Nostrana

THIRD ANNUAL NEGRONI SOCIAL: 3 IS A MAGIC NUMBER

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:32:25 -0700

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

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:31:00 -0700

Three chances to win:

NS3: Drink a Negroni for a good cause via the Oregonian

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:38:39 -0700

NS3: Drink a Negroni for a good cause via the Oregonian

NS3: PORTLAND NEGRONI WEEK

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:28:00 -0700

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

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:07:35 -0700

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

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:41:35 -0700

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

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:50:00 -0700

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

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:35:00 -0800

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

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:24:32 -0800

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

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 23:03:00 -0800

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.

Straight from Barbaresco! L'ora dell' Aperitivo with Renato Vacca

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 17:42:33 -0800

Our friend Renato Vacca, owner & winemaker at Cantina del Pino in Barbaresco is visiting Portland this week. We are excited to have him join us on Tuesday, January 22nd from 5:00-6:30 pm for a Happy Hour here at the Rooster Bar. Enjoy Renato’s wines, great conversation with the winemaker, chef/owner Cathy Whims & wine director Douglas Derrick, along with some of your favorite Nostrana small plates. The cost is $15 and space is limited.

call Nostrana at 503-234-2427 to reserve.

January is Geometry of Pasta Month

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:35:37 -0800

One of Chef Cathy Whims’ inspirations is The Geometry of Pasta by Caz Hildebrand & Jacob Kenedy. This year’s Saveur 100 featured the book and Cathy’s comments about it. Through the month of January we’ll be featuring pasta shapes and recipes from the book. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to learn the latest and preview the menu on our website

Celebrate New Year's Eve 2013

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 22:46:15 -0800

Join us at Nostrana for a celebration of the year past and the new year to come! We’re extending our normal Monday hours to 11:00 pm with a beautiful a la carte menu and happy hour will start at 9:00 as usual. Reservations are going fast, but the bar and pizza counter will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Chelsea Gem oysters, Dungeness Crab bisque, Smoked trout paglia e fieno, Rosso di Parma (roast beef eye of ribeye) and lots of bubbles are only a few of the items featured on a spectacular menu. The pizza oven will be fired up and of course all of your Nostrana favorites will be available.

We’ll look forward to seeing you!

Happy Holidays From All of Us at Nostrana!

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:30:01 -0800

Gift certificates will be available for purchase at the restaurant (or by phone) Monday December 24th from 10 am to 2 pm.

The restaurant will be closed for service on Monday December 24th and Tuesday December 25th, and will re-open for lunch service on Wednesday December 26th.

We wish everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday!

"The social event of the farmers' market season" - Cathy Whims

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:33:01 -0800

Have we peaked your interest? Check out the Winter Solstice Pop-Up Farmers’ Market and Bazaaro at Tastebud restaurant this Saturday. Click here for more information. We hope to see you there!

This December: Arriva l'Olio Nuovo!

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:14:44 -0800

Olio Nuovo Cooking Class
Sunday, December 9, 12:30–3 p

Cathy Whims partners with olio nuovo expert Jeffrey Bergman of Bergman Culinary Concepts to teach a small group of curious

Italian food lovers about the nuances of these lively olive oils. The class is $85/person and includes: the history of olio nuovo, a guided tasting and a demonstration that highlights dishes cooks can make at home.

Wine pairings and olio nuovo fare will be served.

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Olio Nuovo Wine Dinner
Monday, December 10, 6 p

Nostrana celebrates the arrival of newly pressed olive oils by hosting our second annual Olio Nuovo Wine Dinner. Five courses will be served featuring Olio Nuovo, and Jeffrey Bergman will act as guest ‘olio nuovo sommelier’ for the evening.

Dinner is $85/person, inclusive of wine pairings.

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Olio Nuovo on the Menu
Beginning Tuesday, December 11

Nostrana showcases these incredible olive oils on the dinner menu in small plates and a variety of sweets. Olio Nuovo dishes will be available until our supply of these new oils is exhausted.

Prices vary.

Please call Nostrana: (503) 234-2427 to reserve for these events.

Oven & Shaker To Host Cynthia Nims

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:56:00 -0700

Chef Cathy Whims & Mixologist Ryan Magarian are excited to welcome Cynthia Nims with her new cookbook Salty Snacks on Tuesday, November 13th. The cocktail reception will feature recipes from the book as well as Cynthia’s favorite drink The French 75. The event runs from 3:00-6:00 pm at Oven & Shaker and reservations can be made here.

Mon, 15 Oct: Nostrana celebrates 7 years and welcomes Chef Bruce Aidells

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:53:00 -0700

On Monday, 15 October, Nostrana welcomes Chef Bruce Aidells for a 7 year anniversary celebration featuring recipes from The Great Meat Cookbook.

Whether the cook shops at the local farmers’ market or the supermarket, The Great Meat Cookbook is the definitive guide to the new landscape. In sidebars illustrated with color photographs of each cut, Aidells shows how to pick the best steaks, chop, roasts, and ribs.

One seating, 6:30pm. $125/person, inclusive of dinner, wine pairings, & a copy of The Great Meat Cookbook. Call for reservations: 503.234.2427.

Thur, 4 Oct: an evening of handmade pasta with Francesca Tori

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:09:48 -0700

On Thursday, 4 October, our dinner menu will feature pasta handmade by Bologna’s Francesca Tori. Nostrana is proud to host Francesca on her US tour, to which she brings her passion for Italy, culture and food. From 5–10p, you’ll have the chance to sample her egg pasta—traditional of Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region, made from scratch by hand and rolled out with the rolling pin.

Call 503.234.2427 for reservations or book online at nostrana.com.

Chef to MARKET series begins Monday, September 17th

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 17:25:58 -0700

Our own Cathy Whims kicks off the Chef to MARKET series of dinners in collaboration with Chef Troy Furuta at MARKET this Monday, September 17th. The first in a series of thirteen events, this Piedmontese Pasta Feast features four courses for $40.

reserve tickets at www.market-pdx.com or call 503-248-0004