Janelle Maiocco

Hi.

Welcome to my blog. I live in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle on an Urban Farm (w/ five laying hens and a huge garden). I am a trained chef (w/ a certificate in food preservation), taught at a cooking school & like to share 'kitchen hacks' - culinary tips that save time, money & maximize flavor. If that isn't enough, I also run a food+tech startup called Barn2Door.com - a platform to help everyone easily find & buy food directly from farmers, fishers & ranchers (from CSA's to urban farm eggs to 1/2 a grass-fed cow).

Full on Oregon Day 2.

Full on Oregon Day 2.

janelle in kayak
janelle in kayak

This day was a biggie; while all attendees of this fabulous Travel Oregon weekend went 4 separate ways---to various adventures---we were certain ours was the most daring. Actually we tagged the word #docious (tweeted hashtag) to describe our never-ending fun. A handful of us signed up for the 'Paddles and Pints' with life-altering elements including a private flight down to the Rogue River, a visit to Wildlife Images near Grants Pass, a rafting adventure sponsored by Rogue Wilderness and beer/wine/food at a rendezvous point along the river. I know: take a moment to let it all sink in. We are still wrapping our mind around this brilliant, well-orchestrated 'day 2'.

Let me back up.

We woke up bright and early, slid on swimsuits and water shoes (Andrew had the most revolutionary water-shoes; ask him about them) and snagged a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Specifically: coffee from Water Avenue Coffee and pastries from Baker & Spice (I went head-first for the peach hand-pie---with peaches from Baird Family Orchards. YUM. Good fodder for the forthcoming river-filled day). We then tucked into taxis, and hopped on a small plane... which I have never experienced. Have you?

Flying in a tiny plane felt much safer than I anticipated. Though be wary: opening that flask far above land means it will spray the cabin like a fire hydrant gone awry. Just sayin'. Oh, and gorgeous views.

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We landed and were intercepted via a fanciful bear-endowed bus and taken to Wildlife Images to see animals being rehabilitated and reintegrated into nature. It was a quick visit (a must-visit if you have school-age kids), but we saw vultures, eagles, owls, a badger and coyote then enjoyed a fantastic outdoor breakfast. I say this with enthusiasm b/c when I came home and shared with my family: I stood within inches of an eagle, petted a badger and then we ate crab cakes and this AMAZING muffin. It was so, so good with the crumble on top... and then my family all broke out in hysterics b/c I was that much more enthralled with the muffin than the eagle. Which, to them, seemed ironic;). Can't imagine why.

eagle and janelle
eagle and janelle

Cool eagle versus cranberry-studded strudel muffin: the eagle should win. But now you know why my family has cause to laugh: it's all about the food.

Next up: Rogue Wilderness Adventures. Loved it, loved it. If ever you want a wild adventure: pick southern Oregon, aim for the famous Rogue River and make memories that will last a lifetime. They offer multi-day kayak and camp trips, short rafting trips and more. Amazing sites, wilderness, rapids, great guides. Pick worthy buddies. I was luck to tackle to Rogue with new-friends-that-I-now-adore-even-if-you-made-me-jump-off-the-cliff: Linda, Andrew, Nicole, Rika and our guides Amazing Jimmy and Scott. What happens on the river, stays on the river...

rafts along the rogue
rafts along the rogue

Halfway down the river plus rapids---with perhaps a little cliff-jump well off the records---we pulled over for a lunch sponsored by Caldera Brewing Company (beer in cans never had it so good), local restaurants and Southern Oregon Wines.

sliders
sliders

We were happy as water-sprayed, sun-soaked clams when we climbed aboard the plane and headed back to Portland. After a plane and taxi ride, we scooted to Portland's Pearl district for a roof-top BBQ sourced by local chefs and vendors (memorable: Oregon hazelnuts and the Rogue River Blue Cheese---that salad was a tear-jerker). This 'Burgers and Brew' dinner included sliders (eggplant, elk, beef, lamb) from Metrovino, the Gilt Club (add these to your must-visit list) and a bevy of beers. I loved: Splendor beer from Pendleton's The Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub.

I literally fell into bed. Happy. Maybe delirious. But full: on Oregon.

Full on Oregon Day 3.

Full on Oregon Day 3.

urban farm update: september 2011

urban farm update: september 2011