Northwest Paella Fest

The Return of Paella Fest

Saturday, July 28th 2012
On the Wild and Beautiful McKenzie River

After a one year hiatus the Paella Festival is Back! Dave and Becky have offered their beautiful meadow on the banks of the McKenzie River in Rainbow as the site for once again bringing paella makers together, young and old.

Imagine standing over a bubbling paella, taking in the exotic aromas, sipping a glass of wine and anticipating the incredible feast that awaits. Now multiply that vision times 15 or 20… or more. We know that there is a large contingent of paella makers in the area—some old pros and others eager neophytes. This is an opportunity to come together to share the passion for paella.

How it Works
The vision is that each person, or team, who chooses to be a paella maker (paellaera?) brings everything they need to prepare their favorite rice dish of Spain, out into the wide open spaces of this riparian Eden. In addition each paellaera invites enough friends to eat the equivalent of their paella. The result should be a critical mass of fun and celebration with everyone sharing tasty bites of their creations. This invitation is open to all paellaeras who possess integrity, creativity, poise, a love of paella, and a passion for life — not to mention the ability to have a good time.

To sign up, see below.

A Benefit for Food for Lane County
In an effort to tap into the Paella Passion for a greater good — and to hit up all of our friends who are coming for the free lunch — there is a $25.00 donation requested (includes Northwest microbrew and sangria) which goes to support Food for Lane County. Paellaeras are donating their time and food, it is hoped that the rest of us will give generously from our pocket books.

The Location

Dave and Becky have generously opened up their meadow on the river in Rainbow for paella. Is that an idyllic vision or what? Meadow….river…rainbows… (although they promise there will be no “Care Bears” or unicorns). Basically it is about 50 miles east of Eugene on Hwy 126 between Blue River and McKenzie Bridge. 

For directions, see below.

Items Provided

• Tables (each table can accommodate 2 to 3 paellaeras)
• Water (although you may want to bring a receptacle to have water at your table)
• Cups for beverages (feel free to bring your own special goblet)
• Small plates and eating utensils. (Eating out of the pan is the tradition for paella, however to minimize the risk of soccorat theft, we are resorting to plates.)

Bathrooms are provided.

Items Paelleras Should Bring

• All ingredients
• Paella Pan
• Burner and gas, or receptacle and fuel for charcoal or wood heat (Smokey says, “no ground fires”)
• Utensils
• Dish towels and pot holders
• Beverages other than beer and sangria
• Chair
• Containers for taking home leftovers (slim chance of that happening)

You may want to label items as things tend to migrate around in the feeding frenzy.

Items Guests Should Bring

• Chair
• Beverages other than beer and sangria
• Generous donation for Food for Lane County

The Timing
Arrival: Paellaeras may arrive and set up any time after 3:00 PM.
Cooking: You are the expert for your recipe. Begin when the time seems right.
Eating: Try to have your paella complete and ready to eat sometime between 6:00 and 7:00 PM.

Directions

HWY 126 East from Eugene about 5 miles past the town of Blue River you will come to Harbick’s General Store (Shell Station). Turn right at Harbick’s and  go to end of the road (about 200 yards). Turn right and after ¼ mile there will be a covered bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left on King Rd. You are going east again. In less than ½ mile you will see a grass lot on the left followed by a white house with no address.*  You’re there! Look for signs informing you where to drop off your gear and where to park.

* This house has no address as it is sometimes used as a secret undisclosed location for previously important people.

Camping
Due to the distance from town please consider pitching your tent or throwing down a sleeping bag under the stars, where you will sleep sweetly with a full belly and the soothing sounds of the river.

Sign Up
Paellaeras, reserve your spot at the table by signing up now! Email Don and let him know the type of paella (seafood, vegetarian, gastropod, etc.) you plan to create and, if possible, how many guests you intend to invite. ... or if you just want to wax poetic about paella in general, click on the link below.