Feast Portland, the international-type fancy food festival happening to the south of us in September is still adding chefs to its lineup. And, at last, Seattle is fielding a few big names on the roster, which includes more nationally known chefs than a Bravo marathon.

The four-day food (and wine and beer) orgy kicks off with a sandwich invitational, wherein a score of chefs make crazy sandwiches and attendees roam around sampling the wares. These sandwich denizens include Portlanders like Beast chef Naomi Pomeroy and Food and Wine Best New Chef Jenn Louis from Lincoln, Aaron Franklin from Austin’s revered Franklin BBQ, cake guy Duff Goldman…and our own Ethan Stowell and Molly Moon Neitzel.

Obviously when ice cream magnates, barbecue phenoms, and a dude with a TV show about cakes are competing, sandwiches are bound to get interpretive. That’s the point, say organizers—the sandwich invitational purposely has a very loose definition of what counts as a sandwich.

The event is the first in a ridiculous lineup of panels, demonstrations, a night market, and a dinner series that pairs Portland luminaries with big chef names from other cities. Think former Castagna chef Matt Lightner with South Carolina chef Sean Brock, or the trio of chefs behind Portland’s Aviary teaming up with Anita Lo of New York’s Annisa. Basically if you geek out on chefs and things chef-related, this festival is worth emptying the wallet and traversing I-5. (Full disclosure: Our sibling mag Portland Monthly is a sponsor of the fest. Though I would still be freaking out about it either way).

Feast Portland Sandwich Invitational
September 20, 5:30–8:30, Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave, Portland, $95