Meet the Chef :: Oregon Convention Center

A LEED rated
sustainable building

Oregon Convention
Center
777 NE MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232

Toll Free:
1.800.791.2250
Local Direct:
503.235.7575
E-mail:
ask@oregoncc.org

Meet the Chef
Our Executive Chef, Christian Smith, is responsible for all menu creation and food preparation at the Oregon Convention Center. This means that Christian is not only an accomplished culinary artist, but that he also brings some rather high-level managerial skills to his kitchen. "The most challenging aspect of my job is maintaining good communication between all the different departments. The ability to respond quickly to circumstances is critical for ensuring quality preparation and presentation, such that each and every customer has a fully satisfying dining experience," says Chef Smith. "We work hard to earn those customer compliments, and my crew and I savor a job well done."

Before joining the OCC, Chef Smith was the owner of a catering company, worked as the Executive Chef at a variety of fine dining establishments including Apache Gold Casino in Arizona, and even taught in the capacity of Chef Instructor for over six years at the Western Culinary Institute. Not surprisingly, the Lunch and Dinner Menus at OCC include a wide variety of appetizing selections. Still, everyone wants to know: What are the Chef’s personal favorites?

	Sample Menus Download our sample menus to discover what Northwest Fresh catering options are available for your next event or party here at the Oregon Convention Center... \|download »

"Truly, I like all the entrees on our Lunch and Dinner Menus. I wouldn’t include anything that I didn’t personally enjoy," says Chef Smith. "As far as what I enjoy preparing most right now - well, it would probably be either the Bone-In Pork Chop with Sage Apple stuffing and our Sweet Corn Relish and Balsamic/Fig reduction or any type of fresh fish with seasonal vegetables." Away from the kitchen, Chef Smith enjoys riding and caring for his eight horses and tending to his herb garden. "I love the area - its sights, its fragrances, its tastes - and I incorporate these elements as honestly and as artfully as I can into everything I do."

Talk to Me!
	Christian Smith ARAMARK/Giacometti Ltd Executive Chef ChristianSmith@oregoncc.org ph. 503-731-7867 fx. 503-731-7888

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