Every March I’m excited that I live in Portland for the beautiful Spring trees in bloom, restaurants opening putting out menus with fresh seasonal items, Portland Dining Month, and the view of Mt. Hood. However, this March, I have one extra reason to be excited March is here: TOAST! The Oregon Distillers Guild is bringing back TOAST for the eighth year.
This post is written in partnership with the Oregon Distillers Guild on behalf of TOAST. All thoughts and opinions are my own. TOAST is a 21-and-over event and this post is meant for my readers interested in learning more about the TOAST event.
TOAST 2018
The 8th Annual TOAST event is presented by Bruni Glass The Tiffany Center from 5 PM to 9 PM on March 24, 2018.
Toast is where some of the best small-batch, handcrafted spirits are on display as 40+ distillers from the Northwest and five of Portland’s top chefs delight your palate during this exciting tasting event. Participants can taste from more than 150 spirits. Spirits include whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, liqueur, grappa, brandy, absinthe, aquavit, starka, baiju, and more.
Where (and when) is TOAST this year?
TOAST has changed venues a couple times over the years, each time I’ve been pleased with the location. This year, TOAST takes place at the Tiffany Center (1410 SW Morrison St. Portland, OR 97205). While TOAST took place in February last year, this year it takes place on Saturday, March 24, from 5pm-9pm.
What to expect from TOAST?
Expect to eat and drink a lot. Obviously, with over forty distillers from the Northwest, you’re gonna get to try some tasty liquors. Be prepared to imbibe safely by coming on a full stomach, drinking plenty of water, and watching how many tasters you accept. I tend to take a lap around the entire thing and make a list of the items that I truly want to try. Thankfully, the event is over several hours so when going, my husband and I take our time and check in on how we are doing often. We usually also share tasters so that we can try a sip or two of several without overdoing it.
This year’s line up of distilleries, vendors, and restaurants are getting me excited! I always try a few new-to-me distilleries as well as see what my favorites are bringing to the event. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the vendors that are bringing tonics, syrups, bitters, and the like. I always find something my home bar is in need of! 😉
Distilleries include: 4 Spirits Distillery, 503 Distilling, Aria Gin, Backdrop Distilling Crater Lake Spirits, Big Bottom Distilling, Bull Run Distillery, Clear Creek Distillers, Crescendo, Drink Think, Drop Shop Eastside Distilling, Elixir, Freeland Spirits, Heritage Distilling Co., Hood River Distillers, House Spirits, Mcmenamins, New Basin Distilling Co., New Deal Distillery, Oregon Spirit Distillers, Pilot House Spirits, Ransom Spirits, Rogue Spirits, Rolling River Spirits, Sinister Distilling Co. Stone Barn Brandyworks, Swallowtail Spirits, Townsends, Trail Distilling, The Walter Collective, and Wanderback Distillery.
The Walter Collective (pictured above) is one of my favorites to try each year. I’m obsessed with their beautiful packaging and love their products.
Restaurants include: LeChon, Pope House Lounge, The Waiting Room, Stella Taco and Rally Pizza
The Waiting Room is back again this year and I’m thrilled because I loved their donut and chicken bites from last year!
Other vendors include: Anton Tonics, The Bitter Housewife, Raft Syrups, Portland Syrups, Interrobang Vermouth, and Sage and Sea Farms
How do I get to TOAST?
First off, let me highly recommend NOT driving to TOAST. Either bring a designated driver (tickets for DDs are only $15 and include tasty plates from chefs and non-alcoholic drinks!), take public transportation, or get a Lyft. You don’t want to even think about driving after enjoying the tastings and you don’t want to have to worry about the car in the meantime. However, if you are the DD there are several parking garages near the Tiffany Center. The MAX and buses all have stops near there as well!
How do I get tickets to TOAST?
General admission tickets are $45 and all-inclusive. Your ticket gets you entry to the event, spirit tastings, a commemorative glass, and small plates from the chefs. Go even bigger and get VIP tickets for $65, which includes 2 cocktail tickets, early entry (4pm) and the distillers after-party from 10 – 11 p.m. Designated driver tickets are available for $15 and include entry to TOAST, non-alcoholic drinks, and small plates from the chefs. Buy your tickets!
Can I buy my favorites?
Yes! In my experience, nearly all of the distilleries and vendors offer purchases there at the event. They give you a ticket and you pick your purchases up as you leave the venue– which means you don’t have to carry your items all over the venue! I tend to leave with at least a few bottles!
Are you going to TOAST this year? What are you looking forward to?
If you are not going to TOAST but are interested in seeing what is good then follow along on my Instagram stories on Saturday evening. I’ll be sharing all my favorites.
Suddenly… it’s March. And, in Portland, March means, Portland Dining Month! Portland Dining Month is a time when several Portland restaurants offer up three-course menus for $33. Read on to see my favorite restaurants on the list this year and to win one of two gift cards to experience Portland Dining Month yourself!
This post is written in partnership with Travel Portland and Portland Dining Month.I received compensation in exchange for sharing about Portland Dining Month. However, all opinions are my own. To learn more about my policies on partnerships please visit my sponsorship page.
This year marks the 9th annual Portland Dining Month (PDM) and more than 120 restaurants are participating. In addition to the restaurants that are participating this year several local chefs are offering pop-up dinners at just $33 through Feastly. To make this month even more of a good thing… Portland Dining Month is partnered with Open Table to support the Oregon Food Bank. All you have to do is book your table through the Portland Dining Month website.
Portland Dining Month 2018
You’ll have to visit the PDM website to see ALL the amazing restaurants participating and their delicious menus, but I wanted to share some of my favorites on the list this year. In no particular order… here are my favorites for this month. Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom to enter my giveaway for one of two Portland Dining Month restaurant gift cards!
Favorite Restaurants Participating in Portland Dining Month
Below are some of my go-to restaurants here in Portland that are participating this month.
Acadia – American/ New American/ Southern/ Cajun/ Creole
What I love about Acadia? I’ve eaten at Acadia a few times now and each time it is always a delicious experience. The flavors are fresh, and bright on the tongue. The Southerner in me feels at home here. See my review of Acadia here on the blog.
What to get at Acadia? For sure try the Portland Dining Month menu and I’d highly recommend the Jambalaya, the Smoked Pork Cheeks, or the Crawfish Andouille Mac N Cheese. However, if you are dining off the dining month menu I’d also recommend getting the Louisiana Barbecue Shrimp or the (pictured) Corn-Meal Fried Louisiana Soft Shell Blue Crab. Absolutely try a cocktail there as well!
The Acadia Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course: Field greens salad with creole mustard vinaigrette and crumbled egg
Second course (choose one):
Jambalaya, with house made andouille sausage, smoked chicken and tomato relish
Cornmeal fried catfish with black eyed peas and deviled tasso
Gulf Shrimp Creole with kale, spinach, mushrooms, and white rice
Crawfish Andouille Mac n Cheese
Smoked Pork Cheeks with cheddar grits, apple, red chili honey
Third course:Acadia’s bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce, whipped cream and toasted pecans
Where is it located? NE Portland | 1303 N.E. Fremont St., Portland, OR 97212
What I love about Andina? Oh man… every time I’ve had the opportunity to dine at Andina I’ve fallen more and more in love. I do have to say that I have a special place in my heart for this restaurant because my husband and I chose to celebrate our 10th anniversary with a large party for our nearest and dearest. Working with Andina was a great experience, and the food was delicious as always. See my review of Andina’s food here on the blog.
What to get at Andina? Don’t you love it when the Portland Dining Month Menus have choices? I do! Andina’s selection this year is fantastic and I would highly recommend (and have tried) each of the items. But, if I were selecting for me I’d choose the Causa Morada followed by the Lomo Saltado (pictured) and the Chocolate Andino. If you are going off of the PDM menu I’d recommend trying out one of their amazing Ceviches and for sure getting a cocktail. Check out my Andina cocktail recommendations here on the blog.
Andina’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course (choose one):
Causa Solterito, a classic timbale of fresh, lime-scented Yukon Gold potato with a salad of green beans, fresh corn, cotija cheese and tomatoes
Causa Morada, a classic timbale of fresh, lime-scented purple potato and shredded chicken breast with ají amarillo
Second course (choose one):
Quinotto “Chisaya Mama”: quinoa risotto with Grana Padano cheese, golden beets, local mushrooms and truffle oil
Lomo saltado: wok-fried Cascade Natural beef, onions, tomatoes, oyster sauce, garlic and ají amarillo, served with Yukon Gold papas fritas and garlic rice
Third course (choose one):
Chocolate Andino: a quinoa flour brownie layered with gold-dusted chocolate ganache and accompanied by a seasonal fruit gastrique and avocado crème anglaise
Alfajor: a classic Peruvian cookie, scented with key lime and filled with manjar blanco
Where is it located? Pearl District, NW Portland | 1314 N.W. Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209
What to get at East India Co.? Last year we did the Portland Dining Month menu and then ordered a few things off the pre-selected menu just to give it a try. We loved the Chicken Tiki Masala on the Portland Dining Month menu and the dessert was fantastic! I’d also recommend going off menu for the Tandoori Khumbi which were grilled mushrooms marinated in five herbs, with ginger and lemon and a spicy Tamarind-Date Chutney. Don’t forget to get one of their great cocktails to accompany your meal. The Rangpur Chill, a refreshing and spicy combination of gin, chilis, and cucumber was my favorite!
East India Co. Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course (choose one):
Papdi chaat: mini crispy poori and spiced garbanzo beans topped with curd, tamarind and mint chutney
Bhel Puri: puffed rice with sev, tomato, onion and potato, tossed with a tangy tamarind sauce and green chutney
Second course (choose one):
Navratan korma: vegetable blend of ginger, raisins and creamy cashew gravy, served with saffron rice and tadka dal
Chicken tikka masala: chicken marinated in yogurt and spices with tomato masala sauce
Third course:Kulfi Trio of mango, cardamom and chocolate
Where is East India Co. located? Downtown | 821 S.W. 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97205
Why do I love about Feastly Dinners? I’ve had the extreme pleasure to get to try items from a few Feastly chefs now and each time it has been a great experience. Personally, I’m so excited for the opportunity to try meals crafted by a chef for a pop-up dinner. I’m a little biased as well because a good friend of mine, who is an AMAZING chef, is one of the Feastly chefs.
What do I recommend from Feastly? Again, a tad biased here, but I’d recommend checking out the menus crafted by Chef Shannon Feltus. I recently hired her for an event and she did a great job (post to come soon!). Her St. Patrick’s Day Lunch Menu and 2018 Menu Sampler menus look amazing!
GIVEAWAY: Shannon is giving away two tickets to her upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Lunch on her Facebook page, Urban Farm Foods. Enter to win by Sunday, March 11th!
Where is Feastly Located? The Portland Dining Month meals for Feastly are located at the Inner South East location at: 912 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214.
Why do I love Fogo De Chao? MEAT. Dear lord, good meat is gonna get me every time. See my review of Fogo De Chao here on the blog.
What do I recommend from Fogo De Chao? For sure get the Portland Dining Month menu as it is a crazy good deal down from the normal cost of $52.95. However, because you are getting such great savings there… let me recommend going ahead and getting the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer and the Key Lime Pie for dessert. Don’t forget to get a classic caipirinha cocktail.
Fogo De Chao Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course:Market Table: fresh salads, exotic vegetables and Fogo® feijoada black bean stew, served with rice and seasonal soup
Second course:Brazilian side dishes: Pão de queijo, crispy polenta, mashed potatoes and caramelized bananas
Third course:Tableside service of fire-roasted meats, which include:
Picanha (sirloin): Prime part of the top sirloin, seasoned with sea salt and garlic
Alcatra (top sirloin): One of our largest steaks, tender and thinly sliced
Fraldinha (bottom sirloin): Flavorful cut with strong marbling
Medalhões con bacon: Bacon-wrapped steak with hardwood-smoked, honey-cured bacon
Cordeiro (lamb): Fresh leg of lamb
Lombo (pork): Parmesan-encrusted pork loin filets
Costela de Porco (pork ribs): Marinated and slow-roasted for tenderness
Bisteca de Porco (pork chops): Cured, center-cut and roasted on the bone
Linguiça (pork sausage): Slow-roasted and savory
Frango (chicken): Bacon-wrapped breast or tender legs
Where is Fogo De Chao located? Downtown, SW Portland | 930 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204
Why I love Serratto? I’ve been to Serratto about four times now and each time I’m surprised by the creative, wholesome approach to Italian food. Great ingredients and simple, delicious flavors. See my review of Serratto here on the blog. It has a great date night atmosphere!
What to get at Serratto? The braised Carlton Farms pork cheeks are phenomenal and I’d recommend going that route. However, you can’t go wrong with the fresh spring flavors in the Spaghetti with asparagus and preserved lemon. Whatever you do… pair it with one of the wonderful wines that Serratto serves. Ask your server for a recommendation to pair with your meal.
Serratto’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course (choose one):
House salad: organic baby greens, candied walnuts, Gorgonzola crumbles, and red wine vinaigrette
Cream of fennel soup with grilled spring onion, fennel pollen, and \ chive oil
Second course (choose one):
Braised Carlton Farms pork cheeks with farro, black trumpet mushrooms, pea tendrils, and whole grain mustard cream
Spaghetti with asparagus, preserved lemon, escarole, peppered chèvre, and extra virgin olive oil
Third course:Rum raisin pudding with crème anglaise
Where is Serratto located? NW Portland / Nob Hill, NW Portland | 2112 N.W. Kearney, Portland, OR 97210
Portland Dining Month Must Try List
There are plenty of restaurants on this year’s list that I haven’t had the opportunity to try yet. This list would be super, crazy long… but, I wanted to focus on what was realistic for me to possibly try this year. Here are some of my must-try list for this year.
Why I want to try Ataula? I am obsessed with good Spanish food and have only heard great things about Ataula. The handmade pork sausage and olive oil ice cream sandwich are screaming my name.
Ataula’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course:Remolacha with beets, piquillo-goat cheese cream, crispy quinoa and wine-infused pears
Second course (choose one):
Butifarra with handmade pork sausage and Catalan bean salad
Vegetal with roasted broccolini and Catalan bean salad
Third course:Bocata chocolate cookie and olive oil ice cream sandwich
Where is Ataula located? NW Portland / Nob Hill, NW Portland | 1818 N.W. 23rd Place, Portland, OR 97210
Why I want to try Jacqueline? I really love fresh, delicious seafood. I love that Jacqueline focuses on great seafood and vegetables. I’m so looking forward to my meal here!
Jacqueline’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First Course:Wedge salad with blue cheese, Nueske’s bacon, fried shallots, fines herbs and pickled celerySecond Course:Hama Hama clams and mussels with Rainer, smoked potatoes, carnitas, kale and crème fraîcheThird Course:Buttermilk panna cotta, huckleberries, bee pollen, lemon curd and brown butter
Where is Jacqueline located? Division / Clinton, SE Portland | 2039 S.E. Clinton St., Portland, OR 97202
Why I want to try SouthFork? I’m obsessed with finding great cajun restaurants in Portland and this one has consistently come up in my search. The stuffed pork tenderloin with sunchoke is reason enough to give this place a try!
South Fork’s Portland Dining Month Menu:
First course: Spicy greens salad with butter-poached spring vegetables, cornbread croutons and soft eggSecond course: Bacon and mushroom stuffed pork tenderloin with sunchoke and potato galette and smokey pork jusThird course: Warm chocolate brownie with smoked maple ice cream and pistachio brittle
Where is Southfork located? NE Portland | 4605 N.E. Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213
Portland Dining Month Giveaway
Don’t you want to try one of these awesome restaurants? I know you do! Well, Travel Portland and the restaurants associated with it has ever so graciously offered up two gift cards to A Well Crafted Party readers. One lucky reader will win a gift card to SouthFork while another will win a gift card to Ataula. To enter, read the below giveaway guidelines and comment with your favorite from the Portland Dining Month menu and whether you prefer to try SouthFork or Ataula! You’ll also need to make sure you enter a correct email address as that is how I will contact the winners.
Giveaway guidelines:
Giveaway is for a gift card to either SouthFork restaurant in Portland or Ataula restaurant in Portland, Oregon. There is no cash value. If the winner is unable to use the gift card, A Well Crafted Party, Travel Portland, nor the restaurants involved are responsible for gift card use. The promotional value of the gift card is based on Portland Dining Month Menu Pricing for two guests (excluding beverages), OR a Portland Dining Month menu for one person with additional food and beverages of your choice. Gratuity is not automatically included in the meal. I encourage you to treat this as any other meal and tip as appropriate for good service. Gift cards are only guaranteed to be valid during Portland Dining Month (March 1-31, 2018) and any balance remaining after the promotion may be forfeit. I encourage making reservations through PortlandDiningMonth.com so that a donation will be made to the Oregon Food Bank and you will be guaranteed your seat! Giveaway entries are accepted from Thursday, March 8th through Sunday, March 11, 2018. The winners will have 24 hours to send back their mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Enter by commenting below!
This post is intended for audience members that are of legal drinking age. The Toast 2017 event is 21+. I have received complimentary admission to the 2017 event to share with readers and social media followers. All opinions are my own. To read about my policies on sponsored content please visit my policies page.
If you’ve been reading my blog for long then you know that I like to share cocktail recipes fairly often. I have been a bartender in some capacity since 2005. I love the art of creating a delicious cocktail from the simple and classic martini to more fun concoctions that coordinate with a party theme. Beyond just the joy of creating fun cocktail recipes I really love trying great cocktails and quality spirits. Oregon has a fabulous assortment of local distillers that create everything from whiskey to vodka to more unique items such as absinthe. Dream event for me? Having as many of those local vendors in a room sharing tastes of their wares so that I can figure out exactly how I want to fill my bar. I guess I’m not alone in this desire… for the seventh year in a row The Oregon Distillers Guild is bringing back their TOAST event!
“The Oregon Distillers Guild Presents the 7th Annual “TOAST: The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting” this upcoming February 18th from 4 PM to 10 PM at the Leftbank Annex in Portland, Oregon. The 7th Annual Toast event is an opportunity to taste from a wide variety of over 120 spirits from across the Northwest, the Country and the Globe. Whether your spirit preference is Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Liqueurs – or even unique spirits like Absinthe and Aquavit – the estimated 40 distillers and producers at TOAST will have it covered. TOAST allows small distillers and producers to showcase their handcrafted spirits, while providing an opportunity for the public to experience the diversity and quality of craft spirits from Oregon and beyond.”
Last year I had the pleasure of attending Toast with my husband for one of our best dates of the entire year. I am excited to have the opportunity to go again this year and share my discoveries on my social media channels. (HINT: Looking for a good Valetnine’s Day gift for a loved one who loves artisanal cocktails and spirits? A pair of tickets for Toast 2017 will not only be a wonderful gift, but also a second excuse to celebrate your love together in February!)
Price: Tickets are $45 for General Admission (includes entry, tastings, bites and commemorative glass) and $65 for VIP (includes entry, tastings, bites, commemorative glass, 2 cocktail tickets, access to the VIP balcony with private bar and distillers after party). DD tickets $15 (includes entry, non-alcoholic drinks, and bites). Buy tickets here!
What You Get: Price of admission includes entry to Toast 2017, commemorative glass, tastings from the distillers in attendance (estimated at 40 distillers), and bites from this year’s restaurants/ chefs (Boke Bowl, Proletariat Butchery, Smokehouse Tavern, Verdigris and The Waiting Room). VIP tickets get all of that as well as two cocktail tickets, access to the VIP balcony with private bar and distillers after party.
Pro-Tip: Use public transportation, Lyft, or bring a designated driver to attend this event. You will not want to drive after tasting all these different offerings at Toast. Designated Drivers get a discounted ticket that comes with entry, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Date/Time: Saturday, February 18th from 4 PM to 10 PM (11 PM for VIP ticket holders)
Location: the Leftbank Annex | 101 N Weidler, Portland, OR 97227
Have you been to Toast? What was your favorite part? Or, what sounds most appealing to you about Toast 2017!
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