Lio (instagram, facebook), the new wine-focused restaurant from Cara and Cecile Stadler – owners of Tao Yuan and Bao Bao, has applied for a liquor license. As described in the application cover letter,
The concept of Lio is to offer a wide variety of wines by the glass, including many high end wines that are typically not available by the glass, with menu options specifically paired with the wines. The cuisine will be modern European offered on small plates, allowing diners to have food & wine typical of fine dining restaurants without the time or cost commitment of fine dining. The layout of the restaurant is designed around a serpentine bar configuration, that allows diners to cluster in groups around the curves, as well as a chefs table and private dining room. The space also has a deck and patio. It is an amazing location with a unique layout that we believe will be a unique and welcome addition to the already diverse restaurant scene in Portland.
Owen Price has joined the team as the chef for the restaurant. You can see some pictures of the Lio kitchen and early menu development on his instagram account.
The draft menu (page 87) includes smaller plates like Parsnip & Potato Latkes, pastas such as Bucatini with lump crab, chili flake, crab butter, breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon, parsley and larger dishes such as Salt-crusted Whole Fish.
Here’s a look at the floor plan for Lio:
