Feast 2018 — SEE and EAT

Dec 1

Dec 1 Feast 2018

September means Feast in Portland, and I’ve come to really look forward to and enjoy the opportunity to volunteer at several of the events.

The opening night event had a new theme this year, 80’s vs. 90’s, and I was not sure what to expect from the food. It was definitely more exciting than the Sandwich Invitational of the past couple years, but, for me, the food mostly did not blow me away, despite the big name chefs in attendance, including Aaron Franklin with very long lines and food that ran out pretty early.

My favorite bite of the night was a loaded potato skin from the chefs at Deadshot. I wasn’t entirely sure what all was on it, but it started with a potato and was topped with crispy cheese and it was yummy.

Saturday night is a big party at the Night Market, with a pacific rim theme this year.

I was blown away by the shave ice with sweet potato and coconut from Wailua Shave Ice, it’s definitely the best shave ice I’ve ever had.

The surf and turf taco from Xico, with wild salmon ceviche and super crispy blue taco shell, was great.

Opah poke from Pacific Foods, was excellent and the huge Opah on display was eye-catching.

I think Smoked is my favorite event, it’s in a park in The Pearl, and it features smoke, but also is heavily meat-centric. Predictably, the lines are usually the longest for the meatiest options, so I find myself eating some of the less meaty alternatives.

I was really excited about this one, Valentina’s, in Austin, is one of the many great taco options, and one that I missed on a recent visit to Austin. This brisket taco, was simple, tender, and fabulous.

This yakitori with dirty fried rice from Noraneko, was a pleasant surprise. The rice was really flavorful.

You have to know that a smoked peaches and cream galette, from Lauretta Jeans, would be a hit and I was glad to get my hands on one before they ran out.

And this one was just fun, made to order fancy smores from 1927 Smores Co.

Brunch Village had a lot of sweet selections and egg sandwiches, many good, but it was nice to find something different, like this Thai Omelette from Nong’s. It was spicy!