Wildwood is out to prove that even Portland’s most lauded "institutions" know how to throw a down-and-dirty party, summer style. Now in its 16th year – veritably ancient in PDX time – this Nob Hill noshery is gearing up for the warm months with a few events to kick off the season (just in time for Fathers’ Day, wink wink).

First up, Wildwood’s Summer Kick-Off Backyard BBQ Bash is firing things up on June 11th, from 12 to 4, featuring grill goodies from chef Dustin Clark and drink pairings from J. Christopher wines, Elk Cove wines, and Breakside Brewery. The menu mashes up Wildwood’s international flavors and local farmer’s early summer bounty with the unmistakable appeal of open coals: think house-made chorizo skewers, slow-roasted lamb ribs, ginger and cilantro pork sliders, and yogurt-marinated grilled chicken with salsa verde paired with summery sips and suds. The party will be spilling out the the parking lot, bartender Ryan Csansky will mix up fresh, seasonal cocktails, and DJ Izm will mix up the tunes. Proceeds from the $25 event (which gets you food, beverages, AND dancing privileges) will be donated to the Oregon Food Bank, and Wildwood will be matching all funds raised so your BBQ buck goes even farther.

The following week, Wildwood welcomes Lucky Labrador Brewing Company on Friday, June 17th for a beertastic six-course Brewer’s Dinner. Sous Chef Paul Kasten has crafted a one-of-a-kind meal, matching select Lucky Lab brews with hyper-seasonal dishes. The menu reads like a crash course in local beerology: Zingerbier with feta and shaved asparagus salad, Super Dog IPA with fried squid, 5-Ton Strong Lager with farro and garlic stuffed porchetta from Sweet Briar Farms, 2010 Stumpy Jack (bourbon barrel-aged sour imperial porter) with duck confit, 2010 Old Yeller Barleywine and dry-aged rib eye from Carlton Farms, and, yes, even a dessert beer pairing (Pavlov’s Russian Imperial Stout with cocoa-braised pork belly and espresso anglaise – this is Portland, pork belly IS dessert). For just $55, you’ll get six beers and six courses. Do the math on that one, and we’re talking way less than happy hour prices – which is always a reason to party.

Wildwood Restaurant 1221 NW 21st Ave. (503) 248-9663.
For Brewers Dinner reservations call 503-225-0130 or email [email protected].