#296 Tasia Bernie - FeederPDX.com

Tasia Bernie is passionate about food.  In April, 2021, Tasia realized there was no source to find out which restaurants in Portland were featuring what type of dining--indoor, outdoor, takeout, etc.  So, she added another baby to her responsibilities as a Mom and her personal training and nutrition business, that of a resource for diners to find out information restaurants may not be updating on their websites. 

In the process of building and maintaining FeederPDX, she's met many people in Porltand's food world and experienced quite a few restaurants that have managed to either open during the pandemic, or sustain.   

Tasia joins host Chris Angelus this week to talk about food experiences, what she's liking right now in Portland, and what makes Portland unique.  And what episode of Right at the Fork would be complete if we didn't delve back into embarrassing moments at the dining table?  Listen to find out.

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com

RATF Presents: The Joy of Drinking Podcast with Joy Church - Ep #14 Jason Ericson of Eastside Distilling

Joy Church joins Jason Ericson of Eastside Distilling to talk through their new line of spirits including Burnside Black Barrel Strength Rye and Burnside Whiskey.  Head Distiller Jason Ericson shares his background with us and much, more more. 

Right at the Fork podcasts are supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com

#295 Anthony Cafiero - Meta Pizza

It's always a great conversation with Anthony Cafiero, who has a diverse background cooking in Portland. From his early days before Nostrana, to his Tabla Bistro tenure, to Racion, to vegan ice cream and a number of pizza gigs, Chef Anthony recently opened his own place, Meta Pizza in Portland's Brooklyn neighborhood. We talk about that cooking history, what he's learned, and how Meta Pizza came about after his job shifted in Micah Camden's organization during the pandemic.

Mostly importantly, according to host Chris Angelus, there WILL be white clam pies in 2022!!!

Find Anthony at @metapizzapdx and make sure to visit metapizzapdx.com to order.

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com

#294 Neil Thompson - Park Avenue Fine Wines

Neil Thompson, aka Vic Starman, co-owner of Park Avenue Fine Wines in Portland, joins us to talk about how downtown is recovering from the events of the past year, and how tourism is going to be the linchpin at the heart of a new-look Portland. Neil, having landed in Portland just before the turn of the century, shares what he loved about it then and how things have changed. Neil also talks about some of his Beaverton food faves, and what his guilty pleasures are when it comes to chain restaurants.

We also talk about his southern routes and how that corresponds to values in Oregon.

Find Neil at parkavenuewines.com and also @vicstarman

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com

RATF Classic #272 Eytan Zias - Steelport

With the holidays around the corner, we thought this conversation with Eytan Zias might be an "idea starter" for the holiday shopping... 

 No matter how you slice it, our conversation with knife maker Eytan Zias is a must-listen for anyone who uses knives either at home or in a professional kitchen.  We previously interviewed Eytan three years ago (Episode 161) when he told us his backstory of Portland Knife House. 

Now we will hear how he is living and working his dream of crafting and selling uniquely American-made high quality kitchen knives with Steelport, only a week old company as of the recording of this interview.  (April 5, 2021).  Eytan worked nights during the pandemic to craft and hone his knives, while simultaneously overseeing his kids' schooling and running Portland Knife House.  Chris and Eytan talk about what makes a quality knife, who would notice the quality, and what it takes to maintain one.  Also, Eytan shares the story of his full sleeve tattoos, which is not what you would think!  Listen to find out lots more.

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com

#293 Thubten Comerford -- Buckman Brines

Upon seeing Thubten Comerford's Facebook post showing him sending off his first shipment of his Buckman Brines product, host Chris Angelus asked Thubten if he'd like to be a guest on our show.  As it turns out, the first shipment of his top quality pickles was going to Southern California, where Thubten grew up.  Some of the things we learn about Thubten in this podcast are that his childhood friends in Malibu are now A-list celebrities, Thubten served in the military, which we discuss in the context of being a gay man escaping the discomfort of his early home life.  

We'll talk about the difference between "vegan" and "plant-based" as well as how Thubten's shift to a 99.97% (he calculated this!) plant-based life has helped him become healthier, and how he still enjoys some meat or cheese here and there when the situation calls for it.  Thubten had all the ingredients put together for a plant-based TV chef show.  We'll hear about the format, and why that hasn't happened... yet!

Thubten also shares some of his impressions of Portland and how he got here, along with some of his favorite plant-based restaurants in Portland.  This is a fun interview you'll want to listen to before checking out buckmanbrines.com.

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

RATF Presents: The Joy of Drinking Podcast with Joy Church - Ep #13 Christine & Steve Hopkins of Aimsir Distilling

The October edition of the Joy of Drinking Podcast is here.  Here, Joy Church talks to  Christine and Steve Hopkins, owners and founders of Aimsir Distilling, sat down to talk about their delicious foray into the wonderful world of spirits. The distillery will celebrate their one year anniversary in December. Such an impressive accomplishment!

Right at the Fork podcasts are supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com

#292 Alex Frane - Food + Beverage Writer

Alex Frane, whom many may recognize from his writing with Eater, Thrillist and other publications, joins us to talk about many issues affecting the Portland food industry. Alex talks about how his the topics he wrote abouts changed from restaurant openings to social and business issues that hit so many beloved operators when Covid smashed down on us. Alex shares some of his favorites with us, which are peppered in throughout the interview.

We also talk about transportation issues in relation to writing about food.

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

#291 Scott and Emily Ketterman - Pizza Kat

We connect with Scott and Emily Ketterman, well-known for their Crown Paella catering company all over Oregon, which became vulnerable to the effects of Covid and has had to cease operations--at least for now. Now, the duo is excited to move in a new direction with Pizza Kat, the just opened pizza spot on West Burnside in Portland, providing Scott and Emily with a viable business with which to move forward post-pandemic. We talk about how they met years ago in the kitchen, the influence working at Simpatica Dining and Laurelhurst Market had on Scott's career, as well as their pizza-specific inspirations, among other tasty topics.

Find them at Pizzakat.com and @pizzakat on Insta

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

RATF Classic: #25 The Paleys - Paley's Place

With the news that the Vitaly and Kimberly Paley will be closing down Paley's Place in November, we felt it important to bring back our original conversation with the couple.

Original Introduction:

Get to know the first couple of Portland's restaurant scene: Vitaly and Kimberly Paley. Hard working, generous of spirit, and still in love after 25 years and 3 restaurants.

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

#290 Cameron Lee Dunlap - Morchella

Fresh off the heels of Cameron's excitement about his first mention in EaterPDX, we took it upon ourselves to host Cameron for the first time on a podcast.

Moving from the chef role at The Fireside, a second stint there, Cameron has gathered a team to open Morchella, slated to open its doors in mid-October, 2021. His first restaurant to which he can lay claim has his own will feature foraged edible food sourced by his staff. and others The restaurant will be built with a particular focus on quality of life for its employees, who will all be wearing numerous hats.

Cameron and Chris talk about the sustainability of social-forward restaurants, as well as his experiences at other restaurants, and which chefs he's watching in Portland.

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

RATF Presents: The Joy of Drinking Podcast with Joy Church - Ep #12 Pechluck Laskey

In this episode of the Joy of Drinking Podcast, listeners get to hear from Pechluck Laskey.

Pech is a Portland-based food & beverage enthusiast, influencer, and blogger. She recently competed in Crater Lake Spirits annual "Claim Your Spirit of Adventure Cocktail Contest." Learn more about Pech's "Autumn Rejuvenation" entry and get tips on what to drink and where to eat this fall!

Read Pech's food and travel blog here: www.pechluck.com

Right at the Fork podcasts are supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com

#289 Andrew Fortgang - Flor, Le Pigeon & Canard

After announcing the scheduled opening of his new retail wine shop, we caught up with Andy Fortgang, known to many as the business brains behind Portland's storied Le Pigeon and sister restaurant/bar Canard, which Andy owns with Chef Gabriel Rucker.

We discuss Andy's new project, Flor, and the genesis behind it, as well as the severe challenges of owning two restaurants through the recent pandemic. Andy tells us what the current operating situation is at both restaurants. This is a must-listen, since Andy will be expanding his horizons from and in addition to two of the most important restaurants in Portland.

Right at the Fork is supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

#288 Kurt Huffman - ChefStable

We catch up with Kurt Huffman of ChefStable to discuss lots to do with the state of the restaurant business in 2021. Having a stake in dozens of projects and restaurants gives Kurt and great perspective on some of the challenges facing both restaurants and their employees, and diners these days. We talk about his new projects in Lake Oswego and Beaverton and perhaps as far as the Oregon Coast. We touch on the evolution of buying the Tasty brand from John and Renee Gorham. Kurt also shares how boxing has helped him deal with the stresses of owning a host of restaurants.

Also, we hear why if all goes as planned, Kurt will be living in France in 2023.

Lastly, we talk about the loss of much of the foundation of Portland's hallmark restaurants and chefs with the exit of Andy Ricker, John and Renee Gorham, and Jose Chesa from the city.

The link to donate to Chef Chesa's GoFundMe campaign is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-chesas-rebuild-their-home

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

RATF Classic: #281 Kyo Koo - Bokki Seoul NYC

Chef Kyo Koo, whom Portlanders will know from his days at BlueHour and more recently as proprietor of Danwei Canting, joins Chris to talk about working on his new concept in New York City, Bokki Seoul. Coming out of the pandemic, Chris asks Kyo about his thoughts about fast casual, take-out, and whether something closer to fine dining is something we can expect to return like the days of old.

Issues like rent and labor are considered, as well as what may be in store for Portland's food scene coming out of the pandemic (we hope!)

This episode of Right at the Fork is sponsored by:

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com 
Andina: www.AndinaRestaurant.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com 

#287 Jason F. French - Personal Coach for Men

Jason French was once referred to as an "Portland ambassador" by our host Chris Angelus when it came to Portland's food world, but even beyond that: embodying much of the spirit of the city, a dozen years ago to the point before Covid hit. Cut to 2021, and Jason is moving out of the hospitality business and into personal coaching for men, utilizing many of the skillsets and experience he gained as chef/owner of Ned Ludd, which he's now selling.

We talk about his years at Ned Ludd, where Portland is now as a city and how we got here, and also why men can benefit from his introspective coaching.

Email Jason at jason.f.french@gmail.com

Or check him out on Instagram: @jasonffrench

And his wife Carrie: @carriekalscheuer

RATF Presents: The Joy of Drinking Podcast with Joy Church - Ep #11 Carrie & Jody of Greater Goods

The Joy of Drinking Podcast returns, as Joy sits down with Carrie from Greater Goods!

If you've ever tasted their delicious CBD chocolates, you know that everything they create is of superior quality and is absolutely delicious.

Carrie and Jody share with Joy details about a new line of products: 100% vegan CBD gummies.

Right at the Fork podcasts are supported by:

Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com

#286 Mary Amter - Mary's Culinary Classes for Kids

We venture outside of Oregon this week with Mary Amter, host Chris' former beloved neighbor in Connecticut, who joins us to talk about her cooking classes geared for kids and adults.

Covid brought her classes online, which can be found on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/mccguilford/videos.

Mary talks about her childhood cooking with Mom and Dad, her husband's chef and teaching world, and how she decided, as a busy mother of three teenage kids, to start offering cooking classes on the Connecticut shoreline.

Right at the Fork is supported by: 

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse:  www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

#285 Lauro Romero - República

Lauro Romero, chef of República  , a new hotspot on the Portland food scene, joins us to discuss his childhood and Mom's influence in his native Mexico on his food sensibilities.  We track his journey from farms in Mexico through Utah to Portland, where Chef Lauro helmed one of Portland's best seafood spots, King Tide.  Chef talks about the things that came together with his partners to form what he believes is a perfect team to offer great food, drinks, coffee and service at República.

Right at the Fork is supported by: 

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse:  www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com

RATF Classic: #217 Kristen Murray - MÅURICE

MÅURICE's Kristen Murray's story begins in Southern California, baking with her great-grandmother and great-aunt. On this episode, hear about Kristen's journey from California, to New York City, to France and eventually Portland (with many more stops in between), and the eventual creation of MÅURICE.

Right at the Fork is supported by: 

Zupan's Markets: www.Zupans.com
RingSide Steakhouse:  www.RingSideSteakhouse.com
Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com