A Recap of Feast Portland 2015

Last month (I can’t believe it’s been 4 weeks already!) I attended one of the best foodie festivals around: Feast Portland.

This was the second year I was given a blogger pass, and after the amazing time I had last year at Feast, I couldn’t pass up another opportunity to attend. Feast is made up of many events across 4 days; marquee events, hands on classes, dinners, and plenty of additional parties throughout, with proceeds going to a good cause.

Wednesday night I attended an invite only pre-feast kickoff party for media at Jacobsen Salt Company and was presented by Williams Sonoma, where old friends caught up and exchanged excitement for the weekend, and where a few new acquaintances were made. I sampled more than my fair share of bites and drinks, but my absolute favorite treat of the night came from Top Chef Winner Chef Mei Lin. It was a milk and honey buttermilk sorbet that had Bee Local honey crème caramel with bee pollen and Jacobsen Salt Ice. The flavors danced in my mouth and I could have eaten many more bites if my stomach would have allowed.

Friday I headed back to Portland and attended one of Feast’s main events, The Oregon Grand Bounty Tasting, which was set in Pioneer Square. This event is definitely the best bang for your buck – for $60 you can get all of the bites and tastings you desire for 4 hours. It’s a great way to sample new things.

After The Oregon Grand Bounty Tasting I stopped back off at the media lounge to work a bit and recharge before heading home, and sipped on a special cocktail dubbed, “The Imperial”, created by Tony Gurdid. It was made up with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Fresh Lime, Carrot/Honey/Lavender syrup and Dry Sparkling Vanilla Bean Soda.

After a Friday night at our local football game and a Saturday morning filled with kids’ soccer games, I returned to Portland Saturday evening for a new event this year called Smoked! I parked at the media lounge and was then shuttled over to the event… on a karaoke bus! I absolutely love BBQ food, so Smoked! was the perfect event for me. Set outside on a beautiful evening, Smoked! brought some of the best chefs across the country together into one causal space.

John Tesar (Knife at the Highland Dallas) made a mouthwatering Fire Roasted 44 Farms Beef Short Ribs (Knife) Farafa, with a Red wine Gastrique. Stoller Family Estates kept everyone happy with their rendition of a Gin and Juice, dubbed Stoller harvest Gin + Juice. Andy Ricker (Whiskey SodaLounge) had some Muu Yaang Ruam: Grilled Pig Parts with Dipping Sauce that was surprisingly delicious.

By far one of my favorite dishes came from Adam Sappington (The Country Cat). It was a Grilled Snake River Farms Tomahawk Chop, Basted in Charred Tomato Chimichurri Butter on a Sweet Corn and Chilli Pepper Slaw. It. was. so. good.

Once again, my sweet tooth was completely satisfied with Salt & Straw’s (Tyler Malek) contribution: Smoked Snickers Bar with Marionberries and Smoked Honey.

There were many, many more delicious things there that evening – I went home tired and happy.

Sunday morning I was back in town for my last day of Feast – starting off at Pioneer Square one last time for the Tillamook Brunch Village, which is a little slice of heaven for brunch lovers (did I ever mention that I love a good mimosa and lengthy brunch?)

Sunday event a private event was held for all media and Feast participants at the Departure Restaurant, which is on the 15th floor at The Nines, and has absolutely gorgeous views of the city. We had our last Feast meal thanks to Gregory Gourdet (Top Chef Finalist) and some amazing drinks while looking over the city.

We gathered together for one last time to cheers, congratulate everyone’s success, and celebrate an amazing weekend.

If you love good food and good drinks, Feast Portland is most certainly the one PNW event you want to get on your calendar (it’s already set in mine!) The 5th year of Feast Portland will be September 15th-18th 2016!