OWNERS:

Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro Owners (and spouses) Gary Kneski and Leslie Palmer are originally from New York. Gary from Long Island and Leslie from the Finger Lakes / Syracuse area. Both have enjoyed wine for many years, however fell in love with the wines of the Pacific NW when they moved here eleven years ago from Boston when Leslie took a corporate event & marketing position at Intel. Gary, who was a video producer for nine years in Charleston, SC, took wine-related classes, made wine, worked a local wineries and gave wine tours in between hi-tech sales jobs in Oregon.

After the birth of their second child in 2005, both wanted to turn passion into a challenge and focused on opening a restaurant that filled a void in Oregon: a place right on the River that features on local wines and local foods and showcases the most beautiful area in Portland. The concept for Thirst was born and after completely remodeling their space (down to the studs!) Thirst opened March 3, 2006 and is now enjoying its 5th year!

In April 2008, Thirst opened the 'River Room' extending the location by adding a dedicated private party room that also features fine art for sale. Along with being a chic and affordable party space; classes and special events will also be hosted in this beautiful and unique space.

Gary oversees all aspects of the great wine Thirst features and Leslie is the Chef. Trained by two adoring Grandmothers, Leslie has been enjoying cooking since she was a child. Although she cooks in an array of styles, her food has been called 'upscale comfort food' that is created specifically to pair well with wine. She focuses on local, fresh and organic ingredients. She cooks as gluten free as possible and loves a new challenge.

Leslie and Gary have three kids; Lauren 6, Caroline 4 and Jackson 2. They plan to live in Portland forever, even though both of their families are back East. When not at the restaurants they enjoy traveling, all food and wine, movies, photography and watching the occasional reality TV show. They LOVE to meet customers and fellow wine-lovers - so please say hello when you visit Thirst!