Small Business Profile: Olympia Provisions

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Chris Franklin, GoLocalPDX Contributor

If you could describe the culinary scene in Portland with one word it would be craft. Precision, commitment and passion are what make our restaurants some of the most sought after in the nation. Olympia Provisions showcases what it means to be a craft restaurant with their exemplary cured meats.

In 2009 salumist Elias Cairo and chef Jason Barwikowski decided to take their skills and love for making fine commercial meats a reality when they moved into the Olympic Mills building establishing Oregons First USDA meat curing facility.

Working within a local network of high quality farms in Oregon, Olympia Provisions is able to produce fresh salamis and sausages to keep up with the high demand garnered by their amazing product. Now producing for two restaurants, 13 farmers markets, several wholesale accounts, and a large territory of distribution to super markets, it is safe to say Olympia Provisions has experienced substantial growth since opening their doors just 6 years ago.

Charcuterie has origins dating back to the first century as a way to preserve meets so that they may not spoil before the advent of refrigeration. It is Cairo’s intention to revisit this method of meat preparation using the finest ingredients available and meticulous guidelines. When paired with the culinary talents of chef Barwikowski, Olympia Provisions can easily stake its claim as one of the best food experiences in Portland.

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.