September 17, 2013 · by Kathleen Squires
As the satiric comedy show Portlandia so astutely points out, Portlanders take their food and drink seriously. Some visitors come to the City of Roses solely to eat and drink. In fact, an estimated 10,000 food lovers will descend upon PDX’s Downtown area starting Thursday, September 19 for the three-day Feast Portland. Events include the Sandwich Invitational, where chefs from across the country compete to make the best bites between bread; two days of an elaborate Grand Tasting, highlighting local product and an atmospheric Night Market, conjuring the streets of Southeast Asia after dark. Whether or not there is a food festival happening, great culinary experiences abound throughout the year. Here are our picks of Portland’s best; mix and match these suggestions for a perfect dining weekend.
Brunch
Brunching is like a competitive sport in Portland. And many places do it well. The hordes competing for tables at Tasty n Sons were relieved when its sister restaurant, Tasty n Alder, debuted, as more seats became available for the hearty fare. Mother’s Bistro is “all about the love” and comfort classics such as crunchy French Toast. Paradox Organic Café is a favorite for vegans and the freshly-opened Trinket (2035 SE 39th Ave.) is the city’s first brunch-only restaurant.