The Oregon Convention Center, Portland Center for the Performing Arts and Portland Expo Center have selected Allan Wambaa as the new executive chef for the three Metro visitor venues.
Wambaa shined during an extensive national search that challenged candidates to design event menus with locally-sourced ingredients and create gourmet concession items that would be at home on a food truck – a nod to Portland’s famous foodie culture.
“Allan’s creativity during the interview process combined with his background with international cuisine made him a natural choice for the position,” said Teri Dresler, general manager of Metro’s visitor venues. “His commitment to using sustainable ingredients along with his creativity and credentials make him a perfect fit for our venues.”
A native of Kenya, Wambaa comes to Portland after working most recently as the executive chef at the Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Prior to that, he served as executive chef of the Bell Harbor International Conference Center & World Trade Center, Washington Hospitality and Wolfgang Puck Catering at Benaroya Hall. He also served as the Chef de Cuisine in Saudi Arabia for Prince Fahad bin Khalid al Saud.
“The challenge in the convention business is for our menus to be fresh, sustainable and in line with local trends,” said Oregon Convention Center executive director Jeff Blosser. “Chef Wambaa is well up to the challenge and we are excited with what he is bringing to the table.”
Wambaa will be responsible for the strategic direction of all catering services and lead menu planning for venue-specific and event-related meals. He will also manage the team of food and beverage staff responsible for the in-house dining establishments in each of the venues – Art Bar & Bistro at Antoinette Hatfield Hall, Keller Café martini bar at Keller Auditorium, West Delta Bar & Grill at Portland Expo Center, and Stir cocktail lounge in the Oregon Convention Center.
Chef Wambaa is a Pro-Chef II certified graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and is also a certified chef and member of the American Culinary Federation. Wambaa started work Aug. 25 for pacificwild catering co., the exclusive food and beverage brand created by ARAMARK for Metro's visitor venues.