Beaverton, Oregon – The culinary prowess for which Portland is renowned is steadily expanding westward, with the much-anticipated opening of Canard’s newest location in Beaverton. This French-inspired eatery, a beloved fixture in Portland’s vibrant dining landscape, has officially opened its doors at 12395 S.W. Broadway St., bringing its signature blend of refined yet approachable cuisine to Washington County.
This marks Canard’s third establishment in Oregon, following its original Portland outpost and a successful expansion into Oregon City in 2022. The new Beaverton restaurant is poised to become a significant dining destination, being the largest of Canard’s three locations, capable of seating over 70 guests. Situated in a space historically known as the Beaverton Bakery, the building has been revitalized to embody the restaurant’s commitment to hospitality and culinary excellence.
A Vision of Accessibility and Familiar Flavors
Co-owners Chef Gabriel Rucker, a two-time James Beard Award winner, alongside Andy Fortgang and Taylor Daugherty, have consistently emphasized accessibility as a core tenet of Canard’s philosophy. This principle is evident in all their locations through open kitchens, familiar flavor profiles, and an informative approach to wine and beverage service. “Intentional expansion has allowed us to bring our brand of hospitality away from the city center and facilitate further accessibility,” stated Daugherty. The Beaverton location aims to offer this experience to a broader audience, making high-quality dining more accessible to suburban residents.
The owners saw significant potential in the Beaverton site, which has a rich history, having previously served as a theater before becoming a bakery and more recently a sign shop. The expansive 2,800-square-foot space includes an upper mezzanine, offering unique views of the dining room and providing an ideal area for private dinners and larger gatherings, a feature the team hopes will make it a go-to venue in Washington County.
A Menu That Celebrates Deliciousness
Canard’s culinary approach, driven by Chef Rucker’s philosophy that a dish only needs to taste good to earn a place on the menu, offers a delightful experience. The Beaverton menu closely mirrors that of the Oregon City location, featuring a robust array of signature dishes that artfully blend refined techniques with comforting appeal. Diners can expect beloved items such as the herb-roasted steelhead bathed in smoked mussel chowder, and playful brunch favorites like the “duck stack” – pancakes adorned with duck gravy and a duck egg, with an option for seared foie gras. Other highlights include spicy Tokyo hot chicken tenders and classic takes like Le Benedict.
Complementing the dinner service, the Beaverton outpost recently introduced weekday lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekend brunch starting at 10 a.m. For those seeking something exclusive to this new location, the s’mores icebox cake, layered with graham crackers, smoked chocolate ganache, and torched marshmallow crust, is a unique indulgence. The restaurant also boasts a well-curated beverage program, featuring creative cocktails and an extensive wine list, contributing to its reputation as more than just a dining establishment but a destination that rivals Portland’s best bars and restaurants.
Beaverton’s Evolving Culinary Landscape
The arrival of Canard underscores a significant trend: the growth and sophistication of Beaverton’s dining scene. For years, the city has been actively cultivating its identity as a destination for food lovers, with efforts to create a vibrant “Restaurant Row” and attract popular businesses from neighboring Portland. Areas like downtown Beaverton and Cedar Hills have seen a dramatic transformation, moving from quieter commercial zones to bustling hubs with a diverse array of restaurants and bars.
This expansion signifies Beaverton’s emergence as a key player in the broader Oregon culinary landscape, attracting establishments that contribute to a dynamic and trending food culture. Canard’s presence is expected to further elevate the city’s gastronomic appeal, drawing both local residents and visitors eager to explore the increasingly rich offerings of the Oregon dining scene.
Canard Beaverton is now open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, inviting patrons to experience its celebrated hospitality and delicious cuisine firsthand. Its expansion is a testament to the restaurant’s enduring popularity and the growing appetite for high-quality dining experiences beyond the traditional city center.
