I visited the Portland Gluten Intolerance Group’s Spring fair last weekend, and was really amazed at how many people were there. There simply was no parking in the lot, and so I ended up parking a block or two away. The place was packed. 
I don’t really know if they had more booths this year than last, but it certainly does seem like that must have been the case. Some exhibitors that stood out to me were: Andina, Coconut Bliss, Corbett Fish House, Gem Bakery, Harvester Brewing, Jensen’s, Lamb’s Markets, New Cascadia, New Seasons, Petunia’s, Rudy’s, Udi’s, White Rabbit Bakery, and more. There were also quite a few speakers scheduled. 
Laura B. Russell was right inside the entrance of the fair. Regular readers will know her as the author of The Gluten Free Asian Kitchen among other things. 
Although Petunia’s (who make my favorite gluten-free cookies) was at the fair with samples of some of my favorite baked goods, I have to say that I’ll be on the lookout for these cookies made by Jude’s Foods (terrible Flash-based site warning). Their cookies are crispy and amazingly delicious. 
Also at the fair was Brazi Bites, who make delicious Brazilian cheese snacks – a.k.a pao bread. Hopefully we’ll have a review of their goods up soon. They just moved into a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility. 
Andina (our review here) was at the fair with some really delicious treats. I’m pretty sure that they were there to promote not just their restaurant, but also their Tupai event space. The snacks here are little ahi tuna rolls made with avocado and wrapped with potato puree instead of rice. These little buggers were tasty! They also had some delicious little cookies. 
Last but not least, here are Samantha Brody ND, LAc and Lisa Shaver. Lisa is the Portland Metro GIG Branch Manager. Samantha is a.k.a. “Dr. Samantha” my ND, who was there at the professionals table for the fair. We wandered around the room for a little bit. Check out Dr. Samantha’s impressions of the fair on her blog, here.
Unfortunately, I had to run to look at a house pretty soon after I arrived. But I was still glad that I showed up. Events like this one make it plain that the gluten-free community is healthy and growing in Portland.
Will says
It was a great time, and my first gluten-free gathering since starting my diet about three weeks ago. I learned about some really great, local brands and managed to squeeze away for one of the 30-minute sessions on up-and-coming brands.
Funny…my littlest guy is in the stroller on the right side of your first pick. You must have taken that right when we got there.
Big thanks to Dr. Samantha and Lisa for taking a few moments to answer some questions about my semi-complicated diagnosis when my own doctor was moderately clueless about Celiac disease. It was a huge help!!
Lisa Shaver says
Yes, this GIG of Portland sponsored Gluten-Free Food Fair was our biggest ever. We had 60 vendors and 12 speakers. The ballroom venue was bigger than any other site.
Then on the day of we hear that there is a simultaneous service at the venue and as well a basketball tourney. So much for parking! It was frustrating for many people and for us, too. Next year – bigger space and more parking, for sure.
This year, too, GIG of Lincoln City joined us with their crew of volunteers to help the day run smoothly, as well as GIG of McMinnville.
The day overall was a success and we promise to find a venue that has adequate parking access next year.
Thank you always for your support.
Dr. Samantha says
My pleasure, Will. Best of luck to you!