South Waterfront's Muselet Reveals Chef, Opening Details

Exciting details have emerged about Muselet, the 80-seat restaurant/bottle shop slated for the Southwest Waterfront's Ardea building. Chef William Harper, former sous chef of the now-closed Noisette, and more recently one half of the duo behind Ippai's kaiseki-style pop-up, will lead the kitchen.

Harper has worked in some of Portland's best restaurants, including Biwa, Castagna, Clarklewis, and Paley's Place. But he's spent time in Asia as well, as an apprentice at Kichisen in Kyoto (two Michelin stars) and RyuGin in Tokyo (three Michelin stars), two experiences that inspired his kaiseki popup.

Harper's background in French and Japanese cooking sounds like a promising fit for the restaurant, which is aiming for "a cuisine that blends the bounty of Pacific Northwest farms, French-influenced cooking and worldwide inspiration."

Owner Ron Acierto is a front-of-the-house veteran, having served as general manager and wine steward at several upscale restaurants in the area, including Bluehour, Lucier, Departure, and Jory at Newberg's The Allison Inn.

In addition to dinner, which will emphasize wine pairings with French grower Champagnes and wines from the Willamette Valley, Muselet plans to offer breakfast, lunch, and Champagne brunch the last Sunday of each month. Also on the agenda: a full bar, patio seating, bottle shop, and a fromagerie of local artisan cheeses. Meanwhile, the opening date has been pushed back to December. More details as they become available.

Muselet: 3730 S.W. Bond Ave., Portland, 503-706-4671, museletpdx.com