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Fragrant, Sensuous Food in the Heart of Portland’s Arts & Theater District
Chef/Owner David Machado to open Nel Centro in May 2009
Portland, Oregon—March 3, 2009 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 of this year. “Proceed with caution, always,” says Machado of the current 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 fresh, seasonal ingredients from local growers and producers. Signature breads and pastries created daily by local Pastry Chef, Lee Posey, will be served. Nel Centro’s wine program, directed by David Holstrom, will focus on wines from southern France and northern Italy, as well as varietals from Oregon and Washington.
“Nice and Genoa are dynamic, historic, port cities with a rich mix of flavors and cultures,” says Machado. This sense of coming together at the heart of the city to share a meal, to celebrate art and life, this is what Nel Centro is about.”
Designed by Portland-based Holst Architecture, the modern, European influenced design features a West Coast style open kitchen with views of a large deck oven and rotisserie. Built with a commitment to sustainable practices, recycled and sustainable materials are used throughout the restaurant. The 115 seat restaurant also seats 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.
Machado created several of Portland’s most popular downtown restaurants, including Pazzo Ristorante and Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar. He went on to launch the “eastside dining craze” as chef/owner with 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 97201, 503.484.1099, www.nelcentro.com,
http://nelcentro.typepad.com. Access our Social Media Release here: http://pitch.pe/5129
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About Nel Centro
Contact: Lindsey McBride (503) 238-9508
lindsey@lindseymcbride.com
Fact Sheet Download This Fact Sheet
Nel Centro
Fragrant, Sensuous, Inspired
MANAGEMENT
David Machado, Executive Chef/Owner
1408 SW Sixth Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201
At the Hotel Modera
503.484.1099
www.nelcentro.com
http://nelcentro.typepad.com
Pronounced Nel CHEN-tro, Italian for “in the center”
RESTAURANT and BAR SERVICE
Dinner/Bar: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER AND PRIVATE DINING
OVERVIEW
Located in the heart of Portland's arts and theater district, Nel Centro, Portland’s newest downtown restaurant, features a sophisticated, modern vibe and showcases Oregon’s natural bounty with sublime, inventive dishes. Chef/owner David Machado draws inspiration from the Italian-French Riviera, highlighting cuisine from Genoa and Nice. Nel Centro’s moderately priced menu includes appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta, entrees, sides and desserts. Dinner menu prices range from $8.00 to $24.00. The lunch menu starts at $8.00 and tops out at $18.00. Selected dishes will be fired in a large deck oven and rotisserie visible from the dining room. Valet Parking is available.
MENU HIGHLIGHTS
Starters: Minestrone alla Genovese; Salt Cod Croquettes; Goat Cheese Baked in Grape Leaves; Artisanal Salumi Platter; “Nut et Cru” Tuna Carpaccio with Lemon and Herbs.
Pastas and Entrees: Pansotti with Walnut Sauce; Fresh Tagliarini with Porcini Sauce; Herb-Basted Rotisserie Chicken; Daube of Beef; Grilled Delmonico Steak with Anchovy Butter; La Bouillabase with Red Pepper Rouille.
CHEF EXPERIENCE
David Machado, a 1986 honors graduate of the California Culinary Academy, has more than two decades experience as an executive chef, restaurant industry executive and successful independent restaurateur in Portland and San Francisco. After creating several of Portland’s most popular downtown restaurants, including Pazzo Ristorante and Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar, Machado launched Portland’s “eastside dining craze” with Lauro Kitchen and Vindalho. Nel Centro brings Machado full circle -- to his urban roots in the center of the city. His reputation led to teaching invitations from the Tenuta Capezzena Culinary Center in Tuscany, The Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and to present to audiences at the James Beard House in New York City.
WINE PROGRAM
Consultant David Holstrom, known to industry insiders as “Guy du Vin”, directs Nel Centro’s wine program. The wine list focuses on the wines of southern France and northern Italy as well as varietals from Oregon and Washington. Holstrom’s award winning wine lists are easily identifiable for three ever-present qualities – the selections are playful, cerebral and always a great value.
SEATING
The restaurant can accommodate 115 guests in the dining room with room for 30 in the bar. Two private dining rooms can accommodate events up to 30 people. Al fresco dining for 50 is available in the courtyard in season.
JULIE’S TABLE
A special feature at Nel Centro is Julie’s Table, affectionately named for Machado’s wife and partner of more than 24 years. Hand-crafted from a reclaimed panel of Doug Fir, Julie’s Table accommodates special parties of twelve, or, smaller parties seeking a quintessentially Portland communal dining experience.
AMBIANCE
The 4,700 square foot space includes the dining room, bar, and, two private dining rooms. Portland-based Holst Architecture designed the contemporary space. Modern, minimal, with European influences, the design forms an urban oasis with large windows that frame a dynamic cityscape of theatergoers, commuters, students and city dwellers.
The adjacent public courtyard features a dramatic living wall, fire pits and outdoor seating and teak decking. Recycled and sustainable materials are used throughout including zero-VOC paint, wool carpeting, leather upholstery, recycled newsprint bar and counter tops and reclaimed Doug Fir tabletops.
SUSTAINABILITY
Every aspect of Nel Centro is built with a commitment to sustainable practices. Products are always sourced locally and seasonally from the best farm-to-table growers and producers, and, the nearby Portland Farmers Market. A comprehensive recycling program includes food-composting, oils donated to biofuel programs and, green products for to-go and take-home containers. With public transit at the front door, diners and employees alike will have fast and easy options whether coming or going.
LOCATION
Nel Centro is adjacent to the Hotel Modera in downtown Portland’s cultural center. Top venues for music, theater and performance are within easy walking distance from the restaurant. Portland’s renowned Farmers Market is a few blocks away, as is Portland State University. The newest Light Rail line, the Green Line, opens this fall offering free travel for downtown riders and for transporting visitors from the Portland Airport to downtown.
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