Famous Foraging Chef Cameron Dunlap Of Morchella To Host Benefit Dinner For Portland Fruit Tree Project In Sabin Community Orchard (Photo) -05/30/24

Portland, OR – May 30, 2024 – 

July 27, 2024 - 6 to 9pm 4109 NE 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97211

Chef Cameron Dunlap, renowned founder and Chef of the esteemed foraging restaurant Morchella, is delighted to announce a special benefit dinner in support of the Portland Fruit Tree Project. The event will take place in the beautiful Sabin Community Orchard, a symbol of community resilience and sustainability nestled in the heart of NE Portland.

Chef Dunlap made the news widely in Portland last year, in 2023, when he was carjacked at gunpoint while foraging for city grown figs near his children’s school. The Executive Director of Portland Fruit Tree Project knew after he recovered from the incident, that PFTP should connect with the Chef, “He is obviously our people,” says Heather Keisler Fornes

The benefit dinner aims to raise awareness and support for the Portland Fruit Tree Project, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing equitable access to fresh, healthy food and promoting sustainable urban agriculture. Chef Dunlap is donating this event in celebration of his passion for locally-sourced and foraged ingredients to benefit this impactful organization.

Portland Fruit Tree Project partners Freeland Spirits will mix cocktails, and wine is donated from the one and only STOMP by Croft Vineyards. 

"We are thrilled to join forces with the Portland Fruit Tree Project for this special event," said Chef Cameron Dunlap. "The Sabin Community Orchard embodies the spirit of community resilience and sustainable living that Portland is known for and that we should be supporting, and we are honored to align with Portland Fruit Tree Project."

The Sabin orchard serves as an example of what can be achieved when communities come together to create abundant and joyful spaces. It not only provides fresh, locally-grown fruit but also fosters a sense of connection and stewardship among neighbors. Annually, 100s of pounds of produce are donated to local pantries from the orchard by PFTP.

"We are grateful for Chef Dunlap's support and partnership," said Executive Director Heather Keisler Fornes of Portland Fruit Tree Project. "This benefit dinner will not only help us reach new audiences but also enable us financially to further our mission of promoting food justice and community resilience."

The benefit dinner will feature a specially curated menu highlighting seasonal, foraged ingredients sourced directly from the Sabin orchard and other local producers. Guests can look forward to an unforgettable culinary experience celebrating the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

Tickets for the benefit dinner are now available for purchase, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Portland Fruit Tree Project. To reserve your spot and support this worthy cause, please visit www.portlandfruit.org.

• King Salmon Tartare with Pickled Green Blackberries, and Lacto-Fermented Blackberries, Handmade Lavash Cracker
• Oregon Red Dulse Seaweed and Pickled Cherry Salad with Purple Barley, and Wild Mint
• Mulberry Gazpacho, Pickled Elderberries, Hazelnut Milk
• Grilled Wild Boar, Grilled Plums, Watercress Whipped Potatoes
• Rhubarb and Elderflower Panna Cotta with Cinnamon- Sugar Brioche Toast and Wildflowers

About Chef Cameron Dunlap

Chef Cameron Dunlap is the founder and Chef of Morchella, a renowned foraging restaurant located in Portland, Oregon. With a passion for locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable cooking practices, Chef Dunlap has garnered acclaim for his inventive culinary creations that celebrate the natural abundance of the Pacific Northwest. https://morchellapdx.com/

About Morchella

Morchella is a pioneering foraging restaurant located in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to crafting innovative dishes using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Led by Chef Cameron Dunlap, Morchella offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

About Portland Fruit Tree Project

The Portland Fruit Tree Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing equitable access to fresh, healthy food and promoting sustainable urban agriculture. Through their gleaning, harvesting, and education programs, they work to address food insecurity while fostering community resilience and environmental stewardship.