Palomar
Day 2: 5-Course Cuban Meets Mexican Tasting Series
Opened in 2018, this Cuban eatery on South Division Street has become a certifiable Portland institution, named to Eater’s “Best Cuban in PDX” and “Best Caribbean in PDX” Lists of 2023. Chef Ricky Bella, a Portland native, was Chef de Cuisine at Bullard Tavern (under Top Chef alum Doug Adams) before moving over to Palomar. Here, he is turning out Cuban classics like Altún a la Parilla (grilled albacore with charred avocado, orange, and bacon brown butter), Vaca Frita (crisp beef, black beans, rice, and avocado salsa verde), and Lechon Con Mojo (mojo braised pork shoulder, rice, cilantro, and pickles). There’s an awesome cocktail program as well, befitting the bartenders of Cuba from the 1920’s who formed the first bartender’s guild in the world, known as the Asociacion de Cantineros de Cuba. Condé Nast Traveler says that “entering this tropical-drinks oasis is like stepping off the streets of Portland and into Havana, or Miami.” You bet it is, with its bright pink and turquoise walls, leafy wallpaper on the upper level, and the sound of blenders whipping up batches of daiquiris and piña coladas. In other words, a summer idyll. Hope to see you there!
About the Host:
Ricky Bella
Head Chef
Born and raised in PDX's own St. John's, Chef Ricky Bella has cooked in kitchens across Portland, including Beaker & Flask, James Beard Award-Winning Chef Vitaly Paley's Imperial, and Top Chef alum Chef Doug Adams's Bullard. In September 2022, he joined the Palomar team as Head Chef.
The Lineup
Courses #1, #2, and #4 will be served family style. Courses #3 and #5 will be served individually plated.
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Ropa Vieja Carpaccio
heirloom tomato, castelvetrano olive, sofrito
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Oregon Albacore Tuna Crudo
leche de tigre, cucumber relish, plantain fries
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Rabo Encendido Tamales
cuban oxtail, oaxaca queso, blue corn, serrano hot sauce
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Lechon Con Mojo
mojo marinated pork belly, coconut rice, black beans, pickled vegetables, cilantro
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Strawberry Milk Tres Leches
fresh strawberry, strawberry milk
Palomar
959 SE Division St #100
Portland, OR 97214
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at [email protected] after you purchase tickets to let us know.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $85 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to [email protected].
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email [email protected] with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, there is a nearby parking garage and/or lot, as well as street parking available. Parking is not validated.
