On the Fly: Laughing Planet to close south Eugene cafe, Saturday Market reopens soon and more

After 20 years, Laughing Planet Cafe will close its south Eugene location on Tuesday, March 31. 

Franz Spielvogel, Laughing Planet’s CEO, told Lookout Eugene-Springfield that several factors led to the impending closure, including rising rent and limited parking in a busy shopping center. 

“It’s cost-prohibitive rent renewal,” he said, adding that the cafe outgrew its 1,700 square-foot space. “It’s difficult to park there during meal hours.”

A Chipotle that opened in the same shopping center a couple years ago became a direct competitor, as Laughing Planet is known for its burritos. Other stores include Market of Choice, PetSmart and CVS.

“I won’t downplay the fact that when we were under local leadership, we had a noncompete clause,” Spielvogel said of the Woodfield Station shopping center’s previous landlords. “Obviously that has changed over the years. It’s corporate now.”

Spielvogel said the closure was “addition by subtraction for now,” as he plans to expand in Springfield or elsewhere in Eugene. He’s currently looking at properties to open a bigger location with better parking and a community vibe. 

Laughing Planet is an Oregon-based chain that offers healthy, fast-casual meals such as hearty salads and rice bowls. The company celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Once the south Eugene location closes, it will have 12 locations across Portland, Corvallis, Bend and Eugene.

Laughing Planet’s cafe on Blair Boulevard will remain open. 

“I hope our south Eugene customers support us and come to Blair,” Spielvogel said. 

Eugene Saturday Market kicks off April 4

Eugene Saturday Market fans rejoice: The outdoor market will return to downtown Eugene April 4 for its 57th season, with hundreds of local artisans, food vendors and live entertainers each week. The organization is recognized as America’s oldest continuously operating open-air handmade craft market. 

During its regular season, the market operates rain or shine from April to mid-November. It spans two blocks along Eighth Avenue and Oak Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The market is located across from the Lane County Farmers Market, which is open year-round every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (minus a five-week winter break). Come April 4, both markets will be in full swing, offering locally grown seasonal produce, dairy and meat products, hot food, art, jewelry, music and more.

Lookout Eugene-Springfield is putting together a guide on Lane County markets. Have a question or suggestion about it? Email food correspondent Taylor Goebel at taylor@lookoutlocal.com.

Alchemy is Eugene’s prettiest new coffee house

For a little magic, classic board games and a sunny corner to enjoy a latte and a locally made pastry, head to Alchemy Coffee House.

The downtown Eugene coffee house held a soft opening March 14 and will host a grand opening April 10 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Alchemy brews Eugene-based Pacori coffee, offering drip, espresso, lattes, cortados and flat whites. Pacori beans are also sold by the pound ($21). Drink specials include passionfruit ice tea and the Disco Steamer, with steamed milk, vanilla, whipped cream and sprinkles.  

Good news for the dairy-free crowd: Milk alternatives are offered at no extra charge.

Need a quick nosh? Grab a “toast your way” (sourdough, wheat or gluten-free): Go savory with avocado and everything seasoning or sweet with Nutella, fruit and honey. 

The coffeehouse gets its baked goods from The Flour Garden, with rotating savory and sweet pastries (the babka scone is a must-try), cookies and a sweet-and-salty Alchemy original: Its namesake crispies are loaded with pretzels, marshmallows, potato chips, chocolate and peanut butter. Ask your alchemist to heat one up. Gluten-free goodies are also available.

While waiting for your brew, check out the mini gift shop. Bringing your kids? Alchemy has a kid’s corner with colored pencils, crayons, books and other fun activities. Expect lots of community-based events in the near future, including murder mystery dinners and art classes. 

Situated just off the Ruth Bascom bike path, Alchemy is also an ideal spot for cyclists and runners to rehydrate and recharge.

Alchemy Coffee House is located at 545 E. Eighth Ave., A, Eugene. It opens at 7 a.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. on weekends and closes at 1 p.m. every day. After its grand opening April 10, the coffee house will close at 3 p.m.

Charred APizza teases opening announcement

Springfield-based Charred APizza is close to opening its Detroit-style pizza joint, according to a recent Facebook post. The restaurant, which will be located at 553 Main St., will offer dine-in and takeout options, as well as a grab-and-go section for frozen meals.

Charred APizza started last year as a kitchen-share at the Washburne Cafe, also on Main Street. 

Menu drops and opening announcements could come as early as this week. Those interested can follow Charred APizza’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. 

Try handmade soup dumplings at Eugene’s newest Chinese restaurant

Steam & Soul, a new restaurant in north Eugene, is cranking out fried and steamed dumplings as well as other Chinese and Taiwanese dishes. Dumpling options include potstickers (guo tie), pan-fried buns (sheng jian bao) and, of course, soup dumplings (xiao long bao.)

Prices range from about $10 to $14 for dumplings, $16 to $20 for entrees and $16 to $19 for noodle soups. The menu is meat-heavy, with some vegetarian dumplings, wok-fried veggies and other dishes. 

New in Eugene: Try handmade dumplings at Steam & Soul

The restaurant opened in mid-March, so expect limited options during the next few weeks as the restaurant releases more menu items.

Steam & Soul is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. The restaurant, which offers dine-in and takeout, is located in the shopping center at 1777 Coburg Road, No. 2, Eugene.