A Culinary Love Letter to Portland
Chef Gabriel Pascuzzi, a hometown hero and Top Chef alum, is set to launch the exciting “I ♥ Portland” Dinner Series, a monthly chef collaboration that will run from March through December 2026. This series aims to bring nationally recognized culinary talent to Portland, celebrating the city’s culinary revival while spotlighting its creativity and hospitality.
What to Expect from the “I ♥ Portland” Dinner Series
Hosted at Chef Pascuzzi’s beloved restaurants, Bistecca and Hey Luigi, each dinner will feature a collaborative, multi-course menu that showcases both Pascuzzi’s Portland perspective and the unique culinary voices of the visiting chefs. This initiative not only reaffirms Portland’s place as a leading national dining destination but also reflects Pascuzzi’s commitment to the city that shaped his career.
Spring 2026 Guest Chef Lineup
The series promises an enticing lineup of guest chefs, kicking off with:
- Sunday, March 15: Chef Brother Luck – Known for his restaurant Four by Brother Luck in Colorado Springs, Luck is a James Beard “Best Chef” Semi-finalist and has appeared on Food Network’s Chopped and Top Chef. His dinner will include highlights like buffalo tartare and grilled juniper smoked salmon.
- Sunday, April 12: Chef Brittany Cochran – Executive Chef at Stagioni with a Michelin background, Cochran trained under Chef Marc Forgione and has cooked at two-Michelin-starred restaurant Marea. She is also a contestant in the upcoming season 23 of Top Chef.
- Sunday, May 24: Chef Joe Sasto – A Top Chef alum and Food Network personality, Sasto has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and is the author of Breaking the Rules: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics.
For each event, VIP Meet & Greet tickets will be available, allowing guests to mingle with the chefs over light bites and drinks at Hey Luigi.
A Celebration of Portland’s Culinary Scene
The “I ♥ Portland” Dinner Series is more than just a series of meals; it’s a celebration of the chefs, restaurants, and community that make Portland’s dining scene one of the most dynamic in the country. Developed in partnership with OpenTable, tickets for the first three events are available now, with additional events to be announced throughout the year.
Why Chef Gabriel Pascuzzi?
Born and raised in Portland, Pascuzzi’s approach to hospitality is world-class yet deeply rooted in local culture. He honed his craft in New York under renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud and Tom Colicchio, and his experience at the three-Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen has further shaped his culinary philosophy. As a Top Chef Season 18 alum and Portland Eater Chef of the Year, Pascuzzi continues to influence Portland’s dining scene through concepts that reflect his Italian roots and commitment to community.
Get Involved and Stay Updated
If you’re a food enthusiast, a restaurant owner, or simply love the vibrant dining culture of Portland, this series is an event you won’t want to miss. Follow @heyluigipdx and @bisteccawoodfirestk for the latest updates and more information on the “I ♥ Portland” Dinner Series.
Final Thoughts
The “I ♥ Portland” Dinner Series is a remarkable opportunity for culinary professionals to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the incredible food scene in Portland. Join Chef Gabriel Pascuzzi and his distinguished guest chefs for an unforgettable dining experience that is sure to highlight the richness of Portland’s culinary talent.
Are you excited about the “I ♥ Portland” Dinner Series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more insights into culinary trends, check out our previous articles on culinary trends and chef spotlights.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
