Portland Chef Jeremy Eckel To Open An "oregon-style" Bistro In The Heart Of Taiwan

Jeremy Eckel, a local Portland talent, has been hired to be the opening chef of Bistro302, a brand-new restaurant in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Bistro302 is setting itself apart from other "western-style" restaurants in Taiwan by focusing primarily on Pacific Northwest cuisine and pairing the menu with an exclusively Oregon-based wine list.

Here in Portland we know our food is good, and now it seems the rest of the world wants a taste too! Chef Eckel, formerly of Bar Avignon, was first approached a few months ago by an ambitious team of Taiwanese entrepreneurs who had fallen in love with the food and wine of the Pacific Northwest. They explained that Taiwan has a large beer drinking culture, but that there are few places where people can go to drink good wine, and eat the sort of food that pairs well with Pinots. Jeremy relocated last month with his fiance Amanda Bishop (formerly of Olympic Provisions and Laurelhurst Market) and has been carefully crafting a menu that pleases the Taiwanese palate, while staying true to his Portland roots. His first concern was ingredients, would he be able to find what he needed? After a trip to a local organic farm last week, his fears were put to rest. "It was incredible! I found literally everything I am used to from fennel bulbs to edible flowers, not to mention all the European culinary herbs that I thought I would have to grow myself." As for his biggest challenge? "Well the language barrier is frustrating, " he admits, "I have to depend on others to help me do things that I am used to doing quickly on my own. But I am learning so much and making great friends, I feel very lucky." His most popular dishes so far include a cauliflower soup with lavender cream and his signature smoked spareribs. But what people absolutely can't get enough of is, of course "Grandma's warm apple crisp" for dessert. I bet Grandma never knew she was so exotic.

Bistro302 is slated to open to the public on March 25th.