Food and wine festivals can often feel like a Catch-22. On one hand, they’re an awesome way to showcase chefs and restaurants from across the country, drawing higher tourism numbers to a city perhaps lower on the radar. On the other hand, however, tickets for festival events are often unreasonably expensive, asking for hundreds of dollars per person for high-end dinners, and thousands of dollars for an all-access pass, making them feel unrealistic for the average food fan to attend.
But let’s be real – Portland is certainly more frugal than your average food-loving metropolis. So it’s no surprise that the 2nd annual Feast Portland event weekend happening next week offers plenty of options for those of us who are economical with our wallets, but not with our appetites.
Cheap
Tasting Panels $45 per person
Are you the type of gourmand who thrives on being a know-it-all? Feast Tasting Panels allow you to get up close and personal with experts in chocolate, beer, wine, seafood and liquor (really, all the good things in life) and learn a little while you eat. Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, times vary.
Insider Tip: At the Cocoa Comforts Panel, don’t miss revered Christina Tosi, of New York’s Momofuku Milk Bar, discussing her big city sweet secrets.
Cheaper
Speaker Series $10 per person
One great thing about memorable food is the conversations it sparks. In the various Speaker Series popping up around town, you can hear chefs, business owners, farmers, and more discussing complex topics like “Creating an Awesome Food Business Without Selling Your Soul” and “Food Will Define The Future Of Healthcare.” Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, Portland Art Museum. Times vary.
Insider Tip: At the Portland Matters talk, lean in to hear brilliant and charming Francis Lam (a Top Chef judge, writer, and editor) give his two cents on what makes this city great.
Cheapest
Cookbook Social Suggested Donation $5
The best restaurants inspire you to rush to your kitchen to recreate what chef has placed in front of you, and the best cookbooks help you pull it off. The Cookbook Social, held at the historic downtown Heathman Hotel, will showcase twenty cookbooks and their authors, inspiring you to cook everything from vegan eats to pretzels. Friday, September 20, Heathman Hotel. 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Insider Tip: Go pick the brain of Nick Zukin, one of the authors of The Artisan Jewish Deli at Home, who is a bevy of knowledge in not only Delicatessen eats, but also the best Mexican food in every corner of town.
Whole Foods Market Best Butcher Contest & Fishmonger Face-Off Free
22 Fishmongers and butchers from all around the country will duel it out to showcase what they do best–cutting and cookin’. Saturday, September 21, Director’s Park. 11:00-2:00 p.m.
Insider Tip: Director’s Park is one of Portland’s best venues. Its gorgeous architecture (and covering) make it ideal for any humongous outdoor Portland party. With a live band, photo booth and awesome eats, this sounds like it will be one you won’t want to miss.
Be sure to check in to Daily Blender for all the post-event Feast Portland coverage! And follow us on Twitter for all the live stuff!
~Kat Vetrano