August 2008
August 1st - 22nd, 2008: Create the Oregon Bounty Cocktail Contest
Let your inner bartender shine in the "Create the Oregon Bounty Cocktail" Contest.
It's simple: design a drink that represents your favorite part of the state, using Oregon's artisan distilled spirits and local products. Pick one or more of the following regions: Portland Metro, Oregon Coast, Central Oregon, Southern Oregon, Willamette Valley, Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge, or Eastern Oregon and then get cocktail creative. Download a PDF list of Oregon distilled spirits; most are available at Oregon liquor stores; for others, contact the distillery for information on where to purchase.
Seven winners will receive weekend getaways around the state. One will be chosen as the "Unofficial Official Oregon Cocktail." Grand prize winner will receive Nambé barware from Macy's, and a two-night getaway to meet and taste with Oregon's artisan distillers at the Oregon Distillers Guild Spirits Tasting, October 11 at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, plus dinners at Paley's Place in Portland, and the Black Rabbit at Edgefield.
Cocktails will be judged on creativity and originality (use of ingredients, how cocktail name/ingredients tie to associated region) and approachability (how easily cocktail could be replicated by an average consumer).
Here are the two web addresses to submit your cocktails by August 22, 2008:
Oregon Bounty Cocktail Contest
August 1st, 2008: In Other Words Bookstore's Literary Feast 2008: Readers, Thinkers, Doers & Shakers
Join us at the North Star Ballroom for In Other Words Women's Books & Resources' annual fundraiser, featuring cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and silent auction at 6:00 PM, and program at 7:00 PM.
More info at: In Other Words Women's Books & Resources, or call 503-232-6003
August 16th, 2008: Rock the Runways Fashion Charity Party
Rock the Runways is a mega fashion show benefiting three charitable causes: MAKE-A-WISH Foundation, The Oregon Food Bank and The Shoe Fairy. Rock The Runways, held at the Civic Building located across from PGE Park, will feature three fashion shows with local and national designers, boutiques and major labels.
There will be opportunities for direct donations and a Shoe Fairy silent auction. Enjoy a high-end elegant shoe runway show and a parade of sustainable fashions. The fashion elite will come out to show their support for these worthy causes. Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets now.
More info & tickets at: Rock the Runways
August 17th, 2008: Portland Culinary Alliance Distillery Tour and Tasting
To set the stage for the state’s Oregon Bounty celebration of Oregon distilleries, Portland Culinary Alliance members and guests have been invited to a micro distillery tour and tasting session with the Oregon Distillers Guild.
Attendees will learn about what’s happening now with Oregon’s micro distillery scene, what goes into making artisan spirits, how to go about pairing high quality distillates with food and much more.
More info at: Portland Culinary Alliance
August 22nd, 2008: Portland Center Stage's Bet on the Pearl Fundraiser
Help expand PCS's free theater appreciation program to reach students throughout the metro area and Oregon, and help extend the humanitarian work of the Pearl Rotary Club! Just when you thought the Armory was only a place to see the Northwest’s best theater, the Pearl Rotary Club turns it into a Vegas style nightclub bejeweled with gaming tables, live jazz, festive libations and the chance to win-win-win.
The Grand Prize is one beachfront week in Mazatlan for Spring Break 2009. Other prizes include a large barbecue grill from Pearl Hardware, an HDTV from Stream Audio & Video, and a private plane ride down to the coast for lunch and back!
More info & tickets at: Portland Center Stage
August 23rd - 24th, 2008: 4th Annual Great American Distillers Festival
Join New Deal Distillery at the Gerding Theater for the 4th Annual Great American Distillers Festival--the premier gathering of craft distillers in the country.
The American Distiller's Festival is a yearly gathering of artisan distillers and spirits enthusiasts from around the country. It's a week-long celebration recognizing Oregon as a mecca for craft spirits, marked by tastings, tours, and education in the happy pursuit of all things distilled. Just like the microbrew movement of the 1980's, the microspirits revolution is taking off and craft products are increasingly preferred by consumers, bartenders, and connoisseurs of high-end spirits.
One of the most highly-anticipated events to take place during the festival is the Oregon Bartenders Guild's Mixology Competition, an exciting showcase of some of the most talented bartenders in the Pacific Northwest. This year, Belly Timber's own Bradley Dawson will compete, crafting one of his signature cocktails using New Deal Vodka. Bradley chooses New Deal Vodka as his spirit of choice for the smooth finish and botanical hints that create cocktails to pair beautifully with Belly Timber's simple and elegant local cuisine.
Please come by, Sunday, August 24th, to cheer on Bradley, Belly Timber and New Deal Vodka at the competition finals at 2pm at the Gerding Theater.
More info at: Great American Distillers Festival