New Season of Top Chef Comes to Portland
The eighteenth season of Top Chef is back and this time they’re cooking it up in Portland (Oregon, that is). The culinary showdown kicked off on Thursday, April 1st at 8/7C with a packed list of powerhouse Chefs.
We have a soft spot for this show in our hungry hearts. We happen to have a few incredible Top Chef Alumni in our own Provenance family. First is Chef Nina Compton, also a guest judge on the current season, who is the visionary behind Old No. 77’s Compère Lapin and Tout La in New Orleans. She was a voter favorite on Season 11 of the series, and for very good reason. Next is Chef Doug Adams who appeared on following season and now runs Bullard, full of smoked favorites inside Woodlark in downtown, as well as fried chicken hot spot called Holler in Southeast Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood.
There are also some local legends on the current season - Chef Gabriel Pascuzzi who owns mouthwatering Mama Bird and Stacked Sandwich shop and Sara Hauman who runs the culinary program at beautiful Soter Vineyards.
Check out some of the Pacific Northwest wonders visited and talked about on the show:
Image from Akadi Instagram
Akadi
This West African gem, created by Chef and Owner Fatou Ouattara, is currently on hiatus but will be back in action and serving up a variety of wholesome options soon.
Photo by Meritt Thomas
Crabbing on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon coast is overflowing with an abundance of fresh crab waiting to be cooked up and drenched in butter. Yum, right? Crabbing doesn’t require much gear and is doable all year round, so take a scenic drive West on your next visit and give it a shot. Check out places like Tillamook Bay (in Garibaldi) and Yaquina Bay (in Newport).
Photo by Liana Mikah
Visiting the Hood River Fruit Loop
Located in the lush Hood River Valley, the Fruit Loop features twenty-nine stands offering a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Road trip anyone?
Image from Tillamook Instagram
Tillamook Creamery
Say cheese! And ice cream, yogurt, butter, and sour cream because this Oregon icon has dairy mastered. Founded in 1909, the Tillamook headquarters is a beautiful 2-hour drive from Portland and the perfect place to get your snack on.