13 Day Foodies delight in the Portland Region

After sampling wine yesterday why not head to Saké One near Forest Grove, a charming small college town with a real sense of Americana and the only place you’ll find locally-made saké. It’s also home to McMenamin’s Grand Lodge – a former Masonic Lodge that’s now a quirky complex of restaurants, bars, theatre, live music venue and spa, so a great place to spend the afternoon.  

The area is also awash with breweries – so much so that the Tualatin Valley Ale Trail was created. With 18 breweries to visit on the downloadable “passport”, there are also deals and prizes to collect at participating pubs, so see how many locations you can tick off.  

Overnight - Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland-Washington Square or similar 

Over the next few days explore the food scene in the Mt. Hood Territory. Formerly the capital of the Oregon Territory, Oregon City features an old-fashioned Main Street, with small shops and good restaurants. Gabe Rucker is a James Beard award-winning chef who runs three restaurants in the Portland Region, including Canard Restaurant (Gabe’s take on a French bistro).   

Mt. Hood Territory is also rich with breweries, cider houses and distilleries. The Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail makes them easy to explore. One of the most unique Tap Trail participants is TMK Creamery in Canby, who produces vodka (“cowcohol”) from whey leftover from their cheddar cheese-making process! (You can also buy cheese and ice cream there - Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.) 

Bob’s Red Mill, the primary supplier of whole grain and healthy food products in the US, has its headquarters and their only retail store, bakery and restaurant, near Milwaukie. Locals go there for breakfast as well as to buy their wholesome fare – why not go too!  

For purely American fare of days gone by, check out Mike’s Drive-Ins in Milwaukie and Oregon City. Oregon is blessed with a significant Hispanic population in the region, so there is a great selection of Mexican restaurants and food carts. Casa de Tamale in Milwaukie is the go-to place for locally made tamales. Or for a more refined dining experience in the village of West Linn, consider a visit to Allium Bistro, led by chef Pascal Chureau. You’ll find American and European cuisines made with fresh, seasonal ingredients straight from local farmers and purveyors.   

Overnight – Best Western Plus Rivershore Hotel or similar 

Book onto a tour today and enjoy learning about the history of food as well as going to find some hidden gems. There are several food-related tours in Portland including bike tours which tend to visit casual spots and food carts. Or opt for a walking tour which tends to visit carts as well as gourmet spots. It’s a great way to get a feel for Portland’s food scene by locals who eat and drink there all the time.  

After your food tour you might want a sweet treat and Portland has some legendary spots for doughnuts. Voodoo Doughnut is perhaps the most famous, with over 50 types of doughnuts made daily. Locals also love Blue Star, Cocos, and Annie’s! And we can’t forget Does’ Donuts where the treats are totally vegan.  

Overnight – Portland  

You don’t have to spend a fortune in Portland to eat well. The city is ripe with Food Cart Pods – like a pod of whales, food carts often gather in groups… a great way to discover food carts is by using Travel Portland’s cool Food Cart Finder.  Explore the city sights as you walk around looking for your next treat.  

Another great way to spend an afternoon in Portland is to combine sightseeing and an afternoon cuppa at Lan Su Chinese Gardens or Portland Japanese Garden - they both feature unique tea rooms.

Overnight – Portland