Tastebud Guides participated in the International Food Blogger Conference in Portland (August 24-26, 2012). The conference covers a range of 'food nerd' related topics, including eBooks and food writing. I was thrilled to go to see what other bloggers are doing and where the good food hotspots are in the Pacific Northwest. I have always heard incredible things about the Oregon food scene, but I wasn't quite prepared for the sheer amount of innovation and creativity that I found in Portland!
We started off day 1 at the 'bookfair' during registration. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and chatted about the project, it was so lovely to talk to you all! This is the first time that I have really gotten out there and talked to bloggers about the idea, and it was exciting to see the reaction to the project live. Looking forward to creating some fabulous guides in the future!
I also really enjoyed the sessions I attended. By the end of the days my head was so full of new ideas and information I had to force myself to get out there and enjoy Portland (woe, a hard life!). Everyone in attendance was so friendly and the conversation flowed easily, especially since most of the conversation was about my two favourite topics (food, technology).
I also really enjoyed the sessions I attended. By the end of the days my head was so full of new ideas and information I had to force myself to get out there and enjoy Portland (woe, a hard life!). Everyone in attendance was so friendly and the conversation flowed easily, especially since most of the conversation was about my two favourite topics (food, technology).
top: cloud 9 vodka, wheat berry brittle, tinned albacore tuna
middle: olympic provisions charcuterie, nicky's meats waterbuffalo tartare, marionberry syrup
bottom: chocolate decadence, raspberry & blackberry commission salad, pelican brewery IPA
The conference organizers worked really hard to make sure we got a taste of Portland's 'Local Flavour' (or I suppose 'flavor' since we were south of the border!). This included a "live food blogging session" in which we were treated to samples from some small producers in the Oregon area who are creating some incredibly delicious product. I really loved that we got a chance to sample some products from really small, local producers, in fact I wish we'd had a chance to do even more!
We also got a chance to sample some amazing Oregon Wines! Not being as educated about wine as I would like to be, the opportunity to talk to the producers and learn about the differences in wine production between my home province of BC and Oregon was fascinating. A little too fascinating after such an early morning and light lunch because I was so busy chatting people up at the bookfair...!
We also got a chance to sample some amazing Oregon Wines! Not being as educated about wine as I would like to be, the opportunity to talk to the producers and learn about the differences in wine production between my home province of BC and Oregon was fascinating. A little too fascinating after such an early morning and light lunch because I was so busy chatting people up at the bookfair...!
As this was my first conference, I wasn't quite prepared for the gift suite. Thankfully, now I have purchased a fold-up duffle to stick in my luggage for future travel! I haven't had a chance to try everything yet, but I appreciate the support of the sponsors in making the conference possible!
Of course, there was much enjoyment of the rest of Portand's food scene, which I have documented on my personal blog!
Of course, there was much enjoyment of the rest of Portand's food scene, which I have documented on my personal blog!
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