It's no secret that Portland has made its name in the national food scene over the last few years. We boast a rich local culinary scene, and many Portland dishes and restaurants have been national break-out stars. You may even be visiting Portland having heard of our gastronomic reputation, and ready to binge on all of Portland's most famous foods. You won't be disappointed–Portland’s food scene celebrates diversity and variety; and behind every restaurant and dish, there is a story, making each experience unique and memorable.

1. Nong's Khao Man Gai: Khao Man Gai 

Khao Man Gai—*Photo courtesy of Nong's Khao Man Gai

Arguably amongst the original wave of Portland's famous foods is Nong's Khao Man Gai. Born in the Portland food cart scene, owner Nong Poonsukwattana brought her family's dish of chicken and rice to Portland in 2009, after arriving in 2003 with just $70 and a suitcase. Over time, she expanded to a couple of carts in the downtown area before opening two permanent locations (the last of the original food carts closed down in 2018). She has since been a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest and won the Food Network's ‘Chopped’ in 2014. 

Make Sure You Try:

What makes Nong’s food so special is that the whole menu is focused around one dish - Khao Man Gai. A dish that has been perfected in flavor—from the poached chicken to the rice, to the accompanying side dishes. She poaches free-range chickens and reserves bones for stock, which is then used to infuse the jasmine rice, of which she uses the highest quality.  It took Nong over a year of testing to get the recipe just right.

The chicken is served either on a plate or wrapped in thick white paper with fresh cucumbers and cilantro. On the side, a soup made from chicken stock and winter squash, and a bowl of Nong’s tasty Khao Man Gai sauce - a soy, ginger, and garlic sauce. If you can’t get enough of it, you can buy your own sauce at grocery stores throughout Portland. 

Nong takes pride in using the highest-quality ingredients in her food and the result shows. Over the last decade, she's taken a simple dish and turned it into a steadfast staple in the Portland comfort food scene. Here at Forktown, we eat this dish regularly, serve it on some of our itineraries, and crave it in between!

Address: 
Downtown: 417 S.W. 13th Ave. 
Eastside: 609 SE Ankeny St, Suite C

2. Blue Star Donuts: Blueberry Bourbon Basil & Orange Olive Oil

Blueberry Bourbon Basil—*Photo courtesy by Blue Star Donuts.

Olive Oil Blood Orange—*Photo courtesy by Blue Star Donuts.

Opened in 2012, Blue Star Donuts rattled the Portland donut scene in town, originally dominated by the famous Voodoo Donuts. They've since become so popular in Portland that they have spread to other cities from Los Angeles to Tokyo, and have been featured in many publications such as Vogue, Forbes, and the ever-great Portland Monthly. CEO, and owner, Katie Poppe has been the recipient of many awards including Oregon’s Most Admired Company, EO’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and a regional finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. She has co-founded and opened over 30 restaurants, which also includes local Little Big Burger and Boxer Ramen. 

The shops are clean and cute, with white tile everywhere and wooden countertops, and with stools facing the full-height windows. But the real secret to this shop's popularity lies in their little delicious donuts. Blue Star uses local, seasonal ingredients—fresh fruits, herbs, spices, and even liquors come together in unconventional combos that intrigue the palate.  My two absolute favorites are the Blueberry Bourbon Basil and the Olive Oil Blood Orange donuts (pictured above).

Make Sure You Try:

Blueberry Bourbon Basil
This donut is a combination of fresh sweet blueberries, fresh fragrant basil, and good local bourbon, which adds an irresistible caramel flavor.

Olive Oil Orange 
A fresh twist on the powdered sugar donut, a lightly sweet orange-vanilla cake that's coated with a house-made high-quality olive oil powder that has been fused with spices and fennel. It's a total sleeper hit.

Address: 
Blue Star has over EIGHT locations all over the Portland Metro Area. Find the one nearest you here.

3. Pok Pok:  Ike's Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings

*Photo courtesy of Pok Pok

**Sadly, Pok Pok has closed for good during the 2020 pandemic. Portland will always owe a debt of gratitude to Andy Ricker who introduced us to a whole range of Thai dishes unfamiliar to most Americans and helped put Portland’s culinary scene on the map. I personally loved Pok Pok, had many amazing meals there, and made countless memories with my family and friends. You can get a small taste of Pok Pok with one of Andy’s 3 cookbooks, including Pok Pok: Food and Stories from the Streets, Homes, and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand (from Powell’s Books, where else?), or try your hand a the Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings, details below.

Owned by Andy Ricker, Pok Pok is a Thai street food restaurant—a small but intimate spot that serves the city's best Vietnamese fish sauce wings. Only one year after opening, Pok Pok was named "Restaurant of the Year" by The Oregonian (2007). They also won a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef, Northwest in 2011. Since then, they’ve opened three New York locations, one of which received a star in the 2015 Michelin Guide for New York City. 

Make Sure You Try:
The Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings, consisting of a half-dozen fresh, whole and natural chicken wings marinated in fish sauce and sugar, deep-fried, and tossed in caramelized Vietnamese fish sauce and garlic. Served with Do Chua (pickled vegetables) on the side. These wings are the true definition of finger-licking good and are a regularly requested item at local social gatherings—I was just at a birthday party last month catered by Pok Pok, to everyone's delight! In 2013, the secret recipe of the famous sauce was finally declassified in the Pok Pok cookbook, along with other recipes and techniques for cooking Thai food in America, or find the recipe online at Portland Monthly.

4. EEM:  White Curry Brisket with Burnt Ends

Photo courtesy of Dina Avila/EPDX

Eem is the newest amongst jewel in Portland's crown on this list. Started as a pop-up venture in 2018, this one-of-a-kind collaboration between three Portland powerhouse chefs combines Thai flavors, Texas barbecue, and tropical cocktails served in colorful ceramic blowfish mugs or large brass-colored punch bowls. The restaurant made national best-new-restaurant lists and won “Restaurant of the Year” in the Oregonian in 2019. For months after their opening, there were lines out the door and when finally take your first bite, it's easy to see why. There's not a single dish on the menu that doesn't delight! 

The creative genius behind Eem includes: Earl Ninsom, co-owner, the man behind the Thai flavors; co-owner Matt Vicedomini, master of barbecue; Eric Nelson, co-owner, the powerhouse behind the drinks; and chef de cuisine Colin Yoshimoto. Between them, they own several other renowned Portland restaurants and food ventures, including Matt's BBQ, Hat Yai, Langbaan, and Mee Sen (Earl's original Portland restaurant and a stop on our Mississippi Tour) and have consulted or collaborated with many, many more. 

Make Sure You Try:

The White Curry Brisket Burnt Ends! A fatty brisket made with white curry, using white vinegar and sugar, topped with Matt's burnt ends, roasted cauliflower, and scallion. This dish is richer than should be legal and you'll be left wondering, "how?!" Pair it with an equally amazing cocktail like the, Mistakes were made... or the non-alcoholic Rock-Bottom Riser.

Address: 
3808 North Williams Avenue, OR 97227

5. Ox:  Bone Marrow Clam Chowder

Bone Marrow Clam Chowder—*Photo courtesy of Willamette Week

**Ox is currently closed due to the pandemic. Follow their Instagram account for opening updates.

Ox is a stylish Argentinian-inspired restaurant that serves local meats and fish cooked on a wood-fired grill. It was opened in 2012 by two chefs, Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez. In 2017, they won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest.  For years, they only took reservations for parties of 6 or more and the wait for a table without a reservation would be hours (yes, it is that good). Now you can make reservations for any sized party at Resy.com, and it's highly recommended that you do so. If you don't have  reservation, you can grab a seat at Whey Bar next door and order some drinks and snacks. While the grilled meats and seafood are the stars of the menu, Ox treats vegetables with equal consideration. I've found their vegetable dishes to be inspired and as delicious as the meats.

Make Sure You Try:

The dish to try is the Bone Marrow Clam Chowder. It’s a bowl with fresh clams still in their shells, spiced with jalapeño, served with smoky bone marrow, and topped with fresh-cut spring onions and parsley. It’s the perfect umami flavor.  Trust me on this!  It's not anything that grabs your attention on the menu immediately, but it's not to be overlooked.  

Address: 
2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

6. Expatriate:  Burmese Tea Leaf Salad

Photo courtesy by Yelp

Expatriate is a hip lounge with a candlelit bar, two turntables, and thrift-store decoration. Opened on July 11th, 2013, they serve Asian-inspired bites and swanky cocktails. Owners are Portland's power food couple – Kyle Webster, creator of the drink menu, and chef Naomi Pomeroy. In 2014, Naomi won a James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest for her restaurant across the street, Beast. The bar’s décor was inspired by their vacation trip to Corsica. Expatriate is just around the corner from my house, and it's a go-to in our family for late-night bar snacks. 

Make Sure You Try:

The Burmese Tea Leaf Salad. A national dish of Myanmar, featuring hard to find fermented tea leaves.  It's crunchy, salty, funky and delicious. 

Address: 
5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211

7. Canard: Steam Burger with Garlic Fries

*Photo courtesy of jeffsetter.com

*Photo courtesy of jeffsetter.com

Canard is a café by day and a wine restaurant by night, with a retro look and laid-back vibe. It’s a sister restaurant of Le Pigeon, which owners Gabriel Rucker and Andy Fortgang opened in April 2018. To their surprise, it was a huge success and was named Portland’s Best Restaurants in 2019 by Oregonian critic Michael Russell. Gabriel is also a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef.

Make Sure You Try:
For the perfect lunch, order Canard's famous Garlic Fries, sprinkled with gouda cheese, and a Steam Burger, Canard’s take on a White Castle style burger. It comes with a thin meat patty, American cheese, mustard, onions, and pickles. What makes the patty special is that it is blended with french onion soup base instead of griddled onions like most burgers.

Address: 
734 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

A BONUS FAVORITE! Yes, we promised you seven, but this list just wouldn't be complete without the following Forktown Favorite. A company that cares deeply about its food, from the beginning of the process to the moment it reaches your plate! 

8. Olympia Provisions: Spanish Charcuterie Board

Owned and established by Elias Cairo, in 2009, Olympia Provisions is Oregon’s first USDA-approved salumeria.  Their facility produces cured meats, including salamis, sausages, and pate, which they distribute locally and nationwide. They also have two restaurants by the same name, fast-casual restaurant Olympia Provisions Public House (featured often on our Division Street Tour) and a food cart, Melty Meaty (featured often on our Downtown Tour).  They have won many awards: fifteen Good Food Awards, "Best American Charcuterie" Award from Bon Appétit, and "Cutting Edge Butcher Shop" Award, from Food & Wine.

Make Sure You Try:

The Spanish Charcuterie Board
Try it at either location. It includes a mouthwatering array—including chorizo, ham, sausage, pickled peppers, cheese (Cana De Oveja or Manchego), and smoked and salted almonds.

Address:
SE 2nd & SE Washington
1632 NW Thurman St

Skim Through? Here's Your Recap!

1. Nong's Khao Man Gai: Khao Man Gai 
2. Blue Star Donuts: Blueberry Bourbon Basil & Orange Olive Oil
3. Pok Pok:  Ike's Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings
4. EEM:  White Curry Brisket with Burnt Ends
5. Ox:  Bone Marrow Clam Chowder
6. Expatriate:  Burmese Tea Leaf Salad
7. Canard: Steam Burger with Garlic Fries

Bonus!
8. Olympia Provisions: Spanish Charcuterie Board

There are plenty of remarkable dishes for you to try in Portland in 2020. Whether you are craving something sweet or spicy, Thai, Vietnamese, or local, the city offers a variety of amazing dishes to choose from.  My guests always ask what my favorite restaurant is, and it's so hard to pick. It really depends on my mood. Fancy French? Casual Italian?  Crazy Asian mashup cuisine?  Comfort food?  There's something for every mood and occasion. 

If you are interested in further exploring the Portland food and drink scene, we offer public and private tours. Up-scale restaurants, casual eateries, food carts—we have it all! Our Division Street food tour, which is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Portland, returns in the summer and you are welcome to join us!  We will explore urban wineries, authentic New Mexican food, Indian street snacks, Portland's favorite sausage & salami makers at Olympia Provisions, and much more. You'll love this unique and vibrant neighborhood! 
 
If you are interested in learning more about this tour or to book a spot, click here, and here to learn more about our other upcoming food tours.

NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But we are excited to join you when the city can safely re-open. Please consider purchasing a Forktown Food Tour Gift Certificate, redeemable for any future tour, and celebrate a healthy world with a hearty meal, with Forktown.

Portland is a hub for outdoor food courts, also referred to as "pods". On the north end of Mississippi Avenue, already one of the most vibrant dining and shopping neighborhoods in the city, you can find Prost! Marketplace—one of the originals. Now owned by Dan Hart who completely rejuvenated the space in 2019, it’s the pod that started the new wave trend of transforming pods into community spaces way back in 2009.  Originally called Mississippi Marketplace, it was one of the first to add lighting, communal tables, and a patio for diners to sit at and enjoy their meals.  We call it the first intentionally planned food cart pod in the city.   After Mississippi Marketplace opened, we saw a huge wave of growth in food cart pods in the city!

Boasting at least 10 top-end popular Portland food carts, Prost! The marketplace attracts locals and tourists alike—all year round. We've spent more time here than most, running our daily Mississippi Ave. Tour. Each tour features at least one of these fantastic food carts every day. But don't run off just yet—you can get a taste right here! We're breaking down which of Prost! Marketplace carts we think are the best, AND what we'd recommend you try if you've only got one chance!

Find Prost!Marketplace at:

Address: 4237 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217

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1. Matt’s BBQ

*Photo courtesy by Portland Mercury

Owner and cook, Matt Vicedomini, has been serving Portland Texas-style barbecue since 2015 when he opened his first food cart on NE Martine Luther King Jr Blvd. In 2018, he relocated to Prost! Marketplace and was named “Cart of the Year” by the Oregonian within a year. Among Matt’s mouthwatering dishes, there are a few that have earned local and national accolades such as his white-oak smoked ribs, brisket, and jalapeño cheddar sausage. It’s thanks to him that Oregon is beginning to develop its' own barbecue tradition. Vicedomini is also one of three partners at Eem on North Williams and has a second food cart on 3207 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd, dedicated to Tex-Mex breakfast tacos, that was opened on March 8th of this year. 

Make sure to try:
Whole Shabamwich – a hefty sandwich that’s stacked with pulled pork, sausages, brisket, AND a rib, with a side of coleslaw and pickles.

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2. Little Conejo

Photo courtesy of OregonLive.com

After the popularity of their taco shop in downtown Vancouver, owners Mychal Dynes and Mark Wooten, decided to also open a taco cart at Prost! Marketplace in 2018. They serve a variety of delicious creative tacos such as suadero and choriqueso, as well as cocktails and margaritas made with pressed citrus and handmade syrups.

What makes this taqueria so special is that Dynes and Wooten make their own handmade tortillas by grinding their own organic Mexican corn daily. By partnering up with a local farm, Phantom Rabbit, they use only the freshest ingredients in their dishes and beverages. 

Make sure to try:
Whatever you decide to order, make sure to try the tortillas. One of their most popular dishes, as mentioned above, is tacos with suadero (caramelized beef) and choriqueso (chorizo and cheese). All tacos are served with onion, cilantro, and salsa.

3. Bloodbuzz

*photo courtesy of Bloodbuzz

Bloodbuzz, named after a song by The National, is a cocktail and craft beer cart. Opened in 2018, it is that is owned by Post! Marketplace’s Dan Hart. Bloodbuzz focuses on drinks – enjoy coffee, cold brew cocktails, Bloody Mary and other morning drinks starting at 8 a.m. Followed by "crushable backyard barbecue cocktails” at lunch, which includes boozy slushies, an Aperol spritz, and its' Paloma version, made with Stiegl Grapefruit Radler instead of soda. They also serve unique domestic craft beers.

Make sure to try:  
 Their menu is full of fun cocktails to choose from -  give A Shot in the Arm a try if you are in the mood for coffee, which has amer, Campari and cold brew. Or if you’d like something fruity, Instant Crush—a mix of frozen Paloma with tequila, lime Steigl Grapefruit Radler.

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4. Koi Fusion

*Photo courtesy of Koifusionpdx.com

Located within Prost! Marketplace is another gem - Koi Fusion. Owned by Bo Kwon, this truck is serving grilled Korean-marinated meats such as bulgogi beef - sweet and tangy Korean style barbecue beef, grilled with onions - with fresh Mexican flavors. What you get are one-of-a-kind combinations that amaze the palate, such as kimchi (pickled fermented cabbage with garlic, onion, and ginger) quesadillas, spiced fries, slider rice bowls, cheesesteaks, tacos, bibimbap burritos, and many others. Using fresh local ingredients and family recipe Korean marinades, Koi’s emphasis on quality is of outmost importance. 

The truck was first opened in 2009 on SW 20th and Burnside, where it is still running to this day. Since then, the company has grown extensively, with multiple locations across Portland and an extensive catering and mobile truck department. They plan to continue to expand throughout Oregon and Pacific Northwest.

Make sure to try:
We often opt for the Kimchi Tacos, with bulgogi or kalbi beef but you'll have your choice of meat or tofu — made with pico de gallo, cabbage slaw, bean sprouts, cucumber, cilantro in a soft corn tortilla.

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5. Desi PDX

*Photo courtesy by PRP.

Desi PDX is THE cart for the best Indian fusion in Portland. Owner, Desi Deepak, serves classical Indian recipes with a modern twist - he blends Indian spices and flavors with Western cooking styles.

In Hindu, the name "Desi" has several meanings. One refers to a person of Indian descent, and the other to something being authentic. Deepak is from India and his cooking is organic and non-GMO and uses only locally & regionally sourced organic ingredients.  Deepak tries to source most of the vegetables within 20 miles of the cart. This is the only place you're going to find these carefully crafted fusions and when we say it's worth the visit, we mean it. 

Make sure you try:
The Cardamom Chai Chicken. It is made by bringing drumsticks in tea for 24 hours, after which they are steamed with tea. Once steamed, they are deep-fried in organic sunflower oil, and then tossed in coconut sugar. Served with toasted Cardamom salt on top of the caramelized glaze. These are a Forktown Mississippi Ave. Tour STAPLE. 

Another favorite dish is Pakora Waffle, traditionally an Indian fritter made with garbanzo bean flour. To add his own unique spin on it, Deepak turned the fritter into a waffle batter. The waffle is topped with a classic green chutney made with cilantro, chili peppers, and a hazelnut tamarind chutney.

Scrolled Straight to the Bottom? 

We've got you! Here's a quick recap of our top picks of food carts on Mississippi Ave.:

1. Matt’s BBQ (Texan BBQ)

2. Little Conejo (Mexican: Tacos)

3. Bloodbuzz (Libations)

4. Koi Fusion (Korean Fusion)

5. Desi PDX (Indian Fusion)

Find them at:

Address: 4237 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217

If you've already put Mississippi Ave. at the top of your to-see list, make the most of your visit with a Forktown Food Tour. *NOTE (COVID-19): TOURS WILL REOPEN WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. IN THE MEANTIME, YOU CAN PURCHASE A GIFT CERTIFICATE, REDEEMABLE AT ANY FUTURE DATE. We visit so many great spots on Mississippi Ave. that you shouldn't miss! We've got both public and private tours available featuring a mix of restaurants, food carts, dessert spots and local food artisans that we think make this neighborhood extra special. Mississippi Avenue is a historic and artsy neighborhood on Portland’s east side. It’s brimming with local shops, bars, and music venues. Cut the lines! Check out our tours here and purchase a gift certificate here!

“Winemaking is an artistic creation in which you deal with a variety of styles, colors, and inspiration, therefore, good wine, like good art, can evoke emotions, sensations and create an experience which leaves a lasting impression.”

— Giovanni Morassutti

Did you know that Georgia is considered the “Cradle of Wine”? Archaeologists have tracked the world’s first wines to the people of the South Caucasus, dating back all the way to 6,000 BC! We may literally have Georgia to thank for being the birthplace of arguably, the world's favorite libation.  While Georgia remains a relatively hidden gem, today's Georgian wines are becoming increasingly popular in the natural wine market. Their methods of vinification, including the use of clay vessels, called qvevri, for storage and fermentation, has put the country on the map as a leader in wine production. 

Here in Portland, Georgian restaurant and wine shop Kargi Gogo brings the treasures of the Caucasus region to the Pacific Northwest for all of us to share. And if you're curious to see what the hype is about, there are two great events coming up in March, right here in Portland where you can try Georgia's famous natural wines for yourself! 

Kargi Gogo After Dark: Wine Bar Pop-up

When: Saturday, March 7th from 9 to 11:30 PM
Where: 3039 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211
 
After the restaurant closes its doors for the day at 9 PM, the all-Georgian wine bar will open. There will be many wines that you've never seen on Kargi Gogo's daily glass pour list and this is an incredible chance to try new and rare wines. There will also be specialty flights featuring limited bottles and a special menu of drinking snacks.
 
Two of the specialty flights will feature wines from our friend Giorgi Natenadze, a Georgian winemaker whose wines are on the Forbes list of “Best Wines to Drink in 2020”. Natenadze lives in Samtskhe-Javakhet, historically known as Meskheti, the south part of Georgia, sharing a border with Turkey. This region was occupied for four centuries by Ottomans (Turks), who destroyed vineyards and villages, as well as all local endemic grape species. In 2009, Natenadze decided in to try to reclaim some of the area’s heritage and started to research, study, identify and multiply the oldest Meskhetian vines. As he says: "I have spent much of the past decade traipsing through mountain forests in search of ancient vines growing the way nature intended — up trees. I have found some vines that are more than 100 years old and one that I reckon are more than 400 years old”. The way he makes his wine is really quite unique – he forages and uses these grapes from 200-to-400-year-old wild vines.

Each year he makes a different wine from these ancient varieties at his wine cellar in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. His wines are very rare and limited; on average he produces 500 - 600 bottles (all from different grapes) in a year. His wines are made using the traditional Georgian winemaking method, in a qvevri, which makes the wine very harmonic and tasty with low alcohol and well-balanced acidity. This is an opportunity to taste Georgia's rich history right in your glass! 

Tasting Club: Sparkles & Bubbles

When: Wednesday, March 25th from 7 to 9 PM
Where: 3039 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211

Every 3-4 weeks Kargi Gogo hosts a Georgian Wine Tasting Club. This next one will focus on all of the amazing sparkling wines that are produced in Georgia using the traditional Champagne method wine; pet nat; white; rosé; red; dry; French oak; and Georgian qvevri. You will taste them all and learn about how each one is made. Every process is unique and fascinating. This is a casual affair, so the only requirement is to have fun and explore new wines!  Reservations are available right now for $29. There are only  five spots left, and they usually go pretty quickly—you can reserve your spot here.

Sparkling wines are fun and bubbly thanks to significant levels of carbon dioxide in them. There are many types – champagne, crémant, cara, prosecco, etc. The methods of production are as diverse as the wines produced—Georgia makes sparkling wine mainly in the traditional method, also called the 'Champagne' method. The traditionally made wines tend to be aged for longer and are more complex. In this process, a still wine is taken—fermented once already—and is fermented a second time. The second fermentation happens in the wine bottle itself - it traps carbon dioxide and begins to accumulate dead yeast cells, also called “lees”. While it might not sound very appetizing, these dead yeast cells are actually an essential part of what gives sparkling wine that “bubbly, rich, creamy texture and flavors of toast, pastry, brioche, and nuts”.

This is the event to attend to learn more about the traditional Georgian qvevri, mentioned above. These large egg-shaped clay vessels are used for fermentation and aging of grapes and are buried in the ground to conduct their magic. It’s a trend that has caught on around the world. Georgians are proud of their rich and historic winemaking culture, so much that qvevri has almost become the unofficial symbol of the country. The image of this vessel can be found from tea towels to t-shirts.

Though a fairly small producer, Georgia exports wine worldwide and U.S. sales have been growing rapidly. While it's great to enjoy wine at our local restaurants or at home, I think we can all agree that one of the best ways to appreciate this fine art is to visit the places and the vineyards where the wine comes from. 
 
We would like to invite you to experience it for yourself and join us this Fall for our Discover Georgia tour 2020. We've partnered with Kargi Gogo to bring you this incredible culinary and cultural adventure. Last year's tour was so much fun and we can’t wait to go back! Experience firsthand the warm hospitality, incredible food and wine, and breathtaking landscapes. 

Most activities will be based around food and wine, but we will also explore the historic and cultural highlights of each region, including Samtshke-Javakheti, where Giorgi Natenadze’s wines are from. We will also explore Tbilisi, the capital and the largest city in Georgia; Kartli, Signaghi and Telavi wine regions, and last but not least, Kazbegi, which is the most beautiful mountain region that has the country’s third-largest mountain, and it’s an absolutely breathtaking sight to see.

We’ll eat and drink our way around the country. We will get to know Georgia through every meal – their colorful explosion of flavors, textures, aromas and spices, local ingredients, classic preparations, and modern interpretations. We'll drink and dine with some of Georgia's most esteemed winemakers; learn to make all kinds of Georgian classic foods such as khinkali and khachapuri, explore an ancient cave city and the markets, meet locals and a lot of other fun things!

You can find a complete run-down of tour information here, but we’ve included a quick breakdown below.

When:  Sept 29th - October 9th, 2020
Duration:  10 nights, 11 days
Price: $4100 per person double room, $700 single supplement             
Deposit & Payment: $250 pre-deposit due immediately, 30% deposit due by April 1st, final payment due July 15th
Group Size: 8 - 12 guests
Locations: Tbilisi, Kartli, Signaghi & Telavi wine regions, Kazbegi, and Samtskhe-Javakheti 
Airports: Arrival & departure airport Tbilisi (TBS)

The price includes airport transfers, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, most meals, activities, walking tours, cooking classes, winery visits, and tastings, etc. However, keep in mind that the price does not include airfare. 

If you are interested in booking this tour, would like to reserve a spot or would like more information, email us at info@forktown.com. The tour is almost sold out, there are only 2 spaces left.  We would love for you to join us on this amazing trip of a lifetime!

In the meantime, we can’t wait to see you this month on March 7th and March 25th at these events and try one-of-a-kind Georgian wines with us! Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the merriness. Bolomde! (Bottoms up!)

Forktown owner Heidi Burnette inside a traditional Georgian qvevri , used to make wine

Traditional Georgian Qvevri pictured underground during the wine fermentation process. From our tour to Georgia in 2018

*pic courtesy of Travel Portland

It's here, it's here—it's finally here! March is upon us, and with it comes our favorite "holiday" here at Forktown Food Tours–Portland Dining Month! If you're anything like us, and we know you are—you keep a list of all the restaurants in Portland you're dying to try. Enter Portland Dining Month to make your bucket list a reality! Since 2009, Portland's finest chefs have been serving up four delicious weeks of dining deals. More than 130 of the best restaurants in Portland will offer specially-crafted 3-course meals for the delectable price of $33! Amazing, isn't it? But it gets better. This year, we're especially excited to see FIVE of our regular partners here at Forktown Food Tours highlighting their craft this month. Check out 5 of our favorite restaurants that should be at the top of your list during Portland Dining Month!

1. Ecliptic Brewing 

*pic courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing*

Ecliptic Brewing is an Oregon craft brewing icon, and owner and head brewer John Harris has been a ficture in the Oregon brew scene for over thirty years. They rotate their scratch-made menu every six weeks, always highlighting seasonal and local ingredients. Their brewhouse showcases several beer releases each year, ranging from modern and experimental brews to long-standing favorites. We visit Ecliptic on our weekend at Mississippi Ave. Tour, starting every Sunday at 1 p.m. For the Portland Dining Month, Ecliptic Brewing is serving up the best dishes on their unique menu at its' Mississippi location. Get a sneek peek below!

Visit Ecliptic Brewing at:
825 N Cook St, Portland, OR 97227

Menu:

First course (choose one):

Deviled eggs with boquerones
--or--
Broiled oysters with bacon and bay shrimp béchamel
--or--
Beets with pumpkin seeds and pecorino (vegetarian) (gluten-free) (vegan upon request)

Second course (choose one):

Ecliptic burger with pancetta, red onion, cave-aged gruyère, arugula and Russian dressing on a potato bun and served with fries
--or--
Beet melt sandwich with roasted beets, goat cheddar, Granny Smith apples, pickled onions and grain mustard on sourdough and served with fries (vegetarian)
--or--
Vegan classic burger with black bean-bulgur-walnut patty, tofu mayo, lettuce, onions and pickle on ciabatta and served with fries (vegetarian) (vegan)
--or--
Steamed mussels with tomato, helles lager, garlic, bonito, and grilled sourdough
--or--
Pan-roasted chicken with rice noodles, maitake mushrooms, hot and sour egg drop, chilies and almonds (gluten-free)

Third course (choose one):

Tiramisu (vegetarian)
--or--
Seasonal sorbet (gluten-free) (vegan)

Additional:

Meal includes one pint of beer and $10 gift card (redeemable upon future visits and not redeemable with any other promotions).

2. Nel Centro 

*picture courtesy of Nel Centro

Located in the center of Portland's Art District, Nel Centro resides in Hotel Zags. Their food has its’ roots in the French and Italian Riviera. Vines, olive and chestnut trees, and small kitchen gardens dot the countryside of both regions. An unusual degree of culinary inventiveness forms the basis for a resourceful, peasant cuisine. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and seafood are central to this food. You can visit Nel Centro on our Downtown Tour, available every day starting at 2 pm. For the Portland Dining Month Nel Centro crafted a savory array of their menu classics. All of these choices have the Forktown stamp of approval!

Visit Nel Centro At:
1408 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Reserve your meal at Nel Centro through this link and part of your contribution will go to support the Oregon Food Bank! Click here! 

MENU

First course (choose one):

Puree of potato and spring garlic soup
--or--
Mesclun greens with croutons and fresh herbs (vegetarian) (gluten-free) (vegan)

Second course (choose one):

Artichoke and ricotta cappellacci in lemon cream
--or--
Rotisserie chicken with heirloom potatoes, braised kale and pancetta vinaigrette (gluten-free)

Third course (choose one):

Ginger panna cotta with green apple gelee and molasses cookies
--or--
Housemade ice cream or sorbet (vegetarian) (gluten-free) (vegan)

3. Olympia Provisions

"Picture courtesy of Olympian Provisions" 

Oregon’s first USDA-approved salumeria, deeply rooted in the past. The European-inspired restaurant Olympia Provisions was established in 2009. Elias Cairo, grew up first generation Greek-American with a father who made charcuterie at home. Doing things the old-fashioned way was commonplace. Elias later journeyed to Europe to apprentice in the kitchens of masters. It was there that he rediscovered the art of curing meat and found inspiration in the markets and mountain towns of the old world. Everything they make is handcrafted naturally with the ultimate goal of quality. In order to achieve a finished product that tastes as good as it possibly can. 

For Portland Dining Month, Olympia Provisions will be hosting special menus at three of its locations. We visit Olympia Provisions Public House on our Division St. Tour, coming back this June and running every Thursday at 2 p.m. 

Visit Olympia Provisions - Northwest at: 

1632 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97209
Reserve your meal at Olympia Provisions Southeast through this link and part of your contribution will go to support the Oregon Food Bank! Click here! 

MENU

First course (choose one):

Late winter lettuces with pickled raisins and grain mustard vinaigrette (vegetarian)
--or--
Creamy sauerkraut and potato soup with croutons and dill-caraway oil (vegetarian)

Second course (choose one):

Grilled sausages with tarbais beans, rapini and salami broth
--or--
Smoked Sauvie Island trout risotto with red onion, caper and fromage blanc
--or--
Tafelspitz with braised beef rump, roasted roots, bone marrow and horseradish-applesauce
--or--
Risotto with red onion, caper and fromage blanc (vegetarian)

Third course (choose one):

S’mores pudding with chocolate mousse, burnt marshmallow cream and graham crust
--or--
Pacific Beach pie with lemon, saltines and whipped cream

Additional:

Optional charcuterie flight $5
Sommelier’s wine pairings $22

Visit Olympia Provisions - Southeast at: 

107 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214
Reserve your meal at Olympia Provisions Southeast through this link and part of your contribution will go to support the Oregon Food Bank! Click here! 

MENU

First course (choose one):

Marinated corona beans with herbs, white anchovy and green olive (vegetarian)
--or--
Catalogna chicories with radicchio, Portland Creamery chèvre and walnut vinaigrette (gluten-free)

Second course (choose one):

Pan-roasted chicken thigh with swiss chard and sunchoke cream (gluten-free)
--or--
Lingcod with fried potatoes, leeks, chorizo and aioli
--or--
Spaetzle gratin with spring mushroom, aged white cheddar and bread crumb (vegetarian)

Third course (choose one):

S’mores pudding with chocolate mousse, burnt marshmallow cream and graham crust (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
--or--
Pacific Beach pie with lemon, saltines and whipped cream (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)

Additional:

Add charcuterie course for $5
Add wine pairing for $22

Visit Olympia Provisions Public House at: 

Division/Clinton
3384 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

MENU

First course:

Fitness salat with radish, carrot, beet and winter lettuce

Second course:

Fondue Neuchatel with emmental and gruyère in white wine sauce, kielbasa and accompaniments

Third course:

Bavarian cream with red currant glaze and black pepper shortbread crumble

4. Q Restaurant and Bar 

*pic courtesy of Q Restaurant & Bar

Q Restaurant & Bar is a chef-driven restaurant in the heart of downtown Portland. They specialize in hyper-seasonal food produced locally. Their menu inspiration pulls from their staff’s diverse background, which allows them to have an ever-changing and unique menu selection. They maintain a relationship with local purveyors, producers, and growers, which is reflected not only in their dishes, but also in their craft cocktails, wine, and beer selections. We visit Q on your Downtown Tour, running daily Monday-Saturday at 2 p.m. For Portland Dining Month Q staff is crafting a menu that lives up to their reputation with the freshest and most seasonal ingredients. This menu has us fantasizing about cozy nights in the Tuscan countryside.

Visit Q Restaurant & Bar At:

828 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

MENU

First course:

Tuscan roasted garlic soup with pecorino and sage

Second course:

Crispy duck confit with winter greens, dried cherry salad, candied walnuts, peppered chèvre, port wine vinaigrette, and brioche

Third course:

Tiramisu with chocolate pistachio biscotti crumbs

5. Southpark Seafood

*Picture courtesy of Southpark Seafood

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Southpark Seafood is a contemporary Northwest seafood restaurant proudly home to the city's largest selection of oysters. The restaurant is a proud partner of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood program and PDX Seafood. All of the seafood they sell is fished or farmed in ways that minimize their environmental impact. This is one of the many reasons we choose to partner with them on our Downtown Tours and have done so for many years.

Visit Southpark Seafood at:

901 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR 97205
Reserve your meal at Olympia Provisions Southeast through this link and part of your contribution will go to support the Oregon Food Bank! Click here! 

MENU

First course (choose one):

Mixed greens salad with spring vegetables, hazelnuts, olive oil and Katz’s sauvignon blanc vinegar (vegetarian) (vegan) (gluten-free)
--or--
Beet salad with fennel, blue cheese, pistachio brittle, arugula and Katz’s zinfandel vinegar (vegetarian) (vegan) (gluten-free)
--or--
Brussels sprouts with gochujang, cilantro, and peanuts (vegetarian)
--or--
Clam chowder with braised bacon and gnocchi (gluten-free option available)

Second course (choose one):

Steelhead with chorizo, hominy stew, lacinato kale and lime zest (gluten-free)
--or--
Spicy shrimp and grits with árbol cream and garlic (gluten-free)
--or--
Beet and goat cheese ravioli with orange, black pepper, arugula and walnuts (vegetarian)
--or--
Painted Hills Flat Iron with Calabrian chili, hazelnuts, broccoli and red onion (gluten-free)
--or--
Hominy stew with lacinato kale and lime zest (vegan)

Third course (choose one):

Lemon cheesecake with lemon curd, blueberry sorbet, ginger oat crumble and almond Florentine
--or--
Cookie plate with assorted homemade cookies
--or--
Chocolate flourless cake with brownies, caramel, cocoa nib cookies, hazelnut gelato, and hazelnut brittle (gluten-free)
--or--
Two scoops sorbet (vegan) (gluten-free)

When Portland Dining Month rolls around, it's hard to decide whom to prioritize. We love these food creators for their ingenuity, consistency and true dedication to the Portland food community. That's why we bring out guests there on a daily basis, and that's why you'll be sure to find us in the seat next to you, tucking in our napkins when dinner time rolls around!

If you want to check out one of our tours, where we take guests to the best restaurants, food carts and artisans in Portland, head to our website to learn more today! 

Portland Dining Month and the Oregon Food Bank

Travel Portland has been donating a portion of the proceeds from Portland Dining Month to the Oregon Food Bank for the last 9 years, “Since 2011, Portland Dining Month has raised $29,263.20 for Oregon Food Bank, or roughly the equivalent of 87,790 meals,” Oregon Food Bank Corporate and Community Relations Officer Yan Medice reported in February 2020.

Every time you make a reservation through Travel Portland's Open Table links (linked above where available), they'll donate to Oregon Food Bank. The Oregon Food Bank is a nonprofit organization committed to helping eliminate hunger and its causes by bringing the community together to provide better food, education, and hope to people in need. So you're not only enjoying the mouthwatering experience, but you'll also make a huge and positive difference in the community. 

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Forktown Food Tours is Portland’s oldest operating culinary tour company. We’ve been helping you cut the line at PDX’s top restaurants, food carts and artisanal food shops since 2009! Daily tours led by local guides sharing Portland’s unique history and stellar food scene. Learn more about Forktown Food Tours here.

Discover Georgia with Forktown Food Tours

Tucked between the Black Sea and the Caucasus mountains dotted with secluded villages….

Tucked between the Black Sea and the Caucasus mountains dotted with secluded villages you’ll find Georgia—a tiny country at the intersection of Europe and Asia. And this year is your chance to explore its pristine beauty and historic culture and cuisine with Forktown Food Tours!

On our Discover Georgia tour, every meal is an explosion of flavors, colors, textures, aromas, local ingredients, classic preparations, and modern interpretations. We'll drink and dine with some of Georgia's most esteemed winemakers; learn to make Khinkali, Khachapuri, and other classic Georgian food, climb around an ancient cave city; wander through the markets and so much more.

We've partnered closely with our favorite Georgian restaurant in Portland—Kargi Gogo, to bring you this exciting adventure. Forktown Food Tours owner, Heidi has 15 years of experience in creating and hosting guided tours all over the world from Portland to Italy to China and now to Georgia while Sean Fredericks of Kargi Gogo spent three years living in Georgia with the Peace Corps, soaking up every ounce of Georgian food, wine, and culture and is now co-owner of one of the hottest restaurants here in Portland, Oregon.  You can find a complete run-down of tour information here, but we’ve included a quick breakdown below.

SEPTEMBER 29TH - OCTOBER 9TH, 2020

Summary of Itinerary: Tbilisi, Kartli, Signaghi & Telavi wine regions, Kazbegi, and Samtskhe-Javakheti
The tour includes:
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- Most meals
- Activities
- Walking tours
- Cooking classes
- Winery visits and tastings
(The tour does NOT include the airfare)

We keep our groups small intentionally so that every tour is an intimate and exclusive experience. We’re maxed out at 12 guests and this year we’ve already welcomed 10, which means there are only TWO spots remaining for this highly anticipated tour. 

For more information or to reserve your spot, email: info@forktown.com