Feast Portland is an extraordinary annual celebration, a true culinary beast in the most magnificent sense of the word. Far more than just a food festival, it’s an immersive four-day indulgence that brilliantly showcases the unparalleled bounty of Oregon, drawing food enthusiasts, renowned chefs, and innovative beverage artisans from across the globe. This event firmly establishes Portland as a premier destination on the international gastronomic map, offering an unforgettable experience for every palate.
To fully grasp the scope and excitement, you can read my initial insights into Feast Portland’s kick-off and key sponsors. The festivities officially commenced with one of its most anticipated public events: the Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational, proudly presented by Lincoln Motors Company. This highly competitive and deliciously creative opening set the tone for a weekend filled with culinary marvels.
The Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational: A Battle of Bites
The Sandwich Invitational is where innovation meets comfort food, transforming the humble sandwich into an art form. In the 2013 edition, a remarkable lineup of fifteen top chefs converged, each meticulously crafting and presenting their most inventive, flavorful, and visually stunning “sammies.” The energy was palpable as attendees navigated through a sea of culinary creativity, eager to sample these masterful creations. From gourmet takes on classic comfort food to daring new combinations, the diversity of offerings was truly impressive, reflecting the vibrant and experimental spirit of Oregon’s culinary scene.
Complementing these gastronomic delights, Widmer Brothers Brewing was on hand, pouring a selection of their exceptional brews. A standout favorite, and indeed the official beer of Feast Portland that year, was their incredibly refreshing Krystal Pear. This crisp, fruit-forward beer proved to be the perfect companion to the rich and varied flavors of the competing sandwiches, offering a delightful palate cleanser and an enjoyable drinking experience throughout the bustling event. It quickly became a personal favorite, a testament to Widmer Brothers’ brewing prowess.
Beyond the fantastic beer, the Invitational was a hub of libation innovation. Spirits flowed freely, highlighted by a colossal vodka ice sculpture that not only served as a striking visual centerpiece but also provided a thrilling moment at the event’s close when it spectacularly crashed – a slightly scary, yet undeniably cool, finale. Adding to Portland’s unique, anti-establishment charm was the popular presence of wine-in-a-can, epitomized by Underwood Wine. While initially a quirky notion, attendees were pleasantly surprised by the quality, with the Pinot Noir, in particular, garnering praise for being exceptionally good and perfectly suited for the casual, festive atmosphere.
Tillamook Cheese, a beloved Oregon institution, created an interactive and incredibly delicious experience for festival-goers. They served three distinct types of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, inviting people to cast their votes for their favorite via Twitter using specific hashtags. My personal preference, the #darkginger grilled cheese, ultimately claimed victory, much to my delight! Beyond the tasty samples, Tillamook also distributed exclusive “Tillaphones” – special devices that transformed Feast Portland attendees into true foodie VIPs. These phones offered a unique “Comfort Call” service, allowing lucky recipients to order special grilled cheese deliveries between 11 pm and 3 am. Unfortunately, my location fell outside the delivery zone, but I gladly passed on my Tillaphones to two deserving, hungry fellow Feasties for Friday and Saturday nights, ensuring they experienced this luxurious late-night treat.
After an evening of enthusiastic gorging on an incredible array of sandwiches – from succulent mini lamb burgers to creative bologna sandwiches, and even innovative pancake sandwiches featuring rich pork belly, not to mention Top Chef sensation Paul Qui’s ambitious Rabbit 7 Ways creation – the judges delivered their verdict. The coveted titles of Sandwich Invitational champions were awarded to The Country Cat and Laurelhurst Market, both lauded for their exceptional culinary artistry. Regrettably, my husband and I missed the opportunity to sample their winning entries, as their booths were completely depleted before we could reach them. However, from the many delectable sandwiches we did manage to savor, the duck confit sandwich from Ox stood out as my undeniable personal favorite. Its rich, tender duck, perfectly complemented by flavorful accompaniments, was an absolute revelation.
Indeed, that duck confit sandwich was a truly unforgettable experience, a highlight among many. An emerging trend we distinctly observed was the increasing popularity of waffles as a creative and delightful alternative to traditional sandwich bread. This innovative twist added another layer of texture and flavor, showcasing the chefs’ willingness to push culinary boundaries and redefine classic concepts, further cementing Feast Portland’s reputation for cutting-edge food trends.
The Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting: A Sensory Overload
Waking up hungry on Saturday morning was a clear indicator that Feast Portland, even after just two days, had cast its spell: my appetite had remarkably expanded, perfectly attuned to embrace the full glory of the weekend’s spectacular events. This heightened state of culinary anticipation was precisely what was needed for the next major highlight: the Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting. This event truly lived up to its name, serving as another glorious “gorgefest” of exquisite, locally sourced delights that transformed Pioneer Courthouse Square into a bustling epicenter of flavor and innovation.
Across both Friday and Saturday, Pioneer Courthouse Square became a vibrant marketplace where food and beverage artisans from every corner of the state converged. These talented purveyors passionately shared their delicious creations with thousands of eager Feast attendees, transforming the public space into a dynamic celebration of local produce, artisanal craftsmanship, and culinary excellence. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the aroma of diverse foods and the joyful chatter of satisfied guests discovering new favorites.
The array of offerings was nothing short of astonishing. From the famously unique and often surprising flavors of Salt & Straw ice cream, known for its creative pairings and commitment to local ingredients, to the pristine freshness of Oregon’s celebrated oysters, shucked right before your eyes. These briny beauties, a true taste of the Pacific Northwest, were so popular that they demanded a second look.
The Grand Tasting offered an unparalleled journey through Oregon’s rich culinary landscape, where every booth promised a new discovery. Attendees indulged in exquisite oysters, showcasing the pristine bounty of the Pacific coast, their delicate flavors a testament to the region’s abundant marine life.
Such was the appeal of these oceanic gems that they were captured from multiple perspectives, emphasizing their freshness and the sheer joy they brought to all who sampled them. The Grand Tasting truly underscored the incredible quality and diversity of Oregon’s local produce and artisanal goods.
Continuing the exploration, the tasting also featured my absolute favorite finishing salts from Jacobsen Salt Co., a company that has redefined artisanal salt production with its exquisite, hand-harvested flakes from the Oregon coast. Their delicate crystals enhance any dish, demonstrating how a simple ingredient can be elevated to gourmet status.
Attendees also savored the freshest, highest quality meats from Nicky USA, a purveyor renowned for supplying top-tier game and specialty meats to chefs across the region. And for a sweet, unforgettable finish, there were the truly amazing buckwheat chocolate chip cookies by Tabor Bread, a treat that perfectly balanced rustic charm with sophisticated flavor, quickly becoming a personal highlight of the entire festival.
The Grand Tasting experience was further enriched by a dedicated wine pavilion, showcasing some of Oregon’s most esteemed wineries. Guests had the opportunity to sample exceptional vintages from notable producers such as Archery Summit, known for its elegant Pinot Noirs; Erath, a pioneering force in Oregon winemaking; Soter Vineyards, celebrated for its biodynamic practices; and Hawks View Cellars, offering stunning views and equally impressive wines. This pavilion provided a comprehensive overview of the state’s thriving viticulture. Moreover, the Kitchen Aid demo stage buzzed with activity, hosting captivating live cooking demonstrations by national celebrity chefs like the dynamic Duff Goldman, alongside beloved local culinary stars such as Chef Naomi Pomeroy. These demonstrations offered valuable insights, entertainment, and a chance to witness culinary mastery firsthand, adding an educational and interactive dimension to the tasting experience.
The Whole Foods Market Best Butcher Contest and Fishmonger Face-Off: A Display of Skill
Among the myriad of events at Feast Portland, one particularly entertaining and freely accessible spectacle was the Whole Foods Market Best Butcher Contest and Fishmonger Face-Off. This highly anticipated competition brought together the elite of the meat and seafood industries, representing months of rigorous regional contests. The top 11 butchers and 11 fishmongers, each having proven their exceptional skill and dedication, gathered to vie for the coveted titles. The atmosphere was charged with professional intensity as these experts demonstrated their precision, speed, and artistry in front of an eager audience, transforming raw ingredients into works of culinary preparation.
After a thrilling display of knife skills, craftsmanship, and product knowledge, the victors were finally crowned. Hector “El Jefe” Yedra earned the esteemed title of “Best Butcher,” recognized for his superior technique and presentation. Following suit, Frank “The Italian Slayer” Ficarra was celebrated as the “Finest Fishmonger,” a testament to his expertise in handling and preparing seafood. These competitions not only highlighted individual talent but also underscored the incredible skill and dedication required in these foundational culinary professions, making them a crucial part of the Feast Portland experience that honors the craftspeople behind our food.
Now for my “bad blogger” confession: despite my earnest efforts and determination to capture the dynamism of the actual competition, I struggled to get any truly fabulous shots. The angles were challenging, capturing the perfect moment amidst the fast-paced action proved elusive, and unfortunately, intermittent rain didn’t help matters. However, what I did manage to photograph, and enthusiastically sample, were the exquisite food offerings from the incredible spread that Whole Foods Market had meticulously prepared. These delectable bites, thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented, ultimately became some of my most cherished culinary memories from Feast Portland that year, providing a delicious silver lining to my photographic challenges.
Among the standout dishes from the Whole Foods Market spread was a vibrant ceviche, bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. The delicate seafood, marinated to perfection, offered a refreshing contrast to some of the heavier festival fare, proving to be an instant hit.
Another memorable offering was a rich and earthy mushroom salad, showcasing a delightful medley of forest flavors. The expertly prepared mushrooms, perhaps roasted or sautéed, were combined with fresh greens and a light dressing, creating a harmonious and sophisticated bite.
For those seeking a wholesome yet flavorful option, the quinoa cakes were a revelation. These perfectly formed cakes were crisp on the outside and tender within, offering a delightful texture and a subtly nutty flavor that highlighted the versatility of this superfood. They were a testament to creative plant-based cuisine.
Finally, the creative “Shrimp Turkey” dish was an unexpected yet delightful fusion. This innovative combination likely featured shrimp expertly prepared and perhaps molded or served alongside a turkey preparation, showcasing a playful and experimental approach to classic ingredients, proving that Whole Foods Market’s commitment to quality extends to imaginative culinary execution.
Feast Portland is an unmissable culinary event that truly embodies the spirit and flavors of Oregon. It’s a testament to the state’s vibrant food scene, the dedication of its artisans, and the collective passion of food lovers. Each event, from the competitive thrill of the Sandwich Invitational to the expansive delights of the Grand Tasting and the skill showcased in the Butcher and Fishmonger Face-Off, contributes to an unforgettable experience that reinforces Portland’s status as a culinary beacon. If you appreciate exceptional food, innovative drinks, and a lively atmosphere, Feast Portland should undoubtedly be on your bucket list.