SPOON’s biggest event to date, a benefit for orphan nutrition, is coming up on February 8th in Portland.  Attendees will partake in a global dining experience with food from some of Portland’s top chefs and restaurants representing the cuisines of India, Ethiopia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East:

Caprial and John Pence

Many of you may be familiar with Caprial and John Pence from their cooking shows on the Learning Channel and OPB.  They have also written cookbooks, and Portlanders will know of their restaurant, Caprial’s Bistro, that they ran for 17 years.  They now operate The Kitchen, and SPOON is excited to be able to share their food at the benefit.

Seres, which was previously Sungari Pearl, could be described as Chinese and

Seres Restaurant

Pacific Northwest Fusion.  They are known for their quality (and yummy!) organic ingredients, and they are committed to supporting the Portland community.  They provide meals to NW Loaves and Fishes and support nonprofit organizations (lucky for SPOON!).  On a personal note, I used to live just blocks from Seres and utilized their takeout on a regular basis.  I even took my daughter, Bakha, there to celebrate her last day of kindergarten!

Silk, previously known as Pho Van Bistro, offers upscale Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant restaurant in the Pearl District.  Their fresh and delicious food is frequently flavored with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and anise.  On another personal note, when I was trying to get extra calories and nutrients into my daughter when she was malnourished, I often bought her Silk’s yummy avocado drink.  Bakha never took to it (but I got to enjoy several of them!)

Red Onion's Neua Phad Phrik tai Dum

Chef Dang Boonyakomol’s Red Onion features classic Thai cuisine, but is also known for its specials menu with hard-to-find food items that the restaurant presents to Thai expats and students looking for more than the typical westernized Thai dishes.  The Red Onion is Boonyakomol’s third, and arguably his best, Portland-area restaurant.

And if you aren’t hungry yet, wait until you sample the food from Queen of Sheba, called Portland’s best Ethiopian restaurant by the Oregonian, and Autentica, voted best Mexican Food 2007 by City Search.  East India Company, located in downtown Portland, is known for their eclectic menu with innovative combinations and intricate spicing.

Barbur World Foods will also be at the benefit.  Their store has more than 10,000 items from around the world, along with 2000 different beers (yep, I’ve been there once or twice!).

As if all this delicious food is not enough, starting today the first 20 people who buy tickets will receive a free KEEN

KEEN Hybrid Bag

bag, valued at up to $100.  KEEN is hosting the event, and has been a big supporter of SPOON since SPOON’s inception.  So, hurry and get your tickets at http://spoonehome-efbnen.eventbrite.com/ and start dreaming about all the wonderful food to be had.