Eugene weekly., June 02, 2016, Page 44, Image 44

The TasTes
of Summer
Eat, drink and be merry with new
food-centric gatherings BY AMY SCHNEIDER
Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery
joins the fleet at Eugene
Food Truck Fest June 18
T
says, “and we’re happy for their support.”
he tastes of summer beckon — this year, two brand-new foodie shindigs splash
Eugene Food Truck Fest is 11 am to 3 pm Saturday, June 18, in the parking lot of Valley River
onto the scene. Look forward to a season’s worth of eating, drinking and living it
Center. See more at the event’s Facebook page.
up. And the best part is, you don’t even have to trek to Portland.
First comes the Eugene Food Truck Fest, a delicious gathering invented by the
Later this summer, food lovers should head over to Springfield for another new culinary
Eugene Mission to raise awareness of homelessness during the summer months,
celebration, Springfield Tap & Taste on Aug. 27.
when thoughts of shelter and housing tend to fade as the warm weather rolls in.
“We realized that we wanted to do something to celebrate downtown and revitalization, and
More than 25 of our area’s best food trucks will convene at Valley River Center on June 18 for a
reach out to a new demographic,” says Kim Lyddane with Willamalane Park and Recreation District,
summer food celebration bound to leave you completely stuffed.
which is putting on the event. “We looked around and decided the things important to us are good
“Food trucks are just cool,” says Caitlin Vargas, development director at Eugene Mission. “They
music, good food and good things to drink. We also wanted it to be all local.”
have this ability to create different menus and items and customize things.”
That’s why Lyddane and others at Willamalane decided to put together a food-and-drink
She adds, “We also appreciate the relationships that they build with their customers. Everyone
gathering to showcase Springfield’s edible offerings.
we’ve talked to says, ‘I’ve been wanting someone to do this.’”
While a full list of participants is not yet available (applications are currently being reviewed),
Vargas says she and Eugene Mission outreach and events coordinator Cortney Roy have spent
Lyddane says that Plank Town Brewing will serve as an official
time “beating the street” asking local food trucks to join
sponsor. Needless to say, Plank Town’s collection of exquisite
the fest. The response has been overwhelmingly positive,
beers, from its hoppy “Riptooth IPA” to its satisfying “FURTHR
Vargas says, and the list of participating trucks represents
NoT Full YeT?
Ambr,” will bring immediate tastiness to the new festival.
some mighty fine local food offerings.
It’s the best of three worlds: The Blues, Brews and BBQ
Other sponsors include Hop Valley and Security Monster,
Attendees of the Eugene Food Truck Fest can choose
festival kicks off another year 11 am to 11 pm Saturday, June
Lyddane
says.
from a diversity of cuisines, including Kun Fusion’s unique
4, at 10 Shelton McMurphey Blvd. Start your summer with tasty
Springfield
Tap & Taste will consist of a collection
Korean-Mexican menu, Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery’s
barbecue treats, lots of blues music and a pint or two, plus a
of
canopies
set
up at the corner of 5th and A streets in
tempting salads and rice bowls, Viva! Vegetarian Grill’s
kid zone carnival. Admission is $17, with a portion of proceeds
downtown Springfield, echoing the vibe of a block party.
reliably tasty veggie offerings and Coalesce Juicery and
benefiting March of Dimes. See more on the event’s Facebook
Guests will receive a souvenir glass and taste tickets with
Whole Foods’ raw and healthy dishes.
page.
the price of admission, as well as a tasting guide, and
Vargas says that initially the Mission planned for a more
The party rolls on over at 2 Towns Ciderhouse Taproom with
they can wander through a selection of food and beverage
modest event, figuring they could start small and build
its Summer Block Party noon to 5 pm Saturday, June 25, 33930
S.E. Eastgate Circle in Corvallis. Mazama Brewing and Nectar
vendors, sampling each offering as they go.
from there. That changed when the event’s Facebook page
Creek Honeywine join the festivities, with live music, food carts,
“Our hope is that they’re going to fall in love with
ballooned with almost 10,000 people interested and nearly
free tours of the facilities and lots of drinks to sample. In the
everything they taste,” Lyddane says.
3,000 people saying they will attend.
meantime, try out 2 Towns’ latest releases, including Hop and
Willamalane plans to set up a mobile stage where local
“Our plan to go small was totally wiped out,” Vargas laughs.
Stalk, a fruity and fresh summer cider, and La Mûre, a lambic cider
bands will perform. “It will be a great way to celebrate the last
Due to the interest, Vargas says the event will include
with a sharp punch of blackberries.
summer weekend before Labor Day weekend,” Lyddane adds.
DJ Robb Holloway, live broadcasting from KDUK, and a kids’
Head out to Oakridge for the beloved Oakridge Keg & Cask
A full list of participating vendors should be available by
activity area with a bounce house, face painters and the
Festival, a refreshing collection of local breweries, cideries and
July 1, and Lyddane says to check out willamalane.org for
River Road Park Imagination Bus.
wineries. You’re bound to find something you like. While the 2016
updates.
There’s no cost of admission — just bring money to buy
lineup is not yet available, last year’s list of contributors included
Springfield Tap & Taste is 5 pm Saturday, Aug. 27, at 5th
food. Food trucks will donate 10 percent of their proceeds to
Agrarian Ales, Claim 52 Brewing, Ninkasi Brewing, Oakshire
and A streets in downtown Springfield. Admission is $15 in
the Eugene Mission.
Brewing, Block 15 Brewing, Viking Braggot Company and many
advance and $20 at the gate; see willamalane.org for tickets.
“I commend all the food trucks and vendors,” Vargas
other Oregon favorites. Check out Facebook for more.
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June 2, 2016 • eugeneweekly.com