From the PR –
Portland restaurateur Frank Taylor, managing partner of Quartet, announced today plans to open Quartet in the former Lucier location on Portland’s southwest waterfront in mid-February. Taylor has hired Greg Gonzales to manage the day to day operations of Quartet, which will be open for happy hour starting at 3pm daily, and dinner at 5pm seven days a week. Plans call for a redesign of the bar area , a baby grand piano, the replacement of the lobby entrance door, and softening of some of the interior architectural details. Most of the beautiful features of the original Lucier design will be retained, while creating a more accessible, energetic ambiance.
Quartet will present live piano music most nights, performed by local and national artists. The dinner menu concept will be contemporary, seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine with a Southern influence, and the wine and beverage list will highlight the best of Pacific Northwest’s wines, brews and spirits. According to Taylor, “ Quartet is a combination of hospitality, cuisine, music and lively, friendly ambiance. It will be a casual, affordable waterfront dining destination in an elegant, one of a kind waterfront setting.”
Parking for Quartet guests is available at the adjacent 200 car lot, or by valet. The 7,657 square foot restaurant seats 214, inside and on the patio overlooking the Willamette River, and includes a 24 seat private dining area with adjacent patio.
A search for an executive chef is underway, with an announcement planned by end of the year. Pre-opening activities include a special benefit fundraiser for Self Enhancement, Inc., of Portland, featuring a Grammy award winning, international entertainer.
Quartet is owned and managed by Keeler Hospitality Restaurant Group. Frank Taylor, managing partner of Quartet, is also Director of Operations for Keeler Hospitality Restaurant Group, and managing partner of Portland Prime, in the Embassy Suites Hotel, downtown Portland. Greg Gonzales, general manager, Quartet, has been part of the restaurant community in Portland for more than 25 years. Most recently, Gonzales served as manager and general manager of El Gaucho, Portland for the past ten and a half years, helping to establish El Gaucho as a high ranking dining destination in the Portland market. Previously, Gonzales served as manager at the Esplanade at RiverPlace Hotel, and as opening manager for Portland’s Morton’s.
www.keelerhospitalityrestaurantgroup.com
www.quartetpdx.com – website will be available January 1, 2013.
Victoria says
It’s great that Portland has another upscale restaurant downtown, but I would like to no what the food menu looks like!!!
If anyone knows!!!
Lynn says
It’s a southern style, northwest influence menu. Dungeness crab hush puppies, vol au vant salad, fried green tomato salad, grilled salmon, smoked chicken, steak, lobster bisque, peach cobbler with bacon caramel ice cream, pecan tart. Good things.
Avian says
I am surprised that the website still isn’t up and running. It’s opening day and there is still no solid info on menu items and price ranges
kevio says
Don’t be surprised. I’ve found that this prime location is not ready for prime time. Amazingly, this collection of Portland’s finest restauranteurs are not up for their opening night. Very poor delivery. Sad.
kevio says
Very, very poor and sad restaurant opening. Not ready for prime time.
Hardcoremom says
Well? Did anyone go? How can a restaurant with an entire “group” behind them not have the website updated as promised on their own website? At least take that down. I have to admit, I really want a nice place to sit, drink, & watch ships go by. I really do.
Mike Hudson says
This restaurant is in HUGE trouble. Most of front-of-house staff has left and many of them are seeking legal help as they have not been paid tips and their paychecks have bounced. Nike had a huge, expensive event at the restaurant and the staff never received tips. Not good.
Kim says
I am a Foarmer employee who has not reciver any of my tip’s since before before easter. I had to quit a few weeks ago because of my paycheck bounced and no tips. They told me all my money would be ready for me when i picked up my last check, but they had nothing and are not sure when i will have any of my money they owe me ready. I’m looking into taking legal action aginst them as we speak. i also worked the Nike party and had recived nothing for it.
Food Dude says
I appreciate everyone who is writing me with gossip about the restaurant. Unfortunately, I can’t let the comments go through – they could get me sued.
mczlaw says
Here’s a non-rumor: My review of Quartet is scheduled for publication in next week’s WW. But don’t tell anyone.
–mcz
from detroit says
Frank had the same problems in detroit and now doing it again. [FD – the rest of this post is libelous – deleted]