Dishes from Zula. | Foundry 503 Plus, Oregon breweries win top awards at the Great American Beer Festival, and more news to know Mediterranean bistro Zula closed its doors permanently on Sunday, October 20. The restaurant, which opened in March 2023, served dishes such as ras el hanout lamb osso bucco, seared halloumi, and chicken with caponata and fregola. Within its first year of business, the restaurant shifted from counter service to full-service model. This summer, William Wells, formerly of Tusk and Cicoria, was appointed as its new executive chef. “We want to thank Zula’s incredibly devoted and passionate staff - you are the heart of what made Zula so special,” a closing announcement on Instagram reads. Oregon brewers win top awards at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival Oregon brewers won big at the Brewers Association’s annual Great American Beer Festival, which took place on October 12 in Denver, Colorado. Many Oregon beers and ciders took home medals in various categories, but Oregon breweries also won top distinctions as champion breweries: 2 Towns Cider won Cidermaker of the Year (2024 marks the introduction of the category), Grand Fir Brewing and brewmaster Whitney Burnside won 501-100 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year, and Eugene’s Alesong Brewing & Blending won 250-500 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year, and Sunriver Brewing Co. won 5,001-15,000 Barrels Brewery and Brewer of the Year. Quince Fest celebrates the unsung fruit Quince, a fruit with a citrus-y flavor and pear-like appearance, will be celebrated at the Quince Fest, hosted by Bauman’s Cider Co., Culinary Breeding Network, and the Sauvette pop-up. Quince ciders and pastries will be available, Oregon State University researchers will be present to answer quince-related questions, and the Portland Fruit Tree Project will offer tips on fruit tree care. The event takes place at Bauman’s on Oak from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. Tickets are available now.