This just in: Chef Christopher Israel’s hotly-anticipated Mexican restaurant Corazon is set to open its doors to the West End next week for a series of reservation-only preview dinners.

The menu is a fresh mash-up of flavors from Baja and Israel’s native San Diego, with an emphasis on seafood and a dash of Oaxacan cuisine. While billed in early press previews as a casual "taco spot", Corazon will delight diners with both sophisticated small plates and entrees in the dining room—think aguachile of Alaskan spot prawns or warm octopus with potatoes, lemon-infused olive oil, and smoked paprika, braised Baby Goat in a fiery red chile sauce, as well as familiar favorites like enchiladas, chile rellenos, and tamles—and $3 pollo, carne asada, carnitas, barbacoa, tinga and mushroom tacos at the lively cantina-inspired bar.

The large space now home to Corazon has been split into two distinct dining sections, each boasting seating for 55, modern lines, and bright colors. The restaurant is accented by blown glass pendants by Esque studio, mosaic high-top tables, hanging basket lights, tufted leather banquettes and the rustic elegance of fir wood tables.

The restaurant will debut on Thursday, May 10th with the first in a series of preview dinners available through Saturday, May 12th. Previewing diners will be able to choose between six-course, unlimited-beverage "Gold" and five-course, two-beverage "Silver" tasting menus ($80 and $50, respectively). For reservations, call 503-241-1133.

The James Beard Award–nominated Israel has teamed up with the unstoppable Kurt Huffman of ChefStable Group to bring this one-of-a-kind restaurant to PDX, and we want you to be among the first to try the taquitos. Eat Beat has snagged two pairs of Gold preview dinner reservations, and we’re just itching to give them away for free.

Want to be among the first to try Corazon? The contest will be open until Friday, May 4th at 4 pm. Winners will then be randomly selected and will be notified via email by Monday, May 7th. Contest winners must be 21 years or older, and will be able to select the night of their reservation (May 10th, 11th, or 12th).

Click here to enter to win! Contest is now over

Corazon
1205 SW Washington Street
503-241-1133
corazonpdx.com