Welcome to a culinary journey through one of Portland’s most anticipated annual events: Feast Portland 2017. This vibrant four-day food and beverage festival transforms the city into a bustling hub of gourmet delights, exquisite libations, and unforgettable experiences. As a seasoned attendee, having celebrated my fifth year at this exceptional event, I can confidently declare that 2017 stood out as one of the most memorable and exciting iterations yet. It was a true celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s rich culinary landscape, bringing together renowned chefs, innovative producers, and passionate food enthusiasts from across the globe.
Feast Portland isn’t just a festival; it’s an immersive exploration into the heart of Portland’s dynamic food scene. Each year, it showcases the creativity and talent that define this foodie paradise, offering attendees a unique opportunity to taste, learn, and connect with the minds behind the region’s most celebrated flavors. From intimate workshops to grand tastings, the festival curates an extraordinary lineup of events designed to tantalize every palate.
For a comprehensive look at my previous festival experiences, be sure to explore my past Feast Portland posts in the Urban Bliss Life Feast Portland Guide.
Feast Portland 2017: Unforgettable Bites and Sips
The sheer volume of gastronomic delights and refreshing beverages available during Feast Portland’s four-day run is staggering. This year, I approached the festivities with a more measured pace, allowing me to truly savor each experience without feeling overwhelmed. This thoughtful approach paid dividends, making the 2017 edition particularly enjoyable and allowing for deeper appreciation of the culinary artistry on display.
Join me as we revisit some of the standout moments and my personal favorite discoveries from Feast Portland 2017, a festival that truly captured the spirit of innovation and deliciousness.
A Delightful Start: The Media Breakfast
Before the public events commenced, the Feast Portland Media Breakfast served as an exclusive prelude for journalists and content creators. Hosted at the elegant Gracie’s Restaurant within the historic Hotel DeLuxe, this event set a high bar for the culinary journey ahead. The breakfast buffet was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a lavish spread that showcased both classic and innovative morning fare. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and the camaraderie of fellow food writers, all eager to embark on the festival’s adventures.
Among the abundant offerings, one dish stole my heart: the rich and flavorful shrimp and grits. While I sometimes ponder if it was actually creamy polenta, its exquisite taste and comforting texture left an indelible impression. It was a masterclass in Southern comfort food, elevated with fresh, perfectly cooked shrimp. Complementing these savory bites, Hendrick’s Gin presented an array of artfully crafted breakfast cocktails. Their refreshing cucumber cocktail offered a crisp, herbaceous counterpoint to the food, while the robust bloody marys provided a spicy kick, perfectly rounding out an unforgettable morning meal.
Brewing Health: The DIY Kombucha Class
It’s a personal confession: many commercial kombuchas don’t quite hit the mark for me. However, Health-Ade kombucha is a delightful exception, with its remarkably fresh and vibrant flavor profile. So, when the opportunity arose to attend the Health-Ade DIY Kombucha making class at Feast Portland, I seized it with enthusiasm. The session, led by Health-Ade owner Daina Trout, was an illuminating experience. Daina shared invaluable insights into the brand’s meticulous brewing process, demystifying the art and science behind crafting this popular fermented tea.
The class was both incredibly informative and genuinely fun, transforming a complex process into an accessible and enjoyable activity. Learning about the benefits of kombucha and the nuances of fermentation deepened my appreciation for this health-conscious beverage. Each participant left with their very own DIY Kombucha Making kit, a tangible reminder of the day’s lessons. I’m eagerly anticipating the chance to try my hand at brewing my own batch, inspired by Health-Ade’s commitment to quality and taste. This hands-on experience was a fantastic addition to the festival’s diverse offerings, highlighting the growing interest in artisanal and healthy food trends.
Culinary Extravaganza: The Grand Tasting
The very air in Portland’s iconic Pioneer Courthouse Square seemed to hum with excitement, carrying the aromatic promises of deliciousness during Feast Portland’s Grand Tasting. It was as if every bird in the city flocked overhead, drawn by the irresistible scents wafting from the culinary hub.
Spanning both Friday and Saturday, the Grand Tasting event offered an expansive and truly immersive opportunity to sample the latest and greatest in food and beverage innovation. It served as a vibrant showcase for creative bites from some of the nation’s hottest chefs and an introduction to an array of high-quality products. From artisanal producers to established brands, the diversity of offerings was astounding, making it a paradise for any food lover.
One notable aspect this year was that many vendors rotated their dishes or sips between the two days, providing a compelling reason to attend both if your schedule allowed. This strategy ensured that repeat visitors were treated to fresh discoveries, enhancing the overall value of the Grand Tasting experience. Here’s a deeper dive into some of my absolute favorites from this magnificent culinary showcase:
NOLA Doughnuts: A Trio of Doughnut Perfection
NOLA Doughnuts truly brought their A-game to the Grand Tasting, enchanting attendees with a sensational trio of buttery, flaky doughnut perfection. Their offerings were a testament to the artistry of pastry making, each bite a harmonious blend of delicate texture and rich flavor.
The standout for me was their Salted Double Chocolate doughnut. This creation was nothing short of insane – a decadent symphony of deep chocolate notes perfectly balanced by a hint of sea salt. Its layers of tender, buttery dough melted in the mouth, leaving a lingering desire for “just one more.” Honestly, I could happily eat one every single day!
Imperial Stock Ranch: Seared Lamb Loin Elegance
Imperial Stock Ranch presented a stunning and sophisticated bite that captivated the senses: a perfectly seared lamb loin. This hearty yet refined morsel was masterfully wrapped in delicate prosciutto, offering a beautiful salty counterpoint to the tender lamb. It was further elevated with the bright, briny notes of a Casttelvetrano olive, a surprising textural element from sponge cake, and a vibrant, herbaceous sauce vert. This dish was not only visually beautiful but also offered a complex, satisfying flavor profile, showcasing the exceptional quality of their lamb.
Oregon Cheese Guild: A Curated Cheese Experience
The Oregon Cheese Guild delighted attendees with beautifully arranged mini cheese trays, each featuring a thoughtfully selected trio of local cheeses. This elegant presentation allowed guests to sample the diverse and rich offerings from Oregon’s thriving artisan cheese community. Each cheese offered a distinct flavor and texture, from creamy and mild to sharp and robust, providing a delightful exploration of regional dairy craftsmanship.
Petunia’s Pastries: Whimsical Sweet Treats
Petunia’s Pastries consistently delivers a delightful selection of sweet treats, and their presence at the Grand Tasting was no exception. Their booth was always a vibrant spectacle, characterized by colorful presentations and an undeniable sense of fun. Each pastry was a miniature work of art, reflecting their commitment to both flavor and aesthetic appeal.
Their chocolate chipper sandwich cookies were particularly enchanting. These perfectly portioned dessert bites offered a comforting familiarity with a gourmet twist. Soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies cradled a creamy filling, creating a harmonious texture and a satisfyingly sweet finish that made them an ideal end to a savory tasting tour.
Krave Jerky: Gourmet Crostini Bar
My favorite jerky company, Krave, innovatively showcased their products at the Grand Tasting with an inviting crostini bar. This unique setup featured a variety of delectable spreads, allowing guests to experiment with different flavor combinations alongside their premium jerky. It was a clever way to highlight the versatility of jerky beyond just a snack, demonstrating how it can be incorporated into gourmet appetizers and pairings, much to the delight of attendees.
Oregon Fruit Products: Artful Fruit Creations
Oregon Fruit Products curated a visually stunning display area, offering several different, meticulously crafted bites each day of the Grand Tasting. Their dedication to fresh, high-quality fruit was evident in every creation. Among their offerings, the Lime Possett with Blackberry Cassis Compotes truly stood out. These desserts were not only incredibly beautiful to behold, with their vibrant colors and elegant presentation, but also offered a refreshing and perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor profile, showcasing the natural deliciousness of Oregon’s bounty.
Adding another layer of flavor to the Grand Tasting experience, the Raspberry Habanero Pepper Jelly from New Seasons Market was an absolute hit. Its intriguing combination of sweet raspberry fruitiness with a subtle, warming habanero kick offered a delightful and memorable taste sensation, proving that classic flavors can always be given an exciting, spicy twist.
Drink Tank: Rosé All Day – A Toast to Pink Perfection
The Drink Tank events are a cornerstone of Feast Portland, offering attendees a unique opportunity to delve deeper into specific categories of beverages under the guidance of industry experts. Each session provides an educational yet enjoyable experience, complete with curated drink selections and complementary light bites tailored to the theme. The “Rosé All Day” Drink Tank was, for me, an absolute highlight of the festival, perfectly encapsulating the growing global appreciation for this versatile wine.
The panel of experts assembled for this session was truly exceptional, offering a wonderful mix of engaging personalities and profound knowledge about rosé wines. Their insights not only educated us on the various production methods and regional characteristics but also conveyed their passion for this captivating pink wine. We were treated to a diverse and impressive tasting, exploring rosé wines from renowned regions including Oregon, California, Spain, and France. The price points varied significantly, from an accessible $12 per bottle to a more premium $60 per bottle. While I enjoyed the nuanced qualities of most of the wines, it was the surprisingly delightful $12 Muga from Rioja that truly captured my attention, proving that exceptional quality doesn’t always come with a high price tag. This Drink Tank session was a testament to rosé’s enduring charm and its increasing sophistication in the wine world.
Eater PDX & Washington Wines After Party: A Night of Celebration
With a packed schedule that included flying directly into Feast Portland from our #TrailsToFeast press trip with Travel Oregon (more on those adventures coming soon!) and knowing I had a full week of events immediately following the festival, I made a conscious decision to limit my after-party attendance to just one, and to forgo any “after-after parties.” Prioritizing time with my kids, whom I genuinely enjoy, also played a role in this decision, allowing for a more balanced festival experience. Despite my selectivity, the after party I chose to attend proved to be the absolute best one yet!
Hosted by Eater and Washington Wines at the vibrant Bollywood Theatre, this particular after party was an explosion of sensory delights. The atmosphere was electric, filled with lively dancers, an extensive selection of superb Washington wines, and creatively concocted cocktails that kept spirits high. The yummy bites, infused with the distinctive flavors of Bollywood Theatre, were a perfect accompaniment to the festive mood. To cap off the evening, a special birthday celebration for owner/chef Troy added a personal and heartwarming touch, making the event truly memorable and a fitting conclusion to a day of culinary exploration.
A Grand Finale: Brunch Village
The final Main Event of Feast Portland, Brunch Village, served as a spectacular grand finale to the four-day festival. Also held in the bustling Pioneer Courthouse Square, this event was incredibly popular, drawing a massive crowd eager to indulge in a vast array of wonderful food and drink. Portlanders have a deep-seated love for brunch, and Brunch Village truly encapsulated this affection, presenting a vibrant celebration of all that brunch is, and indeed, all that it can aspire to be. It was a testament to the creativity and diversity within the brunch culinary scene.
Navigating the multitude of incredible offerings at Brunch Village made it genuinely challenging to narrow down my favorites. Every vendor brought their A-game, making for an outstanding culinary experience. Nevertheless, here’s a closer look at a few of the dishes and sips that truly captivated my palate at this lively main event:
Gruet Winery Mimosas: The Perfect Brunch Companion
To perfectly complement the incredible array of eats, Gruet Winery was on hand, serving up delicious and refreshing mimosas. These bubbly, citrus-infused cocktails were the ideal accompaniment, helping Brunch Village attendees wash down and savor every bite of the diverse culinary landscape.
Mae’s Lamb Biscuit: A Symphony of Southern Flavors
A resounding crowd favorite at Brunch Village was undoubtedly Mae’s creation: the Coffee-Rubbed Blackberry BBQ Lamb Biscuit with Okra and Smoked Black Pepper Cheddar. This dish was an intricate symphony of Southern-inspired flavors and textures. The tender lamb, infused with a unique coffee rub and sweet-tart blackberry BBQ sauce, found a perfect home on a flaky biscuit. The addition of crisp okra and smoky black pepper cheddar created a complex, comforting, and utterly unforgettable bite that left everyone craving more.
Meat, Cheese, Bread: Elevated Corned Beef Hash
One of my absolute top picks from Brunch Village was the ingenious creation by Meat, Cheese, Bread: their Corned Beef Hash, Swiss, Tomatillo Relish on Brioche with Brown Butter Fried Egg Sauce. This dish was a revelation, taking classic comfort food and elevating it to gourmet status. The rich, savory corned beef hash was perfectly complemented by the creamy Swiss cheese and a bright, tangy tomatillo relish, all nestled on a soft, buttery brioche. The crowning glory was the brown butter fried egg sauce, adding an incredible depth of flavor and luxurious texture that made each bite a true indulgence.
The Country Cat: Refreshing Breakfast Fruit Crisps
Offering a delightful contrast to the richer, more decadent brunch bites, The Country Cat served up these adorable and delicious Breakfast Fruit Crisps with Granola Crumble and Yogurt Clabber Cream. This lighter option was a breath of fresh air, providing a wholesome yet utterly satisfying treat. The crisp, sweet fruit, crunchy granola, and tangy, creamy yogurt clabber made for a perfectly balanced dessert or a refreshing interlude, showcasing the versatility of brunch offerings.
Nina Compton: Innovative Coconut Chia Pudding
It was a distinct pleasure to meet Chef Nina Compton of Compere Lapin in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Brunch Village. Her culinary presence brought an exciting touch of Caribbean-inspired innovation. Chef Compton served a truly unique and delicious Coconut Chia Pudding, accented with Puffed Grains and Uni. This creative combination offered a harmonious blend of creamy sweetness from the pudding, a delightful crunch from the puffed grains, and an unexpected, delicate umami from the uni, creating a sophisticated and memorable flavor experience.
Reflecting on Feast Portland 2017: A Culinary Triumph
There you have it: my curated collection of the Best Bites and Sips from Feast Portland 2017. This festival is always a whirlwind of flavors, and even with the best intentions and a strategic pacing plan, it’s impossible to try every single dish and drink on offer. The sheer volume of talent and deliciousness ensures that there are countless other incredible experiences waiting to be discovered, making each attendee’s journey unique.
Feast Portland 2017 was more than just a food festival; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of culinary passion, innovation, and community. From the intimate media breakfast to the grand scale of the tasting events and the celebratory Brunch Village, every moment was infused with the distinctive spirit of Portland’s dynamic food scene. It showcased the creativity of chefs, the quality of local producers, and the enthusiasm of a city that truly loves its food.
To gain an even broader perspective on this magnificent event, be sure to explore the recaps from my fellow food and beverage bloggers. Their unique experiences and perspectives add another layer to the Feast Portland narrative, offering diverse insights into the festival’s highlights.
Pechluck’s Adventures – My Highlights of Feast 2017
Discover My Comprehensive Coverage: Urban Bliss Life Feast Portland Guide
For those eager to delve deeper into the rich history and evolution of this incredible festival, I invite you to explore all of my Feast Portland posts from the past five years. You’ll find a wealth of reviews, insights, and highlights meticulously compiled in my dedicated Urban Bliss Life Feast Portland Guide. It’s a fantastic resource for reliving past moments and planning for future culinary adventures in Portland.
Which of these Feast Portland 2017 best bites and sips most tempts your palate? Share your thoughts and tell me what you’d love to try!
I attended the Feast Portland events detailed in this post courtesy of a blogger pass. As always, all opinions, culinary observations, and accompanying photos are entirely my own, reflecting an authentic and independent perspective of the festival experience.