Oregon's contributions to the culinary world are numerous; from our iconic Pacific Northwest fare, to our epic, Bacon Maple Bars, Oregon has many culinary claims to fame! This spring, however, The Beaver State is stepping into the national spotlight, as Portland is home to the newest season of "Top Chef." Not only is this a huge opportunity to showcase Oregon's culinary scene, but two Oregonians are actually 'cheftestants' in the competition, each with their own restaurants. It's a huge honor, and an exciting time for Oregon chefs -- and foodies!

Sharpen your knives and get ready for an Oregon-centric season of "Top Chef!"

Portland's exquisite Expo Center is serving as a 'home base' for the chefs.

In addition to cooking in the official "Top Chef" kitchen set up at the Expo Center, the contestants will take on challenges in a variety of iconic locations around Oregon.

The chefs will be visiting Tillamook Creamery, one of the state's most treasured farmsteads.

Oregon's Wine Country will be front-and-center, too, with this region yielding some of the state's richest vintages and produce.

In fact, one of this season's cheftestants, Chef Sara Hauman, hails from Soter Vineyards.

Chef Sara (pictured on the left) leads the culinary program here, creating some of the most innovative and delicious fare in the Willamette Valley.

Gabriel Pascuzzi, chef and owner of the Portland restaurants Mama Bird and Stacked Sandwich Shop, is also representing The Beaver State this season.

Pascuzzi's Italian-American background is a theme throughout his menus, with Stacked's sandwiches being some of the most incredible culinary creations.

The new season of "Top Chef" offers a unique opportunity for Oregon to showcase what it does best: farm-to-table dining...

Dishes built around its fresh-caught seafood...

And the abundant bounty of the Hood River Valley.

It's exciting to see The Beaver State getting the culinary recognition it deserves, and we're thrilled to cheer on Oregon in this season of "Top Chef!"

For some stand-out Oregon cuisine, be sure to check out these 12 must-try restaurants.