Food Tours in Portland During the Covid-19 Pandemic

When the pandemic first hit us in March of 2020, food tours in Portland shut down. Along with everything else in Portland.  And the world for that matter!

Here in Portland, we were slow to reopen. This was a good thing, as far as controlling the spread of the virus.  Many restaurants pivoted to take out only. While take out is not the same experience as dining onsite, it was a lifeline to keep many establishments afloat.

We adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic with outdoor dining

By late June, outdoor dining reopened and boy was that liberating!  I guess the saying “appreciate the little things” aptly applies to one of life’s greatest pleasures, dining with friends at eateries.  And in those few summer months, we learned a lot about the virus as well as a lot about how to resume living safely amidst the pandemic.  Namely, about how practicing public health measures (mask wearing, social distancing, frequent hand washing and avoiding indoor spaces with strangers). This would allow businesses to reopen, and patrons to remain safe.

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Food Carts in Portland – the Story Behind the Icon

I will admit, I hesitate to write this article, because what could I possibly say about food carts in Portland that has not already been said?  Probably nothing, but it has been fun for me to travel down some rabbit holes, learning the history of how food carts have become synonymous with Portland.

Officially, the food cart scene blew up in 2008, during the Great Recession. Although that was 95 years after the first food cart set up moveable shop in Portland.  As you can imagine, the cart was pulled by a horse back then!

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