2 May 2010 
I am renewed.
I am salivating.
I am stunned.
I am digesting. Yes. Lots of digesting, both physical and literal, took place at the IACP Conference in Portland last week.
Big shout out to old friends and new. We now Facebook. We now Tweet, I promise to become a tweet whiz like my good friend, Jacqueline! Eating through laughs is as good as it gets. Fun games played, I’m thinking namely Human Bingo at Nourish Network’s mixer event – where a crowded room of strangers learned bizarre details of one on another in desperate attempts at shouting out BINGO. We are a competitive bunch. And yes, I have been to Africa, for those needing that spot filled.
Jaden Hair, from Steamy Kitchen, was a burst of sunshine in the charismatically grey Portland day, offering up tips and advice and always a helping hand to those mastering the world of social networking. Be searchable, was a key phrase I came away with. Dragon Crestwood, filled with spunk and creative energy (and with that name, how could one not be in for a good time!) delivered with her Deep Feast Writing, as we explored our writing lens through a baking potato. Amy Sherman from Cooking With Amy, reminded us about the importance of knowing your voice and having a niche and agents Jenni Ferrari-Adler and Lisa Ekus-Saffer offered useful tips on queries, book proposals, and platform. Oh but I leave so many out, I know I do. Of course Kim Severson, from The New York Times and the food goddess herself, Ruth Reichl, made a memorable duo (requests to host the Oscars are already pouring in), and, Mark Bitterman, was there to offer his salty inspiration and directions to his shop, The Meadow (a dangerous, dangerous place for my credit card, I soon discovered). Author Virginia Willis and publisher Bob Dees offered new insights from opposite perspectives, Scott Givot doled out support and fashion statements and Michael Ruhlman seemed to create a buzz wherever he went.
But let’s get down to it. The food. It was amazing. From the various events hosted by IACP to the morning bakeries to the grungy street cart festival under the bridge, Portland enchanted me with its culinary bravado. I can’t speak enough about it. But I’ll stop now. A picture says a thousand words. Enjoy the feast!
