Slate Takes Over Former Equinox Restaurant; Helmed by The Farm Cafe's Kelly Weiss

Fans of the former Farm Cafe, one of Portland's saddest 2015 restaurant closings, may soon find familiar aromas wafting from the kitchen at Slate: Kelly Weiss, the former Farm Cafe executive chef, will lead the kitchen at the newly announced restaurant at 830 N Shaver St.—previously Equinox Restaurant & Bar. According to the press release sent out today, Slate will softly open this Friday, April 1, and it will hold a grand opening sometime later in April. Once open, Slate will serve dinner six nights a week and brunch Friday through Sunday.

Chef Weiss has been a part of the local restaurant scene for close to 20 years, and he's earned a reputation for farm-fresh menus made possible through close relationships with local farmers. In the kitchen, he'll be joined by sous chef, Will Larin, formerly of Simpatica Catering and Dining Hall, and Kellyn McLean, formerly of Laurelhurst Market.

Tara George and Michele Stultz own Slate, and they formerly operated Belly Timber Restaurant & Bar and Equinox Restaurant & Bar. In addition to local wines and on-tap beers, the cocktail program will focus on pre-prohibition drinks. According to the press release, "Slate will embrace a wide spectrum of food cultures and flavors while maintaining a firm foot in local products. Patrons will enjoy a casual dining experience with refined food, service and a strong cocktail program that is accessible for everyday eating."