Tomorrow, Friday January 29, Portland will have a new dessert sensation beyond the cupcakes, macaroons, experimental ice creams and mini-donuts we’ve already been loving. Welcome the Spanish churros, or using the Catalan spelling of xurros, at the new 180, opening tomorrow. Plus, they are offering for their Grand Open free xurros from 8 AM – 4 PM while supplies last!
I was invited to a sneak peek yesterday at this newest venture, a partnership with Chefs Jose Chesa, Christina Baez, and David Martin who have teamed together to bring their memories from Spain to us in Portland. I’m crushing on the new best in Portland xurros and Chocolate hard. Step into 180 and Xurroland at 2218 NE Broadway…
First of all, these are not the churros you have had at the fair, amusement park, or from a cart. There are many styles of churros, including versions in Latin American and Mexico, but this one comes from Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia region of Spain. I can see why they call these xurros instead (yes, the x is still pronounced ch) to help differentiate them.
At Portland’s first authentic xurreria, 180 uses an impressive stainless steel xurro and fritters making machine from Spain. Jose and David traveled last year to Spain conducting xurro research, including pointers and tips from the founder of the xurro machine company that’s only been making xurros since oh, 1958. So some experience and expertise it seems. The dough is fried at 180 degrees C, thus the name for this xurreria.
At the sneak peek, Jose Chesa still looked mesmerized by its magic as he stirred the xurro dough into the fried addictive snacks that were disappearing so quickly. I think part of it may be the wonder of being able to successfully recreate the food memory he’s trying to pass on to us in Portland.
Chef Jose Chesa stirring while Christina Baez looks on at the magic xurro machine
The finished bites are much lighter than what you probably have experienced in your churro history. These new Portland xurros are crispy but not hard, airy and not oily – they reminded me of the perfect extra crispy french fries that I seek out, but sweet thanks to a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar that doesn’t go overboard into sticky sweet. The dusting of the Xurro isn’t as strong in cinnamon as the common churros. Note: the xurros that will be served here are normally shaped like a ring, but they were broken into sample size of mini tube shapes at the sneak peak. You won’t be able to just eat one. Good thing the xurros come in 3 ($3.75), 6 ($5.75), or 12 ($10.75).
The plus of the tube shape is that they are perfect for dipping. You can dip them in one (or all) of the housemade dipping sauces they offer for your Portland xurros: 2 ounces for $2 of either lemon curd, caramel + roasted peanuts, or marshmallow swirl. You can also additionally order xocolata, which you can both dip your xurro in and sip as a drinking chocolate from Cocanu at 4 ounces for $4. The children’s faces with a little chocolate smear from the xocolata is pretty damn adorable.
Or for full chocolate coverage on every single millimeter of the Xurro, get them dipped in chocolate and finished with Jacobsen Sea Salt by them for you at $1.75 each as Xurros Banados.
Also available here are Xurros Rellenos, stuffed with your choice of Creme Catalana (a burnt custard cream similar to Creme Brulee), Dulce de Leche (shown below that tastes like an upgraded creme caramel), or Xoco Cream (a chocolate cream) at $3 for 2 pieces. Holy moly.
And like an upgrade on a stuffed croissant enters the Xuixo, a pastry that is stuffed with cream and fried and covered with sugar. Who needs a cronut when you can have this $6 delicacy? Only a limited quantity is made each day.
Yes, it’s a bit messy and sticks to your fingers and flaky. But look at those luscious layers inside these sliced up xuixos that we sampled…
If you are looking for a little roasty slight bitterness to balance out the sweet here and also need a caffeine hit – especially if you can call this breakfast to start your day like they do in Barcelona – there is coffee here as well. Local Roasting Company provides the beans for Solo / Americano, Cortado, Bombon, Cappuccino, and Con Leche. All drinks are available iced, and you can also get housemade soy milk or housemade hazelnut milk.
What do you think of the xurreria, are the Portland xurros calling your name? What do you want to go with your Xurro?
Disclosure: I attended a media preview that provided samples and was complimentary, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.
