Winter 2012

Arts Month :: Film, Music, Eats, Drinks

Poached Eggs on Griddled Polenta with
Cured Pork Loin & Sage Hollandaise

It may feel damp and chill, but for Portland's performing arts lovers, February is all light and heat. On February 3rd, the Portland Opera lights up the Keller Auditorium with a performance of Madame Butterfly. Next up, the 35th Annual Portland International Film Festival opens on Thursday, Feb. 9th with a VIP gala at Nel Centro. Tuesday the 14th is Valentines Day, and just three days later a high note—the Portland Jazz Festival launches on the 17th at the Winningstad Theater in PCPA. The Oregon Ballet Theater dances Giselle at the Keller Auditorium on the 25th.

What a month!

Valentine's Day

The big day is almost here and yes, we've crafted some wonderful Valentine's Day specials. An elegant and romantic dinner for two in downtown Portland begins with a cozy booth, a bottle of great Italian wine, and is topped off with a delicious, creative meal for you and your date.

» See our Valentines Day Specials
» Reserve a table

Downtown's Best Kept Secret - Sunday Brunch at Nel Centro

The pace is leisurely, the food is sumptuous and it's downtown Portland's best kept secret. Brunch at Nel Centro makes Sunday mornings tres special. Try our Poached Eggs on Griddled Polenta with Cured Pork Loin & Sage Hollandaise. Or, the perfectly prepared Florentine Omelet with Spinach, Mushrooms & Fontina. If you're a French Toast lover, the Brioche French Toast with Mixed Berries & Crème Fraiche is rich and beautiful. Check out the brunch menu here ».

Nel Centro Round 9:30 p.m. ~ Weekend Jazz Scene

Portland jazz guitarist Mike Pardew performs every Friday and Saturday night in the Nel Centro bar. With a great cast of rotating sidemen - Randy Rollofson, Dave Captein, Dan Balmer, Scott Steed, Jon Stowell and other jazz greats, Mike creates an irresistible late night groove. Perch yourself at the bar, order a Manhattan and kick back. Our jazz schedule is here ».

Swinging in February - PDX Jazz & Nel Centro

PDX Jazz is back! The Portland Jazz Festival has done it again with an incredible lineup of talent - Bill Frisell, Roy Haynes, Charles McPherson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Branford Marsalis, Charlie Hunter - the list goes on. As partners with PDX Jazz, we've got exciting news to share. Over five days in February - Feb. 17th to Feb. 25th - Nel Centro will host Jazz Festival performances by a roster of great musicians - Mike Pardew, Damian Erskine, Carlton Jackson, Joe Manis, Scott Hall, and others.

Special note: On Thursday, February 23rd, at 9 p.m., Nel Centro hosts The John Gross trio. And look for a swinging Sunday Jazz Brunch on February 26, at 10:30 a.m., featuring the Brooklyn Jazz Quartet. Dates and performers are listed here ».

The Curtain Rises ~ The 35th Annual PIFF

Film lovers of Portland! PIFF, one of our most enduring cultural traditions has returned! The 35th Annual Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) VIP gala kicks off at Nel Centro on February 9th. For the second year in a row, we're the exclusive host of the PIFF Lounge. This is the perfect environment to hang out, eat, drink and talk film before or after a show. The Festival runs from February 9th to the 25th.

Private Dining for Your Next Party

Nel Centro would love to host your next private luncheon, reception, client dinner or meeting. We have five private dining rooms that are fun and versatile. We can accommodate an intimate dinner for 12, or a stand up reception for 150, so please consider reserving your next event with us. For more information, contact Michelle Glass at 503.484.1099. Or email Michelle, at michelle@nelcentro.com.