According to a recent permit filing, Bianca Stella Bar is set to open at 15826 SE Division Street with one of its owners being Saul Pompello of Ristorante Di Pompello.
A representative of Bianca Stella Bar declined commentary upon What Now Portland’s request.
While an official opening date and menu options for Bianca Stella have yet to be confirmed, Saul is one of the owners and operators behind Ristorante Di Pompello in Troutdale.
Ristorante Di Pompello stands as a testament to a lifelong dream brought to fruition by Saul and Ruby Pompeyo. For Saul, this restaurant represents the realization of his deepest aspiration—to own an Italian eatery that resonates with the spirit of tradition and culinary excellence.
The story of Ristorante Di Pompello is intricately woven with family ties and the richness of Italian heritage. Saul’s upbringing in the Italian food business began under the loving guidance of his father, who owned and operated an Italian restaurant in Mexico City. It was within the walls of this family establishment that Saul honed his craft, immersing himself in every aspect of Italian culinary art.
As a young boy, Saul’s summers were spent at his paternal grandmother’s home on the enchanting Yucatan Peninsula. A master of traditional Italian cuisine, Grandma Di Pompello gracefully imparted her wisdom to Saul, who eagerly embraced the legacy of timeless Italian recipes. Today, the name “Di Pompello” serves as a heartfelt tribute to Saul’s grandparents, immortalizing their love for food and family, values that remain deeply ingrained in the essence of Ristorante Di Pompello.
Life took a turn when tragedy struck the family restaurant in the form of a devastating earthquake in Mexico City. In the face of adversity, Saul was beckoned to the vibrant city of Portland to manage a downtown Italian restaurant.
However, Saul’s heart yearned for something more—a place to call his own, where he could embrace the familial atmosphere of small-town charm that Troutdale and Gresham embody. Determined to know his customers as friends and family, Saul set his sights on Troutdale, where Ristorante Di Pompello found its home.
From classic pasta dishes to Italian seafood specialties, Ristorante Di Pompello welcomes every guest as a part of their extended family. With love and dedication, Ruby crafts fresh sauces from scratch daily, infusing each dish with a taste that transports guests to the heart of Italy. Saul’s unyielding commitment to food quality ensures that each meal is prepared with the utmost care, emphasizing the flavors and traditions of authentic Italian cuisine, according to the company website.
