Foster-Powell neighborhood eatery marks Hispanic Heritage Month with 'Domingueando' series

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Mexican-American bar and eatery in Portland’s Foster-Powell neighborhood is recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month with an event series full of food, arts and culture.

Found on 6433 SE Foster Rd., Bar Carlo’s celebration will kick off each Sunday through Oct. 13 — with this upcoming Sunday marking the start of NHHM.

Chef and Owner Melinda Archuleta told KOIN 6 her mother suggested “Domingueando” as the series name. The word directly translates to “Sundaying,” which she likens to a wholesome version of what is known as “Sunday Funday” in the U.S.

“Domingueando is more leisurely, more relaxed, more about being with your people and enjoying their presence…” Archuleta said. “That really was the perfect word for what we're trying to do, which is bring a little bit of that way of living to Portland, so we can share a different kind of just way of being on a Sunday.”

According to the restaurateur, Bar Carlo has hosted several one-off events since opening in 2008 — but never a series. But the stacked lineup means this series could be the first of many.

The first installment scheduled for Sept. 15 will feature DJ sets, Latin vendors and a happy hour special including baja fish tacos and a plum-rosemary cocktail from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Archuleta is especially excited for Levanta Latine Market on Sept. 22. In addition to the market and food and drink specials, the event will include Lunazul tequila and Mezcal tastings and a DJ set curated by A Beat Happening.

And on Oct. 6, Bar Carlo will host pop-ups from Nacar Oysters, Gonzales Wine Company and gluten-free, dairy-free dessert brand Here for the Cakes.

In the same way the event series is spotlighting entrepreneurs of Hispanic heritage, the owner was recently in the spotlight on Comcast’s “Culture Capital.”

The docuseries featured diverse business owners who “are laying the foundation for the future.”

Archuleta told KOIN 6 she didn’t realize she was walking into an audition when she applied for the show, but in the end, it paid off.

“[The film crew was] so positive, and really wanted to tell our stories in the most loving way that they could… To get that kind of — not feedback — but to get that kind of warmth from total strangers was so beautiful,” she said.

Bar Carlo on Instagram

The docuseries is now streaming online. You can also head to Bar Carlo’s Instagram for more info on Archuleta’s event series.