Opening Alert: Japanese Street Food Returns to Portland Today With Mami

Austin Miller, former chef of East Ender — a restaurant now run by the former owners of Small Axe Truck — launches his new Japanese street food truck, Mami, today. Coincidentally, he and business/life partner Hana Tamaki are this summer's licensed occupants of Small Axe's old stomping grounds, Congress Square Park. Hours today are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

First announced sans name in January and teased to positive reviews at April's Chopped Challenge, Mami will spend most of its time in the park but likely visit breweries or events on weekends. Check out the truck's concise and unique opening day menu below, promising treats from grilled octopus balls (takoyaki) to okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), with more on the way. This is izakaya cuisine Portland hasn't seen much of since MIyake Diner's demise.

Miller said this will be close to the opening day menu, if not the exact line-up.