• Home
  • U.S. Destinations
    • Midwest
    • Northeast
    • Northwest
    • Southeast
    • Southwest
    • Coastal
  • International Destinations
    • Africa/Middle East
    • Antarctica/Arctic
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Food & Drink
    • For the Home
    • On The Town
    • At the Bar
    • Recipes
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Getting There
    • Staying There
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear & Gifts
    • People Stories
    • Focus on Photos
  • About
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
Confetti Travel Cafe
Celebrate travel, culture, connection
la Ruta PDX
At the Bar, Europe, Food & Drink, Food And Drink, Northwest, On The Town, U.S. Destinations 2

La Ruta PDX: Spanish Cuisine Fest in Portland

By Nancy Zaffaro · On July 24, 2017


“Las penas con pan son menos,” is a common Spanish saying that translates as, “Sadness with bread is less,” or “Sorrows with bread are lessened.” With an abundance of bread and other delicacies at La Ruta PDX, the gastronomic food festival centered on Spanish cuisine, there was no room for sorrow.

Spanish Chef Mikel De Luis participated in La Ruta PDX events.

The timing couldn’t have been better; Portland had just enjoyed a week of festivities after being selected the U.S. site of Spain’s World Tapas Day. Many of the Spanish chefs stayed on for La Ruta PDX 2017.

The festival was held over four days at sites throughout Portland, Oregon and included film screenings, wine, sherry and sidra (Spanish cider) seminars, a trade show, and chef dinners hosted by Portland and Spanish chefs. The final event was held outdoors at Director Park in downtown Portland, providing an afternoon of fabulous bites from 19 restaurants and artisan producers, and sips from Spanish and Oregon breweries, wineries, and cideries.

Add live entertainment, including flamenco from Espacio Flamenco, chef panels, and more, and you’ve got the makings of a vibrant addition to Portland’s food and festival culture.

  

The Bites

With as many participants as there were for this event, I just can’t showcase them all. There truly wasn’t a dish presented that I wouldn’t be pleased to order in a restaurant or learn to make at home.  The chefs were prepared for the crowd and provided a steady stream of food and conversation.

New Jersey-based Importers Forever Cheese showcased products from Mitica, and Culinary Collective showcased products from Aneto and Matiz España. You won’t go wrong with any of these Spanish food products at home. Their products can be found online and in stores around the country.

Michelle Buster’s New York-based Forever Cheese brought goods from their Mitica line, as well as and other treats imported from Spain. (That’s Cheese Bar’s Steve Jones to her right.)

  

Josh Scofield’s Catalon butifarra bocadillo.

Pollo Bravo’s Josh Scofield shared a Catalan butifarra sausage bocadillo with romesco, queso de cabra, and fried onions. As good as the sausage was, the crisp-fried onions made the dish extra special. ¡Delicioso!

Grassa’s Rick Gencarelli roasted a whole pig for the event.

Someone had to do it, and Grassa’s Rick Gencarelli was up to the challenge—he roasted a whole pig and served it with sherried corn and pickled peaches.

 

 

 

 

 

Olympia Provisions’ Eric Joppe made a refreshing cold cucumber and almond soup with chorizo, preserved lime and yogurt.

  

Marché’s Rocky Maselli shared a citrus-cured anchovy crudo, and Kachka’s Bonnie Morales fried up savory salt cod croquetas, garnished with red pepper, pea tendrils and a saffron-sunflower mayo.

  

I loved the Sephardic lamb hand pies from Mediterranean Exploration Company’s Kasey Mills. He made these on-site and cooked them in a wood-fired travel oven.

  

Toro Bravo’s Pat Manning prepared a wonderful tender octopus mollete. And I’ll  admit I made a second pass at Alma Chocolate’s booth. They’re one of Portland’s best artisan chocolatiers.

 

Chop cooked fresh mini-coils of chorizo on an outdoor grill.

la Ruta PDX

Coils of fresh sausage, from Chop.

Carlo Lamagna (R) of Twisted Filipino and Clyde Common prepared a tender and flavorful pork collar adobo.

 

Philippe Boulot from Multnomah Athletic Club put out a wonderful display of mussels, served with a crisp mussels remoulade.

  

Biwa and Parasol does small Japanese-fusion plates, and shared a tasty escabeche-like lightly fried mackerel soaked in sweet vinegar, with vegetables.

 

Good paella was a must, and Scott and Emily Ketterman’s catering company, Crown Paella, did a lovely job preparing a seafood paella on-site. Crown Paella specializes in Spanish paella and tapas—talk about perfect placement.

Libations

On a comfortably warm summer day, great beverages, alcoholic and non- were a must, and the festival had a line-up for any palette.

Oregon’s Gilgamesh Brewing brought a lemon lager that paired well with many of the food offerings. Roseburg, Oregon’s Abacela Wines brought some of their excellent wine. One of my favorite Portland cideries was on hand as well; Reverend Nat’s brought along Sidra Bravo.

  

James Asbel of Ciders of Spain, a Portland-based distributorship dedicated exclusively to Spanish sidras, brought along a selection from his portfolio. With 40 years of experience in the industry, I was more than happy to take his lead through the tasting. Yes, he “threw” a cider for me, and yes, I drank the small glass immediately in one fell swoop. My favorite was the Fanjul, a traditional, wild-yeast, unfiltered cider that had all the wonderfully rich sour and funky flavors I was looking for. The three ciders from Angelón also represented Spanish ciders well.

ciders of spain

Ciders of Spain’s James Asbel with Chef John Gorham.

Years ago, I went through a “sherry phase,” but after sampling the various Spanish sherries Toni Ketrenos from Winebow Group brought along, I’m due for another look.

Toni Ketrenos from Winebow Group.

Reps from a host of additional wine distributorships, including Estelle Imports, shared Spanish wines—and their extensive knowledge.

Botegas Roda wines, from Estelle Imports.

Entertainment: Live Music, Flamenco and Chef Panels

Pepe Raphael and other musicians entertained.

No matter how great the food and drink is, a festival needs live entertainment—and there was plenty on hand. Pepe Raphael donned his flashy style and great smile, and led a talented group of young musicians from My Voice Music in song. Espacio Flamenco held the crowd in rapt attention with dramatic and skilled performances. The family-friendly event also included face painting for the kids and a flamenco class.

Luke Burbank from Live Wire led a panel of some of the traveling Spanish chefs, including Chef Ambassador, Mikel De Luis, as well as Spanish Journalist, Alex Cardona and Toro Bravo’s John Gorman. Hearing their impressions of their visit to Portland, especially after having had the chance to chat with members of this merry group, was a great way to say good-bye—for now. It’s clear relationships were made between these chefs and there will be more collaborations in the future.

la ruta pdx

About La Ruta PDX 2017

La Ruta PDX is the brainchild of John and Renee Gorham. The two co-own Toro Bravo, Inc., the restaurant, events and design group, which includes some of the Portland’s best restaurants. The Portland Kitchen was chosen to benefit from the event.

John, also Executive Chef for the company said, “Renee and I talked about organizing a festival like this, and she said, ‘That’s a good thing to do, maybe in a year or two.’ Months later…well, we ended up making it happen a lot sooner.”

john gorham

Toro Bravo’s John Gorham.

In its first year, the festival was well-organized and well-received (most events sold out). The plan is make the fest an annual event, and I’ve no doubt it can become a mainstay in the city’s gourmet food offerings.

Portland loves Spain and with the enthusiasm the city is showing for all things Spanish, Spain is no doubt feeling that love!

For More:

  • La Ruta PDX: A Gastronomic Festival, www.larutapdx.com/tastes-of-spain
  • Espacio Flamenco, www.espacioflamencopdx.com
  • Toro Bravo, Inc., torobravoinc.com/
  • Portland Kitchen, www.theportlandkitchen.org/
  • Spanish Tourism Board, spain.info

The Food:

  • Alma Chocolate, www.almachocolate.com/
  • Culinary Collective, www.matizespana.com/
  • Forever Cheese, https://forevercheese.com/
  • Biwa and Parasol, www.biwaandparasol.com/
  • Kachka, https://kachkapdx.com/
  • Grassa, https://grassapdx.com/
  • Marché, https://marcherestaurant.com/
  • Pollo Bravo, www.pollobravopdx.com/
  • Olympia Provisions, www.olympiaprovisions.com/
  • Mediterranean Exploration Company, www.mediterraneanexplorationcompany.com/
  • Toro Bravo, www.torobravopdx.com/
  • Twisted Filipino, www.facebook.com/events/
  • Chop, https://chopbutchery.com/
  • Multnomah Athletic Club, https://themac.com/dining
  • Crown Paella, www.crownpaella.com/

The Libations:

  • Estelle Imports, www.estelleimports.com/
  • Ciders of Spain, www.cidersofspain.com/
  • Abacela Wines, www.abacela.com/
  • Bodega Roda, https://roda.es/en/the-winery/
  • Winebow Group, www.thewinebowgroup.com/our-companies/
  • Gilgamesh Brewing, www.gilgameshbrewing.com/
  • Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, https://reverendnatshardcider.com/

-All photos by Nancy Zaffaro.

Download PDF
Alma ChocolateBiwa and ParasolciderCiders of SpainCrown PaellaDirector ParkEspacio Flamencofestivalsflamencofood festivalsForever CheeseGilgameshGrassaJohn and Renee GorhamJohn GorhamKachkaLa Ruta PDXMarcheMediterranean Exploration CompanyMultnomah Athletic ClubNancy ZaffaroOlympia ProvisionsOregonpaellaPepe RaphaelPollo BravoPortlandReverend Nat'ssidraSpainToro BravoTwisted FilipinowineWinebow
Share Tweet
Nancy Zaffaro

Nancy Zaffaro

Nancy Zaffaro took her first solo trip at 17 years old and has been hooked on travel ever since. She's a long-time writer and editor and the Editor of ConfettiTravelCafe.com. You can see more of her work at NancyZaffaro.com.

You Might Also Like

  • business travel post covid Getting There

    Future of Business Travel Post COVID-19

  • coffee around the world Turkish coffee At the Bar

    How to Enjoy Coffee Around the World

  • the Burton At the Bar

    The Burton: A Historic Tavern in Allegany, New York

2 Comments

  • Avatar
    Elizabeth Rose says: July 24, 2017 at 9:44 am

    I went to the event in SE. It was really fun and certainly found some new foods to enjoy!

    Reply
    • Nancy Zaffaro
      Nancy Zaffaro says: July 24, 2017 at 10:43 am

      Yes, it was a fabulous event….sorry I missed you. Already looking forward to next year.

      Reply

    Leave a reply Cancel reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Search

    Like What You See? Write For us!

    We're always interested in publishing new stories that celebrate travel, culture and connection. Take a look at our Submission Guidelines and pitch your story.

    Follow Us on Instagram

    confettitravel

    No, these are not snow shots, my friends. They are No, these are not snow shots, my friends. They are cirrocumulus #clouds. And I readily admit I had to look that up!
.
.
#naturelovers #cloudscape #cloudporn #cirrocumulus #takeawalk #getoutside #mothernature
    Adulting: cutting into a perfectly ripe #avocado Adulting: cutting into a perfectly ripe #avocado 
.
.
#foodie #foodporn #foodiesofinstagram #eatyourveggies #freshcut #veggies #healthyfood #healthylifestyle #healthyeating
    Some happenin’ colors out there this morning! . Some happenin’ colors out there this morning!
.
.
#sunrise #sunriseoftheday #goodmorning #breathe #oregon #coldair #gooddayahead #goodvibes
    So today I made a treat; squid ink #paella . Even So today I made a treat; squid ink #paella . Even got a pretty good socarrat, that savory bottom of the paella pan crust going.
.
I love a good paella and I love squid. I’ve cleaned the buggers just so I could know how to do it and decided it’s worth buying them already cleaned! But today I used what had on hand, and that meant no squid, just some large shrimp and tiny bay shrimp from the freezer. I had a good #bomba rice. Red and green pepper and a bit of garlic. And Aneto brand cooking base made it reeeally easy, with lots of good squid and fish flavors, a bit of tomato and veggie flavors and seasonings, including a bit of #saffron 
.
.
I’m not Spanish and didn’t grow up with this. But I’m Italian and did enjoy squid a few different ways, and there was a neighborhood Greek restaurant that made the best stuffed squid too. So this was a savory and salty happy-happy meal on a Sunday afternoon.
.
Here’s to keeping a good stocked pantry!
.
#paella🥘 #squid #squidink #shrimp #aneto @anetobroth #spanishfood #seafood #rice #sunday #sundaydinner #foodie #homecooking #homecooked #cooking #quickmeals #backtoworktomorrow
    What a day, what a day!!! . (Not my images of cour What a day, what a day!!!
.
(Not my images of course and normally wouldn’t do it...but. 🎉)
.
.
#inauguration #inaugurationday #freshstart #hope #healing #action #46 #celebrate
    Remember that lovely little #amaryllis bulb encase Remember that lovely little #amaryllis bulb encased in red wax? Well, I’ve been enjoying the growth and blooming process! With #gratitude for such a thoughtful gift.
.
The tall #bulb is in its third bloom by the way; great fun to help make happen!
.
#amaryllisflower #flowers #winter #wintercolors #addsomecolor #friendship #gifts #newyear
    Morning cappuccino and homemade biscotti! . Fun to Morning cappuccino and homemade biscotti!
.
Fun to have my daughter making the biscotti now, from my favorite recipe.
.
#morningcoffee #morningmotivation #coffee #coffeelover #espresso #cappuccino #biscotti #chocolatechips #chocolatechipbiscotti #chocolatechipcookies #startmyday #happysunday
    ‘Tis the spirit of the season! A good friend sto ‘Tis the spirit of the season! A good friend stopped by with the most #apropos #gift !
.
 #christmas2020 #christmas2020🎄🎅🎁 #tistheseason #besafe #besafeoutthere #xmas #christmasdecor #christmasornaments2020 #friends #friendship #makemelaugh #laugh #smile #wehavetolaugh
    Raise a glass ... Happy Christmas Eve! . . #girlfr Raise a glass ... Happy Christmas Eve!
.
.
#girlfriends #morningyoga #christmas #friends #friendship #giftexchange #christmasgifts #christmastime #mimosa #mimosas #raiseaglass #soover2020 #before5
    A good start to any #holiday ! We had every intent A good start to any #holiday ! We had every intention of doing our morning yoga ... but #mimosas and gift exchanges were calling! Rare to miss ... but ... Happy Christmas Eve!
.
.
#girlfriends #morningyoga #christmas #friends #friendship #giftexchange #christmasgifts #christmastime #mimosa #mimosas #raiseaglass #soover2020
    Christmas Eve and the last window on my 1960 Adven Christmas Eve and the last window on my 1960 Advent calendar is open! I love this little tradition.
.
Sorry, no chocolates in this one! Merry Christmas! I wish you all a healthy and happy and safe #holiday !!
.
#christmas #merrychristmas #advent #adventcalendar #childhoodmemories #windowsofinstagram #familytime #memories #tradition #traditions #familytraditions #nochocolate #besafe  #besafeoutthere
    A bad mom moment ... I don’t remember which #kid A bad mom moment ... I don’t remember which #kiddo made this or when! But I still love my #winter doorstop! Ha! Merry Christmas!🎁 
.
.
#christmas #christmasdecor #christmaspast #homemade #kidmade #doorstop #family #familytime #gifts #kidmade #christmastime
    Always something new under the stars and sun and m Always something new under the stars and sun and moon! A friend gave me an #amaryllis and check it out! Encased in red wax, no watering needed. Can’t wait to see the #bloom! And I’m including a shot of my “old” Amaryllis as well. The blooms won’t be ready for the holidays, but this will be the third time since last Christmas that they will bloom. Yay me!
.
.
#flowers #flower #christmas #gift #tradition #enjoytheholidays #happyholidays #red #colorful #christmasgifts #christmasdecor #friends #friendship #luckyme
    Squash seeds ... I’ve always baked them with dry Squash seeds ... I’ve always baked them with dry spices. But this time around, I took a tip from my daughter-in-law and baked them in a little #marinade of soy sauce, ginger and some hot chili oil. Delicious!
.
.
#squash #seeds #snacks #fallfoods #foodies #foodie #foodporn #foodiesofinstagram #fromthegarden #gardentotable #chilioil #soysauce #ginger
    My city of bridges ... A #saturday walk around dow My city of bridges ... A #saturday walk around downtown Portland ...
.
.
#portlandoregon #portland #eastside  #westside #inmycity #takeawalk #willametteriver #walk #walking #fall #fallvibes #fallweather #waterfront #bridges #tillikum #tillicumcrossing #steelbridge #steelbridges
    Perfect day to walk the Esplanade in downtown Port Perfect day to walk the Esplanade in downtown Portland ...
.
.
#portlandoregon #portland #eastside  #westside #inmycity #takeawalk #willametteriver #walk #walking #fall #fallvibes #fallweather #waterfront
    happens every December, don’tcha know ...the foo happens every December, don’tcha know ...the food bill goes through the roof! Can’t resist buying all kind of little favorite delicacies!!
.
.
And I haven’t even STARTED picking up #cheese and #charcuterie yet! LOL!
.
#holidays #foodie #foodiesofinstagram #favoritethings #favoritefoods #christmas #gourmet #gourmetfood #truffles #cranberries #mussels @penncoveshellfish #capers #dittmann  #saltedcapers @starvationalley  @drinkcacoco #drinkingchocolate @jacobsensaltco #oregon #washingtonstate #washington #cooking #cookingathome
    And a merry Christmas ... I really do love the hol And a merry Christmas ... I really do love the holidays and this year, in that regard, is no different than any other. #bekind #beafriend #breathe 
.
.
#christmas #christmastree #christmas2020 #christmastime
    A little prayer for peace...happy #Hanukkah! . . # A little prayer for peace...happy #Hanukkah!
.
.
#hannukah #hanukkah2020
    A #granddog boy-dog and his treat! Cooper, loved s A #granddog boy-dog and his treat! Cooper, loved seeing you ... oh, oh and your mom and dad...😉
.
.
@cooper.d.shiba #dog #dogsofinstagram #caninelove
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    Our Contributors!

    We love our Contributors and enjoy building a community of writers. Take a look at who’s writing for Confetti Travel Cafe on our Contributors page!

    Find us on Facebook

    Recent Comments

    • Nancy Zaffaro on 7 Best Places in Japan for Freelance Writers
    • writeessaytoday on 7 Best Places in Japan for Freelance Writers
    • Nancy Zaffaro on Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Moscow
    • Arie on Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Moscow
    • Nancy Zaffaro on Tiffany Stained Glass Windows in Franklin, Pennsylvania
    • Donald Ziegler on Tiffany Stained Glass Windows in Franklin, Pennsylvania

    Archives

    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016

    Categories

    Recent Posts

    • Future of Business Travel Post COVID-19
    • How to Enjoy Coffee Around the World
    • The Burton: A Historic Tavern in Allegany, New York
    • An Introduction to Sipping Tequilas
    • Top Trends in Travel Blogging
    • Tips For Moving to a Different State
    • How to Save Money on Food While Traveling Abroad
    • Home
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure

    Categories

    • Africa/Middle East (15)
    • Antarctica/Arctic (1)
    • Art & Culture (27)
    • Asia (31)
    • At the Bar (57)
    • Canada (3)
    • Coastal (36)
    • Europe (42)
    • Food & Drink (141)
    • Food And Drink (70)
    • For the Home (33)
    • Getting There (24)
    • International (92)
    • International Destinations (116)
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean (13)
    • Midwest (4)
    • Northeast (13)
    • Northwest (76)
    • Oceania (7)
    • On The Town (76)
    • Outdoors (16)
    • People Stories (24)
    • Recipes (30)
    • South America (6)
    • Southeast (33)
    • Southwest (17)
    • Staying There (47)
    • Travel & Lifestyle (71)
    • Travel Destinations (21)
    • Travel Gear & Gifts (27)
    • Travel Tips (55)
    • U.S. (74)
    • U.S. Destinations (140)
    • Uncategorized (1)

    Recent Posts

    • Future of Business Travel Post COVID-19
    • How to Enjoy Coffee Around the World
    • The Burton: A Historic Tavern in Allegany, New York
    • An Introduction to Sipping Tequilas
    • Top Trends in Travel Blogging
    • Tips For Moving to a Different State
    • How to Save Money on Food While Traveling Abroad

    Tag Cloud

    best safaris what to do in Portland whiskey tours Gregory Gourdet Seattle Willapa Brewing Company hotel booking what to bring for camping 19th century bicycle tours Columbia River Gorge bitters One Spirit Garden Tokyo Pacific Parasail Lamia Rochdi Hotel Majestic riad Fort Worth Wedding Oak Winery Alchemy Jaime Soltero Kheerganga mushroom hunting Anna Cook Taliesin West soup Peacock Garden Calgary Hefeweizen beans Om Cafe Southeast Asia Momofuku Tad Seestedt VRBO Portland resturants Espacio Flamenco Julie Pacheco-Toye herring

    © 2020 Confetti Travel Cafe. All rights reserved.