Papa Haydn’s birthday bash: Serving famous desserts for $7, entrees for $12 and holding two parties

Published 12:15 am Wednesday, October 4, 2023

A Portland institution is turning 45 years old, and ready to treat the public to some of its delicacies.

Papa Haydn, which has restaurants in Sellwood and on Northwest 23rd Avenue, where they specialize in delicious desserts and Northwest fare, begins offering a throwback menu with throwing pricing on Wednesday, Oct. 4, along with their standard menu. All priced at $12 for full dinner portions, offerings include Chicken Genovese, Chèvre Pate, Salmon Gravlax, Torta Rustica and Currywurst.

Marjolaine, Sachertorte and Chocolate Marquis are featured throwback desserts for $7.

There’ll also be live music, small bites, desserts, drinks and more offered during special events, Boccone Birthday Bashes, taking place Saturday, Oct. 7 at the original Sellwood location at 5829 S.E. Milwaukie Ave. and Saturday, Oct. 21 at 701 N.W. 23rd Ave., both of them from 5 to 10 p.m.

Entry to the parties is $45 each, which include food, desserts and champagne for toasting

Papa Haydn was established in 1978 by Heidi and Jeff Van Dyke, serving soups, quiches and Viennese pastries inspired by the “Kaffeehaus” treats that Heidi grew up eating in her home country of Germany.

In 1980, Heidi’s sister Evelyn Franz, then a sculptor and artist in residence at Lincoln High School, joined the business; it’s her influence that led to artful dessert creations. Three years later, Evelyn’s husband Michael Gibbons joined the crew at the Northwest location.

Organizers believe they have served more than 400 tons of chocolate. Evelyn and Michael’s son, Brendan Gibbons, and longtime employee Whitney Durst lead the restaurants today.

“When Jeff and I opened the doors to Papa Haydn, we had no idea if our little dream would even make it past a year,” Heidi Van Dyke said. “To think of all the people that have passed through our doors since then, both staff and guests, and shared first dates, proms, meals with family, proposals, and so many other special life moments … it’s humbling, really, and we’re so grateful.”

More: papahaydn.com.