Ataula Drops Details on Two New Restaurants

The owners of Northwest's Ataula, chef Jose Chesa and Christina Baez, are closing in on two new Eastside restaurants, Chesa and 180. The restaurants will share a 3,600-square-foot space at 2200 NE Broadway, with the majority given to Chesa and 180 occupying a smaller space in front.

Chef Chesa told Eater by phone that the Chesa restaurant will serve five or so paellas, with two to three brand-new versions, nightly. It will also serve new tapas and refined versions of Ataula's greatest hits, and for pairing, it will have a "huge" sherry program, as well as vermouth, beer, and wine by the glass.

In the kitchen, the big news is the charcoal oven for paellas. "When you work with charcoal, it delivers that unique flavor and aroma," Chesa said. "You cannot replicate it."

As Portland's first churro bar, 180 will serve churros and hot chocolate (for dipping!). How much of the total square footage will be given to 180 has yet to be decided, but Chesa estimates being able to seat 10 to 12.

"Churros are a very close and nostalgic thing for us," said Chesa. He even sees churros as a remedy to a late night out. Shortly, chef Chesa will go to Spain for tips on preparing churros on a large scale.

Speaking about the NE Broadway neighborhood, Chesa said that he couldn't be happier. "We love the neighborhood. It's family-friendly, and there aren't many restaurants around. That's exciting for us. We want to bring traditional Spanish tapas to the Eastside."