Feast Portland 2018: Eats & Sips To Look Forward To

I received a media pass to Feast Portland. As always, all opinions are my own.

Feast Portland is just days away, and with over 40+ all-inclusive events featuring Feast exclusive food and drink experiences, it’s not easy to decide which chefs, artisans, and libations should be at the top of your list. On top of that, navigating Feast as a vegan or vegetarian has its own set of challenges, but I’ll be seeking out veg-friendly options and exploring the drink scene at Feast.

I’ve gathered a list of some eats and sips that I’m looking forward to at the upcoming 4-day foodie extravaganza. Of course, there will be some surprises… it is Feast after all! If I missed anything that you think should absolutely be on this list, send me an email. Thanks!

Disclaimer: Since my readers are a mix of vegans, vegetarian, and veg-curious omnivores, I’m throwing in mentions of what might be vegetable focused at Feast Portland’s main events. There is no guarantee that the chefs/brands mentioned below will have fully vegan options. However, I will only be enjoying the vegan items and featuring those on my blog/Instagram.

80s vs. 90s

Everyone is talking about this one because it’s a new event that replaced the Sandwich Invitational. Half the chefs will be representing the 80s, while the other half represents the 90s in this throwback cook-off. I chatted briefly with Departure’s Gregory Gourdet at an event a few days ago, and he mentioned a hot pocket and chocolate infused with Haitian flavors. Sam Smith of Tusk and Troy MacLarty of Bollywood Theater will also be participating, so I’d be curious to see what they’re serving up since they’re no strangers to doing cool things with veggies. Also, I hear that Hendrick’s Gin will be slinging two specialty cocktails, the Noetic Negroni and Tropic of Capricorn, for the occasion.

Photo by Alan Weiner.

Grand Tasting

Oh my goodness, where do we even begin with the Grand Tasting? I’ll be hitting up Kite Hill, Petunia’s, KIND Snacks, Bob’s Red Mill, Oregon Berries, and Serra to name a few. At $75, the Grand Tasting is one of the more accessible experiences, especially if you enjoy wine, beer, and cider tastings. Portland Cider will be pouring their classics, as well as their newest release the Perfect 10 during VIP hour. I’m also looking forward to Hood River’s Kyla Hard Kombucha, Sokol Blosser Winery, and KEX Brewing (all the way from Reykjavik, Iceland)!

Tickets are still available for the Friday Grand Tasting.

Night Market

Night Market is one of Feast Portland’s most popular events, blending flavors from around the globe for a eclectic fusion experience. Some chefs to watch include Chris Bailey of Portland Mercado, Kelly Towner of Xico, Rachel Yang of Revelry, and Jaime Soltero Jr of Tamale Boy. I have no idea what dishes they’ll be bringing to Night Market, but I’ve had great veg eats from them in the past, so just throwing in a few shout outs here. I know I’ll be ending the evening with Wailua Shaved Ice and a boozy ARIA Gin sorbet that they’re concocting with Salt & Straw!

Photo by Alan Weiner.

Smoked!

The name Smoked! immediately conjures up all kinds of meaty imagery (yikes!!), but I hear that smoked vegetables and even smoked drinks (say what?!) are among the top hits from previous years. It’s especially exciting this year as Kei Ohdera of Farm Spirit will be bringing some veg magic to Smoked. Keep an eye out for his grilled sourdough dish with a dehydrated, then re-hydrated beet marmalade and herb salad. I’m also looking forward to trying Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum‘s Daytripper cocktail and enjoying House Spirit Distillery’s flagship Westward American Single Malt Whiskey.

Photo by Nikki Unger-Fink.

Brunch Village

Last, but not least, there’s Brunch Village, the final Feast Portland main event. By the time it rolls around, everyone is exhausted, but brunching is always rejuvenating! Kite Hill offers a different dish for each event, so I’m looking forward to nibbling on their treats. I’m curious to see what Barney Hannagan of Proud Mary will be serving as their vegetable dishes have always been stellar. And of course, I’m not gonna miss the one and only Cocktail Ninja at Reyka‘s vodka hut!

Tickets are still available for Brunch Village.

Photo by Alan Weiner.

See you on Instagram!

As always, you can get a behind the scenes look at all things Feast Portland on my Instagram story. That’s where the real fun goes down! Speaking of Instagram, have you entered my giveaway for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Saturday’s Macrame + Rose class with Emily Katz of Modern Macrame?

Photo by Modern Macrame.

Note: This post is in collaboration with Feast Portland. I received a media pass to the festival. This was not in exchange for a positive review and all opinions expressed here are my own.