Welcome to Front & Center, a series highlighting front-of-the-house professionals in Portland restaurants. Right now: Portland Food Adventures founder Chris Angelus on Nathan Gerdes of Kask.
Recently I was judging a cocktail contest which entailed visits to three bars to sample bartenders' creative variations on a brand theme. I stopped into Kask and ran into some good friends of mine... we all were mesmerized at Nathan Gerdes' meticulous and articulate presentation of his Annegato al Luxardo, which was only topped by the drink itself. My friend, whose life revolves around the beverage industry, ordered another and exclaimed that it was the best after-dinner cocktail she'd ever had. Then, for our next round, we let Nathan calculate what to make for us. Kask has a unique mix of Portland vibe and bigger city consciousness. Throwing out what you're in the mood for and having Nathan, who obviously has a lot of pride in what he does, figure it out and serve it up, is a great experience for the cocktail lover in you — or with you.
— Chris Angelus, founder, Portland Food Adventures
· All Previous Front & Center Coverage [Eater PDX]
Image of Gerdes courtesy Byron Beck
