You might remember the De Leon family as one of Portland’s most beloved names in Mexican food. Now, Lucy De Leon — the daughter of the founders of Tortilleria y Tienda De Leon’s and owner of La Patroncita and Salsas Locas — is expanding into downtown Portland with a brand-new restaurant.
While some business owners have shied away from opening a storefront in downtown Portland, De Leon is leaning in. Backed by years of success running popular Mexican eateries in the city, she hopes to find a market for her latest restaurant concept, Madrina Cocina Mexicana.
“I literally said, ‘God, if it’s for me, give it to me. If it’s not — if it’s going to be something that’s going to make me stumble — take it from me, I don’t want it,” Lucy De Leon said. “So obviously, it is for me.”…