Christopher Papagni
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Job Consultant
Lives In Downtown
I recently moved to Portland from New York. This is a lifestyle change I am certain was the right decision. I am currently doing some short term consulting. I was the executive vice president at the International Culinary Center (formerly the French Culinary Institute), where I worked for 16 years. After helping to grow the school from 150 to 800 graduates a year, I thought it was time for a new venture.
I'm now living on Congress Street along side of great restaurants, galleries, boutique shops, etc. It's exactly where I want to be. Giorgio (maltipoo) and I are just a few short blocks from the water and the museum.
Although all things food is my great passion, I enjoy sailing, hiking, biking, meeting new people and a good book.
Who are Portlanders you admire and why? Leonard Nelson. He's always willing to help if he can. I have also spent time with Heather Chontos. Heather has an art studio in Portland. She's a beautiful person - threw a dinner party for me my first weekend in Portland. I am friends with Susan Axelrod and John Golden; both writers for the Portland Press Herald.
What do you like to do with out-of-towners? Walk around in the Old Port area.
Where's your "happy place" on the peninsula? I am excited about finding this place!
What's the most surprising thing about this city? The food is fantastic! Restaurant food, farmers' market food, bakeries, specialty food shops . . . Portland has it all!
What's your favorite indulgence and where do you find it? Lobster! Lots of places I am happy to say.
What's the most under-appreciated place or thing in town? I haven't seen enough tourists on Congress Street.
Describe your perfect night—and the following morning—in Portland. Eating al fresco in September. The following morning would be a long walk along the waterfront with my Maltipoo Giorgio.
Do you have a serendipity spot? Where do you always bump into good people? The Speckled Ax on Congress
