Bite of Oregon 2011

I'm really looking forward to this year's Bite of Oregon. I attended last year's and had a booth with my then recently released local food book -- Food Lover's Guide to Portland. This year, I'll be judging a fun competition that you can compete in if you want called the Hot Shot Cook-Off.

Details...

Four aspiring chefs (18 years old+) will compete for the Hot-Shot Bite title on Saturday, August 13th and Sunday, August 14th. Competitors have thirty minutes to create one dish with a secret ingredient.

First Hot Shot Competition -- Saturday, August 13 12:25pm - 1:25pm Second Hot Shot Competition -- Saturday, August 13 1:30pm - 2:30pm Final Hot Shot Competition -- Sunday, August 14 12:30pm - 1:30pm

To enter...

Email contests@soor.org by Friday, Wednesday August 3rd and include: A photograph A written submission detailing in 100 words or less why you can stand the heat in the kitchen Your name Age Culinary aspirations Your favorite thing to cook Why you love to cook

Ten potential competitors will be announced on the Bite of Oregon Facebook page and public voting will commence. A week later the four competitors will be announced.

The prize...

The winner gets a trophy as the 2011 Hot Shot Cook-Off title holder and a prize package including a gas grill and a gift certificate to a culinary store. Their winning recipes will appear in The Oregonian.

Bite of Oregon www.biteoforegon.com August 12-14, 2011 Waterfront Park Portland, Oregon

Vegan Iron Chef Lucky Winner!

Thanks to everyone who helped spread the word about the next Sunday, July 10th Vegan Iron Chef Competition and to everyone who commented on my last post about tasty vegan food. Lucky #8 commenter Lindy is the winner of two tickets to this awesome event! (So sad that I'll be out of town for it.) Lindy, please drop me an line at info at liz crain dot com for ticket details. Congratulations!

For those of you who don't have tickets already the advance tickets have sold out BUT there will be a limited number available at the door the night of the event. So definitely try your luck again because it's going to be a super fun event. Also, head over to the Vegan Iron Chef Competition website for more details on how to volunteer for the event and do other related stuff.

Here's a little more info. from the press release:

Three chefs from the community’s favorite establishments will prepare dishes inspired by an unveiled secret ingredient for a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience, while the event is live-streamed to anticipated thousands.

The event will be co-hosted by bestselling cooking author Isa Chandra Moskowitz of The Post Punk Kitchen and local artist and zinester Nicole J. Georges.

Our chefs are Kitchen Dances’ Piper Dixon, Homegrown Smoker’s Jeff Ridabock, and Dovetail Bakery’s Morgan Grundstein-Helvey.

This year’s judges include Julie Hasson from Native Bowl and Everyday Dish, Aaron Adams from Portobello Vegan Trattoria, Grant Butler from The Oregonian, John Janulis from The Bye & Bye, and last year’s crowned Vegan Iron Chef, Quasu Asaase Yaa.

Live music, exhibitors, sampling, trivia, and raffle prizes round out this can’t-miss event.

Tickets ($12 in advance/$15 door; $100 VIP tasting seats) are available at VeganIronChef.org. Sponsorship opportunities available now.

Vegan Iron Chef is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, OR, with a mission of spreading the message of veganism by showcasing the art of vegan cuisine and celebrating community. Other cities are encouraged to join the Vegan Iron Chef network, hold their own competitions, and unite for regionals and finals in upcoming years.

Below is one of this year's fierce competitors. Go Morgan!

Cheer your favorite competitor on at this year's Vegan Iron Chef!

Vegan Iron Chef Competition Sunday, July 10th, Competition 5-7:30pm; after party until late Event @ Refuge PDX

Vegan Iron Chef Ticket Giveaway!

Unfortunately, I'm not going to be here for the second annual Vegan Iron Chef Competition this year -- but if you are I've got a pair of tickets for one lucky commenter. Since last year's event sold out quickly I'm doing this giveaway early so those who don't win can go ahead and purchase tickets ($12 advance/$15 at door/$100 VIP tasting seats).

Comment below on the best vegan dish you've eaten out in Portland recently (or a vegan dish you've made at home recently if no restaurant dishes stand out) for a chance to win a pair of tickets.

From the press release:

Three chefs from the community’s favorite establishments will prepare dishes inspired by an unveiled secret ingredient for a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience, while the event is live-streamed to anticipated thousands.

The event will be co-hosted by bestselling cooking author Isa Chandra Moskowitz of The Post Punk Kitchen and local artist and zinester Nicole J. Georges.

Our chefs are Kitchen Dances’ Piper Dixon, Homegrown Smoker’s Jeff Ridabock, and Dovetail Bakery’s Morgan Grundstein-Helvey.

This year’s judges include Julie Hasson from Native Bowl and Everyday Dish, Aaron Adams from Portobello Vegan Trattoria, Grant Butler from The Oregonian, John Janulis from The Bye & Bye, and last year’s crowned Vegan Iron Chef, Quasu Asaase Yaa.

Live music, exhibitors, sampling, trivia, and raffle prizes round out this can’t-miss event.

Tickets ($12 in advance/$15 door; $100 VIP tasting seats) are available at VeganIronChef.org. Sponsorship opportunities available now.

Vegan Iron Chef is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, OR, with a mission of spreading the message of veganism by showcasing the art of vegan cuisine and celebrating community. Other cities are encouraged to join the Vegan Iron Chef network, hold their own competitions, and unite for regionals and finals in upcoming years.

Vegan Iron Chef Competition Sunday, July 10th, Competition 5-7:30pm; after party until late Event @ Refuge PDX