I *heart* beer

This is no secret to those that know me. I blame my beer snob ways on my husband. I've really started to cut back on drinking the liquid of the gods due to being broke and wanting to be healthier. But I can't pass up a good opportunity to drink delicious, local brews for free.

Every year, Portland hosts the North American Organic Brewers Festival. Local and national breweries come and hock their organic wares in beautiful Overlook park in north Portland. I first signed up to volunteer last year out of sheer boredom and after all the free beer I got to drink I couldn't resist signing up again to pour this year. 

Another awesome aspect of the festival is the food. The festival requires all vendors to use compostable cutlery and there are recycling stations around the park to prevent the least waste possible. My favorite food cart, Viva Vegetarian Grill from Eugene, was there serving up delicious vegan cheesesteak sandwiches, hot dogs, soy sausages and tempeh reubens. If the cart wasn't 2 hours south, I think I would eat there every. freaking. day.

A taster of beer is one token and four ounces, and I had 20 tokens, just from volunteering. I enlisted the help of a friend for the imbibing on Sunday and it was an amazing day for being outside in Portland.

Flower of the Gods IPA from Lompoc (my favorite brewery)

Viva Cheesesteak with awesome cashew cheese