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This week's a busy one for food events and mini-fests. Here's a rundown:
SOUTHEAST—There are exactly three monger-able things in this world — fear, fish, and cheese — and the annual Wedge festival will celebrate the latter this Saturday, October 5. More than 24 cheese makers will be on-hand at the market-style event to sample their wares; in addition to cheese tastings, the afternoon will feature a series of cheese-pairing seminars, a grilled-cheese bar, and beer poured by the Green Dragon Pub & Bistro (where the event is held). Suggested entry is $5, benefiting the Oregon Cheese Guild. More information here.
N. MISSISSIPPI/WILLIAMS—The Portland Mercury will mash-up country music and a good ol' fashioned chili cook-off during its first-ever Chili Jamboree, set for this Sunday, October 6 at Mississippi Studios. Ten local chefs — including Rodney Muirhead (Podnah's Pit), Johanna Ware (Smallwares), BJ Smith (Smokehouse 21), and Justin Woodward (Castagna) — will pit their takes on chili against each other in the competitive event. Guests will get to taste all the chilis and cast their vote while country-music acts Lucero, Sturgill Simpson, and Daniel Romero play in the background. More information and tickets here.
N. MISSISSIPPI/WILLIAMS—Just up the street from Chili Jam, Dan Hart's Prost! will celebrate its fourth-annual Oktoberfest all weekend, from October 4 to 6. On Saturday and Sunday, the biergarten opens at 11a.m. with German beer, live music, and food specials (roast chicken and sausages, obviously). Festive attire is encouraged; more information here.
DOWNTOWN—The ninth-annual Great American Distillers Fest will welcome more than 40 craft distilleries from across the U.S. to downtown's Tiffany Center on October 4 and 5. Booze enthusiasts can taste samples, mingle with bartenders and distillers, and purchase bottles for at-home consumption. Tickets are $25 (including 10 tastes); more information here.
SAUVIE ISLAND—As per annual tradition, conservancy organization Wetlands & Wellies invites some of Portland's sustainability minded chefs to cook at its yearly fundraiser. This year, Jason French (Ned Ludd), Cathy Whims (Nostrana), and Javier Hurtado (Cha Cha Cha) will cook up small plates an outdoor event on Sauvie Island this Saturday, October 5. Tickets are $100, inclusive of food, wine, and spirits pairings. More information and tickets here.
Photo of the Wedge courtesy Facebook
