For those of us that live in the Pacific Northwest, there’s a certain indescribable vibe that’s virtually impossible to explain if you’ve never spent time in this region. Often stereotyped as ‘tree-huggers’ or ‘hippies’, we have an obsessive-like relationship with our natural surroundings and an unmistakable pride around how we connect with it. We have the luxury of a milder climate and take advantage every chance we get to hike up a mountain, bike along a seawall, or slip into a kayak. This reverence for Mother Nature also extends to the bounty she provides for our consumption as we make it a priority to appreciate and enjoy all things grown locally and used in season. The epicentre of this vibe appears to be Portland, Oregon where daily farmers markets, numerous craft breweries and an innovative foodie scene is being replicated along the Pacific Northwest and beyond at an astonishing rate.
What becomes abundantly clear when visiting Portland is that chefs not only want to provide quality ingredients that are locally sourced, they are artisans that are passionate about their craft aiming to offer something distinct and original. You actually have to search to find food retailers of the large chain variety which are more likely frequented by visitors who don’t yet know better. Even renowned local independent coffee roaster Stumptown faces fierce competition from such upstarts as Coava Coffee and Heart Coffee that focus on providing a quality and unique alternative. And who knew donuts could instill such passionate loyalists? While Voodoo Donuts is well known among tourists, Blue Star Donuts has burst onto the artisanal donut scene—yes there are enough donut shops there to warrant a ‘scene’—to be crowned the local favourite. Made fresh daily from a classic Brioche recipe, they feature flavours both expected (lemon poppy buttermilk, raspberry) and unexpected (Mexican Hot Chocolate, Blueberry Bourbon Bliss) that will literally melt in your mouth.
On our 3 hour culinary walking tour through the Alphabet District led by Forktown Food Tours we stopped at a former saloon complete with the original bar; a traditional handmade Jewish deli; an authentic French bakery run by a 3rd generation baker; a spirits distilling company experimenting with orchard inspired flavours; a high quality wine bar set in a converted historic home; and finally, a gourmet shop limited to selling flowers, artisanal finishing salts and single origin chocolate. Along the tour, we also passed several farm-to-table restaurants. And while the local/seasonal movement isn’t new, this city once more leans toward the cutting edge with many following a ‘tip-to-tail’ philosophy of using the entire animal. Clearly not your typical neighbourhood, and under the guidance of Forktown, it will easily be three of the best hours of your life.
Portland’s innovative spirit isn’t just limited to ingredients and method, it also extends to delivery. Food trucks in Vancouver were put on the map thanks to the hosting of the winter Olympics in 2010. But long before the legendary ‘Japa-Dog’, the food carts of Portland had already put their mark on the food cart map. Vancouver’s 100+ food trucks today pale in comparison to the more than 600 food carts populating Portland via individual corners or at ‘pods’ like the one at 10th & Alder which has more than 60.
Nowhere is Portland’s influence more obvious throughout the Pacific Northwest than through its beer. By now you won’t be surprised to learn that with more than 60 craft breweries, Portland has the distinction of having more craft breweries than any other city in the world. Once again it has led the pack, propelling this industry to the prominent cult-like status it enjoys today. And in true Portland fashion, the craft beer industry is looking ahead, now expanding into the growing cider community which is currently taking the city by storm.
So if you really want to know what the next big trend amongst foodies will be next, head straight to Portland where it’s not just being talked about, it is happening…NOW.
Recent Comments