THIRD ANNUAL NEGRONI SOCIAL: 3 IS A MAGIC NUMBER

On Monday, June 3, Nostrana restaurant will celebrate its third year of the quintessential Italian cocktail by bringing together an invite-only crowd of Portland’s greatest bartending and culinary talents. And for a third year, Nostrana’s blowout bash will benefit Outside In, an organization that provides much-needed medical and mental health services and resources to homeless youth.

Since 2010, The Rooster Bar at Nostrana has given special attention to a unique Negroni variation every month. In 2011, in celebration of a year of creativity, the Negroni Social was born. The Social is a costumed celebration of all things Negroni, featuring a retrospective of the last twelve “Negronis of the Month,” as well as the classic, traditional cocktail. 

The Negroni Social, scheduled for 10:30 p.m. on Monday, June 3, is an invite-only event. This year’s party will feature 12 Negroni variations served by 12 great bartenders, including Jeffrey Morganthaler from Clyde Common, Lacy Hawkins of Luc Lac, and Art Tierce from Ransom Spirits, as well as the unveiling of three upcoming Chef’s Negronis from Naomi Pomeroy of Beast, Johanna Ware of Smallwares and Cathy Whims, Nostrana’s founder and chef. Guests are invited to don masks and costumes based on this year’s themes of magic, the number three and, of course, the Negroni.

Portlanders who want to join the party can win the coveted Negroni Social invites at imbibemagazine.com/blog on Thursday, or at EaterPDX and Nostrana’s Facebook page at various times leading up to the event.

NS3: THREE CHANCES to win tickets to the invite-only Negroni Social

Three chances to win:

1. Eater PDX
2. Imbibe Magazine
3. Nostrana on Facebook

NS3: PORTLAND NEGRONI WEEK

Nostrana and Imbibe Magazine invite all of Portland to sip a Negroni for a good cause.

In the week leading up to the Negroni Social, Nostrana has partnered with Imbibe Magazine to recruit bars and restaurants across the city and country to serve their own unique Negroni variations. Inspired by the ever-changing and ever-creative Negroni of the Month at Nostrana, bartenders like David Shenaut at Raven & Rose and Jacob Carey at Dig A Pony will offer their own variations, with a dollar from each Negroni sale directly supporting Outside In’s work to move homeless youth towards health and self sufficiency.

“The Negroni is the best cocktail – complex, flavorful, and truly Italian – and the Negroni Social has always been a great party for a great cause,” says Negroni Social founder and longtime Nostrana bar man Douglas Derrick. “This year I wanted to find a way for all of Portland to take part in the celebration. More importantly, with the help of Portland’s tight-knit bartending community, we’ll be able to raise more awareness and more funds for homeless youth than we ever have before.”

During the week of May 27 through June 3, sippers in search of a good drink for a great cause will find Negroni variations at the following Portland bars and restaurants:

Cathy Whims Nominated JBFA Best Chef: Northwest

Once again, Portland, Oregon has been recognized as a culinary leader in the country. For the fifth consecutive year Chef/Owner Cathy Whims has been nominated by the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef: Northwest. Says Chef Whims of the honor; “It is so exciting to be in the Avery Fisher Hall with the most amazing chefs and so many generous people. Its so validating.” She also extended congratulations to fellow Northwest nominees from Portland Naomi Pomeroy (Beast) & Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon) as well as Jason Franey (Canlis) & Ethan Stowell (Staple & Fancy Mercantile) of Seattle.

Portland is well represented in other categories. Congratulations to Ken Forkish (Ken’s Artisan Bakery) for his Outstanding Pastry Chef nomination. Ken is also nominated, along with Martha Holmberg & Diane Morgan in the book award categories.

The James Beard Foundation awards will take place on Monday, May 6th at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Taste the Piedmont for Slow Food Portland

You have probably heard of Slow Food, but have you heard of Slow Wine?

Slow Food was established in 1986 with the goals of supporting local food ecosystems and to preserve traditional and regional cuisine.  Now, Slow Food International is building on a project that was started three years ago with a similar mission—Slow Wine.  

With this movement firmly established in Portland, curious eaters and dedicated foodies have the opportunity for a hands-on, palate cleansing, experience with Slow Wine.  Featuring six Italian winemakers from the Piemonte region of northwest Italy, come and learn about SLow Wine, and help benefit Slow Food Portland.  

It’s happening at Nostrana from 5-10pm on Monday, March 18th.  

Nostrana is delighted to welcome these six winemakers from four prestigious wineries, all from the Langhe region of Piedmont (aka Piemonte).  It’s a region celebrated for its notable wines, including Barolo, a rich red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape, and its cousin, the more delicate yet no less flavorful Barbaresco.  Piemonte is also revered for its rich and exemplary cuisine.  

The winemakers are:

• Nicola Argamante & Loredana Addari of Podere Ruggeri Corsini
• Carlo Deltetto of Deltetto
• Paola & Valentina Grasso of Ca’del Baio
• Alessandro Barosi of Cascina Corte

Nostrana is hosting the event with Casa Bruno, and proceeds from the night will benefit Slow Food Portland.  Twelve different wines will be available by the glass, bottle, and in flights.  In addition, Nostrana will be making hand rolled tajarin pasta, and other classics from the region, including roasted meat-filled agnolotti dal’plin, feather-light potato gnocchi with truffle and sausage ragù—all classics from the region born to accompany these delicious wines.  

And don’t fret:  Nostrana is still open that Monday night to all customers.  Hours for both Nostrana diners and the wine-curious are from 5-10pm.  

Reservations can be made through the restaurant (503.234.2427).

Village Gardens First Annual Fundraiser

Join Nostrana’s Chef Cathy Whims as she supports Village Gardens at their first annual spring fundraiser.  This is an inspiring opportunity to celebrate and learn about Village Gardens work to create a more just and healthy food system in Portland.  The evening will include food from Chef Whims, community participant presentations, brief videos highlighting program successes, and a silent & live auction.  

Bauccio Commons at the University of Portland
Friday, March 15. 
6p-9p

Event tickets are $40 and include dinner.  

For more information, visit Village Gardens information page. 

Elisabetta Foradori & Silvio Messana Thursday March 7th

Nostrana is proud to welcome two superstar Winemakers to the restaurant. Elisabetta Foradori of Foradori Winery & Silvio Messana of Montesecondo will join us for a casual evening of wine, food and conversation.

First, a reception at the Rooster Bar from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Take an opportunity to meet the Winemakers in a relaxed setting as you enjoy their wines & antipasti from the Nostrana kitchen. A family-style dinner will follow. Join the Winemakers & Chef/Owner Cathy Whims for a selection of favorites from the Nostrana menu.

Reception 5:00-6:00 pm  $20
Dinner 6:00  $60 including wine

Call for reservations  503-234-2427

Slow Food Portland With Anthony Boutard: Saturday, February 9th

Our good friend Anthony Boutard of Ayers Creek Farm shares insights & inspiration from his new book “Beautiful Corn: America’s Original Grain from Seed to Plate”. For more information, see the slow food website.

Cathy Whims & Montinore Estate to host Maialata: The Festival of the Pig

Chef Whims joins Montinore Estate owner Rudy Marchesi to host this age-old Italian celebration of the pig, a feast steeped in peasant traditions of community. Join them on Sunday, February 10th at 12:00 noon, along with their friends Jason French (Ned Ludd), John Taboada (Luce & Navarre) and Fred Carlo (Salumeria di Carlo) for an experience normally reserved for farmers, butchers & Italian villagers.

For more information and to reserve a place, go to the Montinore website.