Roux 2026 Highlights Women, Returns This Weekend To Portland

A panel discussion from a past Roux. — Speakers at a past Roux in Portland, Oregon. Photo credit: Roux.

This weekend is Roux 2026, a (mostly) annual multi-day event that focuses on women in food. It is a “series of dinners, brunches, parties, panels and food-centric experiences.” This year it takes place from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11 at locations in Northwest and Northeast Portland.

Origins of Roux

In 2019, we wrote about the plans for the inaugural Roux, and it’s been a while since we highlighted it here on Bridgetown Bites. FWIW, here are my impressions of Roux from seven years ago.

Unfortunately, Roux was a victim of the COVID pandemic for a few years. They went on hiatus from 2020 to 2022, and returned in 2023. Back in 2019, I wrote, “Created by Portland-based House of Commons, Roux is spearheaded by Delia Tethong, Heather Wallberg and Jenna Winkler, producers of the beloved Portland Bazaar and Sundaze Collective.” I do not think Heather is involved this year.

Here is a more extensive origin story from Roux:

“Over many late nights and countless ideas, founders Delia and Jenna were trying to determine what to call this passion project of theirs. Similar to your favorite dish, the most memorable experiences start with a good base—equal parts women, food, drink and connection. And in cooking, Roux is the flour and butter base to all the best dishes. So just like that, Roux was born.”

Roux 2026 Basics

This year’s weekend brings chefs and talent from Seattle, New York, and the SF Bay Area. They’ll be hosted at a selection of Portland restaurants for a weekend’s events. These restaurants include Gado Gado, The Hoxton & Pamana, Fireside, and CASCADA.

Here are the participating chefs, business owners, and food professionals for Roux 2026:

Melissa Miranda, Chef/Owner, Musang Seattle | Instagram
Lois Cho, Owner, Cho Wines | Instagram
Su Embree, Owner, Soos | Instagram
Madilyn Gibbons, Chef/Owner, Pipsqueak Bagels | Instagram
Christina Topacio, Chef/Producer, Salo Salo | Instagram
Mariah Pisha-Duffly, Owner, Gado Gado | Instagram
Siobhan Speirits, Cafe Olli | Instagram
Katelyn Williams, Owner, Kate’s Ice Cream | Instagram
Geri Leung, Owner, Pamana | Instagram
Shanika Hillocks, Hospitality and Brand Strategist | Instagram
Dani Dillon, Partner & Director of Production, Care of Chan | Instagram
Keia Booker, Co-Owner/Roaster, Keia & Martyn’s Coffee | Instagram

They’ve got some big-name sponsors, including Alaska Airlines as presenting sponsor and OpenTable as a new partner. This year’s beneficiary partner is Xcelerate Women, which supports Oregon’s women and gender-expansive business owners.

Roux 2026 Events

There are four events: a party, a dinner, a brunch, and a panel discussion. There are no all-inclusive tickets this year.

Friday, October 9
Kick-Off Party at The Hoxton & Pamana, 15 NW 4th Avenue, Portland
5pm to 9pm; Doors at 5pm, party at 6:30 pm

The weekend opens at The Hoxton hotel + Pamana with a conversation on hospitality, human connection, and creating meaningful experiences. Dani Dillon, Partner and Director of Production at Care of Chan, and Shanika Hillocks, a Hospitality and Brand Strategist, bring their knowledge and wisdom to this part of the evening.

After that, there’s a party featuring visiting chef Christina Topacio of Salo Salo. You’ll find collaborative bites from Kate’s Ice Cream, Bad Nutrition, Hot Mama Salsa, and Bauman’s Cider. There will be wine, drinks, music from DJ Lapaushi and “fun surprise activities,” which include food tarot.

You can reserve your spot via OpenTable. There are three ticket levels: VIP ($95), Talk and Party ($65), and Party ($45).

Saturday, October 10
Dinner at Gado Gado, 1801 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland
Seatings available between 5pm and 7:45pm

James Beard–nominated Gado Gado restaurant hosts a curated dinner—a special, one-night only menu—with visiting chef Melissa Miranda of Seattle’s Musang, with something sweet to end your meal from Café Olli’s Siobhan Speirits. You will enjoy surprise prizes alongside your dinner.

You can reserve your spot via OpenTable. Tickets are $125 each.

Sunday, October 11
Brunch at Fireside, 801 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland
Seatings available between 10am and 1:30pm

Sunday holds two events, starting with a PSL Takeover Brunch from 10am to 2pm at Fireside in NW Portland; they will present a pumpkin-spice-themed menu. There will be specialty drinks (including a special NA cocktail made with Dappled Tonic), a brunch entrée (Fall Frittata), parfait, and a dessert trio.

Fireside’s in-house team (Sous Chef Lex and Lead Bartender Desiree) will do the heavy lifting but there will be some guests adding to the fun: Lisa from HeyDay, Destini from Banquette, Victoria from Olives, and a few more surprises.

You can reserve your spot via OpenTable. My impression is that this is an a la carte situation with no pre-set price.

Sunday, October 11
Secret Sauce Panel at CASCADA, 1150 NE Alberta Street, Portland
3pm to 6pm

After brunch is the Secret Sauce Panel from 3pm 6pm at CASCADA. “Presented with Xcelerate Women and Prosper Portland, this year’s panel explores placemaking—the role physical spaces like cafés, shops, cities and regions play in building community and guiding sustainable growth.”

Panelists include Madilyn Gibbons of Pipsqueak Bagels, Katelyn Williams of Kate’s Ice Cream, Keia Booker of Keia & Martyn’s Coffee, and Lois Cho of Cho Wines. The panel will be moderated by Su Embree of Soos. Snacks from CASCADA and beverages from Straightaway Cocktails are included with your ticket.

You can reserve your spot over on Eventbrite. Tickets are $40 (XCW member) or $45 (general admission).