Full on Food, Wine and Fun at Full On Oregon – Part 2
Did you know that Oregon is the single largest producer of hazelnuts in the United States and that the majority of those come from the Willamette Valley? I sure didn’t know that little fun fact before this trip, but was very happy to enjoy hazelnuts in many of the dishes we had while we were there. 🙂
As if chocolate, wine, and an incredible lunch weren’t enough to satisfy all of us, we made ice cream in the afternoon. We learned about creating unusual flavors with the enthusiastic team of Kim and Tyler Malek of Salt & Straw, a local artisinal ice cream maker. As you would expect, there was an ice cream tasting involved (would you have guessed otherwise?!), and a chance to create our own flavor. , unfortunately, never had the chance to taste our group’s creation because I could not eat another bite! Their ice cream was so rich and creamy, and I know why after our session with them. Heavy cream. Full on fat.
Kim and Tyler Malek of Salt & Straw
What flavors work well together? You might be surprised…
Yes, sampling some of their flavors was involved…
While some of us were sampling delectable ice cream flavors, others were playing with piggies in the charcuterie class.
Our final event was a truly spectacular sendoff with a dinner at Penner-Ash Wine Cellars in the Willamette Valley. Our chef for this event was Vitaley Paley and his team from Paley’s Place in Portland. Chef Paley was a recent winner of Iron chef when he beat out Joses Garces in a battle with radishes as the secret ingredient. Wow…radishes!
Thankfully, there were no radishes in this incredible dinner that was prepared for us at Penner-Ash. The setting, the food and the wine pairings made for a truly unforgettable evening.
The view from the entrance to Penner-Ash Wine Cellars
Curried Sweet Corn Bisque and Basil Pesto
The view from the back of the winery
Glad you got to go to Powell’s. It’s amazing, and one of my favorite places in Portland!
I still love real books and will never want to have everything online. I am glad to see there is still a bookstore like that thriving. 🙂
Looks like a great time was had by all. I’ve not been to Oregon but hear it’s wonderful. Lately I’ve been hearing it a lot more. 🙂
You would love it Barb, from what I saw. Anyone that appreciates great food and wine would really enjoy Oregon. We will definitely have to make a return trip.
I am a little envious of you right now 🙂 That all looks so amazing!
I still have to pinch myself every now and then, too. It was an incredible trip and I was very fortunate to have been invited to attend.
I’m envious! I moved to Oregon in 1978, but haven’t experienced all of these wonderful things yet. I live in the beautiful Willamette Valley and I love it here. So glad you enjoyed your trip.
Hi Natalie,
You live in a beautiful state and I hope you get out to enjoy all it has to offer!
Gwen
Oregon, never been but after this post…I might want to move there! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this fun event!
Gwen, this whole trip to Oregon sounds like it was amazing in every way. Thanks for such wonderful re-cap 🙂
Hi Marla,
It was pretty spectacular. So glad I was able to go on this trip.
Gwen
whaaaaaaaaa . . . i wanna go baaaccckkkkkkkk!!!!!!!! it just doesn’t seem possible that it’s been 2 wks but what an awesome trip this was!
LOL! Yes, I agree. 🙂
OMG please Gwen next time you are invited to one of these things can you demand to have my name added to the invite list? This looks incredibly fantastic! Ooh the chocolate and the ice cream (yes please) and the squid!!!! Gorgeous, just gorgeous (as you are in that top pic!)!! Love it! So happy you went (but, yeah, I shoulda been there with you).
I think we need to be listed together, for sure. That would be so much fun! I will keep my fingers crossed for the next time!