Feast Portland, arguably Portland’s biggest food festival, hits town September 13 through 16. The Oregonian got the preview scoop on what’s hitting the schedule this year, from sober suppers to a decade-themed showdown.
Non-drinkers will love the Zero Proof dinner, an alcohol-free event hosted by five sober chefs. On the docket: Portland chefs Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon) and Gregory Gourdet (Departure), Southern dining legend Sean Brock (Husk), Philly’s Israeli food king Michael Solomonov (Zahav), and “Bizarre Foods” host Andrew Zimmern. Rucker came up with the idea, and looped in Zimmern soon afterward. Drink pairings will be alcohol free and designed by Evan Zimmerman of Paadee’s Issan nights.
Other big news: The team is ditching the Sandwich Invitational in favor of an ‘80s vs. ‘90s cook-off. Not sure how that will translate — lots of nonfat desserts? Spinach dip? As for the headliners, expect the big-name Portland suspects — Bonnie Morales of Kachka, John Gorham of Toro Bravo, Andy Ricker of Pok Pok — as well as some out-of-towners of note, like Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue in Austin and Mason Hereford of Turkey and the Wolf in New Orleans. Tickets going on sale 9 a.m. June 8, with the official schedule popping on the site June 7.
• Feast Portland [Official]
• Feast Portland announces 2018 lineup of events, chefs [The O]