Oh, dear friends and fellow enthusiasts of exquisite food, fine wine, artisanal beer, and expertly crafted cocktails! The calendar is about to turn a new page, marking the arrival of a month that sparks excitement in every culinary heart. Do you know what that signifies?
It means the arrival of FEAST PORTLAND month is almost upon us – a time for unparalleled gastronomic adventure!
Feast Portland 2015: A Culinary Extravaganza
Feast Portland stands as the Pacific Northwest’s premier culinary festival, an eagerly anticipated annual celebration that brings together a vibrant tapestry of Oregon’s finest culinary talents, innovative spirits, and passionate food enthusiasts. Founded in 2012 by visionaries Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch, this year marks the 4th annual iteration of an event that has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the American food scene. Feast continues its proud tradition of showcasing the very best of Oregon’s abundant resources – from its top-tier restaurants and world-renowned chefs to its exceptional wineries, groundbreaking breweries, innovative cideries, distinguished distilleries, and the diverse array of artisan food producers that define the state’s vibrant culinary landscape.
This stellar three-day event is far more than just a food festival; it’s a comprehensive experience designed to immerse attendees in the rich flavors and innovative spirit of Oregon. The program is thoughtfully curated to include creative main events that push culinary boundaries, engaging food tours that explore the city’s hidden gems, and hands-on classes that empower participants with new skills and knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking to expand your palate, Feast Portland offers an unforgettable journey through the state’s unparalleled bounty, promising unique tastings, insightful demonstrations, and memorable interactions with industry leaders.
Beyond the delicious indulgence, Feast Portland carries a profound commitment to social responsibility. A significant portion of the net proceeds from this extraordinary event is dedicated to combating childhood hunger, both within Oregon and across the United States. This noble cause is championed through invaluable partnerships with Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Since its very beginning, Feast Portland has proudly donated an impressive sum, exceeding $162,000, to these highly deserving organizations. These contributions directly support their vital work in ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food, working tirelessly to make childhood hunger a relic of the past. By attending Feast, you not only treat yourself to an incredible culinary experience but also contribute directly to a movement that feeds countless children and strengthens communities.
Hands-On Culinary Classes at Feast Portland
While the main events and the expansive Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting draw considerable crowds, Feast Portland also offers a unique opportunity for attendees to significantly enhance their culinary expertise. Throughout the weekend, a curated selection of hands-on classes is available, providing intimate learning experiences with top chefs and industry experts. These workshops are perfect for those looking to delve deeper into specific culinary techniques, master new skills, or simply gain a more profound appreciation for the art of food and drink. I’ve personally compiled a list of a few standout classes that I believe will pique your interest, including a truly amazing one I had the pleasure of attending a couple of years ago. [UPDATE: While the butchery class with Camas Davis is now officially sold out, I still want to share some images and the incredible experience of that class – it’s a must-try if they offer it again next year, so be sure to sign up early!]
Farm to Cocktail Shaker: Mastering Mixology with Fresh Ingredients
Date: Saturday, September 19th
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Ticket Price: $75 per ticket
Availability: Buy Tickets
If your goal is to truly impress your guests with sophisticated, garden-fresh libations, this hands-on class is an absolute must. Join the dynamic duo, Daniel Shoemaker and Sean Hoard, the brilliant minds behind The Commissary, as they guide you through the transformative process of converting your farmers market bounty into exquisite cocktail components. This immersive workshop will teach you the art of crafting flavorful syrups, tangy shrubs, and vibrant juices directly from fresh produce. Elevate your cocktail game to an entirely new, farm-fresh level by understanding how to harness seasonal ingredients to create unique and unforgettable drinks. Participants will gain practical skills in ingredient selection, preparation techniques, and flavor pairing, ensuring that every cocktail you shake at home tells a story of local freshness and expert craftsmanship.
Oysters: From Shucking to Savoring the Pacific Northwest Delicacy
Date: Saturday, September 19th
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Ticket Price: $75 per ticket
Availability: Buy Tickets
Do you possess the elusive skill of properly shucking an oyster? I confess, it’s not my forte. While I’ve attempted it, I’m fairly certain my technique is far from professional. However, living in the abundant Pacific Northwest, where fresh oysters are a culinary staple, mastering this skill feels almost essential, doesn’t it? It’s truly a life-skill woven into the fabric of Northwest food culture. During this enlightening class, Lissa James Monberg of the renowned Hama Hama Seafood Company will impart her expert knowledge, transforming you into an oyster-shucking pro. She will meticulously demonstrate the correct tools and techniques for safely and efficiently opening oysters, ensuring you can enjoy them fresh from the shell with confidence. The session will also include an engaging oyster tasting, where you’ll learn to distinguish and appreciate the subtle differences in flavor, texture, and brininess between various oyster varieties. Furthermore, you’ll gain practical cooking insights, including how to perfectly pan-fry oysters and confidently navigate the diverse oyster offerings on your favorite restaurant menus. This class promises to deepen your appreciation for one of the region’s most celebrated delicacies.
Basic Pig Butchery: An In-Depth Culinary Experience
Date: Sunday, September 20th
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Oregon Culinary Institute
Ticket Price: $150Buy tickets [UPDATE: This highly sought-after event is now SOLD OUT!]
Basic Pig Butchery with the esteemed Camas Davis is, without exaggeration, worth every single penny, folks. I can attest to this personally because I had the privilege of taking this very class two years ago, and it was an absolutely phenomenal, transformative experience! Camas Davis, the owner of the acclaimed Portland Meat Collective, is an unparalleled expert in her field. She meticulously covers everything from the appropriate butchery tools to identifying the best tools for different sections of the pig. Her instruction is incredibly thorough, guiding participants through a step-by-step process of breaking down an entire side of pork. You’ll learn the distinctions and applications of French, Italian, and American styles of butchery, understanding how to skillfully split larger sections into primal cuts. This class isn’t just about cutting meat; it’s an education in anatomy, sustainability, and respect for the animal, providing invaluable knowledge for anyone interested in nose-to-tail cooking or simply understanding where their food comes from.
One of the most exciting aspects of this class is the tangible reward: at the end of the day, every participant leaves with a substantial share of fresh, expertly butchered meat – typically around 25-30 pounds! This incredible takeaway, combined with the comprehensive instruction, makes it an investment that truly pays dividends. I cannot stress this enough: if you have even a passing interest in meat preparation, sustainable food practices, or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of your food, this class is one of the best culinary experiences you could ever spend money on. Seriously, if they offer it again, sign up immediately because it always sells out incredibly fast! UPDATE: This exceptional event is now SOLD OUT!
Beer Bites: Tasty Recipes and Perfect Pairings for Brew Lovers
Date: Sunday, September 20th
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Oregon Culinary Institute
Ticket Price: $75 per ticket
Availability: Buy Tickets
Prepare your palate for an unforgettable experience at this delightful beer brunch, designed to unveil the incredible synergy between expertly brewed beer and perfectly paired bites. I first had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea Slonecker back in 2013, coinciding with the release of her fantastic book, Pretzel Making at Home. Now, she’s joining forces with the highly respected beer guru Christian DeBenedetti, the visionary behind Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery and author of The Great American Ale Trail. Together, this dynamic duo will help you crack the elusive beer pairing code, transforming your understanding of how to match flavors for maximum enjoyment. Attendees will indulge in a world-class selection of craft beers, each carefully chosen to complement three inventive recipes derived from their collective forthcoming cookbook, aptly titled Beer Bites: Tasty Recipes and Perfect Pairings for Brew Lovers. This class is an essential experience for any brew lover looking to elevate their appreciation for beer beyond just a drink, exploring its potential as a sophisticated companion to culinary creations.
Discover the Full Feast Portland Experience
To explore the complete schedule of events, discover more about participating chefs and vendors, and gather all the essential information for planning your visit, please make sure to visit the official Feast Portland website at FeastPortland.com. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to FEAST, where unforgettable flavors and culinary adventures await!