The Agency Closes, Fenouil Gets New Pastry Chef, Five Gold on Hold Until Summer

WEST DISTRICT: “Ultra-lounge” The Agency is no longer in business. Of the spot, owned by Cameron Carr (the offspring of former Trailblazer Kenny Carr and his gorgeous wife, Adrianna) and the guy behind the long gone Bettie Ford, Tyler Williams, a sign recently posted on its Civic Building door indicates that the owners have failed to pay their bills—specifically to the people who own the building. Opening to much fan fare in 2008, The Agency was supposed to be the ultimate hang-out for Portland sports stars, their posses and various posers. Problem was, it attracted more of the latter than anything else. The real surprise to anyone is that it lasted this long.

PEARL DISTRICT: Fenouil is seeing its fair share of change as we've already indicated here. Now comes word of another big change in the kitchen: Kristen D. Murray, formerly of Insanity's Lucier, and Micah Camden's D.O.C. and most recently making pastries for downtown chocolate shop Cacao, has just unveiled her menu as pastry chef for the French brasserie. C’est cool.

INDUSTRIAL NW: Bryan Emperor, former Executive Chef at the high-flying Departure, was scheduled to open his own space, Five Gold, in the far reaches of the Pearl District early this spring. Now it looks like it might take a little bit longer for him to share his modern take on classic Japanese cuisine. "I went into this thinking opening would be as easy as getting a loaf of bread," Emperor told Eater. "But it's moving more slowly than I had originally expected. (The delay) has given me a lot time to re-explore some of things I've conceived of over the years. And I am really looking forward to sharing them when the restaurant opens." Emperor indicates his new opening date will be sometime this summer.