I knew what I wanted to do for my 30th birthday when I saw our friends Robert & Wendy Bearden posting pictures of yummy and interesting food on Facebook. With each picture I became more and more intrigued about what this activity of random food tasting was. So I emailed our friends and they sent me to this link. An Epicurean Excursion. Immediately I told Paul that THIS is what I wanted to do as my birthday present. I wanted to spend the day with Paul’s family on the Epicurean Excursion for my birthday, and as the day got closer, I got more and more excited. And let me tell you, it was everything I hoped it would be! The sun was shining in Portland, we tried foods that I never dreamed that we would have the opportunity to try on the tour, and I spent the day with family. A perfect day.
We started the day off right with a semi-sweet mocha from Allan Brothers. My absolute favorite coffee.
We met at The Heathman Hotel for the Epicurean Tour.
The Heathman had a library where I would LOVE to read the day away. Along the walls they had some books that were under lock and key. Our tour guide told us that when an author stays the nigh in the hotel, they ask them to leave a signed copy of their book, and this is where it is kept, and if you stay at the hotel you can check the book out.
My Mom (in-law) Sharron.
Our first stop was Cacao on the bottom floor of the hotel. Here is a little fact about me. I love chocolate. Not just a casual I love chocolate, more of a I would take chocolate over anything. I love it, and I know exactly what kind of chocolate I like. Not the over the counter, grocery store bought (see? I have a problem when it is referred to as a drug), but the creamy milk chocolate like Euphoria and Cadbury. AND gourmet chocolate like the stuff we found at Cacao. I CANNOT wait to go back and taste their chocolates and then leave with plenty in hand.
We actually DRANK chocolate! DRANK IT!
This is the chocolate that they used.
Jessica is showing Jason the picture she just took of him.
Then we went to Benessere Oils & Vinegars. Another fact about me. I love Olive Oil and Vinegar. I will dip bread in the heavenly concoction until my mouth hurts from all of the vinegar. And apparently I have passed this trait down to my eldest daughter. I found her drinking vinegar when she was 18 months old, and she also dips her bread until her mouth hurts. This place will be on our many stops next time we go to Portland. They also let you taste the oils and vinegars.
What I loved about the tour is we learned about the foods we so much enjoy. I not only love olive oil, but use it for the health benefits. Well, we learned that 6 months after it is pressed, it begins to lose it’s benefits. I guess I will NOT be purchasing the costco olive oil again!
The store is set up like this so you can just go down the aisle and taste whichever your heart desires.
That Sicilian is SO GOOD! It would be perfect poured over a sponge cake!
The black truffle was good, but you have to be ready for the intensity. It’s intense.
I don’t normally like to eat lavendar. I feel it messes with my senses. I’m so used to smelling it that tasting it is just strange, but this was very good!
Jessica brought her new rebel and took some pictures for us.
Our next stop was The Spice & Tea Exchange to taste salts. SALTS! Did someone tell them what my favorite foods were? I salt EVERYTHING! I mean everything! I salt it until I get too much of a good thing. This will be a stop for us as well. Oh I can’t wait to go back!
This is where the store owner is telling us that our table salt is only beneficial to bake with and has really no health benefits. Great.
We tried Hickory Smoked Sea Salt, Himalayan Granules Mineral Salt, and a few others that I can’t remember because I was lost in all the wonderful flavors.
Here Paul is looking at the Cyprus Black Lava Sea Salt we tried.
We bought some Applewood smoked sea salt to use on our fresh fish or steak (this will not be freshed. Hiked in) when we go hiking in The Steens this May.
It was such a beautiful day!
Sharron.
Our next stop was Flying Elephants Delicatessen where we tried tomato orange soup. YUM! I found the recipe here.
Here it is.
We also tried Oregon Rain water.
Stay tuned for MORE from the tour!
by Anne
Woo! I am so glad it was everything you hoped it would be! I see some new stops along the way since Sept too– looks like we are due to go back on another tour. Aw shoot.
Can’t wait to read about the rest of your adventure!!
Anne you really make me want to go do the tour! Talk about such a fun date for Mark and I. Plus, my B-day is almost coming up!
PS: I LOVE the picture of you and Paul!
Paul- seriously! Your eyes. Not fair!