Bit House Saloon is just one place to have fun beyond the official Feast Portland events (photo: Bit House Saloon).
By Tommy Habetz, Bunk Sandwiches
When it comes to the proliferation of modern food, wine and beer festivals, it appears that there’s a time and a place for everything. And that time and place is called Feast Portland. An embarrassment of riches from the get-go, Feast Portland has only gained momentum since it swaggered out of the gates four years ago. Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch, the festival’s co-founders, continue to shine a light on the bounty of Oregon restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries and food professionals, while drawing the best and brightest of the food world from around the country and beyond. Entering into its fourth year, Feast Portland has quickly become one of the best food and drink festivals in the United States.
I’ve been a part of Feast Portland since the beginning. It’s been a lot of fun to see it grow and grow over the last few years. One thing that I love about Feast Portland is that they keep pushing themselves with new events, panels, etc. And Portland chefs and restaurateurs keep pushing it forward, too. And there are almost as many “non-official” Feast events as there are “official” ones. So, with that in mind, here’s my list of my five things not to miss at Feast Portland this year:
Official/not official parties/popups all over town
Bunk Bar has Karaoke from Hell led by Tres Shannon of Voodoo Donuts fame, where you can sing to “Ace of Spades” by Motorhead or “Kiss Me on the Bus” by The Replacements and such. The karaoke event kicks off our party festivities this year on Saturday, September 19 and more parties will surely be announced as we get closer to the festival. Also, Stumptown, Pok Pok, Roman Candle and many more always have killer parties going on during Feast week. This goes for popups as well. Sometimes they are announced the week of Feast. You’ve got to stay on your toes or you might just miss Franklin BBQ steam buns at Boke Bowl and other killer popups. Some are invite only, some are open to the public. But, you’re going to Feast Portland, you know how to get creative, right? Also under this category, I might add that there are so many great new bars and restaurants to check out while you’re here. I’ll give a shout out to Bit House Saloon on the Central Eastside. There’s no way that you’re going there and not having fun.
Sandwich Invitational
Also known as Sando Lando, I’ve got to give props to this event centred around the food of my heart; the lowly but mighty sandwich. This is the opening event of Feast Portland. It’s always a lot of fun, and pretty easy to navigate compared to some other events. It’s always an amazing group of Portland chefs, as well as some of the best chefs in the country, bringing their absolute A game to the event, for this is the only event that is a competition. We’ve had Sean Brock Fried Bologna Sandwiches, Paul Kahan Pork Belly Gyros, you name it… And, as an attendee, you get to vote for your favorite sandwich in the People’s Choice award. Use the hashtag #votesandwich to follow the voting. Also, Widmer Brothers (pioneers of the Portland beer scene) brew a special beer that’s only available at the Sandwich Invitational.
Smoked
This is the first year for this event and Bunk co-owner Nick Wood and I are going to be cooking at it, so I’ve got to put it on my list. Seriously though, this event is gonna give the Big Apple BBQ a run for it’s money. Organizers are saying, “Don’t call it a cookout,” but, with a ton of great wineries and distilleries, this is gonna be one hell of a cookout, with an epic view of the Fremont Bridge. Greg and Gabi Denton from Ox, Chris Cosentino from Cockscomb in LA, Andy Ricker from Pok Pok and tons of other great chefs will be in attendance. It’s gonna be a blast.
Hands-on classes/panels
In addition to many opportunities to stuff yer face at Feast Portland, there’s also many opportunities to feed yer melon. There’s a cult-beer class on Friday, for all you folks that are into rare, obscure beers with a cult following. There’s also a basic pig butchery class with the incomparable Camas Davis on Sunday. Jami Curl is teaching a candy class on Saturday. I’m telling you, these are some of the hidden gems at Feast Portland.
Oregon Grand Bounty Tasting
This event is always a bit of a sleeper hit, but I’m not sure why. It runs both Friday and Saturday at Pioneer Square and there are always some amazing demos and talks. Plus, no other event at Feast Portland gives Portland visitors more of a complete view of all that Oregon has to offer: wineries, Jacobsen Salt Co., Pitch Dark Chocolate, etc. It’s sensory overload, Feast style.
Tommy Habetz is co-owner of Bunk Sandwiches in Portland.
Feast Portland takes places in Portland, Oregon on September 17-20.
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