Since opening in Portland in 2006, Screen Door has become a beloved destination for Southern cooking, blending the rich foodways of South Louisiana with the Pacific Northwest’s seasonal bounty.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Screen Door Culinary Director Dominic Finzo represents a new generation of Southern chefs—one rooted in tradition while constantly looking ahead. Blending classical technique with a modern Pacific Northwest sensibility, he is passionate about preserving the soul of Southern cuisine while continuing to push it forward.
His cooking is guided by a deep respect for heirloom ingredients and the stories they carry, believing that every dish is an opportunity to honor the people, places, and traditions that have shaped Southern food. Working closely with regional farmers and producers, he creates menus that celebrate the seasons, showcase exceptional local ingredients, and reflect the rich diversity of Southern culinary heritage.
Whether exploring familiar classics or reimagining them through a contemporary lens, Dominic approaches every plate with the goal of respecting Southern cuisine’s past, embracing its present, and helping shape its future.
