Marissa's Musings: Carbo Loadin' at Vegan Iron Chef

Thursday, 14 July 2011 11:15 | Written by Byron

Marissa Sullivan is on a roll. Last weekend she had a chance to witness one of those contests that seems especially "Portland-y."

MARISSA'S MUSINGS: On Sunday I gained three pounds; why you ask, because I attended Portland's 2011 Vegan Iron Chef competition, that's why.

There were free samples galore, a bar with a beautiful friendly waitstaff, tons of wonderful vegan patrons, and last but not least A NACHO BAR!

The winner was Piper Dixon of Kitchen Dances who along with his opponents put on one hell of a contest.

Now for the details: The Vegan Iron Chef held its second ever Vegan Iron Chef competition to a sold out crowd. Hosts Isa Chandra Moskowitz (Post Punk Kitchen) and arty Nicole J. Georges (Invincible Summer) entertained a rather sweaty crowd inside the warehouse space Refuge on SE Yamhill. With celeb, or shall I say "Portland-famous" judges, Grant Butler (acclaimed Oregonian FOODday vegan), Julie Hasson (co-owner of Native Bowl and author of cookbook Vegan Diner), John Janulis (the co-owner of my favorite bar in Portland: The Bye and Bye), and last but definitely not least as he was by far the most talkative, Aaron Adams (Chef at Portobello Vegan Trattoria).

The fierce competition was as follows: Piper Dixon, Kitchen Dances; Morgan Grudstein-Helvey, Dovetail Bakery; and Jeff Ridabock, Homegrown Smoker.

This was an event for the ages and was so much to take in, everyone who competed was beyond talented and came up with delicious dishes. For a guest like me, the highlights were the free samples by Brass Tacks Sandwiches (can you say vegan salami sandwich made from scratch?), Petunia's Pies & Pastries (bake good, yummm), and Heidi Ho Organics (fake cheese!!) and the photo-booth!

Follow Vegan Iron Chef on Facebook and make sure to get your tickets early next year because if tickets sold out in a matter of days in year two you can expect a sell out in mere hours in year three.

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