Last week I was invited to meet Kinfolk...

To my utter joy I made the trip to the Kinfolk offices & photo studios. I don't think I can really say what an affect Kinfolk has had on me. I first discovered the quarterly publication on their second issue a few years back at my favorite little bookstore in Captiol Hill called Elliot Bay Books (The perfect place on the hill to tuck away & read for hours. The rafters are exposed beams and it always smells of wood).

Kinfolk, if you haven't heard of it (check it out here: http://www.kinfolkmag.com/ ) is the epitome of all of my favorite things. The most stunning photography & design, coupled with quality writing along with beautiful stories & illustrations on subjects that capture my attention. Suffice to say it's my absolute dream client & a total inspiration to me to keep coming up with new ideas & producing high-quality work. In the last couple years they have rapidly gained success & a cult following due to their timeless quality and beautiful aesthetic. I was so lucky to be invited to join them while I was in Portland for the Bon Appetit Feast (more on that below). The offices are of course stunning & simple but to meet the team, including Founder & Creative Director Nathan Williams, & find out they are all even more humble & kind in person was such an honor. Thank you so much Asia for everything.

As for Portland...

You are such an awesome city! For some reason I've never spent any proper time in the city of Portland in my adult life. Huge mistake! Portland is amazing! I spent 4 days in the city for Feast Portland (hosted by Bon Appetit). Feast Portland is a huge food festival that happens once a year where top chefs, winemakers, brewers, farmers, food manufacturers, food critics & Whole Foods come together to feast, discuss food issues & have a grand old time. The festival makes a large donation to feed the hungry (learn about it here) & donations are accepted everywhere during the 4 day event.

I attended multiple talks on Food Ethics in the industry with impressive panels but particularly liked "The American Experience Through Food" panel & discussion. Only topped of course by the incredibly fun tea blending class I took from the sweetest husband & wife team at Smith Teamaker. Those two are too cute & I had a blast tasting, blending & learning about teas with you! Thank you Feast Portland & all that you've taught me about food! Until next time..

Best Butcher Contest & Fishmonger Face-Off

Downtown farmer's market can draw over 20.000 on a Saturday I heard at the speaker series "Portland Matters"

There are SO MANY food carts in Portland! Everywhere you turn! They're known for it!

Meeting Kinfolk & Feast Portland