Heartlandia Heritage Recipes From Portland's The Country Cat
Portland, Oregon is known for its unique and innovative food scene, but there's something to be said about the comfort of heritage recipes. The Country Cat, located in the heart of Southeast Portland, specializes in taking classic American dishes and giving them a modern twist.
The History of The Country Cat
The Country Cat was founded in 2007 by husband and wife team, Adam and Jackie Sappington. Both of them grew up in the heartland of America and wanted to bring those flavors and memories to Portland. Adam is the Executive Chef while Jackie manages the front of the house.
Their philosophy is simple: use the freshest and highest quality ingredients to create delicious and comforting food. They also source their ingredients locally and sustainably whenever possible.
The Menu at The Country Cat
The menu at The Country Cat changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients available. However, there are some dishes that are always on the menu, like their famous fried chicken and waffles. Other favorites include the chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and mac and cheese.
One thing that sets The Country Cat apart is their commitment to nose-to-tail cooking. They use every part of the animal, from the meat to the bones to the offal. This not only reduces waste but also allows them to create unique and flavorful dishes.
Heartlandia: Heritage Recipes from The Country Cat
In 2015, The Country Cat released their first cookbook, Heartlandia: Heritage Recipes from The Country Cat. The book features over 80 recipes that showcase their unique take on classic American dishes. It also includes stories of their journey and the importance of using local and sustainable ingredients.
Some of the recipes featured in the book include buttermilk biscuits, corned beef hash, and apple pie with cheddar cheese crust. The book also includes recipes for cocktails, like their popular Bloody Mary and whiskey sour.
Conclusion
The Country Cat is a must-visit for anyone looking for comfort food with a modern twist. Their commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients and nose-to-tail cooking sets them apart from other restaurants. And if you can't make it to Portland, be sure to check out their cookbook, Heartlandia, to recreate their delicious dishes at home.