Blue Patio wowing palates in Portland

Blue Patio is the newest dining experience on the rise in Portland. Nestled in the cool hills of the Blue Mountains, they offer irresistible charm, a scenic view, and distinctively delightful flavours. It’s an awakening trio that engages all the senses.

Diners have enjoyed sinking their teeth into the signature Henny chicken wings. The crispy, sweet and smoky twist on barbecued wings are made with, you guessed it, Hennessey. Another favourite is a new addition to the menu — the Blue Patio seafood platter — which is attributed to the high demand for seafood.

“Our ackee and salt fish tostones are a crowd favourite often enjoyed by locals and tourists. The locals describe our curried goat as ‘something to talk about’. This dish is one of our bestsellers. Our jerk barbecued tofu is loved among our vegan customers. We also have a wide range of bestselling cocktails such as Sex in the Hills, Blue Bird, and Bulldozer, to name a few,” Lamore Powell, one of the owners of Blue Patio, told Food.

Having over nine years of experience in project management, working with interior décor and transforming spaces have played an active role in Powell’s life. Built with the location in mind, she wanted the Blue Patio to reflect the light, airy, and inspiring feel of the environment, indoors. And to allow those who prefer to bask in the great outdoors the opportunity to do so.

But this story goes much deeper than looks or the palate. It’s a tale that honours a rich history rooted in tradition, family, and legacy.

Hailing from a small town in the Blue Mountains called Spring Hill, Powell built this business from the ground up, primarily with her younger brother, Trevaughn, in mind because he grew up suffering from sickle cell disease, She knew the moment he graduated high school that she needed to place him on a path that would assist in generating income while keeping him close to home.

COOKING UP A VENTURE

So she took the entrepreneurial route, cooking up a venture she holds near and dear to her heart. “I have always been a foodie. I have been cooking and experimenting with food since I was 11 years old, and honestly, it’s something my parents absolutely adored,” she said.

That spark ignited a passion and fire to pursue her bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management. During that chapter of her journey, she discovered an even deeper love for different types of cuisines.

So after experimenting with different business modules, she and her business partner settled on the ultimate pièce de résistance, one of remarkably savoury and sweet proportions.

“My partner, Anthony Kerridge, and I saw the potential in the community as it is famous for its refreshing nature, rivers, and cabins. All we needed to top off the eco-tourism was somewhere to eat. It is also a safe space for the members of the community to enjoy and stands as an inspiration for the youth in the community. If you can dream it, you can achieve it,” Powell shared.

Since opening the doors almost a year ago, with her brother now the manager, the reception from those who have graced the walls of Blue Patio has surpassed expectations, “We are filled with gratitude,” she said, adding that she is happy to provide employment for those within her community and surrounding areas.

The only setback is grappling with the reality of being oversubscribed with guests. So the team tries to avoid this inconvenience by encouraging persons to secure their seats through reservations prior to making the journey.

“Customers love that Blue Patio is such a chic, modern, and sophisticated restaurant located in the middle of nowhere. They can leave the city and enjoy their favourite food with an amazing view. So for newcomers, expect good food, good drinks, good people, and good vibes,” she shared.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com