Lyf Gildersleeve is the owner of Flying Fish Company, which began as a
food cart on Division Street in
southeast Portland . Following a relocation in 2011, the business began serving fish, meats, and "other sustainably-sourced food products out of a small shack on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and a truck in Multnomah Village". In 2015, the company launched a
Kickstarter campaign, seeking to raise $50,000 "for a bigger warehouse space in Southeast Portland and a small oyster bar and retail spot along Northeast Sandy Boulevard in the upcoming Providore Fine Foods". The goal was achieved in August. The company began operating an 8-seat
oyster bar in 2016, initially serving three types of oysters, smoked salmon, soup (seafood and meat), bone broth, wine,
microbrews, and
cider. The bar also served roasted whole chicken. In late 2019, Flying Fish announced plans to expand by opening a
brick and mortar seafood market on
East Burnside Street, in the southeast Portland part of the
Kerns neighborhood. Gildersleeve said the company would be leaving Providore Fine Foods in late December. Michael Russell of
The Oregonian wrote, "The fast-casual, family-friendly restaurant will serve a seasonal menu including fish and chips, fish sandwiches, grilled salmon salad, clam chowder, cioppino, steamed clams and mussels, Hawaiian-inspired poke, ceviche and freshly shucked oysters on the half shell to seats both indoors and out. A full-service bar will pour wine, beer, and spirits from the Pacific Northwest. Expect allergen-free dishes and gluten-free fish & chips as well as keto and paleo menu options." The 17-seat restaurant has an outdoor
fire pit and
picnic tables. In January 2022, Gildersleeve opened a food cart on the Burnside restaurant's patio called
ChefShack. Andi Prewitt of
Willamette Week wrote, "The new kitchen is meant to complement the existing menu of cod, steelhead and salmon in everything from tacos to sandwiches to burgers—as well as the popular daily selection of shucked oysters. And in an unusual move, there will be a rotating cast of people helming the outdoor kitchen, the first of whom is Trever Gilbert (formerly of Departure and RingSide Fish House)." The menu includes
ceviche, glass-noodle salad, carrots and cashews in yellow
curry, oysters, and arroz con coco (sticky rice, raisins, chiles, and chocolate). Following "a few weeks of robust sales", the restaurant closed temporarily because of the
COVID-19 pandemic. In November, six heaters were stolen. In 2023, Flying Fish hosted a shucking competition in which members of the public could challenge staff. The business has been a vendor at the
Portland Night Market. == Reception ==