In Good Taste

Eat Oregonian. Chances are you’ll start hearing more of this phrase. It’s no secret that chefs from all over the country—and world—have ditched their posts at top restaurants to move to Oregon and set up shop. Why? For one, Oregon has an abundance of natural goods, which makes for some of the best regional cuisine in all the United States. Aside from such well-known local foods as wild-caught salmon and free-range beef, there is a bounty of fruits and veggies that thrives in Oregon’s temperate climate and fertile soil. Did you know that Oregon grows 99 percent of America’s hazelnuts? And that we have more than 600 vineyards feeding about 250 wineries?

We also grow apples, pears, squash, flowers and herbs. Just around the corner is the celebrated harvest season full of festivals, tastings and fresh-from-the-ground goodies. Here is a three-day excursion that will give you a taste of what’s Oregonian. Sauvie Island is just 15 minutes north of downtown Portland, yet it’s as far removed from city buzz as you can imagine. Cross the two-lane historical bridge to this small island that is home to sandy beaches, kayak-worthy waterways, a 12-mile bike loop, 12,000 acres of wildlife preserve and countless farms. After summer berry picking comes fall harvest when U-pick and farm stores offer fresh corn and other veggies, apples—and loads of pumpkins. In fact, come Halloween season the island really springs to life as farms offer hayrides, an elaborate cornfield maze, cider tasting and more family fun. A nice break from scarecrows is a pit stop at the Blue Heron Herbary, whose garden shop features herbal gifts, seeds, and culinary and medicinal herbs grown right on the property.

Next up, drive 45 minutes east to the Hood River Valley, which is the largest pear-growing district in the nation, producing more than half of the country’s winter pears. It also grows an abundance of quality apples, cherries, peaches and more. Fall is an especially choice time to hit the U-pick and farm stands. If you’ve never before picked your own produce, you’ll soon realize how economical and entertaining the experience can be. Many orchards in Hood River offer tours and tastings in a gorgeous backdrop that includes up-close views of Mt. Hood. Pick up a Hood River County Fruit Loop map, which features a 45-mile scenic drive through this premier agricultural area and includes directions to the area’s friendly farms.

Head southwest (less than two hours) to the Willamette Valley to experience Oregon’s burgeoning wine country, and a peek of our other famous crop—the hazelnut. Yamhill County, which sits at the northern end of the Valley, is recognized as one of the premier Pinot noir producing areas in the world. The Valley is also known for helping to produce the country’s biggest supply of hazelnuts, which are shipped all over the world. Fall is harvest season for both, and many spots offer festivals, tours and other activities to celebrate the bounty.

If time allows, stop over in Washington County (aka, “The Countryside of Portland”) for an extended view of vineyards, wineries and hazelnut farms. This puts you 20 minutes outside of Portland, a city rife with restaurants that use these locally grown ingredients in their world-class cuisine. So, go ahead—eat Oregonian.