Restaurant
113 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97204
LeChon is a South American dining experience that seamlessly combines the fiery cooking of Argentina, Chile and Patagonia, along with creative inspiration of the chef. Enjoy perfectly charred 28-day dry-aged ribeye, grilled octopus with chorizo, housemade piquillo pepper and braised brisket empanadas, slow roasted lechon, refreshing ceviches and smoked bone marrow.
Chef Jaco Smith
Executive Chef Jaco Smith consistently pushes the boundaries on traditional Latin fare by incorporating wood-fired flavors into his cuisine while boasting a view of the Willamette River that few Portland restaurants can offer. Executive Chef Jaco Smith comes from a large family of cattle, sheep and grain farmers. He started cooking at a young age in his mother’s kitchen. She regularly catered themed events at their home which resulted in his falling in love with cuisines from around the world. His favorite childhood memories include the tastes of dulce de leche, flan and grilled breads, reminiscent of South American flavors and commonly found on South African kitchen tables.
Winery Partner
Spring Valley Vineyard
Walla Walla, WA
For well over 100 years, the Corkrum family has been farming the land north of Walla Walla known as Spring Valley. The family's wheat farming heritage added wine grapes in 1993, and a winery in 1999. Because of the land's extraordinary terroir, the wines from Spring Valley Vineyard are arguably the most unique produced in Washington state. To maintain this uniqueness, all of Spring Valley's wines are 100% Estate grown and bottled.
To honor their family heritage, founders Dean Derby and Shari Corkrum Derby have named their wines for the ancestors who established and farmed Spring Valley. Uriah Corkrum was Shari's grandfather, and is the namesake for Spring Valley's most acclaimed wine. Uriah is a Merlot-based blend that has had three vintages rated "94" by Wine Spectator - the first two of which appeared on their prestigous "Top 100" list.
