Workshop Food & Drink - A Must Whether You’re Vegan Or Not
The latest restaurant in Portland that is serving a fully plant-based set menu by Chef Aaron Adams.
The first course at Workshop Food & Drink - Photo by Vegan Ventures
Workshop Food & Drink is the latest from local chef: Aaron Adams. Best known for his restaurant Fermenter and the former Farm Spirit. Aaron initially started Workshop as a Cuban-inspired bar and restaurant but the demand for a set tasting menu that is all plant-based could not be ignored. Receiving emails from former Farm Spirit fans of when he would open Farm Spirit up again or something similar to it, that’s when Aaron decided to say “f*** it” and changed the entire concept at Workshop to be a plant-based set menu.
I was invited to check out this new menu and was astonished by not only the taste but also, the presentation. There were 5 courses not including a start of house-made sourdough bread with smoked kombucha butter. The plates that came afterward were a work of art. Each ingredient was carefully placed to help a story of what the Northwest has to offer, which is a bounty of beautiful fruits and vegetables that are grown with such care.
My reservation was at 6:30 pm but by the time I left, it was 10 pm. The space Aaron has created with his team is a space one feels welcomed, like family. There was no rush, you’re just meant to enjoy. I shared the experience with a friend and we got lost in our conversation. We’d then be surprised with another course that was carefully explained in great detail of what we were about to enjoy.
Workshop is a space that is much need in Portland. A place where you can enjoy plant-based dishes where everything is elevated. From the flavor of every ingredient being brought out in a unique way to showcasing that vegan food can be fancy, beautiful and creative. It’s a place where you can get to know the people around you. The open kitchen concept makes it welcoming for you to observe the artists at work. It makes it for a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll remember for years to come. I’m still reminiscing of my meal and that’s part of the experience you’ll receive even after you leave Workshop.
Ashley, also known as Vegan Ventures (@vegan_ventures) has been vegan for over 6 years and loves find the best eats and experiences.
