About

Who the Hash Am I?
A newly-minted hash cookbook author and thought leader in the emerging world of hashcapades. An early adopter with awards for hash under his belt, having taken second place at the 2011 Portland, Oregon, Bacon Takedown. Basically, a ninja-trained, knife-wielding potato hash warrior! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and training to run marathons so I can be a fit foodie.

Hashing Out My Background
At the early age of six, I wowed Wyoming residents with my deluxe cinnamon toast, eventually mastering chili, manicotti and fried chicken by the time I graduated high school. I loved (and still love) creating something that tastes great and impresses my family and friends. I also like knowing where my food comes from. When I cook I feel creative, excited, and in-control. I also feel a sense of amazement at how all these elements come together to sustain and nourish us.

Why Hash?
My obsession with hash began after a brunch at Roux in 2007 where I tasted the most amazing smoked trout hash. It was like an epiphany realizing that hash didn’t just mean corned beef or potato hash. It can be whatever you want it to be!

At home in my own kitchen I began experimenting with hash recipes. Instead of smoked trout, which isn’t always easy to find, I used smoked salmon. I then started thinking about classic combinations, and added dill. The pìece de résistance was the crème fraîche, a tip I learned from Le Roux. I now routinely enjoy trying celebrity and other hash recipes and creating some of my own.

Think Outside the Can
hash•ca•pade n. 1. The art of the perfect hash adventure at a restaurant or in your own kitchen. 2. A twitter hashtag, e.g. #hashcapade, used to indicate a hashcapade. 3. Delicious.

One of the ways I share my passion for hash and introduce fellow foodies to hash is by facilitating monthly hashcapades at restaurants around town. Since that fateful brunch at Le Roux I’ve instigated and written about 25+ restaurant hashcapades and counting, expanding my reach beyond my adopted city of Portland, Oregon, to food scenes from L.A. to Seattle.

This site chronicles my Hashcapades adventures in restaurants (or cities) and Chez Clark. If you’re a foodie with a passion for real food, this site’s for you. I share recipes, tips and tools, and may even regale you with a good story. The key theme that links each of these topics is hash – think outside the can.

Let’s Keep in Touch
Interested in participating in an upcoming Hashcapade? Sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss a thing. Have a recipe or restaurant suggestion? Head on over to my Contact page and leave me a note. I’d love to hear from you.

Happy Hashcapades,

Clark