June Brings Dining Month to Portland

By: Julie Blakley | June 08 2010
Posted in Portland - Find It - Portland

Why is June the best time to dine out in Portland? It’s not just because the bounty of spring produce has arrived, but because it’s Dining Month Portland. That means this June, chefs are plotting their meals as they pick the best produce at farmers markets, ready to serve diners the best local food at very affordable prices.

Photo: Brasserie Montmartre

Starting June 1 and lasting the entire month, 46 restaurants will offer three-course dinner menus – including an appetizer, entrée and dessert – for just $25.

Portland's active foodie scene and renowned restaurants require more than just a Restaurant Week like New York, Seattle or Los Angeles have. Three weeks more, to be exact. There are just too many great restaurants to try for any person to cram them into a week (and even a month is a stretch, but it requires commitment and determination. Dining Month isn't for undedicated eaters.)

Obviously a month is better than a week, and after seeing the list of fabulous restaurants which are participating this year, I was excited to spread the news about this new Portland tradition.

Enter to Win Restaurant Gift Certificates

As an added bonus (like all this fabulous food for $25 per meal isn't enough), diners can enter to win more than $1,000 in restaurant gift certificates, while benefiting a local charity. Thanks to a sponsorship from American Express, the Downtown Marketing Initiative will donate $5 to New Avenues for Youth for every contest entry received, up to $5,000.

 Restaurant-goers can enter the competition after their meal at any participating Dining Month Portland restaurant (click to see the full list of restaurants).

 “Whether trying out a new restaurant or visiting a favorite stand-by, we want to offer people a reason to get out and experience our city’s amazing restaurants,” said Courtney Ries, Interim Director of the Downtown Marketing Initiative. “Dining Month Portland is about offering serious value to diners, all while raising money for a wonderful cause.”