Lauro Newsletter :: Spring 2007

We’re calling to say “Spring is on the way!”

Rain showers and sun breaks are making way for what’s new at Lauro. Spring hours move to a 9 p.m. close on Sunday thru Thursday, 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Enticing fresh and local ingredients are listed here as our Willamette Valley growing season starts up. See the update below on what we're working on in the community and how you can join us.

Our spring menu includes Totten Inlet Mussels and Chouriço in Cataplana, Oven Roasted Asparagus with Sauce Romesco, Spinach Salad with Grapefruit, Feta, Red Onion and Fried Ginger, Three Cheese and Herb Ravioli with Lemon and English Pea Sauce, Grilled Pork Chop with Braised Red Cabbage and Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Lamb Sirloin with French Beans and Olive Tapenade, Provençal Braised Beef with Red Wine, Olives and Fried Polenta. Seasonal dessert highlights include Apple Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Ice Cream and Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Blood Orange Compote.

view our spring menu

Notes from the Bar: “Frankly My Dear...”

Rhett Butler obviously hadn’t met Lauro’s mesmerizing concoction – Scarlett Oh! – when he played his famous final scene. He would have realized that, just like Miss O’Hara, our delightful cocktail is sweet and sour, smooth and strong, completely unforgettable, all dressed up in shades of red. Our Scarlett combines silver rum, blood oranges and fresh squeezed lemon and lime, and just like in the movie, she's all wrapped up with a sugary ribbon. This little lady would have had even Rhett saying “Oh!”

Stepping Up and Stepping Out

Lauro is proud to participate in many efforts through the year to benefit projects and issues that are important to us. We always focus on supporting education and hunger relief. Earlier this month Chef de Cuisine Jennifer Buehler represented Lauro in the Loaves & Fishes fundraiser - Best Tables in Town. Each year Loaves & Fishes prepares and delivers more than 850,000 meals to seniors in Portland.

Last night we held a fundraiser for the Garden of Wonders program located at Southeast Portland’s Abernethy Elementary School. 20% of our regular proceeds from the evening will be donated. This schoolyard garden program is in its second year and is a favorite cause of ours. The program teaches children about food: where it comes from and how it’s grown. The effort is part of an integrated cafeteria/gardening program that just may be cultivating a future chef. Dollars raised at Lauro’s fundraiser will help purchase all-important soil amendments, child-size tools and materials for a new fence. We look forward to supporting other school programs in the months to come.

Each year we participate in Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation. Both Lauro Kitchen and Vindalho will be creating amazing dishes to be enjoyed at this year's 20th anniversary event. Over one million dollars has been raised in the past to fight hunger and poverty. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful evening. Please join us on April 30th. For ticket information visit the Share Our Strength's website.

Leading the Line: Drew Jacobs

For close to three years you have probably noticed the tall and handsome guy on the line in his Lauro whites. Drew Jacobs is the young man, working assiduously behind the Lauro counter, sporting two silver hoops in each ear. Drew is a little bit happy-go-lucky, little bit pirate.

A native of St. Albans, Vermont, Drew left the northern hills of the Green State seeking adventure (and warmer winters), at the other end of the country, moving to Portland in 2003. He has worked his way up the food chain and has done it all, from dishes to pantry to oven to grille. At Lauro, he loves the open kitchen, the interesting people he cooks for and the adrenaline rush of the demanding pace. Asked to name his favorite dish at Lauro, Drew doesn’t hesitate – “easy” he quickly replies “Pork and Clams "Alentejo" with Roasted Peppers and Potatoes.” See, little bit happy-go-lucky, little bit pirate.

Portland Monthly: Machado Family Comfort Food

We were pleased to be featured in Portland Monthly’s March cover story on Comfort Food. A beautiful photograph by Susan Seubert captured the Machado family’s recipe for Portuguese Chicken and Rice with Chouriço. The article shares the story of this wonderful dish passed down from David’s Portuguese grandmother to his Irish mother. “My mother wasn’t a good cook,” says David, “so my grandmother had to teach her how to make this dish. Chicken, rice, garlic, smoky sausage and sweet paprika all simmered together. It is easy, comforting and delicious.”

Need a copy of this Machado family favorite for your recipe collection? It’s as easy as this one-pot wonder; just view the recipe on the Lauro web site.

Lauro Kitchen is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 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