Happy Tuesday!

It’s surreal, but back-to-school season is upon us now. If you’re not into that, there is still plenty of content here to enjoy. 

The past week, I’ve daydreamed about going on vacation. I recently went to Seattle but couldn’t even do anything because I ended up bedbound sick the entire time… So my vacation was effectively ruined, but I ended up getting some takeaway and pretending I was somewhere else. In this economy, it’s the most cost-effective way to get some R&R. So, let’s go on “vacation” here in Salem: here’s where I’d go around town for a bite that will transport me out of town.

In today’s issue you get:

Bon Voyage (but not really),

Em Chan

Did you know you can find Caribbean cuisine in the Mid-Valley? Unexpected, but this is why you are subscribed to us at WHS! (Also, much cheaper than a plane ticket.)

The braised oxtail from Taste of Jamaica food truck melts on the tongue… If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try the ackee and saltfish, the national dish of Jamaica. Ackee is a mild, buttery-tasting fruit, while saltfish is salted codfish. Pan-fried together, it tastes like scrambled eggs. You really just have to try it to truly appreciate it, the description doesn’t do it justice. Enjoy the food seated outside while you’re at The Beehive, before the weather goes gray for autumn.  

Waves crashing against the shore, seagulls crooning and the scent of roasted meats… Unfortunately, this is not Hawaii - but you can still find a bite to transport you there. 

I’d recommend Aloha All Day for those in Keizer, and newer Island Grubz on the Go if you’re in South Salem. I want the Kalua pork from Aloha All Day and the kalbi (short ribs) plate from Island Grubz… And an honorary mention of the barbecue combo from Orionz Island Fusion. That giant plate has grilled pork belly and chicken with red rice, the meat is super juicy and a generous portion along with tuna mac. I also recommend a spam musubi and a tropical juice as the finishing touches to your meal. 

Shawarma, shish kebabs, and falafel… I think I need to just host a barbecue for all the grilled meats I’d like to eat. Any dish with lamb from Flame and Fork Grill food truck in West Salem is a hit. The rice is well-seasoned and goes well with any of the proteins, but I would recommend the shish kebabs the most. Again, you’d be remiss to not eat outside but the air conditioning from Checkpoint 221’s dining space is very tempting. 

If you’re not looking to cross the bridge, the shawarma from Al Aqsa Fine Mediterranean Cuisine is a classic, or you can try the newer Syrian Chef Restaurant that opened up on High Street SE. The hummus with pita, tabouli salad, and falafel are hits at either restaurant as well. The cool tabouli and a warm pita with hummus is one of my favorite combinations for bites between meals (or just as the whole meal). 

An honorary mention because it is not Mediterranean food, but its cuisine shares some similarities: newer halal Afghan food truck Kabuli Flavor. There’s familiar dishes like chicken shawarma and chicken kebab, but you could also take a chance and try Afghan’s national dish, Qabili Palaw. 

School will be back in session in early September, so now is the time to start gearing up – literally. If you’re looking for a general list, the Salem-Keizer School District recommends a minimum of a backpack, binder with dividers, lined paper, spiral notebooks, and a pencil pouch with writing utensils. Please check your child’s specific school list for more detailed information. If you’re seeking help on supplying your child for the school year, here are some local and online resources. If you’d like to help, you can also donate to these places as well. 

Boys & Girls Club is hosting a backpack giveaway Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is free for all K-12 students and is walk-up only. Each backpack will have school supplies, toothbrush kits, water bottles and family resource kits. A child must be present and only one backpack is given per student. (Knudson Boys & Girls Club Branch, 1395 Summer St. NE.)

KGW School Suppy Drive returns with partner OnPoint Credit Union, collecting school supplies all of August. Bring supplies into any OnPoint Credit Union branch location or make a monetary donation online. There will be a Special Collection Event at the Clackamas Promenade Branch (not in Salem) on Friday, August 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where donators can get free shaved ice for their support. (8854 SE Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas)

Punx with Purpose distributes school supplies, hygiene items and other items to young people at public events and their own outreach activities (Punx in the Park). There is an Amazon wishlist of supply requests. 

Kroc Center’s Back to School Supplies Distribution collects school supplies and distributes them all over Marion and Polk counties through partnering agencies. You can drop donations at the Kroc Center or Front Street location (1977 Front St. NE.)

Have an idea you’d like to see us cover in a future Tuesday send?

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