Central Provisions

Central Provisions recently hit their year anniversary and there are still 2 hour waits on most nights for a table.  The husband and wife duo, Chris and Paige Gould, have recreated a beautiful historic space into one of Portland's finest restaurants.  The lower level of the restaurant serves as the bar and serves up small plates and bar snacks, fun cocktails, and a great wine list.

The main level of the restaurant serves small plates divided on the menu between raw, cold, hot, and sweets.  They also have a unique foie gras program offering it in 3-4 different presentations nightly at an approachable price point. 

The menu features quite a bit of local fare with Chef Chris’s creative twist on the familiar. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared and has a variety of textures and flavors to match. Even the drinks have a playful twist and are a must try when dining. If you’re looking for an adventurous experience, belly up to the lower floor bar and be guided by the bartender’s recommendations.

Some of the stand out dishes of the evening included the Roasted Bone Marrow done with apple-pear agrodolce and shaved horseradish and the Caramelized Sheep's Cheese produced locally with Bosc pears and a 15 year aged balsamic.  Another favorite was the Sweet and Sour Parsnips topped with shrimp, chili, and lime.

Central Provisions was a 2015 James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant and it is obvious why.