Here Comes SE Division’s Daiquiri-Obsessed Palomar Bar

Southeast Division Street is about to swing to a Cuban beat. WWeek reports Palomar is a new bar with a sizable food menu planning to open at 959 SE Division St. in December. It comes from Ricky Gomez, known for his adept bartending at Teardrop, Ox, and Riffle NW, and for taking the title of America's "Bartender of the Year” at the Diageo beverage company’s World Class bartending competition in 2012.

The Palomar bar program will highlight the daiquiri, one of the finest of cocktails, and the food menu will feature what Gomez describes as “classic Cuban diner food.” Read: Comforting dishes with a proven ability to soak up all that rum.

Anticipated menu items include empanadas, croquetas, whole fried red snapper, pollo a la plancha, a burger-like chorizo-beef frita, and jackfruit ropa vieja, a vegan version of the classic dish of stewed beef over rice.

There’s an interesting take on the Cuban sandwich lined up, too: the medianoche. The name translates to “middle of the night,” and it’s typically served in Havana night clubs for a late-night bite. Just like a Cuban, it features ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, and pickles, but it comes on sweeter bread similar to challah.

Patrick Kille, formerly a sous chef at beloved Mississippi watering hole Interurban, will rule the burners. Another former Interurban employee is also on the team, general manager Brandon Josie. And check out the massive mural on the building that’ll house Palomar:

• Portland Is Getting a Daiquiri-Crazed Cuban Spot From a Bartender Crowned the Best in America [WWeek]