Every year, Swift Watch captivates bird lovers and chimney fans alike. Throughout September, a population of Vaux’s Swifts punctually circles Chapman Elementary School on Northwest 26th Avenue and streams into its chimney. When the Swifts take up their seasonal roost, thousands of spectators gather throughout the month to watch the spectacle. There’s a dilemma, though: When so many are preparing picnics of all kinds, what to eat? (Well, probably something that isn’t poultry).
Zula, a Mediterranean restaurant on Northwest 23rd Avenue near Chapman Elementary, is offering pre-order meals that are perfect for any picnic while also funding the school that Portland’s swifts so lovingly inhabit. Customers can order dishes from Zula’s online menu and optionally add non-alcoholic cocktails from For Bitter For Worse to their order. Additionally, customers receive a Salt & Straw Karma Card with every takeout order, which allows them to get a free scoop of ice cream after their picnic.
On September 8th, 11th, 12th and 13th, Zula will donate 15% of its profits to Chapman Elementary’s Parent Teacher Association. Viewers can place their orders online anytime before 4pm on the day of their choosing and all orders will be ready between 5:30pm and 6pm, just in time to take your food to your picnic blanket and enjoy a captivating sight of feathered chimney invaders.
Zula’s donation to Chapman Elementary stems from a desire to build a better connection with the community. The Mediterranean restaurant opened in March 2023. “We’re right by Chapman, I just thought this seemed like a great way to get to know them in their community,” says Zula founder Sally Stull. “Our menu is all farm-fresh, seasonal, organic and sustainably raised proteins. We want to share that with more people, both so we can be sustainable and (because) we enjoy seeing people enjoy their experience with us.”
During Swift Watch, some dishes that aren’t portable will be removed from Zula’s online menu. This means that everything served is suitable for takeout. Stull recommends getting a skewer or spread because “they’re super popular and portable.”
Although Zula is relatively new, the food offering has improved with the addition of William Wells to the team. Wells, who previously worked as a chef at Tusk and the now-defunct Cicoria, has brought a new element to Zula’s selection. “We opened with a good menu with good food, and he’s taken it to a level that is more than good, (it’s) wonderful,” says Well.
Other offerings at Zula include fried halloumi ($18) and trumpet mushroom skewers ($14). Keep in mind, though, that the menu is seasonal. Stull hopes to bring a Mediterranean selection to more people. “I’m preparing for a lot of people and hope we can share the event with many.”
