Bite into Oregon’s Bounty

July 24, 2015 (Updated April 28, 2016)
The Bite of Oregon celebrates its 33rd anniversary August 12-14, 2016 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland.
Advertisements

Bite of Oregon is the largest culinary event in the state and annually draws more than 50,000 friends, families and foodies who descend to Portland’s Waterfront Park with the same goal in mind: to celebrate Oregon’s bounty. In 2016, the Bite celebrates its 33rd anniversary August 12-14 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Tickets are only $5 and all proceeds generated from the Bite of Oregon directly benefit Special Olympics Oregon. Here’s your guide to what you can expect to find at this year’s event.

Eat

Plates for the People is a food series where event attendees will have the opportunity to sample more than 40 specially crafted plates from each of the participating restaurants for $5 or less. “Plates for the People” will give attendees the opportunity to sample multiple dishes before they commit to a main dish or get too full — a food festival-goer’s worst nightmare.

Bite of Oregon welcomes back the popular Oregon Bounty Chef’s Table, where ACF Pro Chefs of Oregon partner with Oregon’s various agriculture commissions to prepare locally‐sourced, gourmet bites for only $5. In 2015 the Chef’s Table featured the Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission, Oregon Potato Commission, Oregon Blueberry Commission, Seafood Oregon Commission, Oregon Dairy Commission, Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission and the Oregon Beef Council.

We all know that no culinary event is complete without a little appetizing competition. Every year, leading chefs and mixologists from around the state compete for the traditional (and fiercely‐coveted) titles of Oregon’s Iron Chef and Iron Mixologist.

Drink

Whether your drink of choice is a craft beer, a glass of world‐class Pinot, a crisp hard cider, a locally‐distilled spirit, or a freshly squeezed juice, the Bite offers ample liquid assets from the state’s biggest and best producers. SE Wine Collective, a unique, multifaceted urban winery in Portland, returns as the official host of the Wine Bar. In addition, more than 25 breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries from around the state will pour delicious craft beverages to help quench thirsts and tantalize palates.

And Be Merry (While Supporting a Great Cause)

The Bite is fun for everyone. Two music stages located on opposite ends of the festival host more than 30 of the state’s best live bands, ensuring an enjoyable experience no matter where you find yourself. For families, the Bite offers a variety of entertaining activities including a stage with hourly interactive performances, arts and crafts projects and face painting among other kid-friendly activities.

Editor’s note: In addition to working on Travel Oregon’s Communications Team, Allison Keeney assists Special Olympics Oregon/Bite of Oregon with PR and Marketing.

About The
Author

Allison Keeney
Allison Keeney is a part of Travel Oregon's Communications team. You'll find this native Oregonian exploring the many wonders of her home state, savoring the bounty of local craft beverages and eateries, dancing at concerts, and enjoying the company of friends, family and her sweet pup Ember.