Portland Urban Foraging

Portland is a little powerhouse food city of the West Coast. It has the food resources of a much larger city: nationally-acclaimed restaurants and bars, an impressive number of well-stocked farmer’s markets, all manner of natural and specialty food shops, and a comprehensive network of artisan food producers. The list of resources presented here is long but is not exhaustive. These are my favorite spots:

City Market Northwest
In Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood there’s a permanent indoor market that houses multiple independent vendors–it’s called Melrose Market and was conceptualized by chef Matt Dillon, whose restaurant, Sitka & Spruce, anchors the market. City Market Northwest is similar in concept–multiple vendors under one roof–but from the perspective of a retailer rather than a chef. Each grocery department is covered by independent businesses, so you get the quality, depth, and expertise of a boutique shop combined with the convenience of one-stop shopping. (735 NW 21st Ave, Open Daily, 503.221.3007)

Flying Fish Co. & Kruger’s Farm Market
The seafood here is high quality and all sustainably sourced. They also have a small selection of local meat, eggs, and pantry items. Right next to the Flying Fish Co., is Kruger’s Farm Market–one urban outpost of Kruger’s Farm, which grows fruits, veggies, and flowers on the outskirts of Portland. Between Kruger’s and Flying Fish Co. there’s a nice selection of seafood and produce, plus a few extras. (2310 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Open Daily, Flying Fish: 971.258.5212, Kruger’s: 503.235.0314)

Pastaworks
A classic Italian specialty shop featuring a lot of great imported goods. The fresh departments are limited, so save your meat and produce shopping for another stop. (3735 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Open Daily, 503.232.1010)

Woodsman Market
Something of a retail larder, this shop has a small selection but is laser-focused on high quality, local, and artisan goods. They have charcuterie (local, imported, and house-made), local meats butchered in-house, cheese, eggs, fresh produce, and a collection of pantry goods. (4529 SE Division St, Open Daily, 971.373.8267)

Foster & Dobbs
No fresh departments here, but the local charcuterie, cheese, and pantry goods they carry are great quality. (2518 NE 15th Ave, Open Daily, 503.284.1157)

Market of Choice
A small chain of natural grocery stores based out of Eugene, with one location in Portland. Check it out for the great selection of Oregon products. (8502 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Open Daily, 503.892.7331)

Mr. Green Beans
A DIY foodie heaven, Mr. Green Beans sells “domestic arts” equipment–everything you need to roast your own coffee, make cheese, and put up pickles and preserves. (3932 N Mississippi Ave Open Daily, 503.288.8698)

Portland State University Farmers’ Market
This is Portland’s big market. Set in a gorgeous location with a full range of farms, food producers, and even some apothecary items. (South Park Blocks, SW Park Ave at SW Montgomery St, Saturdays, March – December)

There are so many farmers’ markets in Portland; for a list of all the others check out this 2013 Guide to Portland Metro Area Farmers Markets.

  

Post Written by Justin Marx

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