Do you consider yourself a foodie? If so, you better be attending Feast Portland because your “foodie” card just might be revoked if you don’t go!
Next month, Feast Portland draws about 10,000 food lovers from near and far to town. Since the festival takes place over a long weekend with events sprinkled throughout the city, Feast Portland never feels too crowded. Well, unless you’re in line for the Salt & Straw ice cream!
The festival’s a la cart passes make it accessible to even the most cash-strapped of foodies. Although some of the most popular events have already sold out, there are many others still available. The opening night Sandwich Invitational is an excellent introduction to Feast along with a great way to kick off the gloriously gluttonous weekend. At $95 a ticket, attendees can eat and drink to their hearts content for three hours. Be prepared to taste many different versions of sammies as well as see how far some chefs push the sandwich envelope.
Unlimited delicious food and drink can also be had at the Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting, offered both Friday and Saturday afternoons. Held in Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as Portland’s living room, it’s transformed into Portland’s dining room both days. With a $60 investment, foodies can sample mouth-watering bites that celebrate locally grown ingredients, meet chefs on the rise and chat with small producers making everything from nut butters to honey from rooftop hives. Expect local beer, cider and winemakers to be generous with both their pours and knowledge.
If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, consider attending a Drink Tank session ($35-55) where experts discuss the nuances of booze; from margaritas to beer. Mere blocks from the hustle and bustle, these sessions take place at the Portland Art Museum sculpture garden. It’s also a nice way to walk off the excess indulgences of the weekend.
The Hands On classes ($75-150) are a great way to hone new skills and there’s something for every foodie, from mixing cocktails to pig butchery to brewing the perfect cup of joe. Most are held at the Oregon Culinary Institute, an ideal location for the foodie at heart.
And if you want the thrill of getting behind the scene at these events, Feast Portland is seeking volunteers. It’s a great way to make Feast Portland even better (if that’s even possible) and free attendance can’t be beat.
Now if all this food talk wasn’t enough, consider that Feast Portland also contributes money to both Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry program. Be a part of the movement working to ensure that no child suffers hunger pangs in Oregon. Since 2012, Feast Portland has raised over $162,000 to help feed Oregon’s children, one meal at a time.
Now that you’re feeling all warm and fuzzy, get your passes to one of the most exciting weekends in the foodie world. Celebrate Oregon’s bounty and our inspiring chefs and winemakers as they serve up their creativity on a plate and in a glass. Bottom’s up!
Sept 17-20, 2015
Events take place at various times and locations (mostly centered around downtown Portland)