A former “Top Chef” contestant is expanding his portfolio with a new neighborhood bar serving “blue-collar French” food in Northwest Portland.
Say When, which opens later today, will serve French-inspired food and matching cocktails in the former Cha Taqueria space on Northwest 21st Avenue.
The bar comes from former “Top Chef” Season 14 contestant BJ Smith, bartender Paul Francis and financial director Robert Thomas, the trio who previously opened Sit Tite, a similarly “blue-collar” Italian American bar in North Portland.
An early look at Say When’s menu shared with The Oregonian/OregonLive.com shows a half dozen classic bistro snacks, including raw oysters, french fries and onion soup in the $6-$13 range, plus a sandwich section with a burger, a croque monsieur and a chicken salad BLT from $14-$16.
The most blue collar thing about the menu might be the prices — at least on the opening day menu, the duck confit cassoulet were listed at $19, while the steak or albacore tuna frites rang in at $23.
In addition to the cocktails from co-owner Francis and food from former Smokehouse Tavern chef Smith, the bar boasts pinball machines and pool tables. Minors are welcome until 9 p.m.
Smith hopes the bar provides “a little something for everyone.”
“Say When is about creating a space that feels familiar but offers something new,” he said.
Say When opens from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday starting Monday, April 20, at 305 N.W. 21st Ave., say-when.fun. Lunch and brunch service to follow.
Dining and Cooking