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    Christopher Israel and Kurt Huffman to Open Mexican Restaurant in Pinot Space

    By PDX Food Dude Last Update January 20, 2014 9 Comments

    According to Portland Monthly Mag, Christopher Israel of Grüner is partnering with Kurt Huffman of ChefStable, to take over the space last occupied by the predictably ill-fated Pinot Restaurant. Hearing the news, my heart sank a bit, as one of the problems with the old space is that it was just too large, but it turns out, the old restaurant will be divided into two parts, with half to Israel, and the other half to a “special dinner events, chef’s collaborations, and classes from Portland’s growing culinary entrepreneurs,” run by ChefStable.

    As far as the Mexican restaurant, Israel wants to serve “great tacos, guacamole… the simple things people crave”. It seems like I read years ago, that Israel wanted to open a Mexican place, so he seems to be following his dream.

    That’s a lot of tacos.

    Related

    Category: Portland Food and Restaurant News and Discussion. More about Chris Israel.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cochino says

      December 20, 2011 at 4:22 pm

      Everything Chris does is a success. This will be no different.

      Reply
    2. garden girl says

      December 20, 2011 at 5:02 pm

      Chris is certainly taking over a few blocks of SW 12th. Soon he’ll have as many establishments as his former Zefiro partner Bruce Carey. Can’t wait for this new restaurant to open!

      Reply
    3. PDX2CDG says

      December 20, 2011 at 8:12 pm

      Great news, as long as quality isn’t compromised by the almighty dollar.
      Keeping close quarters makes sense. Brilliant idea!!

      Reply
    4. Tim Roth says

      December 21, 2011 at 1:38 am

      I wonder when someone who can draw will make a political cartoon of Huffman, the great puppeteer of the Portland food scene. Not that it’s a bad thing, but it is starting to seem awfully cozy…

      Reply
    5. bette says

      December 21, 2011 at 9:44 am

      Fantastico.

      Reply
    6. abefroman says

      December 21, 2011 at 12:21 pm

      going to have to sell a boatload of tacos to pay the rent in that space.

      Reply
    7. PDX2CDG says

      December 21, 2011 at 9:21 pm

      I think the same thing was said about ‘German food’….seems like that’s gone over pretty well. Filling spaces with good food is…….what? Giving the ‘box’ tacos spots a run for the money? Really?? Don’t be picking on the tacos señor!

      Reply
    8. Amoureuse says

      December 22, 2011 at 2:13 am

      If anyone can make a go of it, its the Chefstable Crew! Besides rent was not the problem at Pinot! execution, quality and hospitality were. The landlords just want an active restaurant ( thinking long term ). Gruener is great ! Chris will figure this out. Christ do you have any idea what Jake’s Famous does a year? It would SHOCK most of you! Yeah I know the food is different! There is a ton of potential at the old Pinot space…( why do you think 2 McCormicks guys tried to make a go of it?) besides Kurt has the “Midas Touch”

      Reply
    9. PDX2CDG says

      December 24, 2011 at 3:49 pm

      Maybe Kurt can find something to fill that gap where Ten-01 use t be.
      Chefstable does seem to have the formula down.

      Reply

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