The New York Times, Saveur, Portland Monthly, Forkfly — Burgers are apparently as newsworthy today as saying someone’s actions

A creation from Mother's Bistro & Bar's new Burger Bar

are stupid despite the fact that you’re the head of the free world.

Why burgers? Why now?

When my friend Kate Krader from Food & Wine Magazine was in town a few months ago she explained it this way.  ”People are super interested in cooking and food, they want to become authorities on cuisines and dishes but when the economy’s down, they can’t afford to obsess on super high-end ingredients or become experts at something that’s a luxury item.  However, it’s easy to become a burger or pizza afficianado.”

Good editorial instincts Kate, it’s no wonder you’re one of America’s top culinary trend forecasters.

My question though, is the obvious conflict between conventional vs. natural beef.  Anyone who’s read a Michael Pollan book or seen Food Inc. is most likely verging on becoming a vegetarian if not at the very least considering giving up all conventionally raised meats. So, how do food-loving passionate burger fans indulge in burger mania when most offerings are patties made from grain fed, hormone filled, inhumanely treated animals?

We say, think local now more than ever when it comes to your burger cravings.  Develop a solid understanding of where your beef comes from so you can eat with wild abandon.  Here are our top 3 local, grass-fed beef ranchers and/or Co-ops we want to support: Painted Hills Natural Beef, Highland Oak Farm and Ford Farms.  Please consider doing the same.

Indie winemakers to move inside city limits! This fall, Boedecker Cellars and Grochau Cellars will team up and open a shared winery and tasting room, called the Portland Wine Project, in Northwest Portland’s industrial district. Check out Mike Thelin’s article in Portland Monthly’s August issue.

Portland Wine Project in Portland Monthly's August issue

Congratulations to Erica Landon, Wine Director of Ten 01, who was just named Portland Monthly’s Best Sommelier. This month, Erica and the Ten 01 team also received Wine Spectator’s 2008 Best of Award of Excellence in the magazine’s August Restaurant Awards issue.

Check out Portland Monthly's August Issue

Hotel Vintage Plaza was listed as one of Travel + Leisure’s “Top 10 Hotel’s Under $250” and “Top 100 Continental U.S. and Canada Hotels” in the magazine’s August World’s Best Awards.

HVP mentioned in Travel + Leisure twice this month!