Pigs, Wine, Chefs...and the Other Side of the River

I know , I know. This is a blog that focuses on what's going on over here on the North Bank. However, despite the multitude of folks covering the food and farm scene for our neighbors to the south, I would be remiss if I did not occasionally mention extraordinary people or events happening on the other side of the river. That's why you see links from this blog to folks like Red Pig Tools, the Urban Farm Store, Viande Meats, Steve's Cheese, and Apizza Scholls. Amazing people doing amazing things that you should know about. All folks that I have had enough personal experience with to recommend to you.

Today I wanted to let you know about a culinary tour of sorts that is coming to Portland on March 1st. It's being held at the Ecotrust building in NW Portland and will showcase the talents of five of NW Oregon's finest chefs, including Vitaly Paley (Paley's Place), John Gorham (Toro Bravo), Tommy Habetz (Bunk), and Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon), each preparing an entire heritage breed hog from head-to-tail any way they see fit. The pork will be served with five, fine Oregon wines. It's all for the benefit of the Raphael House of Portland, a shelter that has been serving the needs of women & children since 1977. Here's the link that will get you to the event website and an avenue from which you may purchase tickets:

Cochon 555

$125.00 is a steep fee for admission, but I sincerely believe that this will be a unique and noteworthy culinary event as well as a bargain for the price. Check it out.

Tamworths Anyone?

Tamworth weaners for sale. Be the first folks in Clark County to breed this wonderful heritage pig! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM...Bacon....


WEANER PIGS: Heritage Breed, Registered Tamworths - $175 (Toledo, WA)
Reply to: sale-896371501@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-10-27, 11:29PM PDT

The Irish Grazier, The Pasture Pig, Bacon Pig. Long and lean, great meat. Excellent temperament. Perfect for small farm raising. Were popular 50 years ago, making a comeback East of the Mississippi, but VERY rare on the West Coast. Get them here in the Pacific NW without shipping from Midwest.

Breeding sets possible.
Vickie 360-864-8515

P.S. - If you've got a farm in Clark County and you're seriously interested in pasture raising a few of these Tamworths, I'd love to work a deal with you to purchase a finished pig.