The Minnow Reinvents the Meal Kit
Meet the Portland start-up serving a farm-fresh fix to your dinnertime woes.
ON THE COVER:
Bastian
Photo by Ross Maloof
Letter from the Publisher
As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to paint the landscape, we are reminded of the beauty and bounty that this season brings. Fall is a time of transition—a moment to refl ect on the year’s journey and celebrate the harvest’s abundance.
Autumn is more than just a change in weather; it’s a time of connection and collaboration for communities and chefs alike. As the harvest season arrives, local farms and markets burst with a variety of fresh produce, inviting chefs to showcase the season’s flavors.
Join us in the jubilant celebration of the hard work of farmers and the natural rhythms of the earth as we gather around tables filled with seasonal delights. Let this autumn be a time of connection, reflection, and sheer joy as we revel in the abundance of the harvest in all its forms.
In this issue, we invite you to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and flavors of the season. From comforting recipes that warm the soul to stories that capture the essence of gratitude and bounty, we hope to inspire you to embrace the spirit of fall.
For chefs, autumn is a canvas filled with rich ingredients—crisp apples, hearty squash, and vibrant root vegetables. This seasonal bounty not only encourages creativity in the kitchen but also inspires dishes that reflect warmth and comfort. Chefs often work closely with local farmers, fostering relationships that support sustainable practices, strengthen ties, and promote the use of local produce, thereby contributing to the community’s well-being.
Fall represents gathering and sharing. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and potlucks become spaces for people to come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. These communal experiences help build bonds, promote local culture, and celebrate the abundance that nature provides.
In essence, autumn is a season that nurtures both culinary innovation and the human spirit, reminding us of the importance of togetherness and gratitude as we embrace the beauty of the harvest.
Happy reading and happy harvest!
Bee’s & Water Y’all,
Jon
Letter from the Editor-in-chief
For me, having been both a student and teacher of English Lit, autumn always suggests poetry, especially the words of much-lauded American poet Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood…and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that made all the difference.”
These lines speak to the choices we make every day, some more substantial than others. This issue contains stories related to the choices we make in food consumption. We hope you enjoy the stories of those making a difference for Portland area diners.
This issue starts with “The Minnow PDX Reinvents the Meal Kit.” Here, we showcase Darren Yondorf’s vision to encourage nourishing, healthy dining at home. Much like Hello Fresh or Factor, the Minnow PDX, is a local meals delivery business that offers farm-fresh, seasonal meal prep, provisions, & more from local growers and ranchers.
We also feature the work of Flying Coyote Farms, Native American Youth and Family Center’s NAYA, Lost Valley Education Center and Black Futures Farms all of which offer the finest nourishing, healthy food choices. Reading these stories will make you salivate and maybe even consider planting your own garden. Or, perhaps you will be interested in becoming a volunteer with a community garden.
In this issue, we share stories from two Portland restaurants–the much-loved city jewel,
Nostrana in southeast Portland, and the relatively new Bastion and Fallows in the trendy Sellwood/Moreland neighborhood. All provide menus focused on taste and healthy choices.
No issue of Edible Portland would be complete without our idiosyncratic portraits of local personalities. This issue, please meet, if you have not already done so, Elsy Dinvil of Creole Me Up, OK Omens’ Brent Braun and Chef Jack Strong from Jory at the Allison Inn. We are increasing our online presence thanks to new employee Clare Ling. Clare also does copy editing for us, and she is a talented writer–see the Minnow PDX story. Please enjoy this season of bursting forth and then quietly sliding into slumber.
We love to hear from you!
Deborah Trusty
