What I found out was that it was a lot like beer festivals in the Midwest - pay your entry fee and then drink (and in this case eat, too) until you're heart's content (or until you're simply filled to the gills) all in the comfort of a 21+ crowd. Like beer festivals in general, there are fewer people in the beginning and a few hours in you start to notice there are now a lot of people. Unlike beer festivals there is also a demonstration stage as well as wine and the aforementioned food. In case you're still not convinced, here's a little food p0rn for ya.
There was the sweet
There was the salty
There was the meaty
There was the cheesy
Of course we can't forget the beery
And then there were my favorites - one sweet and one savory. We'll start with the sweet because as adults we should have dessert first if we want it. From Petunia's Pies & Pastries came the most wonderful two-bite Cookie Monster Babycakes. With cookie dough baked inside and adorning the frosting these were simply amazing. The only thing that could, and did, make them better was to have them with Oakshire Overcast Espresso Stout.
The savory one that so won my heart and taste buds was line-caught salmon escabeche with organic heirloom tomato relish and micro arugula from the Elements Tapas Bar in Medford where Mike Hite is the chef. I forgot how many times I went back for more but it was enough for one of the guys working the table to take notice and jokingly comment that I was back "again."
Today I feasted, I suggest you make plans to do the same tomorrow.
Saturday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
Saturday, September 20th
12:00 - 5:00 pm
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Tickets: $60
Guest post from beer geek and blogger Kris McDowell. If you're so inclined, check out her blog, find her on Twitter or see what she's been eating and drinking on Instagram.
