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Staff

Pat Manning
Owner, Executive Chef

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Kate Manning
Owner, General Manager

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Classically trained, nationally recognized, local roots
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Pat and Kate Manning were both born and bred in the Colorado high country. They met in Gunnison in 2003 and have always considered this outdoor playground home. After they got married in 2006 they packed up all their things and headed to Portland, OR so Pat could pursue his passion in culinary arts. And pursue that passion he did!

Pat received his degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Portland and worked his way from dishwasher to Chef de Cuisine of Toro Bravo, one of the most respected Spanish restaurants in the country and a long time staple in Portland’s stellar food scene. Pat has travelled internationally to share his food and culinary knowledge and Toro Bravo has been praised for many of his personal creations, He’s cooked for rock stars, movie stars,professional athletes, at festivals, formal dinners and for charity. He’s experimented with molecular gastronomy and butchered his own animals. This was the inspiration for the couple’s newest venture, 1880 Tapas & Spirits.

However, staff meal is a long honored tradition in the restaurant business. A deep breath in the calm before the storm of service. A moment to nurture the bellies and souls of the cooks who have dedicated their lives to the art and culture of food. Pat’s meals for the Toro Bravo staff varied from Japanese to Italian and back again but one type stood out. His pozole and tacos were referred to in reverent whispers and sent tongues wagging—there was more than one fight over leftovers. Even John Gorham, the owner and a James Beard nominated chef in his own right, would magically appear when Pat spent the time to develop the homey, rich and layered flavors of Mexico.

TACOCAT TACOCART strives to bring those same mouth watering flavors, die-hard fandom and soul sustaining food to the mountains Pat and Kate love most.