Rio 2016 Olympics specials in Portland

August 5, 2016 by 1 Comment

Today kicks off the 2016 Summer Olympics, also known as Rio 2016 since it is being hosted in Rio de Janiero, Brazil this year. Officially running from August 5 – August 21, besides the ability to admire the best athletes in the world while watching the Olympic events everyday, this time also offers a couple Rio 2016 Olympics specials here in Portland.

I have mixed feelings about this year’s Olympics, which before opening have been rocked by stories reflecting the corruption in Brazil, of doping, and of corporate and Olympic sponsors and the Rule 40 blackout rules. I worry for the physical safety and health (because of Zika virus and contaminated water) of those in the Olympics. Yet at the same time, I have to watch. I have many summer memories of how mesmerizing it is to watching these literally world class athletes in peak condition swish through the water (or into air into the water via diving) in the various aquatic events, which are my favorite of the summer Olympic sports.
Courtesy IOC Media: NANJING, Aug. 23, 2014 (Xinhua) -- The multi-exposure photo shows Wu Shengping of China competes during the Women?s 10m Platform competition of the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Aug. 23, 2014. Wu Shengping advanced into the final. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
Courtesy IOC Media: NANJING, Aug. 23, 2014 (Xinhua) — The multi-exposure photo shows Wu Shengping of China competes during the Women?s 10m Platform competition of the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province, Aug. 23, 2014. Wu Shengping advanced into the final. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

I also always make sure to catch the Opening Ceremonies (they play at 8 PM today on NBC) as it gives the host country a unique opportunity to highlight and educate the world on their culture and history, and the sheer scale of the various “scenes” of the show numbering hundreds and the entire cast numbering thousands. My favorite remains the Beijing Olympics in 2008 – I remember when I was watching them I was also specifically in Portland to interview for jobs that would finally allow me to move to Portland. The fun tongue in cheek ones in London in 2012 were also fantastic – what will Rio bring this year?

I wonder if it will include a nod to their gauchos – and that brings me to Brazilian food, naturally, to go with these Olympics. My highlights are from a Southern Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo de Chao, and from Southern American inspired restaurant LeChon.

All You Can Eat or Make Recipes with Fogo de Chão

I’ve highlighted Portland’s Fogo de Chão , an authentic Southern Brazilian churrascia, in a previous post where I highlighted each of their available meat options when they had their grand opening of their Portland location 2 years ago. Their fantastic offerings still are available for lunch on weekdays, dinner every day, and brunch on weekends, including their all you can eat salad bar / Feijoada Bar (traditional black bean stew with rice, fresh orange and yucca flour) with Brazilian side dishes, then you can choose to add on the fire roasted parade of meats carved table-side until you can’t take it anymore, or choose the Mango Chilean Sea Bass main dish if you are pescatarian.

Fogo de Chao Market Table, part of their all you can eat buffet boasting more than 40 items Fogo de Chao Market Table, part of their all you can eat buffet boasting more than 40 items Fogo de Chao Market Table, part of their all you can eat buffet boasting more than 40 items Fogo de Chao Market Table, part of their all you can eat buffet boasting more than 40 items Fogo de Chao Market Table, part of their all you can eat buffet boasting more than 40 items Fogo de Chao Market Table, part of their all you can eat buffet boasting more than 40 items Fogo de Chao Market Table, part of their all you can eat buffet boasting more than 40 items Fogo de Chao meat is carved tableside until you can't take it anymore, all you can eat! Fogo de Chao meat is carved tableside until you can't take it anymore, all you can eat!

I’m also a huge fan of their happy hour weekdays 4:30-6:30 PM because then I can munch on two of my favorite items from them: Picanha Sirloin Sliders, 4 bites of chewy gluten-free Brazilian take on cheese bread of pão de queijo turned into sliders with Picanha (prime cut of top sirloin) while drinking my favorite cocktail from them, and the national cocktail of Brazil, the caipirinha. They have quite a few pretty cocktails to enjoy so don’t overlook them for happy hour even if you aren’t hungry enough for a whole buffet meal. I like to order the Picanha Sirloin Sliders with the Crispy Parmesan Polenta Fries
Fogo de Chao offers a surprisingly excellent choice of unique cocktails Fogo de Chao offers a surprisingly excellent choice of unique cocktails Fogo de Chao Picanha Sirlion Sliders, 4 Pao de Queijo Sliders with Picanha during happy hour in the bar Fogo de Chao Picanha Sirlion Sliders, 4 Pao de Queijo Sliders with Picanha during happy hour in the bar Fogo de Chao happy hour dish of the Crispy Parmesan Polenta Fries

Fogo de Chão has generously shared their recipe for their caipirinha, as well as creating a great resource guide to Brazil with their Fogo Guide To Brazilian Cuisine that includes

  • additional Authentic Brazilian at-home recipes (like yum, for their pão de quijo) in case you want to make some of your own Brazilian themed Olympics party at home
  • language lessons like common Portuguese phrases ranging from greetings to Cheers with pronunciations you can hear
  • Etiquette lessons and inside tips from when is the best time to dine in Brazil to tipping guidelines and even where to sit at the dinner table

LeChon’s “What the Chef is Eating” Brazil menu + Olympic Tapas

The South American-inspired restaurant LeChon begins screening the Olympic events starting today, August 5th and will continue throughout the 21st! They will also be offering a special “What the Chef is Eating” Brazil menu, which will be served throughout the course of the Olympics which is displayed on the chalkboard by the front bar to the right daily, and they also have a special Olympics Tapas menu.

I’ve highlighted some of their happy hour OMG deliciousness in a previous post, but here’s a look specifically at some of their Olympics specials. The portions you see are from a preview I attended with other bloggers so some were sample size.

Steak Tartare
Steak Tartare from LeChon Steak Tartare from LeChon Steak Tartare from LeChon

Cornmeal Porridge with honey chile spiced glazed pork belly, sweet corn, sugar cane syrup, vanilla oil,  I think I could have eaten three of these
Cornmeal Porridge with honey chile spiced glazed pork belly, sweet corn, sugar cane syrup, vanilla oil from LeChon

More delicious delights
Gotta loved gooey fried cheese empanadas from LeChon Gotta loved gooey fried cheese empanadas from LeChon Feijoada, with smoked sausage, kale, black beans from LeChon Special Rio Olympic Tapas from LeChon Special Rio Olympic Tapas from LeChon

The most fun Olympic Specials though are the cocktails that have incredible presentations – perhaps a hint of what is to come at the Opening Ceremonies?

This Rompe-hielo (Icebreaker) cocktail seemed to be the favorite of most of us, starring Aguadiente, watermelon juice, mint syrup, lime, and ginger beer comes in a ice sphere that is then broken
This Rompe-hielo (Icebreaker) with Aguadiente, watermelon juice, mint syrup, lime, and ginger beer comes in a ice sphere that is then broken from LeChon This Rompe-hielo (Icebreaker) with Aguadiente, watermelon juice, mint syrup, lime, and ginger beer comes in a ice sphere that is then broken from LeChonThis Rompe-hielo (Icebreaker) with Aguadiente, watermelon juice, mint syrup, lime, and ginger beer comes in a ice sphere that is then broken from LeChon This Rompe-hielo (Icebreaker) with Aguadiente, watermelon juice, mint syrup, lime, and ginger beer comes in a ice sphere that is then broken from LeChon
The Fogo Laranja (Orange Fire) cocktail with Leblon cachaca, orange juice, lime, cane syrup, Amardo di angostura, and flamed orange is the most dramatic, remiscent of the torch at the Olympics.
The Fogo Laranja (Orange Fire) cocktail with Leblon cachaca, orange juice, lime, cane syrup, Amardo di angostura, and flamed orange from LeChon The Fogo Laranja (Orange Fire) cocktail with Leblon cachaca, orange juice, lime, cane syrup, Amardo di angostura, and flamed orange from LeChon

The Empressario (The Entrepreneur) cocktail with Bacardi 8 year, Fino Jerez, Sugar Cane, Cola Syrup and finished with Mezcal Mist and Orange Peel looked impressive, though I didn’t get a chance to try it.
The Empressario (The Entrepreneur) cocktail from Lechon with Bacardi 8 year, Fino Jerez, Sugar Cane, Cola Syrup and finished with Mezcal Mist and Orange Peel The Empressario (The Entrepreneur) cocktail from Lechon with Bacardi 8 year, Fino Jerez, Sugar Cane, Cola Syrup and finished with Mezcal Mist and Orange Peel

Well wait, what’s that misty dish right? Ok, maybe this slightly spicy tuna poke wins for the star of the LeChon Olympics specials they are offering, they made a few a of these dishes for the group and I finished a third of this dish on my own… I didn’t even need the rice and plaintain chip accompaniment, just ate it with a spoon…
Rio 2016 Olympics specials in Portland, here a special dramatic spicy tuna with plaintain and rice chip accompaniment from LeChon
Rio 2016 Olympics specials in Portland, here a special dramatic spicy tuna with plaintain and rice chip accompaniment from LeChon Rio 2016 Olympics specials in Portland, here a special dramatic spicy tuna with plaintain and rice chip accompaniment from LeChon Rio 2016 Olympics specials in Portland, here a special dramatic spicy tuna with plaintain and rice chip accompaniment from LeChon Rio 2016 Olympics specials in Portland, here a special dramatic spicy tuna with plaintain and rice chip accompaniment from LeChon

Are you going to watch the Olympics 2016 in Rio? What is your favorite summer Olympic sport to watch? And have you been to Fogo de Chão or LeChon yet?

Disclosure: This meal 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.

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Happy Hour at Lechon Portland

July 8, 2016 by 4 Comments

When I first heard of the restaurant Lechon when it opened last year, I thought of crispy pork skin a la from the whole roasted pig and national dish of the Phillipines, aka Lechón. Well, LeChon is not a porky Filipino restaurant. However, it does feature some pretty delicious South American dining experience that takes inspiration from plenty of fiery grilling.

But this is not just another Churrascaria. Their offering of dinner with sections for tapas, empanadas, vegetables, and meats to me is more reminiscent of the famous Ox, but in a larger space right and by the downtown waterfront. And, they take reservations, and have a better mix of a variety of proteins rather than being so red meat heavy like Ox. You can easily take a vegetarian here and have plenty of great options, something you don’t always see with Churrascarias that are usually very meat heavy.
LeChon Shrimp Ceviche with pickled pineapple, cucumber, pink peppercorn; Crab Mozzarella Humita with pea puree and salsa criolla; and Fried Sweet Corn Empanadas with caramelized onions and fontina cheese

Also encouraging is the happy hour at Lechon  – they have an early one on weekdays Tues-Fri 3 PM – 6 PM as well as a late one 9 PM to close (Sat it starts even earlier at 2 PM!). The longest happy hour duration is Monday, starting from mid afternoon 3 PM until closing.

The LeChon cocktail Mal Humorado, with a pineapple and habanero house infused tequila with combier, passionfruit, lime, and agave is one of the most popular from their cocktail menu.
LeChon cocktail Mal Humorado, a pineapple and habanero house infused tequila with combier, passionfruit, lime, and agave LeChon Shrimp Ceviche with pickled pineapple, cucumber, pink peppercorn

But don’t overlook other cocktail gems, like the Guavarinha with novo fogo cachaca, veev, guava puree, and lime.
LeChon cocktail Guavarinha with novo fogo cachaca, veev, guava puree, and lime LeChon cocktail Guavarinha with novo fogo cachaca, veev, guava puree, and lime

And their take on a Pisco Sour, the Mediterraneo with pisco, cardamom infusion, egg white, and lime
LeChon cocktail Mediterraneo with pisco, cardamom infusion, egg white, and lime LeChon cocktail Mediterraneo with pisco, cardamom infusion, egg white, and lime

My favorite cocktail on the menu was the Ilha Grande with bourbon, carpano antica, averna, fonseca 10 year, rhubarb bitters that came with brandied salted cherries that once you add to the cocktail, alters the flavors to add another level of flavor. The bartender here developing their cocktail program, Joe Frade, has entered and won several bartending competitions, and for the recent Rio Olympics created some really fun presentations of cocktails I highlighted here.
LeChon cocktail Ilha Grande with bourbon, carpano antica, averna, fonseca 10 year, rhubarb bitters LeChon cocktail Ilha Grande with bourbon, carpano antica, averna, fonseca 10 year, rhubarb bitters

LeChon also has a monthly supper club series featuring a different country each time. But for now, let’s focus on happy hour highlights first. An impressive option to consider is the Shrimp Ceviche with pickled pineapple, cucumber, pink peppercorn, tequila lime foam and plantain chips.
LeChon Shrimp Ceviche with pickled pineapple, cucumber, pink peppercorn, tequila lime foam and plantain chips LeChon Shrimp Ceviche with pickled pineapple, cucumber, pink peppercorn, tequila lime foam and plantain chips LeChon Shrimp Ceviche with pickled pineapple, cucumber, pink peppercorn, tequila lime foam and plantain chips LeChon Shrimp Ceviche with pickled pineapple, cucumber, pink peppercorn, tequila lime foam and plantain chips

In a delightful surprise, they also have a vegetarian ceviche as well. One version was with sweet potato, avocado, and aji amarillo. More recently they changed it up for the summer with an edamame and mushroom ceviche with avocado, tomato, cilantro, sesame seeds, and all the ceviches come with chili lime syrup in a dropper and tequila lime foam. Nice!
LeChon's edamame and mushroom ceviche with avocado, tomato, cilantro, sesame seeds, chili lime syrup in the dropper and tequila lime foam. So nice to have a vegetarian ceviche option LeChon's edamame and mushroom ceviche with avocado, tomato, cilantro, sesame seeds, chili lime syrup in the dropper and tequila lime foam. So nice to have a vegetarian ceviche option

The empanadas came in their own little branded tray.
LeChon Fried Sweet Corn Empanadas with caramelized onions and fontina cheese

In a nice twist, their Empanadas are filled with Sweet Corn with caramelized onions and fontina cheese and Ancho aioli instead of just the typical beef. So vegetarians can enjoy too! Don’t worry, they have a meat version on the happy hour menu too with braised brisket and golden raisins, but I love this corn version.
LeChon Fried Sweet Corn Empanadas with caramelized onions and fontina cheese

Another huge hit and also vegetarian friendly option is the Forest Mushrooms with aged parmesan, toasted brioche, caramelized onion puree, and herbs.
LeChon Forest Mushrooms with aged parmesan, toasted brioche, caramelized onion puree, and herbs LeChon Forest Mushrooms with aged parmesan, toasted brioche, caramelized onion puree, and herbs

We were pretty vocal with encouraging this dish to be added to the brunch menu and lunch menu too! Even if you don’t make happy hour, rest assured that it is on their dinner menu.
LeChon Forest Mushrooms with aged parmesan, toasted brioche, caramelized onion puree, and herbs

Burrata with glazed peaches, marconas, saba, olive oil, and griddled bread came with a fist size portion of burrata, yum!
Burrata with glazed peaches, marconas, saba, olive oil, and griddled bread from LeChon

As you would expect from a happy hour menu, there’s the ubiquitous Burger option, here a Chimichurri Burger with provolone, and ancho aioli. The vegetarian version is a Chickpea Quinoa Burger with provolone cheese, chow chow slaw, tomato, and avocado mayo. 

From the dinner menu, don’t worry, they do have a Crispy Pork Belly with parsley emulsion, plums, and charred spring onions to get some crispy fatty pork if you get psyched up from the Lechon name, though I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with that Filipino dish anyway so maybe it’s just me. There are also multiple grilled meat options served with Chimichurri, just as you would expect from a South American restaurant.
LeChon Crispy Pork Belly with parsley emulsion, plums, and charred spring onions LeChon Crispy Pork Belly with parsley emulsion, plums, and charred spring onions

I was also in love with this option on the dinner menu of Pea and Ham Barley Risotto with truffle oil and fine herbs, as the use of barley was a great firmer texture upgrading the creamy risotto,  and yes it’s vegetarian!
LeChon Spring Pea and Ham Barley Risotto with truffle oil and fine herbs

Another beautiful dish available on the dinner menu is a Crab Mozzarella Humita with pea puree and salsa criolla. This masa corn dish is like a more creamy less dense version of tamales.
LeChon Shrimp Ceviche with pickled pineapple, cucumber, pink peppercorn; Crab Mozzarella Humita with pea puree and salsa criolla; and Fried Sweet Corn Empanadas with caramelized onions and fontina cheese LeChon Crab Mozzarella Humita with pea puree and salsa criolla

And then there’s this Grilled Octopus with chorizo, fried potatoes, salsa verde, and preserved lemon on the dinner menu too.
LeChon Grilled Octopus with chorizo, fried potatoes, salsa verde, and preserved lemon LeChon Grilled Octopus with chorizo, fried potatoes, salsa verde, and preserved lemon

Leave room for dessert, especially the Yerba Mate Espresso Ice Cream Sandwiches with caramel sauce
LeChon Yerba Mate Espresso Ice Cream Sandwiches with caramel sauce

The space inside Lechon is surprising large and can easily accommodate large parties, and they have a pretty cool tank by the bar with mesmerizing floating jellies. On the weekends there is live music, and with the warm weather they have also opened their outdoor dining seats on the sidewalk and large patio/window doors that open outside, both overlooking the waterfront.
LeChon's sidewalk tables that face towards the waterfront of Portland LeChon's large patio/window doors that open out to their sidewalk tables and the waterfront of Portland Indoor Seating at LeChon Indoor Seating at LeChon Indoor Seating at LeChon A look into Lechon restaurant space with the bar and initial tables from the entrance

Have you been to Lechon yet? Which of these dishes intrigues you and you would want to try?
LeChon Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: I attended a complimentary blogger happy hour, but also returned on my own to try other dishes. 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.

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