☰ Site menu Search
Oregon Convention Center
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Flickr

Universal Links

  • Calendar
  • Parking
  • Accessibility
  • Eat now
  • 503-235-7575
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Attend
  • Plan
  • Exhibit
  • About
  • In the news
  • Covid-19

WE WELCOME EVERYONE

As hosts to the world, we deeply respect our guests and our community. We’re here to make sure everyone feels safe bringing their ideas, their passions and their hearts to the table. Because positive change can begin anytime, anyplace, with anyone. Like you. Right here. Right now.

  • Attend
  • Events
  • Know Before You Go
  • Parking & Directions
  • Guest Services & Amenities
  • Maps

GO

WE LIVE FOR MAGIC

We live for the lights, the music, the food, the learning, the inspiration, and the togetherness. We live for positive change and transformative experiences that blaze a path toward endless possibilities. The awesome potential of every event keeps us on our toes and, sometimes, knee-deep in caffeine. But the magic of pulling it all off? Totally worth it.

  • Plan
  • Book An Event
  • Floor Plans & Rates
  • Event Services
  • Catering Services
  • Client Services Guide

GO

WE GET IT DONE

Last minute request? Done. Idea about how to do something better? Done. Guest who wants something we’ve never heard of—now, if possible? Done. And done. YES is the answer. Determination, creativity and teamwork are how we deliver on it.

  • Exhibit
  • Order services
  • Load-In & Load-Out

GO

 

WE ARE FORWARD THINKING

Sustainability is in our DNA. It’s who we are and why we do what we do. We’re passionate about cultivating diversity, advancing equity and practicing inclusion in all of the work we do. People. Planet. Progress. It’s how we work toward a better tomorrow.

  • About
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Sustainability
  • Staff Directory
  • Jobs
  • Public Art Collection
  • OCC Neighborhood

GO

 

In the news

  • Recent Stories
  • Sustainability News
  • Press
  • Our Community Stories

GO

  1. Home
  2. Plan
  3. Catering Services
  • Catering
  • Restaurants

Catering

Our exclusive food and beverage vendor Levy provides both catering and restaurant options while staying sustainable and local.

Andie Cuttiford

Director of Sales and Marketing
503-688-8696
acuttiford@levyrestaurants.com

Like Portland, Levy presents a rich palette of regional flavors

bacon_wrapped_beef_filet_mignon_sauce_bordelaise.jpg

photo of bacon-wrapped filet mignon

Our passion for local, seasonal ingredients and sustainability transforms an event at the Oregon Convention Center into more than a pleasant experience and good meal. Through these, we express our commitment to supporting and maintaining Oregon's rich natural resources, promoting its culinary and cultural heritage and imbuing every occasion, from 10 guests to 10,000, with a sense of place and our unique spirit.

We believe that every occasion should be extra ordinary.  It’s all about the food, and the thousands of details that surround it. Together, we look forward to delivering The Levy Difference. 

Our experienced chefs understand food. They also understand the sensitivities that can arise. Our culinary experts proudly provide options to address specific requirements, allergies, intolerances or religious restrictions. From vegan to gluten-free, our knowledgeable and experienced sales managers will work directly with you to ensure we create the perfect dining experience for your event.

Meet Executive Chef Allan Wambaa




CHEF ALLAN WAMBAA Bio.jpg

Executive Chef Allan Wambaa, PCIII, CEC

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Chef Allan Wambaa’s culinary exposure started in his family’s restaurant. He attended culinary college at The Career Training Centre in Nairobi and apprenticed at the Safari Park Hotel, one of the top five-star restaurants in the city.

Chef Wambaa advanced his career by accepting an offer to act as the personal chef to the royal family of Saudi Arabian Prince Fahd bin Khalid Al-Saud. Next, he traveled to the Seattle, Washington to embark on a series of culinary experiences with the Palisades Restaurant. Expanding his expertise, he entered into food and beverage management, spending six years as executive chef with The Compass Group.

To pursue his next challenge, Chef Wambaa became executive chef at Benaroya Hall where he worked with world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck, followed by a turn as Executive Chef for Bell Harbor International Conference Center and World Trade Center Seattle. Chef Wambaa joined Aramark at the Tacoma Convention Center in 2005. While there, he used his executive level management skills to train staff, streamline processes, boost efficacy and satisfaction while cutting internal costs and food waste.

In the fall of 2011, Chef Wambaa joined Levy Catering, which is based at the Oregon Convention Center, and also serves Portland’5 Center for the Arts and Portland Expo Center. His passion for fresh flavors, local ingredients and cooking from the source has paired nicely with the veritable bounty of ingredients the Willamette Valley has to offer.

In 2013, he received the Silver Award Winner for Best New Menu Item for his Kuku Paka, a Chili-rubbed Draper Valley Chicken skewer with an Oregon Hazelnut crust. This dish also received an Honorable Mention in Venues Today magazine. Chef Wambaa was then featured in “Serving Up Great Talent,” an article in Black Meetings and Tourism magazine. His work continues to earn numerous accolades including an additional Venue Magazine’s showcase of his award-winning Kuku Paka in the August 2014 Issue, as well as a 2019 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award from the United Fresh Produce Association.

kuku_paka_chow_chow_spicy_peanut_sauce.jpg

kuku_paka_chow_chow_spicy_peanut_sauce.jpg

photo of chicken with peanut sauce
Chef Wamba's award-winning Kuku Paka, a chili-rubbed Draper Valley Chicken skewer with an Oregon Hazelnut crust.

His commitment to culinary expertise and perfection never ceases to end. Chef Wambaa has continued to add to his culinary knowledge and prowess by attending refresher and certification courses at the prestigious and well known Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Through this institute, he became certified as a Pro-Chef II, and most recently Pro-Chef III. Both carry prestigious culinary weight in the industry, joining just a handful of other chefs to excel in these certifications. In addition, he has been accredited with certifications of Chef De Cuisine and Certified Executive Chef with the American Culinary Federation, a culinary governing body for industry accredited chefs.

Chef Wambaa is very global and well traveled, speaking seven languages, trained in different styles of international cuisines, and not to mention his love for local Portland food fare.

We have a special treat for you!

pacificwild Pastry.jpg

photo of a delicious pacificwild catering pastry creation

We're able to customize orders to address any dietary restriction too. If it’s gluten-free pastries for a basic continental breakfast, a vegan chocolate cake for a gala event, or a hot and fresh Zeppole donut station for the reception, our catering team can serve up whatever you and your attendees desire! Levy has the talent and culinary expertise to create unique, scratch-made pastries and desserts—all prepared on premises using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you crave something sweet, savory or delightfully decadent, your Pacific Northwest dining experience won’t be complete without trying one of our signature treats!

Take a closer look

belgium_waffle_berry_compote_bacon.JPG

belgium_waffle_berry_compote_bacon.JPG

photo of belgium waffle with berry compote and bacon
Belgium waffle with berry compote and bacon

draper_valley_breast_of_chicken_pearl_couscous_dried_cherries_prairie_carrots.jpg

draper_valley_breast_of_chicken_pearl_couscous_dried_cherries_prairie_carrots.jpg

photo of a chicken breast catered meal
Draper Valley chicken breast, pearl couscous, dried cherries, prairie carrots

artisan_cheese_trolley_catering_food.jpg

artisan_cheese_trolley_catering_food.jpg

photo of a cheese tray
Artisan cheese trolley

bacon_wrapped_beef_filet_mignon_sauce_bordelaise.jpg

bacon_wrapped_beef_filet_mignon_sauce_bordelaise.jpg

photo of bacon-wrapped filet mignon
Bacon-wrapped filet mignon, sauce bordelaise

chicken_souvlaki_with_lemon_olives_tomatoes_anthotyros_cheese.jpg

chicken_souvlaki_with_lemon_olives_tomatoes_anthotyros_cheese.jpg

photo of chicken souvlaki with lemon, olives
Chicken souvlaki with lemon, olives, tomatoes, anthotyros cheese

cold_northwest_smoked_salmon.jpg

cold_northwest_smoked_salmon.jpg

photo of a smoked salmon platter
Cold Northwest smoked salmon

cucumber_cups_chicken_mango_salad.jpg

cucumber_cups_chicken_mango_salad.jpg

photo of cucumber cups
Cucumber cups with chicken mango salad

french_toast_with_northwest_berry_compote_bacon.JPG

french_toast_with_northwest_berry_compote_bacon.JPG

photo of french toast
French toast with Northwest berry compote and bacon

kuku_paka_chow_chow_spicy_peanut_sauce.jpg

kuku_paka_chow_chow_spicy_peanut_sauce.jpg

photo of chicken with peanut sauce
Kuku Paka, Chow Chow, spicy peanut sauce

portabello_napoleon.JPG

portabello_napoleon.JPG

photo of portabello napoleon
Portabello napoleon

strawberry_salad_goat_cheese_frisee_spinach.jpg

strawberry_salad_goat_cheese_frisee_spinach.jpg

photo of strawberry salad
Strawberry salad with goat cheese, frisee, spinach

pacificwild chocolate dessert.jpg

pacificwild chocolate dessert.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD11.jpg

PWD11.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD16.jpg

PWD16.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD2.jpg

PWD2.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD18.jpg

PWD18.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD3.jpg

PWD3.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD8.jpg

PWD8.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD6.jpg

PWD6.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD9.jpg

PWD9.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD19.jpg

PWD19.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD13.jpg

PWD13.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

PWD20.jpg

PWD20.jpg

photo of pacificwild dessert

Back to top

Get In Touch

Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help. Chat with one of our experts now to find out why OCC is the perfect venue for your next event.

  • Give us a call
    503-235-7575
  • Chat with
    an expert
  • Drop us a line
    ask@oregoncc.org

Current events

  • Mar 25—Mar 29Mass Timber Conference 2023
  • Mar 29—Apr 2SAA 2023 Annual (Society for American Archaeology)
  • Mar 31—Apr 1Jump 2023 Dance Convention
See Full Calendar

Latest news

  • May. 19, 2021Oregon Convention Center proudly supports All4Oregon’s 500,000 vaccination milestone
  • Apr. 28, 2021Oregon’s Largest Vaccination Site is a Logistical Masterpiece. We Take You Inside.
  • Feb. 11, 2021Oregon Convention Center to Serve as Regional Severe Weather Shelter
See All News

Partners

  • TP-Logo.jpg

    TP-Logo.jpg

  • levy.png

    levy.png

  • edlen.png

    edlen.png

Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
Portland, OR 97232

Footer Menu

  • 503-235-7575
  • Jobs
  • News
  • Contact
  • Privacy policy
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Flickr

Terms of Service Menu

    Hello, we're Metro.

     
    Metro logo
    • Arts and event centers
    • Oregon Zoo
    • Parks and nature
    • Garbage and recycling
    • Land and transportation

    Oregon Convention Center

    Close menu
    Home Close
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Flickr

    Main menu

    • Attend
      +− Submenu
      • Calendar
      • Know Before You Go
      • Parking & Directions
      • Guest Experience & Amenities
      • Maps
    • Plan
      +− Submenu
      • Book An Event
      • Floor Plans & Rates
      • Event Services
        +− Submenu
        • GO Production Services
        • Technology Services
        • Ticketing Services
        • Marketing & Branding
        • Spire Lighting Inquiry
        • Security Providers
        • More Services
      • Catering Services
        +− Submenu
        • Catering
        • Restaurants
      • Client Services Guide
    • Exhibit
      +− Submenu
      • Load-In & Load-Out
    • Covid-19
    • About
      +− Submenu
      • Staff directory
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Sustainability
      • Jobs
      • Public Art Collection
      • Our Neighborhood
    • News
    Top