Happy August, Portland.
With a few glorious weeks of summer left, were celebrating all things oysters and tequila two of my favorite things to shoot and gearing up for Feast Portland, the four-day excuse to eat, drink and party like a rockstar.
Those whove been to Netarts Bay or elsewhere on the coast this summer know theres nothing quite like a fresh oyster.
Starting Aug. 1, Portlands Chef Michael Stanton at the Heathman Restaurant & Bar kicked off a monthlong of shucking fun: 31 days of oysters, prepared 31 ways.
Diners can come for an oyster flight, on the half-shell with some sparkling wine or rosé or transformed into deliciousness as oysters bánh mi, po boy sliders or croquettes, among other dishes.
We wanted to create a menu highlighting the delicacy and versatility of the oyster, one of the most undercelebrated fruits of the sea, Stanton says.
Oyster month runs through the end of August; for daily specials check the Heathmans Facebook (facebook.com/HeathmanRestaurant) and Twitter (@HeathmanRest, #oysterspdx and #31for31.
The Heathman is at 1001 S.W. Broadway Ave. For reservations, call 503-790-7752, or visit heathmanrestaurantandbar.com.
From one shooter to another: Tequila lovers, pucker up and get ready for the second annual tequila fest, Viva Tequila PDX, set for Aug. 29-30 at the Jupiter Hotel.
Last years event drew 27 vendors and 2,500 attendees; this year may be larger, with proceeds going to Portland nonprofit Milagro Theatre, which provides Latino theater, culture and arts education for the community.
With tequila enjoying such a worldwide revival in popularity, Viva Tequila PDX is a timely, vibrant idea now more than ever, says festival founder Danny Sandoval, whose family runs five Sandovals grills and cantinas in Portland that claim to serve the largest tequila selection in the Northwest.
The festival aims to be fun and informative for aficionados and newcomers alike.
Presenting sponsors include industry giants Casa Herradura, Tequila Cazadores and Jose Cuervo. Pace yourself with a lineup of activities including an onsite cigar roller and smoking lounge, live salsa music, distilling demonstrations, classes and other events.
The festival is set for Aug. 29-30 at the Jupiter Hotel, 800 E. Burnside St. Admission is $45 for both days and a Sunday VIP party, or $25 for one day.
For hours and tickets, visit vivatequilapdx.com.
It seems like Feast Portland 2014 just wrapped up, but this years celebration is already around the corner, and tickets to many of the events are going fast.
The four-day lineup of classes, tastings, demonstrations and pairings is set for Sept. 17-20 at dozens of locations around Portland.
Entering its fourth year, founders Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch curate the best artisans, brewers, distillers, winemakers, chefs and taste-makers in the city and state to share their talents with attendees and raise funds to end childhood hunger.
Since its inception, Feast has raised $162,000 for Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Share Our Strengths No Kid Hungry campaign.
For the full lineup of events: feastportland.com/schedule.
@jenmomanderson