Last night, I had the chance to dine with a few Portland media folks at Urban Farmer, located in the newly minted Nines hotel, to kick off this week’s Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival. The restaurant decor was certainly top notch and we began with drinks in the Library room prior to our five course dinner. The dinner, presented by Urban Farmer’s Executive Chef Matt Christianson and Pastry Chef Dan Swinmurn, included Lobster Sausage with a White Grape Must, Foie Gras Pate, and Braised Highland Oak Beef with Syrah Cubes. For dessert, guests noshed on Pound Cake with local Oregon strawberries.
In its inaugural year, festival coordinator Leah Jorgensen seemed relaxed about the upcoming event, which runs tomorrow from noon to 7pm at the Oregon Convention Center. With her interest in promoting local Oregon businesses, Leah and her staff have assembled a great assortment of vineyards, wineries, caterers, and restaurants from around the state to take part in the Best of Oregon Food and Wine Festival. Participants include the Red Star Tavern, Heathman Restaurant & Bar, Archery Summit, Valley View Winery, Willamette Valley Vineyards, and many others – with proceeds benefitting the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
If you’re in the Portland area on Saturday, be sure to check it out!
~Jennifer Heigl
Thanks Jennifer for your support and kind words! We were thrilled to host you for the kick off dinner and hope to see you next year at the Best of Oregon! Cheers!