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The Oregon Bounty
Grand Tasting is a foodie’s dream, but could be overwhelming at the same time.
Where do you suggest beginning?
Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines is overwhelming, in
the best way! However, it is also one of our most laid back, relaxed events as
you are outside in one of Portland’s historic landmarks, Pioneer Courthouse
Square, literally in the center of the city, enjoying all the state has to
offer in terms of food and drink.
tents to your right, KitchenAid Stage with cooking demonstrations to your left,
and even up top above the steps, there are more tasting areas from our partners
like Whole Foods Market and Bon Appetit. You can also find some crazy good
wines up there, so don’t miss it!
At big events like these, I like to do a lap before I commit
to a location. That way, you can plan your drinks, your bites, what demo you’re
going to see and what you’re going to be sure to go back to. I’d grab a taste
of wine or beer while I’m doing this, just to get the party started a bit. Walk
around the upper tasting areas, catch that demo from one of our top chefs, and
then, when you are ready, hit the tasting tents in all their glory. There is so
much to choose from – we have every artisan from honey to peanut butter to
vegan cupcakes this year – so go for it and trust that everyone there is going
to be very good!
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There are so many
incredible breweries, wineries, artisans, etc. Who do you feel are the hidden
gems?
many! In the artisan category, I love Eliot’s Adult Nut Butters – they are
absolutely delicious suped up peanut butters with wild flavors; Mariam Foods –
their Ethiopian dips are a great switch up to hummus; and Red Wagon Creamery –
out of Eugene, their ice cream will put you in a dreamlike state.
and comers and established names. So you’ll see your favorites like BridgePort
and Hopworks beer, but have you tried Gilgamesh Brewing out of Salem? Same on
wine – we have Soter, King Estate and Erath, who you know, as well as urban
winery Division Winemaking Company and Hawks View Cellars out of Sherwood, who
you might not!
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Between Friday and Saturday what cooking demonstrations are you looking forward to the most?
whole vibe of the cooking demonstrations – people coming together over food,
sharing tips and knowledge, you can’t beat it! Chef Jenn Louis of Lincoln and
Sunshine Tavern restaurants here in Portland is a wonderful teacher and her
demos are always packed with great information. I also enjoy Sarah Simmons, who
hosts a pop up in NYC called City Grit. She’s new to our demo lineup so I’m
excited to see what she’ll do on stage.
Kitchen Aid
Main Demo Stage Schedule:
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Jenn Louis, Lincoln Restaurant
Naomi Pomeroy, Beast
Paul Qui, qui
Sarah Simmons, CITY GRIT
Chris Cosentino, Cockscomb
Hugh Acheson, Empire State South
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Can you describe
the overall flow and feeling of the event?
is something for everyone – if you like wine, you can taste wine and pair it
with great food all day long. If beer is your thing, there are tons of ways you
can experience it. If you just want to eat and eat some more, and watch the
nation’s best chefs create recipe magic, then sit back, relax and grab a step.
There’s an awesome feeling of togetherness at the event that, to me, is
unmatched. You feel like you’re a part of this incredible food movement and
that’s exciting.
products for sale?
products for sale are Feast t-shirts, which are produced by our friends at
Flavor Gallery and are fantastic! They go fast so be sure to grab one!
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tips you would like to add?
partners have great areas around the perimeter with fun activities like
temporary pear tattoos from USA Pears, travel information and trip giveaways
from Travel Oregon and great chefs preparing regional foods from around the
state. KitchenAid, Alaska Airlines and other partners also have more fantastic
items so be sure to really get in there and experience it all!
A big thank you to Carrie and her team I appreciate
that they took the time chat about Feast. I’m seriously even more ecstatic to experience
the Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting firsthand. You can find out more information about
the Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting event here,
and lucky you tickets
are still available. Don’t delay, you won’t want to miss out on all the deliciousness!
You are in for a wonderful time! Team Feast does an awesome job putting this event together and I know this year is going to be amazing! Looking forward to seeing you Tiara!