Aalto Lounge, a Scandinavian design-themed bar named for Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, reopened on Friday, May 29 after a temporary closure. The venue will operate under new ownership, featuring a cocktail list of playful classics and a menu of Filipino-influenced bar food. The new team includes bartender Olivia Ennis Hilton and chef Meesh Fennimore. Hilton previously worked at Wonderly, and Fennimore has cooked at notable Portland restaurants including Han Oak, Jeju, Afuri, and Berlu. In 2025, they launched the pop-up Nomida, with dishes inspired by the Philippines and their upbringing in Japan and Hawaii. Kate Wood supported the transition to keep the Aalto name going.
"“Aalto is more than just a place,” Kate says. “It's where people met their partners, celebrated anniversaries and birthdays. It means a lot to a lot of people. Olivia, she's a badass. She truly is so great at her job. Meesh has a great pedigree and is so well-regarded. I'm so happy for them to continue on in the Aalto name.”"
Read at Eater Portland
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