Small Business Profile: Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Chris Franklin, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Photo credit: Chris Franklin

What sets Portland’s food scene apart from some of its larger city counterparts is the fine curation of ingredients ensuring a fresh, thoughtful and flavorful dining experience. Cyril’s at Clay Pigeon Winery is the result of precise action and vision culminating in a space built for community engagement. Cheese monger and author Sasha Davies has a devotion for dairy, a love of friends and deep admiration for family all of which have become contributing factors to the success of Cyril’s. A progressive American kitchen built on the corner stone of community dinning.

After partnering with long time friend and committed wine maker Michael Claypool of Clay Pigeon Winery, this dynamic duo had all the tools necessary to build their passions for culinary delights into a viable business. Michael has spent years learning the craft of wine making from his schooling at the Wine and Spirit education trust in New York city to working with New Yorks top chefs at Blue Hill Farms. At the cross roads of fine wines and cheese, you are sure to find good friends and great conversation and that was the goal of these starry eyed entrepreneurs when they opened their doors in 2012.

On the NW corner of Sandy Blvd and SE Oak St. an unassuming storefront in the industrial district of southeast Portland may spark some curiosity. Just moments after walking in the door you are comforted by the detailed esthetic and interior design of this urban winery and kitchen. Design and fabrication firm Orange PDX carefully designed wood detail encompasses this open floor plan. This beautiful environment enriches every bite, sip and smile.

Wanderer by nature, explorer by trade. Chris Franklin is attracted to the unique and overlooked. His ambition is to showcase what may lay off the beaten path. A love of small business and creative craft guide his path as he continues to discover Portland, Oregon. Follow his journey at LostNPortland.com.

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