This year's 26th anniversary Portland Taste of the Nation at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom was incredible as always and rather than type up all of the reasons why I'm going to lay it all out in photos for you. This was the first year Taste was held at the Crystal Ballroom and it's a great venue although next year they should consider cranking up the air. It got a little toasty. If you weren't able to make it please consider attending next year. It costs a pretty penny but 100% of proceeds go toward hunger relief in Oregon. Without further ado...
Biwa's soy cured escolar with shaved beets.
Lardo's beautiful porchetta.
Boke Bowl sui mai action
Craggan hydrating and about to eat a Boke Bowl pork and shrimp sui mai.
Racion's chicharrons topped with tuna? Ahhh, took too long to post this and can't remember exactly but DO remember they were super tasty.
View from the balcony an hour or so into this year's Taste of the Nation.
Our plates of Trigger hot wings and other tasty things with Captured by Porches kolsch.
Anthem Cider's organic hops cider.
Departure's grilled scallop hand roll with coconut miso.
St. Jack's not so pretty but delicious chicken liver mousse with port poached prunes.
Laurelhurst Market's corned beef tongue reubens with a smoky bourbon cocktail. One of my favorites of the night.
And for dessert, 50 Licks soft serve churros and chocolate ice cream.
Stay tuned for next year's Taste of the Nation! Always delicious and always 100 percent to a great cause. www.portlandtaste.org