Lauro Newsletter :: Late Spring 2006
New Menu, Impending Arrivals and Vacation

Lauro Kitchen is a special place — filled with excellent food, incomparable staff and happy customers. Since Daren and I have both been down the street operating our new restaurant Vindalho, Laila has done an exceptional job running the front of the house here at Lauro. Later this month, she will be leaving to welcome her first baby. We thank Laila and wish her and her family all the best.

Lauro regulars will be happy to know that the charming and affable Daren Hamilton will be back at his old spot at the front door to welcome them.

Menu highlights include Roasted Asparagus with Orange Saffron Hollandaise Sauce, Sautéed Halibut with “Turlu Turlu” and Walnut Garlic Tarator Sauce, Grilled Lamb Brochette with Saffron Rice Pilaf and Mint Vinaigrette, Smoked Prosciutto, Medjool Date, Arugula and Truffle Oil Pizza. Seasonal dessert highlights include Strawberry Rhubarb Crostada with Vanilla Ice Cream and Lemon Pudding Cake with Raspberry Coulis and Chantilly.

view our spring menu

Chef de Cuisine: Jennifer Buehler

At age ten, Jennifer Buehler cooked her first gourmet meal for her family in Independence, Missouri. Years later, after catering jobs, road trips and working in computer sales, Jen decided to attend culinary school in Portland. Fearless, she dove in to the demanding, male-dominated life of the line cook. Since 2004, she has worked her way through the ranks at Lauro from the grill to sous chef and in January she was named Chef de Cuisine. Congratulations Jennifer.

Jen’s cooking style remains true to the Lauro recipe book. Excellent pasta dishes and nightly specials with simple, seasonal flourishes are her signature. Think Grilled Shrimp with Avocado and Mango Relish, dishes with pea shoots or baby artichokes.

This month Jen takes her first trip to the Mediterranean to visit Barcelona, Spain. Hear about her culinary adventures when you dine at the counter —– taste her experience in your next meal at Lauro Kitchen when we reopen in July post vacation.

Notes from the Bar: Let’s Twist Again

Just like last summer, Bar Goddess Gloria Preston serves up our very own Sangria and several new specialty cocktails, each with a twist. Sangria Blanca is our unique blend of white wine, softened fruit, ginger and vanilla bean with a touch of orange liquor for sweetness. The Scarlett Oh! is looking good as a rich combination of rum, fresh blood orange juice and a hit of lemon-lime. Ginger Lemonade is a great opener, perfectly paired with the fried calamari or roasted asparagus appetizers. Gordon’s vodka, lemon, ginger syrup and a splash of soda make for an effervescent summer refresher.

Vindalho Reservations for 6, Private Parties and Vindalho To Go

We have heard from so many of our customers at Vindalho that they want reservations to gather together with the confidence of a table for their big parties. At 54 seats, Lauro simply can’t accommodate reservations and all of our neighborhood regulars. However, our beautiful sister restaurant down the street, with a capacity of 80 seats, and with the outdoor patio opening June 15th, can now take reservations for parties of 6 or more. Call 503.467.4550 Tuesday-Saturday after 2 pm for details.

The Vindalho Mezzanine is also perfect for a private party in a public space. Receptions, dinner meetings, book groups and family-style suppers are easily arranged. Choose one of our family-style menus designed for sharing.

Vindalho To Go has been a surprise hit. Our entire menu is available for take-out as an easy option for dinner or entertaining. View our spring menu.

Closed for Summer Vacation

We will be closed for summer vacation from June 25th through July 4th. We will reopen on Wednesday, July 5th. Thank you from all of us at Lauro Kitchen for your support and patronage. Many thanks also to Frank DiMarco of DiMarco Images for providing the new digital images in this newsletter.

Lauro Kitchen is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday and Monday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Complimentary parking is available in our private lot on the west side of the building. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Please try to arrive early to insure a table for you and your party.

Salud,

David Machado Chef and Owner Lauro Kitchen

Daren Hamilton General Manager and Partner Lauro Kitchen