Portland, Oregon, has a new culinary destination. Jawfish restaurant opened its doors on November 14th. It offers a taste of Vancouver’s cherished Beaches restaurant. Beaches closed its doors on December 31, 2024. Many diners missed its popular dishes. Now, Jawfish brings some of those favorites back. This revitalizes a piece of local dining history. It also adds to Portland’s vibrant restaurant landscape.
The Legacy of Beaches
Beaches was a beloved Vancouver institution. It served the community for 29 years. Owners Mark Matthias and Ali Novinger decided to retire. They chose to close the restaurant at the end of 2024. This decision came after a very successful year. Matthias and Novinger focused on community and charity work. They felt it was time to step away. They did not sell the business. Instead, they took their name and legacy with them. Their departure left a void for many diners.
Jawfish Emerges in Portland
Jawfish is now filling that void. Vesta Hospitality owns the new Portland restaurant. Mark Matthias is an investor in Jawfish. This partnership brings familiar faces to the new venture. Chef Mike Culver also joined Jawfish. He was the executive chef at Beaches for five years. He also held that role at Matthias’s Warehouse 23. Culver’s expertise ensures a genuine connection. He intimately understands the former Beaches menu. Jawfish aims to honor this culinary past. It does so while forging its own identity. The restaurant is located on NE Airport Way.
A Taste of Nostalgia on the Menu
Jawfish features several fan-favorite dishes. These were once staples at the Vancouver Beaches restaurant. Diners can now enjoy the fig and prosciutto pizza. This popular item actually started at Warehouse 23. Other returning delights include sesame pork, taquitos, and teriyaki tidbits. These selections offer a comforting sense of nostalgia. They connect Jawfish to its predecessor’s success. Chef Culver carefully selected these dishes. He wanted to pay homage to the support received.
Jawfish Establishes Its Own Identity
While honoring the past, Jawfish offers much more. The restaurant aims to be distinct. It showcases new signature specialties. These highlight the Pacific Northwest’s flavors. Patrons can savor a 22-ounce cowboy-cut rib-eye steak. The steelhead fish and chips are another highlight. A 14-ounce bone-in pork chop is also a must-try. Chef Culver personally raves about the pork chop. He calls it the best he has ever had. The menu blends familiar tastes with fresh, innovative creations. This approach appeals to a broad range of diners.
Portland’s Dynamic Dining Scene
Jawfish enters a trending restaurant market in Oregon. Portland is known for its diverse and evolving culinary offerings. The city consistently attracts attention for its innovative bars and restaurants. New establishments frequently open. They bring fresh concepts and global influences. Jawfish fits perfectly into this dynamic environment. It bridges the gap between Vancouver and Portland. It offers a connection for diners across the Columbia River. The restaurant’s success contributes to the region’s food culture. It shows how beloved local spots can inspire new ventures.
A Flavorful Future
Jawfish presents an exciting opportunity for food lovers. It combines a beloved legacy with a fresh vision. The restaurant offers comfort through familiar dishes. It also excites with new, bold flavors. This new spot is a testament to culinary continuity. It celebrates the community’s enduring love for good food. Jawfish is poised to become a new favorite. It stands as a beacon in Portland’s thriving restaurant scene. Residents and visitors alike can explore its offerings. They can experience the best of both worlds. It’s a delicious chapter in Oregon’s food story.
