Central Coast Food Trail Celebrates the Bounty of the Coast
Dining is the number one activity that visitors participate in when they come to the coast, and we are invested in creating strong local food networks that benefit visitors, locals, the environment, and our local economy. One of the ways we do this is through Food Trails, which are collaborative efforts to connect people to the bounty available on the coast while supporting producers and crafters who work hard to grow and use our local ingredients.
Last Friday evening, OCVA hosted a Central Coast Food Trail Social at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center in Newport. This was an opportunity to re-energize conversation and connections around the local food network by bringing together farmers, fishermen, restaurants, stores, and supporters of this work.
In the Pacific Heritage Museum Theater overlooking Newport’s working bayfront, guests heard from Hilary Sagar and Claire Albright (Travel Oregon) about the strategy of investing in local food for sustainable tourism, Maggie Michaels about the work of the Oregon Ocean Cluster Initiative to keep more seafood local, and Jim King and Kiara Caruso with the Central Coast Food Web, who held an event the following evening at the Yaquina Lab, which provides extra support to local fishers and farmers with a fully functional processing facility.
On the Menu
Of course, a food trail event wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local bounty! Guests enjoyed an incredible meal and drinks donated by various local producers and restaurants.
Local seafood was provided by the Newport fleet, including black cod, rockfish, petrale sole, and albacore tuna. Chef Enrique and the Local Ocean team created an incredible menu, which included:
- Seafood Charcuterie
- Braised Beef Short Ribs from Lorissa Fujishin/Gibson Farms beef
- Uni Pasta from Aaron Huang’s Oo-Nee Ranch (Yaquina Bay)
- Rainforest Mushrooms (Yachats)
- Kumo and Yaquina petites from Liu’s Oregon Oyster Farm, on the half shell with cucumber salsa and mignonette (Yaquina Bay)
- Lamb Kabobs from Sarah Walker at Walker Farms (Siletz)
- Pork Shoulder Chicharrones from Walker Farms
- Tuna Melt Bruschetta with local albacore
Everything was adorned with microgreens and edible flowers from ‘Lil Swiss Farm just outside of Waldport. Local cider was provided by Wildcraft Cider (Yachats), with tastings of rum from Stillwagon Distillery (Reedsport). Bread and dessert were provided by Katie McNeal at Pacific Sourdough (Waldport), and even the flowers on the tables were local, provided by Catherine Lucido at Forks Farm (Yachats).
Local artists also showcased at the event demonstrated how the food trail supports more than restaurants and locally sourced ingredients. Guests watched videos (created by local videographers) highlighting the local food industry, and local art on display highlighted the local fishing fleet (thanks to Tom Ettel and Jeremy Burke).
An Ecosystem of Support
This event brought together members of the Central Coast Food Trail to elevate the ecosystem of our local food web. Local chefs, bakers, brewers, and producers joined farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and foragers to share an incredible meal—along with a strong network of support, including Representative David Gomberg, County Commissioner Miller, and representatives from SBDC, OSU Extension, and EDALC (to name a few) who attended and supported the event.
“Supporting our local food systems is essential for our community and our economy,” shared Central Coast Destination Coordinator Jesse Dolin. “Food is at the heart of the coastal tourism experience, yet we face significant economic leakage. Currently, 90% of the seafood consumed on the Oregon Coast is imported, while most of our world-class, locally harvested seafood is shipped out of state. By supporting local farmers and fishers, we are creating a sustainable food supply chain that benefits visitors and locals.”
We are grateful to all the industry members who showed up and continue to do the important work of bringing high-quality, locally sourced food to our plates here on the coast. To learn more about the Oregon Coast Food trails, click here.
About the Central Coast Food Trail
The Central Coast Food Trail is a collaborative effort to connect locals and visitors to the bounty available on Oregon’s Central Coast. Supporting local food is a way to support our communities and the producers & crafters that work hard to grow and use our local ingredients.