Portland Drink and a Bite Highlight: Laurelhurst Market

For Foodie Friday today, I continue my new series highlighting a Portland Drink and a Bite of food that I think not only is best in class within Portland, but is a classic representation of the character of Portland. Of course, that Portland Drink and a Bite Highlight is also delicious, and unique.

My pick this week is the Smoke Signals cocktail at Laurelhurst Market. This is a famous cocktail highlighted by Portland Monthly back in 2013 but that has been on the menu since 2008. It is comprised of Rye Whiskey, Sherry, Pecan, Lemon, and (super cool!), smoked ice. That’s right, smoked ice, they smoke ice! The smoky nutty whiskey drink is unique and one of my top 5 favorite cocktails in Portland. I can’t go to Laurelhurst without having one.
The famous Laurelhurst Market cocktail of Smoke Signals with Rye Whiskey, Sherry, Pecan, Lemon, Smoked Ice The famous Laurelhurst Market cocktail of Smoke Signals with Rye Whiskey, Sherry, Pecan, Lemon, Smoked Ice

With the illustrious Kevin Ludwig behind the bar though, definitely feel free to expand to other offerings. And then, for the bite at this steakhouse and full service butcher shop helmed by Chef Benjamin Bettinger and Sous Chef Patrick McKee, of course we turn to meat. You can’t go wrong with anything involving beef in this joint, but my favorite is the ribeye (the one pictured below is from a visit where it was served with avocado and pickled jalapenos – the accompaniment varies) which I’ve been having for years and is big enough to share for 2 or is one very manly meaty dinner for one.
Laurelhurst Market Ribeye with Avocado and Pickled Jalapenos Laurelhurst Market Ribeye with Avocado and Pickled Jalapenos

Don’t forget to order that famous side of Mac and Cheese with a Potato Chip Crust! That oozy melty gooeyness…
Laurelhurst Market's side of mac and cheese with a potato chip crust! That oozy melty gooeyness... Laurelhurst Market's side of mac and cheese with a potato chip crust! That oozy melty gooeyness... Laurelhurst Market's side of mac and cheese with a potato chip crust! That oozy melty gooeyness...

Although I realize it’s chilly January, my favorite thing at Laurelhurst Market besides the food and drink is their outside bar that you can enjoy the breeze and setting sunshine along with your steak – something you won’t find at most steakhouses.

Bar at Laurelhurst Market opens up to a patio area. You can also see Bar Tender Kevin Ludwig to the right

And, I love how Laurelhurst Market operates as a neighborhood joint with obvious regulars alongside the bar with me rather than going for the usual fancy feel that appeals to corporate expense accounts. Laurelhurst Market is also open for lunch and dinner everyday, so you don’t have to wait for dinner to get your local meat enjoyment on.

Have you been to Laurelhurst Market, what are your thoughts? What is your favorite Portland steakhouse?

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Poutine for the People

Poutine is three things: French Fries. Cheese curds. Gravy.

But for 5 days in April, this very week and only until Friday or the 25 (not sure…), that poutine is a foundation for so much more. For April 20 – 25, 7 participating restaurants have created inventive poutines across town with proceeds from each dish going directly to Providence Cancer Center, where local immunotherapy researchers are teaching our own immune systems to target and destroy cancer cells. So come help eat for a cause, or encourage others who are making after work plans to visit these restaurants who took the time and effort to support this.
Poutine for the People 2015

The seven Poutine for the People Partners include<

The Original Dinerant

French fries, curds, red wine-braised short rib, brown gravy
Poutine for the People eating fundraiser for cancer research where proceeds go to the Providence Cancer Center. 7 restaurants participated, here is The Original Dinerant's version with french fries, curds, red wine-braised short rib, brown gravy

Hopworks Urban Brewery (Powell Location Only)

Wedge-cut fries, cheese curds and vegan brown gravy (shredded pork’s extra)

Tried going grocery shopping this afternoon, but it didn’t quite work out…I had Lola with me and she was out in front of @newseasonsmarket in their dog waiting area (because that’s a thing in Portland) and before I could buy anything, over the loudspeaker they start paging “the owner of the adorable black and white dog who is currently showing signs of distress” to come and get their dog The dog waiting area is shaded, fenced, has water, and I’ve put Lola in there dozens of times while grocery shopping in the past and never had an issue, but today she just was not having it So home I went, sans groceries…the upside? We went to have poutine on the patio at @hopworksbeer for dinner instead on this gorgeous evening! ☀️ Also, this week proceeds from poutines sold at various Portland restaurants goes to Providence Cancer Center! #PoutineForThePeople #pdxeats #pdxnow #80degreesinapril #lovemycity

A photo posted by Jane Graybeal (@inthepinkandgreen) on

Laurelhurst Market

French fries, mozzarella, peas, crispy pork shoulder, gravy

Potato Champion

French fries, curds, gravy (beef or meatless)

My favorite poutine. #poutineforthepeople #portland #pdxstagram #instapdx #foodporn
A photo posted by Samantha O’Reilly (@sicklittlejag) on

Radio Room

French fries, mozzarella, roasted green chiles, crispy pig ear, soft-poached egg, sausage gravy
Poutine for the People eating fundraiser for cancer research where proceeds go to the Providence Cancer Center. 7 restaurants participated, here is Radio Room with French fries, mozzarella, roasted green chiles, crispy pig ear, soft-poached egg, sausage gravy Poutine for the People eating fundraiser for cancer research where proceeds go to the Providence Cancer Center. 7 restaurants participated, here is Radio Room with French fries, mozzarella, roasted green chiles, crispy pig ear, soft-poached egg, sausage gravy

Smokehouse Tavern

French fries, curds, pulled pork, smoked brown gravy

Tabor Tavern

French fries, curds, onion gravy (pulled pork’s extra)

#PoutineForThePeople starts today all around PDX!! Come in for this mouthwatering combination of fries, cheese curds and…

Posted by Tabor Tavern on Monday, April 20, 2015

Check the hashtag on Twitter or Instagram for #PoutineforthePeople for more!

I only have the fortitude to visit maybe 3 – which ones interest you? I’ve already visited Radio Room and The Original, what should be my third?

By the way, if you go for any poutine yourself, I strongly recommend you share, because the two I’ve had are big enough for 2 as their main meal, or easily 4 as a starter, I mean look at the scale of these…
Poutine for the People eating fundraiser for cancer research where proceeds go to the Providence Cancer Center. 7 restaurants participated, here is The Original Dinerant's version with french fries, curds, red wine-braised short rib, brown gravy Poutine for the People eating fundraiser for cancer research where proceeds go to the Providence Cancer Center. 7 restaurants participated, here is Radio Room with French fries, mozzarella, roasted green chiles, crispy pig ear, soft-poached egg, sausage gravy

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Portland Dining Month 2015 Laurelhurst Market

I covered in a previous post what Portland Dining month / March 2015 is and a few highlights from the amazing list of more than 100 restaurants in the Portland area offering the $29 3 course special. Today, I’m going to share my second Portland Dining Month 2015 meal. My first dinner was at Aviary, which I covered previously.

Laurelhurst Market is located in the Alberta District at 3155 E. Burnside in Southeast Portland and specializes as both a butcher shop and steakhouse-inspired restaurant that highlights meat and celebrates being a carnivore.
Laurelhurst Market in Portland Laurelhurst Market in Portland Laurelhurst Market in Portland Laurelhurst Market in Portland

Now without further ado, my Portland Dining Month 2015 Laurelhurst Market dinner photo recap.
Laurelhurst Market Portland Dining Month 2015 Laurelhurst Market menu and suggested beverages

First course

Roasted cauliflower arancini with radicchio caponata, roasted red pepper aioli and arugula
Laurelhurst Market Portland Dining Month 2015 first course of Roasted cauliflower arancini with radicchio caponata, roasted red pepper aioli and arugula Laurelhurst Market Portland Dining Month 2015 first course of Roasted cauliflower arancini with radicchio caponata, roasted red pepper aioli and arugula

Second course

Ten-hour braised beef shoulder with potato pancake, warm oyster mushroom salad and beef jus.

As you would expect me, this dish is oh so tender and hearty and meaty. It’s a pretty representative Laurelhurst meat entree in which despite the addition of a single potato pancake, sides are extra. 

Laurelhurst Market Portland Dining Month 2015 second course of Ten-hour braised beef shoulder with potato pancake, warm oyster mushroom salad and beef jus Laurelhurst Market Portland Dining Month 2015 second course of Ten-hour braised beef shoulder with potato pancake, warm oyster mushroom salad and beef jus

Third course

Honey panna cotta with candied fennel and fennel seed brittle
Laurelhurst Market Portland Dining Month 2015 third course of Honey panna cotta with candied fennel and fennel seed brittle Laurelhurst Market Portland Dining Month 2015 third course of Honey panna cotta with candied fennel and fennel seed brittle
This dessert was the only miss for me with the 3 courses, as it was more anise-y then I like. I recommend a dessert beverage to balance it out.

Other

You should not go to Laurelhurst Market without for the love of all, getting the Smoke Signals cocktail. This is a famous cocktail of with Rye Whiskey, Sherry, Pecan, Lemon, and to top it all off, Smoked Ice. The smoky nutty whiskey drink is a must.
The famous Laurelhurst Market cocktail of Smoke Signals with Rye Whiskey, Sherry, Pecan, Lemon, Smoked Ice The famous Laurelhurst Market cocktail of Smoke Signals with Rye Whiskey, Sherry, Pecan, Lemon, Smoked Ice

On the Laurelhurst Market Portland Dining Month menu, there was a suggested Portland Dining Month cocktail of the Salt & Pepper with Gin, Grapefruit, Lime, Peychaud Bitters, Sugar and Salt Rim. It was prettier than I imagined!
Laurelhurst Market suggested Portland Dining Month cocktail of the Salt & Pepper with Gin, Grapefruit, Lime, Peychaud Bitters, Sugar and Salt Rim

Did you know that there is an outdoor patio area right by the bar side of Laurelhurst Market? I didn’t – until I visited on a day where we were enjoying 70 degree weather and so the sunshine and light breeze and a cocktail were perfect. You can even see Kevin Ludwig to the right of the photo as he prepares to concoct the cocktail Pine Tar Incident with Pear Brandy, Genepy, Aperol. Sweet Vermouth
Bar at Laurelhurst Market opens up to a patio area. You can also see Bar Tender Kevin Ludwig to the right Laurelhurst Market specialty cocktail courtesy of Kevin Ludwig of the Pine Tar Incident with Pear Brandy, Genepy, Aperol. Sweet Vermouth Laurelhurst Market specialty cocktail courtesy of Kevin Ludwig of the Pine Tar Incident with Pear Brandy, Genepy, Aperol. Sweet Vermouth Laurelhurst Market specialty cocktail courtesy of Kevin Ludwig of the Pine Tar Incident with Pear Brandy, Genepy, Aperol. Sweet Vermouth

After the strong drink of the Pine Tar Incident, I really needed this additional order of this To Begin item of Little T Breads with Housemade Ricotta & Olive Oil. It is also useful for swabbing up any extra beef jus or aioli from the first two courses.
Laurelhurst Market To Begin item of Little T Breads with Housemade Ricotta & Olive Oil Laurelhurst Market To Begin item of Little T Breads with Housemade Ricotta & Olive Oil

Thanks G for being my date for this dinner.

What about you? What’s on your list from the Portland Dining Month website for the month of March, or where have you already dined and enjoyed?

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Taste of the Nation Portland 2014 Recap and Upcoming Blogger Bake Sale #NoKidHungry

Disclosure: I attended the Portland Taste of the Nation as a media member, but I am not being compensated for this post. I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own. 

Earlier on April 29 (my birthday!), I was proud and happy to spend it at Taste of the Nation Portland, helping to raise awareness through social media for such an important cause, and continuing to do so today.

As I mentioned in my previous post and giveawayTaste of the Nation is a series of culinary events throughout the US and throughout the year to raise money for Share Our Strength, a national organization working to end childhood hunger in the US. 100% of ticket sales support the efforts of the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.

Taste of the Nation Portland, Team No Kid Hungry Taste of the Nation Portland, Team No Kid Hungry Taste of the Nation Portland

This is a very meaningful cause for me. If you enjoy food and think of yourself as a food lover in any way, I consider it part of our duty to also give back in fighting against hunger. We should be thankful of what we are able to enjoy while also being aware not everyone is blessed with the access and plenty that we have and that we have the means, however large or small, in helping to ease that burden. I was fortunate in that I have never known true hunger, and it breaks my heart to think of children crushed when there is not a school day because it means missing a meal, or not being able to concentrate and learn because they are hungry. As little as $1 can connect a child to 10 meals – so feel free to sign up as I did to donate on a monthly basis and take the pledge.

Feel free to learn more at the No Kid Hungry campaign at their official website and also Twitter @NoKidHungry.

No Kid Hungry Logo, Share Our Strength

I have been watching the feeds as the events in DC, Philadelphia,  and San Francisco kicked off, and the one in Portland here coincided also with the one in Boston, though a few hours later because of the time difference. The caliber of the events have been amazing, and so was the one here in Portland. I’ll get to my recap and photos in just a minute!

Gorgeous display by Portland Taste local sponsor Charlie's Produce Gorgeous display by Portland Taste local sponsor Charlie's Produce

Gorgeous display by Portland Taste local sponsor Charlie’s Produce

This year the event was held at the McMenamins Crystal Hotel & Ballroom. The proceeds are going directly to No Kid Hungry Oregon non-profit allies of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, Oregon Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul Society and Klamath/Lake Counties Food Bank. The tickets to the VIP admission sold out a week before, and then the General Admission tickets sold out 2 days before the event… so remember that for next year to not wait for the last minute to buy your tickets!

There is still an upcoming opportunity to support No Kid Hungry though- and that’s with the National Blogger’s Bake Sale Portland Edition this upcoming Saturday May 3, 9am-1pm, at Powell’s Book Store, near Couch/11th Ave. I’ll be there after my workout to help support them even though I am planning on purchasing/consuming and not baking anything, or you can also visit the page and click the link to donate towards the Portland fundraising goal!

National Bloggers Bake Sale for No Kid Hungry, Portland Edition 2014

You CAN help make a difference!

Ok, now onto the Taste of the Nation Portland 2014 Recap. First, a huge round of applause to all the chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries, spirits, other beverages, and other sponsors who participated. I was really impressed with how prepared everyone was- there was rarely a line to get food because of how prepared everyone was to handle the many excited and hungry supporters of this cause that evening. And there was definitely a serious number of people who are serious about fighting hunger at this event:

Taste of the Nation Portland 2014 at McMenamins Crystal Hotel & Ballroom Taste of the Nation Portland 2014 at McMenamins Crystal Hotel & Ballroom

Some of my favorite samplings of the event included:

  • Mediterranean Exploration Company (coming soon from John Gorham, of Toro Bravo, Tasty n Sons/Alder) offered this delectable house canned Albacore Tuna board with Mediterranean accompaniments. I can’t wait for this to open in the former Riffle space (in the Pearl District) in July!
    Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Mediterranean Exploration Company (coming soon from John Gorham, of Toro Bravo, Tasty n Sons/Alder) offered this delectable house canned tuna board Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Mediterranean Exploration Company (coming soon from John Gorham, of Toro Bravo, Tasty n Sons/Alder) offered this delectable house canned tuna board
  • The Country Cat‘s offering of fried chicken lollipops & honey, and also of a vanilla hot fudge sundae! I was a little intimidated to pick up the big drumstick but it was well worth the sticky fingers.
    Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, The Country Cat's offering of fried chicken lollipops & honey Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, The Country Cat's offering of fried chicken lollipops & honey Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, The Country Cat's offering of fried chicken lollipops & honey
  • Multnomah Whiskey Library with their Sazerac Punch with James Oliver Rye, Oleo Saccharum, Peychaud Bitters, and Anise spiked Sparkling Wine, a nice updated twist but still classic
    Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Multnomah Whiskey Library with their Sazerac Punch with James Oliver Rye, Oleo Saccharum, Peychaud Bitters, and Anise spiked Sparkling Wine
  • Pok Pok‘s Khano Niaw Sangkhaya Bai Toei, a sweet sticky rice with duck egg pandan coconut custard wrapped and steamed in banana leaves was a little bit of sweetness that was a great followup after a sip of Moet, I definitely could have had more of these!
    Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Pok Pok's Khano Niaw Sangkhaya Bai Toei, a sweet sticky rice with duck egg pandan coconut custard wrapped and steamed in banana leaves Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Pok Pok's Khano Niaw Sangkhaya Bai Toei, a sweet sticky rice with duck egg pandan coconut custard wrapped and steamed in banana leaves
  • No photo from the event, but the Imperial potato latke topped with salmon pastrami, sour cream and dill cooked in duck fat that I first sampled at the Taste of the Taste preview (and my photo is from that). In addition, Imperial Bar Manager Brandon Wise made two sample cocktails utilizing Dogwood Distilling Union Gin and Franklin Vodka and since it’s from Brandon of course both were excellent.
    A taste of Taste of the Nation- a taste of potato latkes with steelhead pastrami, sour cream, and dill from Imperial Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Imperial Bar Manager Brandon Wise made two sample cocktails utilizing Dogwood Distilling Union Gin and Franklin Vodka Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Imperial Bar Manager Brandon Wise made two sample cocktails utilizing Dogwood Distilling Union Gin and Franklin Vodka
  • Renata offered My Pharm Rabbit N’duja with pickled carrots and pea shoots, a medley of textures between the crispy crostini and the rich creamy rabbit
    Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Renata offered My Pharm Rabbit N'duja with pickled carrots and pea shoots Taste of the Nation Portland, During VIP hour, Renata offered My Pharm Rabbit N'duja with pickled carrots and pea shoots
  • I really enjoyed the St Jack chilled Stinging Nettle Vichyssoise with crispy chicken skin and chili oil, it was definitely one of the top tastes of the evening for me
    Taste of the Nation Portland, St Jack's Aaron Barnett offered chilled Stinging Nettle Vichyssoise with crispy chicken skin and chili oil Taste of the Nation Portland, St Jack's Aaron Barnett offered chilled Stinging Nettle Vichyssoise with crispy chicken skin and chili oil Taste of the Nation Portland, St Jack's Aaron Barnett offered chilled Stinging Nettle Vichyssoise with crispy chicken skin and chili oil
  • I know it’s simple, but I confess I had two samples of the Grassa Lumache Cacio e Pepe. I thought it made up for the fact that I resisted the Griddled Mortadella with Provolone, Mama Lil’s Peppers and Mustard Aioli mini sandwich across the way at the Lardo table since I had it during the Taste of the Taste event (with photo of it from then)
    I know it's simple, but I confess I had two samples of the Grassa Lumache Cacio e Pepe I know it's simple, but I confess I had two samples of the Grassa Lumache Cacio e Pepe A taste of Taste of the Nation- example taste from Lardo of Lardo's griddled mortadella with provolone, marinated peppers and mustard aioli
  • I also admit I went back twice for Laurelhurst Market‘s baked macaroni and cheese with house-smoked hot dog and potato chip crust. Of course Mac and Cheese was a perfect snapshot of the theme this year, What My Family Ate and comforting food memories
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Laurelhurst Market's baked macaroni and cheese with house-smoked hot dog and potato chip crust
  • Bamboo Sushi, Jin Soo Yang, Kalbi Ssam House Kimchee Grilled Short Ribs with Lettuce and Rice was a bright bite of lots of flavors. I wish I could have grown up with this!
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Bamboo Sushi, Jin Soo Yang, Kalbi Ssam House Kimchee Grilled Short Ribs with Lettuce and Rice Taste of the Nation Portland, Bamboo Sushi, Jin Soo Yang, Kalbi Ssam House Kimchee Grilled Short Ribs with Lettuce and Rice
  • Many loved smallwares and their taste of Beef Tataki with Kimchi, Blue cheese, Thai basil, and Pickled pear- a very mature and complex medley of flavors that I wish everyone would demand was regularly on their menu
    Taste of the Nation Portland smallwares and their taste of Beef Tataki with Kimchi, Blue cheese, Thai basil, and Pickled pear Taste of the Nation Portland smallwares and their taste of Beef Tataki with Kimchi, Blue cheese, Thai basil, and Pickled pear
  • Aviary, soup dumplings that explain why they are planning a Soup Dumpling pop-up at $35/person on May 20th- check their website for more details!
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Aviary, soup dumplings
  • Batch PDX Jeremy Karp impressed so many of us with his assorted chocolates that included so many interesting combinations of flavors like chocolate with Vietnamese coffee or Thai Ice tea or Earl Grey tea, flavors of Pina Colada and Margarita, this was definitely one of the surprise finds of the evening!
    Taste of the Nation Portland Batch PDX Jeremy Karp impressed so many of us with his assorted chocolates that included so many interesting combinations of flavors like chocolate with Vietnamese coffee or Thai Ice tea or Earl Grey tea, flavors of Pina Colada and Margarita Taste of the Nation Portland Batch PDX Jeremy Karp impressed so many of us with his assorted chocolates that included so many interesting combinations of flavors like chocolate with Vietnamese coffee or Thai Ice tea or Earl Grey tea, flavors of Pina Colada and Margarita
  • The bar up at the mezzanine included quite a few cocktails, including this Pegu Club with Aria Gin, Orange Liquor, Fresh Lime, and Angostura Bitters, as well as you call it cocktails made from Bull Run Distillery liquors and DRY soda
    Taste of the Nation Portland, the bar up at the mezzanine included quite a few cocktails, including this Pegu Club with Aria Gin, Orange Liquer, Fresh Lime, and Angostura Bitters, as well as you call it cocktails made from Bull Run Distillery liquors and DRY soda

And here are a few other excellent tastings that evening to give you a feel for why you should go next year if you aren’t convinced already:

  • Gregory Gourdet of Departure was there, glowing and smiling as always, hands on as they gave samples of chicken stewed with peppers, pickled chilies, and ripe plaintain
    Gregory Gourdet of Departure was at Taste of the Nation Portland, glowing and smiling as always, hands on as they gave samples of chicken stewed with peppers, pickled chilies, and ripe plaintain Gregory Gourdet of Departure was at Taste of the Nation Portland, glowing and smiling as always, hands on as they gave samples of chicken stewed with peppers, pickled chilies, and ripe plaintain
  • Smokehouse 21 was calling my name with this Smoked Land and Sea tasting with pork and eggs. Also bonus points as I watched the man crack half a dozen soft boiled eggs perfectly and speedily. Minus points for what sea are you talking about, what kind of eggs were those…
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Smokehouse 21 was calling my name with this Smoked Land and Sea tasting with pork and eggs. Taste of the Nation Portland, Smokehouse 21 was calling my name with this Smoked Land and Sea tasting with pork and eggs.
  • Produce Row Cafe offered a vegetarian winner with their crispy chickpea fritter, harissa, and cultured cream
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Produce Row Cafe offered a vegetarian winner with their crispy chickpea fritter, harissa, and cultured cream Taste of the Nation Portland, Produce Row Cafe offered a vegetarian winner with their crispy chickpea fritter, harissa, and cultured cream
  • Black Rabbit offered “Ham and Eggs” with black truffle custard, Marsala braised duck “Ham” Fennel Jam on a parmesan crostini
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Black Rabbit offered 'Ham and Eggs' with black truffle custard, Marsala braised duck 'Ham' Fennel Jam on a parmesan crostini
  • Irving Street Kitchen refreshed the palate with a smoked Albacore Tuna crudo with charred padron pickle and creamy tonado
    Taste of the Nation Portland Irving Street Kitchen refreshed the palate with a smoked Albacore Tuna crudo with charred padron pickle and creamy tonado
  • I always love the charcuterie of Olympic Provisions
    Taste of the Nation Portland, charcuterie of Olympic Provisions
  • It was nice to take a break from so much meat with Biwa‘s Ohitashi of asparagus steeped in a dashi base sauce
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Biwa's Ohitashi of asparagus steeped in a dashi base sauce
  • Boke Bowl brought the heat with their crawfish and pork in spicy black bean sauce over rice tots
  • Zeus Cafe had a big serving of pork belly and kimchi croquette with black vinegar aioli and herbs.
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Zeus Cafe had a big serving of pork belly and kimchi croquette with black vinegar aioli and herbs.
  • Gracie‘s taste was a stuffed Medjool date with spicy marcona almond and local goat cheese wrapped in pancetta
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Gracie's taste was a stuffed Medjool date with spicy marcona almond and local goat cheese wrapped in pancetta Taste of the Nation Portland, Gracie's taste was a stuffed Medjool date with spicy marcona almond and local goat cheese wrapped in pancetta
  • I stopped by for some Strawberry rhubarb pie from Pacific Pie, though they also offered their popular staple Chocolate Bourbon Hazelnut. I had to try the Strawberry Rhubarb though, especially after I saw their cute segment about making it on TV the week before
    Taste of the Nation Portland I stopped by for some Strawberry rhubarb pie from Pacific Pie, though they also offered their popular staple Chocolate Bourbon Hazelnut Taste of the Nation Portland I stopped by for some Strawberry rhubarb pie from Pacific Pie, though they also offered their popular staple Chocolate Bourbon Hazelnut Pacific Pie Sarah Curtis-Fawley promoting Taste of the Nation Portland
  • Xocolatl de David‘s Fluffernutter and Chocolate Milk! Great idea for the theme of memories from family time!
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Xocolatl de David's Fluffernutter and Chocolate Milk
  • Raven & Rose offered a few desserts of delicious simplicity
    Taste of the Nation, Raven & Rose offered desserts with delicious simplicity
  • Moet & Chandon flowing during VIP hour
    Taste of the Nation Portland, Moet & Chandon flowing during VIP hour

There was more I missed- with more than 60 possible participating restaurants and beverage providers to visit, there were more tastes than I or anyone could have in one night. I took all my photos and ate and when that was done (because I was getting really full, not because I managed to visit everyone!), that’s when I put my camera away and went beverage tasting, so there are many distilleries and wineries that are not in this recap. Amazing vendors right??

I also was outbid on silent auction they were holding, but they had some really unique baskets and experiences- examples were

  • Summer School that included 4 tickets to an Around the World rum tasting with Blair Reynolds of Hale Pele, tiki mugs, mai tai glasses, and syrups/mixers, and four weekend passes to Tiki Kon;
  • French Mathematics that included champage tasting for 12 from David Speer of Ambonnay; Chemistry Tutor with cocktail tutoring for 10 with appetizers with Kasey Kasten of Saucebox;
  • various baskets of impeccable wines (donated by wonderful wineries, or one package in which 12 famous Portland chefs each picked a wine and included a pairing recipe suggestion for the wine!);
  • and my favorite, a Hall Pass that offers the opportunity to cut to the front of the line at hot spots like Toro Bravo, Salt & Straw, Mother’s Bistro, Pok Pok, Tasty N Sons, Besaws and Multnomah Whiskey Library – WOW!

Taste of the Nation Portland Silent AuctionTaste of the Nation Portland Silent AuctionTaste of the Nation Portland Silent Auction

Remember to support No Kid Hungry at the National Blogger’s Bake Sale Portland Edition this upcoming Saturday May 39am-1pm, at Powell’s Book Store, near Couch/11th Ave. Say hi to me as I drop by around 11:30 Saturday after my workout and squee at the beautiful blogger baked goodies with me, or you can also visit the page and click the link to donate towards the Portland fundraising goal!

Change starts with you. When you step up, you invite others to step up, too. Mandy Hale. No Kid Hungry, Share Our Strength.

Disclosure: I attended the Portland Taste of the Nation as a media member, but I am not being compensated for this post. I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own. 

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