Now Open, FIN Offers Innovative Dining Experience in addition to Weekend Late Hour Menu

FIN restaurant, located in the former Sel Gris space on Southeast Hawthorne, opened its doors on July 28th. Executive Chef Trent Pierce presents an innovative, fish-focused menu that encourages diners to sample and share an array of plates. Menu categories Whet, Wade, and Plunge immerse diners in a myriad of choices increasing in richness, with preparations ranging from crudo to lightly grilled selections.

FIN’s commitment to fresh, wild-caught, hook and line, and diver-caught seafood allows Pierce to constantly change his menu and develop new seasonal flavor profiles in his dishes. (See pdf attachment for current menu.)

Beginning September 3rd, FIN will introduce a Late Hour Menu (9pm-close) Friday thru Sunday that will offer smaller plates with suggested wine and sake pairing options chosen by Sommelier and Front of House Manager Israel Morales. FIN is also planning a series of monthly dinner events featuring multi-course pairing menus. Seating for these events will be limited. Stay tuned for these event details on the FIN website.

FIN’s interior offers diners a casual atmosphere. Remodeled with sustainable practices in mind, materials include cork flooring and woven wood detailing. A communal, bistro-style high bar topped with a reclaimed maple counter greets diners as they enter the restaurant, symbolizing the new concept for this neighborhood space. The walls are lined with modular banquets that can accommodate small and large parties.

Seafood Sources
FIN sources seafood from companies and fisheries that honor sustainable practices. Executive Chef Trent Pierce makes it a personal priority to ensure that all items on the menu are caught through sustainable methods. FIN partners with local vendors and reliable fish farms in Northwest bays. Other Pacific sources include a Hawaiian co-op that works with 50+ small fishermen.

“There is a lot of trust that goes into ensuring that fishing methods are sustainable. Our vendors are reputable and knowledgeable of the best practices. They tell us exactly where, and how, the fish were caught. If a vendor is unable to answer these questions, we don’t purchase fish from them,” says Pierce.

About FIN
FIN is located at 1852 SE Hawthorne, Portland, Oregon, 97214, www.finpdx.com, 503.517.5770.
FIN is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 5:30pm to close through the summer. Dinner menu is available 5:30pm to 10pm. Late Hour Menu available 9pm to close. Beginning early fall, FIN will move to a seven day schedule. Reservations are accepted, walk-ins welcome. Dinner plates range from $6-$19. Late Hour plates start at $6.

Eater PDX gets excited about Portland Eats Out!

Launching late summer 2010!

Portland Eats Out is a community of like-minded eaters coming together as members of a discount dining club to support the local restaurant community and promote hunger relief in Oregon.

Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved and start saving at your favorite neighborhood spots!

RITROVO wins sofi Gold for Mt Townsend Truffle & Salt Seastack Cheese

RITROVO Italian Regional Foods was awarded sofi Gold for its RITROVO SELECTIONS Mt. Townsend Limited Edition Truffle & Salt Seastack Cheese at the 2010 Fancy Food Show ceremony in New York City.

RITROVO received three Outstanding Product Nominations in three different food categories this year and is ecstatic to be taking home another sofi Gold.

This is RITROVO’s first award and nomination for a joint venture with a U.S. artisan producer.

RITROVO co-founders Ron Post and Ilyse Rathet are no strangers to this award stage. In their ten-year relationship with NASFT, RITROVO has now garnered a total of sixteen NASFT Awards and Outstanding Product Nominations for its multi-regional selections, including four sofi Gold Awards and twelve Silver Finalist Nominations. These awards comprise creations from seven different regions of Italy and Washington State in eleven different food categories, marking a remarkable feat in the food industry. 2010 Awards and Nominations include:

RITROVO SELECTIONS Mt. Townsend Truffle & Salt Seastack Cheese
2010 Winner/ sofi Award in the Cheese and Dairy Product Category: Mt. Townsend Creamery’s Limited Edition Seastack Cheese is infused with RITROVO SELECTIONS renowned Truffle & Salt product. The rich flavor, Brie-like texture and fresh truffle bouquet make this cheese a one-of-a-kind sensation.

RITROVO SELECTIONS Pasta Sauce with Alba White Truffle:
2010 Silver Finalist / Nominee in the Pasta Sauce Category

Primo Pan Gluten-Free Cookie:
2010 Silver Finalist / Nominee in the Cookie Category

For more than a decade Seattle-based RITROVO Italian Regional Foods has championed award-winning products from Italian small-scale organic farmers and artisan producers. In doing so, RITROVO has elevated the visibility of these farmers, producers, and their products to the broader international marketplace. RITROVO imports and develops these products directly — from farm to market — to talented American chefs and savvy specialty food buyers.

FIN Announces Late July Opening

FIN, an eco-modern seafood restaurant, is slated to open July 28, 2010 under the direction of executive chef Trent Pierce and owner Joan Dumas. FIN will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 5pm to close through the summer. Beginning early fall, FIN will move to a seven day schedule.

FIN will open in the former Sel Gris space on Southeast Hawthorne. Both the cuisine and decor in the renovated space feature sustainable, regional products. Interior highlights include a reclaimed maple countertop, cork flooring, woven wood detailing, and environmentally friendly finishes. The centerpiece of the restaurant, an abstract art piece crafted by local artist Jason Olcott, is suspended above a 6 ft extension of a bistro-style high bar.

FIN's menu, subtly influenced by European and Asian Cuisine, will include small to medium sized plates designed to take the diner through a myriad of preparations, ranging from crudo (raw) to lightly grilled. the menu will also offer dishes prepared on an imported Robatayaki grill, fresh picked greens, and house made pastas and desserts.

FIN proudly sources seafood from Pacific sources that honor sustainable fishing practices and partners with mico-local farmers including Sellwood Garden Club and local farms such as Viridian.

FIN will feature a selection of international and regional boutique wines and sakes, as well as premium beers, and signature house cocktails.

Featured menu items will include:

Almost Raw
YELLOWFIN - Yellowfin Carpaccio, White Soy, Citrus, Olio Verde, Chive
ALBACORE - Kimchi-infused Green Apple, Radish, Scallion, Celery Leaves, Ginger Oil

Lightly Touched
MACKEREL - Prosciutto Wrapped Ballotine of Mackerel, Nicoise Olive, Confit Navel Orange, Fig Gastrique, Baby Arugula
HAND-CUT PASTA - Korean Nori Tagliatelli, Sweet Corn Butter, Calabrian Chili Emulsion, Yellowfin Tuna

Barely Touched
HAMACHI - Grilled Hamachi, Charred Squid Consomme, Crispy Braised Endive, Pickled Onion, Salsa Verde
BLACK COD - PORK BELLY - Braised Pork Belly, Pan Seared Black Cod, Shaved Cabbage & Apple Salad, Squid Ink Sauce

Executive Chef Trent Pierce and Staff
Chef Trent Pierce's philosophy on cooking emphasizes the use of sensibly combined, pristine ingredients, herbs, and spices to produce complex, sweet and savory profiles. "I have always had a great passion for seafood and alternative cuts of meat. My approach is very seasonal and market driven. I use only what is available, sustainable, and fresh. I find creativity in the product and the people who provide it. The style of cuisine at FIN will be focused but without boundaries, refined but not overly manipulated. We will emphasize the ingredients." explains Pierce.

Portland native Trent Pierce brings a diverse culinary experience to FIN. Pierce spent several years at Deep, a Japanese restaurant in Bend, and was the executive chef at Volo, an upscale American cuisine restaurant. Upon returning to Portland, Pierce consulted with Sel Gris chef Daniel Mondok on potential restaurant projects, and worked at Chefstable's Foster Burger, until FIN became a reality.

Joining Pierce in the kitchen is Naomi Wartel, a seasoned poissonnier (fish cook). While living in Sunriver, Naomi worked as an apprentice under elite sushi chef, John Park, presently the owner of the esteemed Tokyo Go Go in San Francisco. The rigorous training she received from Park laid the foundation for a successful career to follow. Wartel's extensive culinary knowledge is artfully displayed on FIN's Menu.

Portland newcomer Israel Morales joins FIN as Front of House Manager. Morales hails from Chicago where he served as Wine Manager and Cheesemonger at the ENO Wine Room in the Intercontinental Hotel. As Dining Room Manager at TRU Restaurant in Chicago, Morales led his staff to win the 2007 James Beard Award for Outstanding Service.

About the Owner
FIN and former Sel Gris owner Joan Dumas has a marketing and product design background and co-owned a Mexican resort cafe and a classic french dinner house in California. Eager to see the new space come to life, Dumas explains, "I am very excited about the seafood concept Trent plans to introduce, and I love the dining room's simplistic, yet warm design. We really appreciated the neighborhood, and we hope FIN will soon become a welcomed addition to Portland's food community."

About FIN
FIN will seat 40 diners. FIN is located at 1852 SE Hawthorne, Portland, Oregon 97214, www.finpdx.com, 503.517.5770. FIN will be open for dinner and small plates Wednesday thru Sunday from 5pm to close through the summer. Beginning early fall, FIN will move to a seven day schedule. Reservations are accepted, walk-ins welcome. Small plates range from $8-$20. Larger plates $20-$28.

OMM Announces Marketing Partnership with FIN

We are excited to announce a marketing partnership with FIN, the new eco-modern seafood restaurant slated to open late July in the former Sel Gris space. Stay tuned for more details...

AGAVE GRILL Opens May 24 in Bridgeport Village

Bridgeport Village’s very first Mexican restaurant, Agave Grill, opens May 24, 2010. Located in the Village’s entertainment district near Regal Cinemas, Agave Grill will open in the combined space formerly occupied by Blue Tangerine and Pudding on the Rice. Agave Grill will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a weekend brunch service starting at 8am.

A vibrant and spirited decor of original Huichol and Tepehuano artwork collected from Central Mexico will greet guests upon entering Agave Grill, creating an authentic Mexican atmosphere for a unique dining experience.

Diners can relax in the spacious dining room while enjoying tasty spins on traditional Mexican dishes and tableside margarita preparation. Both the food and drink menus contain exciting fusion items and Agave Grill interpretations of classic Mexican favorites. All dishes and specialty cocktails are prepared in authentic fashion with a focus on fresh ingredients and scratch preparations.

Diners can pair these menu selections with their choice of refreshing beverages from the Agave Grill Cocktail Menu. Sure to be a crowd pleaser, the Top-Shelf Margarita, is Agave Grill’s signature drink. It is created from a tableside margarita cart with orchard fresh juices. Agave Grill offers more than ten different tequilas and a variety of fresh cocktails.

All beers are poured exclusively on draft, with varieties including Mexican favorites and local brews. Agave Grill is proud to be the second restaurant in the Portland metro area providing keg wine through their partnership with Wooldridge Winery in Southern Oregon. This sustainable alternative to bottled wines offers two varietals. Agave Grill also offers Acachul, a Mexican wine beverage similar to Sangria.

Brunch service begins at 8am on Saturday and Sunday to entice early weekend shoppers and matinee moviegoers. Diners will choose from Brunch Menu items that include a mix of traditionally inspired sweet and savory dishes. With the introduction of the brunch service, the Margarita carts will be transformed and expert bartenders will mix Bloody Marys from scratch and Mimosas made with fresh squeezed juices.

About the Owners

The vision behind this new dining experience comes from co-owners Kip Aszman, Greg Hawley, Jonathan Wallace and Joe Blunt. Day-to-day operations and launch efforts for the restaurant are lead by Aszman and Hawley, former Willamette Industries CFO. Hawley, Wallace and Aszman bring previous restaurant experience to the group. Aszman has been a restaurateur in the Portland metro area for over 20 years and also owns the Melting Pot in downtown Portland.

The ownership group plans to open additional Agave Grill locations in the Northwest. This team of entrepreneurs and world travelers also plans to introduce Mexican cuisine to South Africa where Wallace and Hawley have previously co-owned restaurants.

About Agave Grill

Agave Grill serves lunch and dinner seven days a week from 11am to 10pm. A Happy Hour Menu is available from 3pm to 6pm and 9pm to close nightly, Monday thru Saturday. Weekend Brunch service is available starting at 8am. Agave Grill is located in Bridgeport Village at 7361 Bridgeport Road, Tigard, OR 97224, 503-372-9152, www.agavegrill.net. Lunch entrees range from $6.50-$12 per person. Dinner entrees range from $9-$18.

The New York Times + The Oregonian's FoodDay Give Props to Ritrovo's Fennel & Salt

Orange Moon client, Ritrovo Italian Regional Foods receives local and national recognition for their Casina Rossa Fennel & Salt.

New York Times: Ritrovo Selections Casina Rossa Fennel & Salt was featured in Florence Fabricant's regular Food Stuff Feature in the Dining Section Wednesday, Marcyh 24th. Click here for the full feature.

The Oregonian: "Love at First Bite", Grant Butler raves Ritrovo Selections Casina Rossa Fennel & Salt to be one of the best finishing salts he's ever tasted. Click here for the full feature.

Stone Barn Brandyworks Label Designs

We are excited to share the new and TTB approved Stone Barn Brandyworks labels! Stone Barn Brandyworks is a new and emerging local micro-distillery located in SE Portland. Proprietors Sebastian and Erika Degens plan to release their new products to the market this Spring. Visit their OMM designed blog site for more information: www.stonebarnbrandyworks.com

Ritrovo to host Italian Michelin Star Chef for Cooking + Cocktail Events at Pazzo and Accanto

Join RITROVO Italian Regional Foods as they host Italian Michelin Star Chef Michele Reiterer for two cooking + cocktail events in Portland next week! Chef Reiterer is an iternational chef who also serves as the globe-trotting spokesman for his family's Acetoria Vinegars, a world-renowned line of small-batch, non-infused, wine-based vinegars produced in the Alto Adige region of Italy.

Thursday, March 4, Chef Reiterer will team with Chef John Eisenhart at Pazzo to create a special dinner menu showcasing how quality vinegar can bring freshness and beautiful flavor to anything from salads to seafoods, and event desserts and cocktails. The $30 pre-fixe menu will be available all evening. No reservations required.

Friday, March 5, Chef David Anderson welcomes Chef Reiterer to Accanto for a Happy Hour event from 3pm-6pm. Chef Reiterer will prepare a special selection of crowd-pleasing, artisan vinegar inspired, happy hour antipasti. The bar will also feature several cocktails using various Acetoria Vinegars.

RITROVO is the sole importer of Acetoria Vinegars to the U.S. Products and artisan producers are featured on the company's site at www.ritrovo.com

Off to the Oregon Wine Symposium!

Orange Moon is on the move! We are excited to be heading to Eugene early next week with friend and independent vintner, Anne Hubatch, to participate in two days of seminars focused on the Oregon Wine Industry.

Ritrovo Hosts Gluten Free Event with GF Girl, Shauna James Ahern

On February 20th, Ritrovo Italian Regional Foods will pair with Gluten Free Girl, Shauna James Ahern to sample gluten-free products at Savour Specialty Foods in Ballard, Washington. Tasting to include gluten-free Ritrovo pastas, sauces, oils and more! Event is free to the public.

For more details: Ritrovo Gluten Free Event

Robison Ranch Cellars

OMM journeyed to Walla Walla this past weekend for private barrel tasting of the delicious Robison Ranch Cellars wines. Thank you to hosts and winemaker Brad and Ruth Riordan!

Alexana Winery

Introducing Alexana Winery, a world-class Willamette Valley Winery and Carlton Tasting Room. Alexana Winery opened their tasting room doors to the public in November of 2009. Alexana Winery was is owned by Dr. Madaiah Revana's of the Revana Family Vineyards in Napa, California.

Alexana Winery was recently featured in the February 2010 issue of Wine Spectator in The Cutting Edge: 10 Emerging Oregon Producers. Alexana's '07 Revana Vineyard Pinot Noir was awarded 91 points by Wine Spectator and 92 points by Wine Advocate. Alexana's '06 Revana Vineyard Pinot Gris was awarded 91 points by Wine Spectator.

Alexana approached Orange Moon Marketing in the Fall of 2009 to announce the opening of the new Tasting Room in Carlton. Since then, OMM has managed grand opening events, advertising, public relations, and social media for Alexana and continues to manage marketing efforts for the winery.

Artisanal Wine Cellars

Artisanal Wine Cellars produces finely crafted, small batch wines in Newberg, Oregon. Owners Tom and Patty Feller work with small wine growers in different viticultural areas of the Willamette Valley that have unique microclimates. With a focus on the craftsman element behind winemaking, it is the goal for every Artisanal wine to express the sum of the vineyard, the winegrower, and the winemaker.

Artisanal Wine Cellars was recently awarded Double Gold for their 2007 Adams Vineyard Pinot Noir at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Artisanal approached Orange Moon Marketing in December of 2009 to conduct market research on their existing label designs. And in early 2010 signed with OMM to redesign their wine labels. The new label designs were released in Spring of 2010.

Ritrovo Italian Regional Foods

Orange Moon worked with Ritrovo owners Ron Post and Ilyse Rathet to put together this comprehensive press kit featured above. The Press Kit was mailed to local, regional and national media contacts and also accompanied the Ritrovo team to the 2010 NASFT Fancy Food Show in San Francisco.

Marigold Coffee

Marigold Coffee is an independent coffee company located in Southeast Portland. Proprietor and roaster Joey Gleason approached Orange Moon Marketing for the design of her coffee labels and paper system. Look for Marigold Coffees in Whole Foods and additional Portland locations.