Portland Restaurateur Davide Bricca has a vision for the city’s Kenton neighborhood in which he and wife Tamara reside. It’s Northport, a new-American-style restaurant presenting scratch-made fare, craft cocktails, artisanal coffee and a sit-down experience.
Northport will open June 26 at 8103 N. Denver Ave., property formerly occupied by longtime local haunt Swift and Union. Bricca and his team have renovated the 2,500-square-foot site with modern, comfortable appointments and a cool, welcoming vibe.
“We’re edgy with a family touch,” says Bricca in a statement. “Comfort is key whether you join us for a quick breakfast, sumptuous brunch, lunch or dinner. Our extensive and rotating cocktail menu adds to the experience in an environment where people want to meet and have fun.”
Bricca founded the downtown Portland eatery Papi Chulo’s and co-managed the River Pig Saloon and Two Wrongs. He brings to the venture a seasoned tenure of more than 30 years in the hospitality realm.
“Kenton has been our home for nearly 10 years; my wife and I love it here,” he says. “Northport is certainly our passion project and we’re delighted to serve our friends and neighbors throughout the community.”
Chef Harol Mendieta will oversee Northport’s kitchen using regionally sourced proteins, vegetables and other ingredients.
Mendieta describes Northport’s menu as “Contemporary Comfort” food. “Without question, our dishes will make you feel good inside but with fresher, leaner and more healthful ingredients and preparation,” he said.
Mendieta was born and raised in Mexico where he learned food preparation on his father’s farm. He came to Portland via Chicago, where he was chef at Michelin Star restaurant “Mexique,” among other establishments.
Certain dishes at Northport will include a Latin flair reflecting Mendieta’s Mexican influences. “Our menu will rotate with the seasons and will offer terrific and varied choices. It will be fun to eat and drink at Northport and you’ll want to come back,” he added.
Both Bricca and Mendieta said they are eager to please the patrons of Kenton and surrounding neighborhoods, and of greater Portland. “One of my greatest pleasures is to sit back, eat something wonderful and watch other people having a great dining experience,” Bricca said. “I felt we needed a place like this in our neighborhood so I created one for all of us to enjoy.”
Northport will operate Wednesday through Sunday to start and will transition to a week long schedule soon. Patio dining and takeout are also available.
