential Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Portland". Eater Portland. May 25, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ a b Wu, Waz (September 23, 2021). "Middle Eastern Vegan Restaurant Aviv Will Close for Good This Month". Eater Portland. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Bamman, Mattie John (November 30, 2017). "Vote for Portland's Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant of the Year". Eater Portland. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Carlos, Lauren; DeVona, Michelle. "Where to Find Next-Level Hummus in Portland". Eater Portland. December 21, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2021.