Sensuous Food in the Heart of Portland’s Arts and Theater District
While most restaurateurs keep one eye firmly fixed on financial news and the other on their reservation book, Portland-based chef and restaurateur David Machado is looking to the future. His third and newest venture, Nel Centro, is slated to open downtown in early May 2009. “Proceed with caution, always,” says Machado of the current economic climate. “But retreat, even in these challenging times, isn’t on the menu.”
Named for the Italian civic center or community meeting place, Nel Centro’s menu showcases Machado’s modern interpretation of classic dishes from the Italian-French Riviera, highlighting the cuisine of Genoa and Nice using seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers.
The 115 seat restaurant seats another 30 in the bar. Two private dining rooms accommodate up to 30 people and al fresco dining for 50 is available on the patio in season. Designed by Portland-based Holst Architecture, the mid-century modern décor features an open kitchen with a large deck oven and a rotisserie. Built with a commitment to sustainable practices, recycled and sustainable materials are used throughout the restaurant.
Machado created several of Portland’s most popular downtown restaurants, including Pazzo Ristorante and Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar. He went on to launch Portland’s “eastside dining craze” as chef/owner of Lauro Kitchen and Vindalho (www.laurokitchen.com, www.vindalho.com). Nel Centro brings Machado full circle, back to the city’s cultural center.
Located at the corner of Columbia Street and Sixth Avenue, Nel Centro is adjacent to the newly renovated Hotel Modera, 1408 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland Oregon, 503-484-1099, www.nelcentro.com, http://nelcentro.typepad.com.
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or
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