Meet a few members
of our team
Executive Chef
Elijah Rivers
Elijah was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.
Early life at the Portland Waldorf School encouraged his creativity and eye for the artistic. Starting at the tender age of 17, he worked in the Portland fine dining scene under Chefs John Gorham and Matthew Sigler, before eventually leaving for Greenough Montana in late 2020 to work with mentor Brandon Cunnigham at The Green O. As the opening CDC for Chef Cunningham, Elijah’s focus was on co-creating and executing an 11 course tasting menu, which, in March of 2022, Vogue Magazine called “Montana’s Noma”. His work at The Green O was featured in several lauded publications, including Art Culinaire and Travel and Leisure. Upon returning to his hometown, Elijah earned the title of Executive Chef at Quaintrelle in October of 2023. He creates our 10 course tasting menu with a nod toward the playful and nostalgic, and a focus on presentation and technique.
Chef de cuisine
Ray Leferink
Bio and pictures of Chef Leferink to follow
General Manager / Wine Director
Gregory Cantu
General Manager & Wine director Gregory Cantu cut his teeth in the fine dining restaurants of Denver, Colorado.
After living abroad in Japan, and attending school in Boston, he spent a number of years working his way up the chain in restaurants. Restaurant work allowed him to pursue his love of travel, and led to a two year stint in London at The Ark, in London’s Notting Hill, where he took on the role of General Manager and wine buyer. Upon his return to the states, Greg landed in Portland, and went to work at Grüner, where he assumed the role of General Manager and Wine Director. His time at Grüner allowed extensive travel in Germany, Austria, France, and Italy, continuing his wine education with the end goal of broadening the greater wine scene in Portland. In 2017 he created his own label, Hooray For You Wine Co. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Bon Appétit, and Food & Wine.
Bar Manager
Corey tighe
Originally from New York's verdant Hudson Valley, Corey Tighe has lived and worked in Boston, New York City, and San Diego.
He recently relocated to Portland to helm the bar at Quaintrelle—lucky us!
Corey began his bartending career in New York City at Sunday in Brooklyn, followed by a tenure in Boston, primarily at Russell House Tavern. In San Diego, he ran the beverage programs for Juniper & Ivy and Nolita Hall. At Quaintrelle, Corey taps into his rich experience and enthusiasm for Portland to create cocktails rooted in the classics that are layered, fresh, and fun. When he's not behind the bar, Corey is nurturing one of his many interests, from baking to paddle boarding.
Quaintrelle was born from a long-time friendship and a mutual adoration of all things food, drink and hospitality.
Owners Sandra and Daniel Wilkens and Emily Everett have been friends for eons, always enjoying each other’s company while exploring the food scene in Portland and beyond.
Emily and Sandra had restaurants and bars of their own and decided to open a restaurant that reflected their tastes in food and beverage. Their aim was to create a welcoming space that serves elevated cuisine, food friendly wine and cocktails with a level of service that rivals anywhere else in Portland.
Quaintrelle opened on July of 2016 on N. Mississippi Avenue and moved to their current location on SE Clinton Street in August of 2021.
Quaintrelle is made up of a small crew of incredible individuals who work together to keep fine dining alive and well in Portland, Or.
Our mission is the continual refinement of technique in both food and hospitality. Our thoughtful, ingredient driven culinary ethos and the execution of our ideals are meant to be experienced as something unique and transportive in a world continually shifting closer to the monotony of convenience.