The Summer Scene Finally Comes Alive

Nel Centro's very lively downtown scene is heating up. The patio is buzzing, the bar is full and summer produce is just arriving in the kitchen. Chef Machado and his trusted sous chefs Matthew and Bryan have been hard at work developing new, seasonal dishes, from soups and salads to starters and entrees.

New Summer Dishes

Zucchini

We're introducing several choice additions to our menu. For starters, we have a classic Tomato Bread Soup, and a raw Zucchini Salad with Pecorino, Almonds and Mint (pictured above). We've added a cold and crisp Butter Lettuce Salad with Creamy Gorgonzola Dressing and Candied Walnuts. Two new handmade pastas are being served: a rustic Ricotta filled Pansotti with Humble Tomato Sauce, and Trenette with New Potatoes, Tiny Green Beans and Basil Pesto. New entrees include a tender Spit Roasted Pork Loin with Creamy Polenta & Stone Fruit Chutney and succulent Grilled Lamb Chops with Cannellini Beans & Sicilian Caponata.

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Dave, Julie and Daren in La Morra,
Italy

Renato Ratti Winemaker Dinner Monday July 25th

Nel Centro invites you to join us in welcoming Italian winemaker, Pietro Ratti for dinner on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 6:30 pm. We will pour the wines of Renato Ratti Winery and chef/owner David Machado will cook a traditional five course meal based on the cuisine of Piedmont. The cost is $95 for the reception and dinner with wines and gratuity included. The Ratti Winery hosted chef Machado and his wife Julie, along with general manager Daren Hamilton, for a lunch, tour and tasting during their visit to the Piedmont region last March.

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Dave, Daren and Giovanni in
Palermo, Italy

Nel Centro Travels to Italy

Last spring, in search of culinary inspiration, chef Machado, wife and co-owner, Julie, general manager Daren Hamilton and barman Giovanni Artale, embarked on a tasting tour of Italy. Their journey began in Giovanni's home of Siracusa, Sicily and included a frenetic dining tour of the island's varied culinary outposts. After a sumptuous and warm visit hosted by Giovanni's family, David, Julie and Daren bade them all farewell and headed to the Piedmont town of Alba for a week of power dining and wine tasting in Barolo, Barbaresco, Torino, Cuneo and Genoa. Our consensus opinion: The authenticity that we strive to deliver in the food at Nel Centro, compares quite favorably to the original dishes we sampled in Italy. We might even dare to say that our product is a little fresher and more flavorful. You be the judge and join us for dinner.

Guitarist Mike Pardew

Sunday Jazz Brunch
at Nel Centro

We will be hosting a Sunday Jazz Brunch on July 10th, August 7th and September 25th. The music begins at 10:30 am. and is led by Nel Centro's musical director, guitarist Mike Pardew and accompanied by bassist Dave Captein and drummer Randy Rollofson. Mike Pardew and friends perform every Friday and Saturday night beginning at 9:30.

"Aperol Sparkler"

Introducing Five New Summer Libations

For a refreshing splash of summer, try our Solario made with Tequila, Pineapple & Passion Fruit. The New Deal Gimlet is a clean and crisp mixture of New Deal Vodka, Lime, Cucumber & Mint.

Need a new after dinner drink? Try the Anice Cafe with Frangelico, Sambuca, & Chilled Coffee. The Duke of Earl has Earl Grey Infused Gin, Lemon Juice & Simple Syrup.

Aperol Sparkler is made with Aperol, Fresh Orange Juice & Prosecco.

"Solario"

In Downtown Portland, Life is Better Every Day From 4 to 6 pm

Happy Hour at Nel Centro is smooth and full-bodied. Whether you're at the bar, the banquette, or outside on our best-in-downtown-Portland patio, life takes on a whole new flavor. Our happy hour menu is both generous and unpretentious - try our Mediterranean Mussels with Hot Coppa, Marinara and Basil, or the justifiably famous Lamb Burger. The patio sails have been hoisted to keep you cool and comfortable.