Autumn Kisses from Nel Centro

Is there a better time than autumn to be in downtown Portland? There's a nip in the air, the holidays are near, the local arts calendar is bursting with great performances and the cozy confines of your favorite eatery beckon. With our typical gustatory zeal, we are seizing the moment with new items for the fall menu. Check out our new starters, entrees and pizzas, along with six fabulous new cocktails. Please consider joining us for a drink or dinner before or after a performance by one of Portland's world class arts groups.

A Finely Balanced New Starter

Christmas comes early via our new starter, Spiedini of Grilled Shrimp with Sicilian Citrus Salad - a perfectly delicious and complex array of balanced flavors.

New Salads

Spiedini of Grilled Shrimp
with Sicilian Citrus Salad

Two new salads are exciting diners this fall: a crisp and piquant Hearts of Romaine with Lemon, Garlic and Anchovy and, a Radicchio & Endive with Pears, Blue Cheese & Marcona Almonds.

Three New Handmade Pasta Dishes

Good things come in three's and our pasta maestro, Mario, has created three new soft and supple pastas. He's making a classic Trenette with Chanterelle Mushrooms & Speck, a timely and delicious Pumpkin Agnolotti with Hazelnut Sage Butter, and Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli with Pesto Bianco.

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Six New Liquid Creations

Cello Hour

Without further ado, say hello to six new drinks for fall sipping.

Gran Torino with Prosecco, Campari & Vermouth di Torino
Cello Hour with Crown Royal, Lemoncello & Nocello
Brazil Cafe with Coffee, Cachaca & Creme de Cacao
King Clovis Rosemary & Clove Vodka, Lemon & Maple Syrup
Absent Heiress with Lillet Blanc, Aperol, Orange & Absinthe
Autumn Kiss with Tuaca, Averna, Orange & Cinnamon

Holiday Private Dining at Nel Centro

Still need to book your holiday party? Nel Centro has several dates and rooms available for the holiday season. We can accommodate an intimate dinner for 12, to a stand up reception for 150. For more information, contact Michelle Glass at 503.484.1099 or, email Michelle at Michelle@nelcentro.com.

Jazz at Nel Centro - November & December Dates

Guitarist Mike Pardew

On Friday and Saturday nights, jazz guitarist Mike Pardew performs in the Nel Centro bar. Pardew's cool, downtown licks are the perfect accompaniment to a late night Negroni or a Manhattan. Special guests are booked for November and December. A sample of Mike's guest players include bassist Scott Steed and drummer Randy Rollofson. Check out the Nel Centro jazz schedule.

Chef's Corner - Matthew Bemis is chef de cuisine

Congratulations to chef Matthew Bemis, who has been promoted from sous chef to chef de cuisine. Matthew has been with us since 2009 after a stint in the Heathman Restaurant kitchen. Matt's steady, creative hand at the stove has been a big part of our growing success. Stepping in for Matthew at the sous chef position is Cara Powell. Cara hails from Minneapolis, where she worked as chef at Campiello. Welcome Cara!

Call it Irresistible - Happy Hour From 4 to 6

The fire pits are burning each day at 4 pm, as the best-in-downtown-Portland happy hour swings into first gear and stays there until 6pm. Try our new lamb meatballs, the roasted pork sandwich, or the house made country paté. You can't miss with one of our pizza's of the day. For you brave souls, the patio is still open and the fire pits are on - but the bar is way cozy.

Portland on Stage - Music, Art, Dance, Film

Always vibrant and often thrilling, the Portland arts scene seems to get better and better every year. This year we're especially excited about our partnerships with White Bird Dance, Third Angle, the Portland International Film Festival and the Portland Jazz Festival. All of us appreciate your ongoing support. Thanks and Happy Holidays!