It’s hard to believe that Feast Portland is just a few short months away. It seems so recent that I attended 2017’s event, where I met so many incredible Portland foodies for the first time who have now become some of my great friends.
Of all the events that I attended at Feast last year, one sticks out in my mind most fondly: Night Market. It’s truly such a magical event that’s as much of a party as it is a food festival.
If you attend Night Market with an open mind, I guarantee you’ll leave with new friends. These friends might live down the street from you or across the country, and they might even be some of the talented chefs who are cooking up magical experiences during Feast weekend.
Nestled in Zidell Yards on the Willamette River in SW Portland, the location is unique and perfect for such a joyous event. Last year, the event had a Latin theme, so I sipped tequila and slurped ceviche. This year, I’m even more excited about the theme: Ring of Fire.
For me, this means Hawaiian pig, tropical fruit, and spicy chiles, but I’m sure the chefs are going to bring some flavors you’ve never tried before and blow your mind. There are a few chefs I’m most excited to sample bites from.
- Carlo Lamagna, currently of Magna and most commonly known as Twisted Filipino. I’ve been able to try Carlo’s food a few times and loved every single experience. Close friends of mine commisioned him to roast a whole pig for Thanksgiving last year. And the Lecho was crispy, juicy, and perfect. It was also the first time I’ve tried a whole roasted pig! Next, he hosted a pop-up with Shipwreck PDX where I was able to try more of his work. I’ve been completely impressed every time.
- Diego Galicia of Mixtli in San Antonio. I’m always hyped for Texas-based chefs at Feast Portland. It’s my neck of the country, and home to some of my most memorable meals. I loved reading about how he ate his way through Mexico last year as inspiration for his menu. Also, his Instagram bio touts his strong sneaker game, so I think we’d get along nicely.
- Andrew Le of The Pig & the Lady in Honolulu. He’s coming all the way from Hawaii to cook at Feast! Enough said. I’ve drooled over his soft serve and noodles on their Instagram page.
To get you hyped for this year’s Night Market, here’s a look back at my experience last year.
Feast Night Market Highlights
A quick scan of your ticket and you’ll walk into another world hidden inside of the Portland you know and love. You’ll find a DJ spinning party tunes, strings of sparkly lights, libations being poured and clinked, and wafting smells that will surely snag your attention. Welcome to Night Market at Feast Portland.
I so vividly remember the first thing I tried at Night Market last year. Why? Well, it was a cannabis-fed pig roasted by none other than Chef Vitaly Paley himself. What’s more Portland than that?
And the good tastes didn’t stop there. But first – a drink! Oregon Berries muddled together to make a totally sippable sangria to enjoy while I tasted around the event.
Followed by queso – of course!
Feast introduces a lot of nationally known chefs to Portland, and Night Market was no exception. Two of my favorite bites from the evening were from Philadelphia and New York City outposts – an incredible crab rangoon from Greg Baxtrom of Olmsted and a tart, soft berry-dusted doughnut from Federal Doughnuts.
And a quick stop for another drink. I also recall taking a shot of Don Julio tequila that night, but I definitely didn’t pause for a photo.
After a few drinks and full belly, the sun set on a perfect evening in Portland. The volume turns up a bit after a few more drinks and a few new friends. You’ll hear the crowd buzzing with after-party plans and discussions on what the best bite of the night was. And the collective agreement among my group for the night was, yes, we have to come back for this next year.
Tickets for Feast Portland are on sale now! If this post peaked your interest in Night Market, you’re in luck. Tickets are still available for this event! Get them quickly before they sell out.
If you’re on a budget, Feast has expanded their Fun Size Event option this year as well. These events are smaller and more intimate than some of the bigger events like Smoked and Night Market. These events are more of a niche event around a specific topic. But as with everything Feast, only the best and brightest chefs, purveyors, brewers, and winemakers will be on hand.
Have you attended Feast Portland before? Are you attending this year? Leave a comment below and let me know!
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