As reported by Eater PDX, Portland is finally set to host a large-scale food and drink festival comparable to the annual food events in Aspen, Las Vegas, South Beach, and New York. It’s no secret anymore: Portland’s food scene is on the map. With a handful of shiny new James Beard Awards, seemingly constant features in major food magazines and international newspapers, and so much home-grown talent, a large-scale celebration seems in order.

Local food masterminds Mike Thelin (event-planner extraordinaire and writer, formerly of Eater PDX and Portland Monthly) and Carrie Welch (the Food Network exec turned PR maven who played a hand in the New York City Wine and Food Festival) joined forces to plan the event that will feature the best of Portland and beyond. Bringing together Oregon’s restaurant, food cart, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, and bacon superstars side-by-side with national and international culinary talent, the festival is scheduled for fall 2012. Stay tuned for more information about Portland’s coming-out party… and start getting hungry, because this one’s going to be big.