Best Dressed #FeastPDX {Night Market, Smoked, Brunch Village and Team Feast}

Hello again!! Were you able to catch yesterday's 'best dressed' list from Feast's Sandwich Invitational, OGBT and the amazing volunteers?? I was lucky enough to experience even more events and try some truly memorable bites at Night Market, Smoked and Brunch Village. The best part?? I got to spend some quality time with Team Feast - a group of kind, funny, generous and inspiring folks.

Best Dressed: Night Market

A favorite Feast event, Night Market is all about casual street food, beautiful views and brilliant takes on simple bites.

Kachka's Lamb Pelmeni with Adjeki Butter and Pickled Pears

Better known as the dish that Michelle and I instantly scooped up three servings of. These pillows of ground meat were perfectly seasoned in a creamy sauce topped with a dollop of fancy sour cream. Pretty much my dreams come true. 

Nogoduro's Tomato Su

While a simple dish this complex vinegar-tomato broth bathing a creamy piece of mozzarella has truly stuck with me. I loved the simplicity of the dish and comforting flavors. It doesn't hurt that Chef Roadhouse was such a sweetheart! I really enjoyed chatting with him and learning about the dish!

Portland

Portland's brand new Tilikum Crossing was in all her glory, with a stunning cotton-candy sunset and the city lights reflecting off the Willamette, making Zidell Yards the perfect setting for Night Market!

Best Dressed: Smoked
Feast's newest event is an absolute A+++ I was absolutely blown away by this upscale BBQ in the Pearl. I really loved the layout of Field's Park and the smart pairing of food with wineries and breweries. I absolutely plan on attending this event in 2016.

Photo Courtesy Rebekah Hubburd

Paul Kahan's Beef Tongue Fettunta 

Smoked salmon roe, calabrian chili aoili, scallion, sesame seed, pickled mushroom & rye berry bread. This dish actually had me asking Chef Kahan to move to Portland. I even offered to get pedicures and invite his wife to lady's night. THAT is how much I loved this dish. 

Jose Chesa's Smoked Moruno-spiced pork belly, green lentil puree, escalivada, black olives and pork crackling

This dish was rich, fatty and extremely flavorful - everything I would expect from Ataula's leading man. It was certainly my favorite pork belly dish of the entire night. 

Castagna's Corn, Clam, Pork

I thought this was by far the most crave-worthy and attainable dish of the night! Something I really love about Feast is the inspiration it brings into my own kitchen. This paired three simple, yet powerful, ingredients together into a perfect triad of flavor!

Best Dressed: Brunch Village
Any foodie event MUST have brunch offerings. Brunch Village is the perfect way to end a truly spectacular weekend! If you can only attend one Feast event, attend Brunch Village!

Brad Farmerie's Turkish Eggs

A perfectly coddled egg in a buttery-chili bath over greek yogurt with french bread. Yes, we can take a moment for you to go to the grocery store to make this at home. This was the clear star of Brunch Village, and for good reason! I absolutely loved how the yolk mixed together with yogurt to create a creamy sauce that was perfect for dipping. 

Frice's Biscuits + Gravy Madeleines

I am a HUGE fan of Frice Pastry and was so excited to see her at Feast. This savory twist on a classic french dessert truly honored what she is about as a pastry chef. I loved the creamy sauce with freckles of flavorful sausage over a buttery, herb-infused bite.

Best Dressed: Team Feast + LGP
Without Carrie, Mike, Emily and their amazing teams at Feast and Little Green Pickle there wouldn't be this amazing event! They spend the entire year working towards such a fantastic event. And even under pressure they are kind, gracious and so excited to be there!

Best Dressed #FeastPDX {Sandwich Invitational, OGBT and Teams}

If you have been reading Martha Chartreuse for awhile, or have been following me on social media, you know that I just attended Feast located in downtown Portland. A true celebration of food, the festival brings in some of the best chefs in the country, highlights the region's bountiful produce, and collaborates with some of the most innovative makers in all the land.

Over four days I attended Sandwich Invitational, Oregon Grand Bounty Tasting, Night Market, Smoked and Brunch Village!! Not to mention all of the amazing after parties and special events. I left with a full tummy, amazing memories and a really mushy heart. I really did have such an amazing time and am already looking forward to the 2016 festivities! September 15th through the 18th, in case you are marking the calendar!

Now let the reviews commence, Fashion Police Style!

Best Dressed: Sandwich Invitational
The first official event for Feast, Sandwich Invitational is a casual sandwich competition at Director's Park in the heart of downtown. With 15 options you can easily eat almost 6 full sandwiches. I teamed up with Erin, Mary and Michelle to share bites.

{Photo Courtesy of Mary Warrington}

Ice Cream Sandwich from Departure

I absolutely lost my mind over this ice cream sandwich. I compared it to artisan love child of snickers and butterfingers.

Egg Slut

I was most excited to try Alvin Cailan's creation! Egg Slut's mastermind did not disappoint with this "Egg Dip" sandwich - slow roasted pork shoulder, whites and herbs in a warm baguette with an egg yolk dipping sauce. This was the most comforting dish served on the best bread. I keep researching how I can make this at home.

Best Dressed: Oregon Grand Bounty Tasting
Held on both Friday and Saturday, Oregon Grand Bounty Tasting highlights some of the best makers and artisans in the Northwest! Wineries, beers, cheeses, spreads, produce. Name it, you'll find it!

Fabulous wine from Evolution - one of my favorites!

I Love Annie Pies

If Instagram (#feastpdx) is any indication, these s'mores pies from Annie Pies were a crowd favorite. The salty, crunch crust was perfect with the smoky topping and rich, dark chocolate filling. 

Not pictured, Allium's Octopus Farro Risotto was amazing!! The flavors were fresh with a creamy sauce and perfectly cooked octopus.

Best Dressed: Sentinel Hospitality Lounge + Volunteers
What really makes Feast so amazing is all of the people! Every event is staffed and support by so many wonderful, cheery and outgoing volunteers. They keep things running smoothly and provide guests with an outstanding experience!

{Photo courtesy of Feast}

Bloggers, press, media and chefs had access to a really amazing hospitality lounge at the Sentinel Hotel. Orchestrated by Lindsay, the space was relaxing, refreshing and the perfect space to chat with other bloggers. It truly embodied what hospitality is!

Krusteaz Brinner {Savory Pancake Casserole}

I love brinner. You know, breakfast for dinner. I've thrown entire dinner parties themed around bloody mary's and bacon. #hostesswiththemostess So when Krusteaz reached out (generous provider of pancake mix) and asked if I would be interested in writing a brinner post I jumped at the chance. Why? Well, I love brinner. And, because I actually use Krusteaz products.

Growing up, my dad was in charge of breakfast and school drop-off. He was all about 'leaning in' and being a parent before it was a thing. At least two days a week he would make chocolate chip pancakes using Krusteaz mix. On extra special occasions he would even spell things with the chocolate chips. Meaning I have a 25+ year relationship with the brand! Obviously longer than anything Coffee Meets Bagel has brought into my life.

Today's recipe is an easy and yummy savory casserole that takes less than 20-minutes to make! A cheesy pancake base topped with flavorful sausage, eggs and more cheese. The green onions are also a crucial ingredient to brighten up the flavors and make the dish a bit more colorful. Whether you are a bachelorette or busy family this makes for an ideal brinner meal!

#ThursdayToursPDX {#FeastPDX}

As you probably know #FeastPDX is finally here!! Erin and I will both be attending the amazing food festival taking place in Downtown Portland! While we plan on spending plenty of time at all of the events, we will certainly be hanging out around town. This will include refreshments, healthy snacks and even some excercise. 

Today, Erin is sharing her Portland musts to survive the weekend. Be sure to head over to Bakery Bingo for my #FeastPDX Portland recommendations!

And be sure to follow myself (@merecdavison) and Erin (@bakery_bingo) on Instagram to keep up with us this weekend!

What's In My Bag {Feast PDX}

Hello and happy Feast Week!! Pretty much New York Fashion Week for Foodies! I am busy preparing for a hectic five days of parties and festivities with some of my favorite people. Knowing it will be a wild week, with long days away from the house, and realllllly late nights followed by early mornings, I want to make sure I am prepared and ready. That means a well packed bag with all of the necessities.

iPhone 6  So I can post on Instagram, Snapchat (merecdavison) and order an Uber!
Jackery  Absolutely necessary to keep my phone charged!
Tums  It is called Feast for a reason; #allthefood
Listerine Personally I find Listerine to be far superior to gum or breath mints when keeping things fresh!
Maybeline Age Rewind Eraser Hands down the best concealor I have ever used. This will certainly counter all of the late nights!
BandAids  Two words: heel blisters
Pro-Nu Anti-Aging Collagen Masks I've been using these on a weekly basis and they are the best defense to long days, sleepless nights and puffy, dehydrated face. I love to keep these in my fridge and wear them overnight.
Urban Decay RevolutionLipstick in Catfight  If you ever want to feel and look pulled together and only have 30-seconds, look no further than this perfect plum-red lipstick.
Kiehl's Hand Salve You'd better believe that if I meet Andrew Knowlton or Ruth Riechel my hands will be supple. Supple, I tell you!
Hand Sanitizer  Again, I will be shaking a lot of hands.
Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray  This is the best setting spray I have ever used. This holds up against rain, 100 degree temps, and very long days.
Ibuprofen  Open bar.
Urban Decay Naked Basics  My favorite eye shadow palette of all-time.
Urban Decay Flushed Being photo ready is a must for such a festive event with so many friends.

Not Pictured
Tide To-Go Pen  I have a strong feeling this will come in handy at Sandwich Invitational. PS- there are still a handful of tickets available!!
Yogi Blueberry Slim Life Green Tea  A great way to debloat. I drink a cup of this every morning.
Blog Cards Because Andrew Knowlton will obviously want to email me.
Canon Rebel t5  The DSLR I shoot with!

A special thanks to Jackery and Urban Decay for the products!

As Seen On Instagram {8.1}

Friends, my most recent post, As Seen On Instagram {Take Eight}, was really more of a part one in a two part series. After looking through the post I realized I left out so many great memories and experiences from this summer. I didn't even link to my Instagram account!! Clearly I was far too relaxed and zenned out when writing that post! 

Shishito peppers, peaches and tomatoes dominated my summer diet.

Veggies!!

Slightly posed, but she was reading cookbooks with me.

For when I don't feel like wearing makeup!

Frice is nice!

Olympia Provisions now has a Friday hot dog cart downtown.

Grilled pizza and wine party with the gals!

Portland, you're pretty!

Toast!!!!

As Seen On Instagram {Take Eight}

We could also call this post: A summer recap!! How is it possible that Labor Day has come and gone? After such a hot, busy, and, at times, stressful summer I am very excited for fall. How was your summer? What do you have planned for this fall? 

Moscow Mules!!!

Hiking in Forest Park with Olivia, Daisy and Athena.

I made the FIRST HOLE-IN-ONE at 19th Hole!!

Trying to cool down with my #1

Eating buckets of mussels with Bee

Still working on this book.

I coordinated a 3rd of July food and bar crawl! Patriotic temporary tattoos included!

Athena always stops and smells the flowers!

Portland Cello Project's Extreme Dance Party to celebrate ME's Birthday!

#ThursdayToursPDX {Lunch + Brunch Mashup}

I can't believe that Erin and I started the #ThursdayToursPDX almost 4-months ago! It has been such an honor to have some or Portland's best bloggers and tastemakers share their recommendations! Are you enjoying the series? Are there any topics you would like us to cover? We would love to hear from you.

In previous posts the lovely Mary Ellen shared her favorite brunch spots in Portland and Natalie let us know the best lunch spots in NW Portland! And today Erin is sharing her favorite lunch and brunch spots! I have a feeling your weekend plans will include a lot of morning and afternoon meals.

And if you would like to know my favorite spots head on over to Bakery Bingo!!

Hello Martha Chartreuse readers! It’s been a while since I’ve been over here sharing my favorites for #ThursdayToursPDX. Here are my go-tos for the midday meals: lunch and brunch!

Brunch: Who doesn’t love a good brunch? I mean, it’s Portland, so dumb question, everyone does.

Beast – 5425 NE 30th & Killingsworth: If you’ve got a special occasion and want to go big, get reservations at Naomi Pomeroy’s acclaimed restaurant. With 5 courses, this is no light-weight meal. If you want to experience a long, decadent start to your day, this is how to do it. It’s got everything: something sweet to start like a clafoutis with whipped crème fraiche and candied bacon, something savory like the Beast Hash with a stunning poached egg and braised pork belly, an immaculate cheese course, a crisp salad, and then of course a chocolatey dessert to finish it all off. As it’s reservations-only, there’s obviously no wait needed.

Sweedeedee – 5202 N Albina & Sumner: This place on the other hand will likely always have a line. Even if you go on a weekday, there is typically a wait. But trust me, it is worth it. And it really isn’t so bad. You place your order, then wait for a table. Once you get seated (usually 20-40 minutes for a table for 2-4), voila! Your food appears! And the food. So good! I love it all. Their freshly baked pastries and quick breads. Their homemade thick-cut breads that are beautifully toasted, alongside eggs or salads. The corn cakes served with rich maple syrup and slices of bacon. And man oh man, that salted honey pie, definite must-have.

Lunch: I am a big fan of a good lunch outing. Why bother prepping the night before when you can have someone make you a fantastic meal instead? There are so many awesome options out there. But if I have it my way, here are the two that never let me down:

Bollywood Theater – 2039 NE Alberta or 3010 SE Division: I love their Indian street food. Plus the space is super fun and unique with lots of Indian paraphernalia and old Bollywood movies playing on a big screen. I absolutely love the Kati Roll, like an Indian burrito. I get it with paneer cheese, a thick house made cheese, mixed in with egg pickled onion, cabbage, and green chutney all rolled in a perfectly flaky, chewy paratha flatbread. It is giant but I can never get myself to stop eating, no matter how full I am. I also really like their “Poor Man’s Burger” of Mumbai called the Vada Pav, a spicy potato dumpling, dipped in chickpeas then lightly fried. It is served on the fluffiest of buns.

Addy’s Sandwich Bar – SW 10th & Yamhill: Ever since this place was a food cart whipping out, I’ve been in love with Addy’s.  They now have a brick-and-mortar near the downtown library and it seems like the secret is out on this place. When I popped in a couple days ago, it was swarmed with workers taking a midday break. Not to work, like any good downtown lunch spot, they are quick. For sandwiches, my pick is the tuna sandwich on the best of Little T Baker baguettes. It isn’t overly mayonnaised (that is the worst) and comes with a hard-boiled egg on top. I also love their “Power Salad” where you can choose from any two side salads mixed together then topped with sunflower seeds, avocado and a hard-boiled egg. My go-to is the kale and quinoa salad mixed with the chickpeas, so good.