Calendar of Events, Wine Maker Dinners
and our Staff Reviews & Favorite Things!

Join, Fly, Fly Free* A Special Offer for New Mileage Plan­™ Members in Oregon and Southern Washington Join Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™ and you'll receive a 500 mile bonus just for signing up. Then fly one round trip on Alaska Airlines to, from, or connecting in Portland between May 25, 2011, an December 31, 2011 and in addition to your flight miles, you’ll receive 12,500 Bonus Miles. Terms and Conditions apply. ENROLL TODAY. Specials Abound at Jo Foody's Forget cooking - leave it to Jo Foody! Click Here for Details. In Good Taste Cooking School presents a plethora of options... From Knife Skills to Suces, Harvest Dinners and European Secrets and much more! Take a class then show-off your new knowledge!   The Pines Tasting Room - Don't Miss This! thepinesvineyard.com Celebrate the end of the week by heading down to The Pines for our First Friday celebration all month long. Sit back and savor a glass of wine while enjoying live music by cellist Adam Hurst and new art by our featured artists Eric Lindsay, Barry Mack, Leslie Ann Butler, and Henry Schifter. Vista Balloon - Make a Date to Fly!!! Not able to get away by plane? Try a Balloon! Oregon’s Wine Country by Balloon! Vista Balloon Adventures launches up to 7 balloons every morning at dawn, you get to see just why Yamhill County is one of the best places in the world to produce Pinot Noir.   You are in the air about an hour, the three hour adventure includes a lovely catered breakfast after the flight www.vistaballoon.com 1 - 503-625-7385

Are you a vendor and want to add your event to our page - just email me at tina@nwfoodandwinefestival.com Check out our festival guide for recipes, vendors and more! Our Newsletter - get recipes, drink suggestions and more! Click Here.... Make your own Date - With Amtrak! When you ride Amtrak, there’s no traffic to fight, no maps to decipher and no gas tank to feed. So you can concentrate on something else, like a good book. Or the breathtaking scenery. Or nothing at all. And you’ll arrive in a relaxed state of mind, wherever you’re going. Check out Amtrak Cascades at www.amtrakcascades.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL and reduce your carbon footprint by riding the train! According to a U.S. Department of Energy report last year, Amtrak consumes 17 percent less energy than airlines and 21 percent less than automobiles (based on the power needed to move a passenger one mile, in British Thermal Units). Rail travel emits 0.2 pounds of carbon dioxide per passenger per mile, compared to 0.9 pounds for an airplane and 1.6 for an SUV with a single occupant. Honoring Lonnie Wrights Lifetime Achievement Award The Pines Tasting Room, Hood River November 13th Click Here for Details   Hungry for Good Eats? Chef Pascal - Allium Bistro & Brassiere Montramarte Every 2nd & 4th Sunday at Allium Join us for 7 dishes sourced from the freshest local ingredients, and enjoy wine and conversation. 7 dishes + wine + community / $38 per (excluding gratuity) Reservations at 503-387-5604 December 4 Normandie & biere Reservations required Call 503 . 236 . 3036 7 regional dishes + wine + community $39 per / excluding gratutity Every month, indulge in 7 regional dishes & wine, community-style. Conversation, wine, and good food abound at these convivial community events. Give in to the offerings of each region with 7 dishes paired with beer, wine, or champagne. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ West Cafe Bail Out Dinners are still in effect ! Your choice for $10 All accompanied by a small house salad Choose a West Cafe Turkey Reuben, Fresh Roasted Turkey, Coleslaw, Ementhaler Cheese & Russian Dressing. Served on grilled Grand Central Market Bread & served with Mashed Potaotes or Grilled Meatloaf Sandwich with Tillamook Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato & Mayo & served with Mashed Potatoes or Artichoke Lasagna Layered with Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers, Cheese and Scallions. served with lemon thyme cream or Grilled Dijon Marinated Chicken Breast over au Gratin Potatoes To make reservations, please call or email:     * 503.227.8189     * eat@westcafepdx.com

Favorite Things

Our staff and foodie friends regularily visit great culinary stores and restaurants all over the country that we would like to share with others. We're known to drive across town for something we like without thinking twice. Here are just a few of our favorite things that we'd like to share with you! Keep coming back as we continue to uncover those gems in our marketplace you need to know about.

50 Plates

From time to time there is a restaurant that wants to give a flavor choice from more than one designation and we found that in 50 Plates. This place has a cool diner metro vibe that lets you know the menu card too will be full of "cool" selections. 50 Plates hits the mark in taking you on a country wide tour of thoughtful flavors. The delicious bite of dates and the sweetness of the hush puppies gave way to a truly interesting oyster presentation prepared with beer and heat on the shell. For the traditionalist the wedge salad was loaded with blue and bacon just the way you want it. The Wall eyed fish from the "Great Lakes" served with chips were some of the best we'd ever had. Light and flaky and cooked perfectly without a lot of breading. Then we turned our choice to the south and tried the Paella which was exceptionally presented. Green olives in the mix of chorizo, shrimp, mussels and clams added an entirely new flavor direction that we all tried and loved. 50 Plates is one of those restaurants that you'll want to return to simply to see which road your taste buds have a hankering for once you've read the menu! The desserts looked devine too and although we didn't have a bite there were lots of couples who came in with that in mind. We saw that distinct look of love on thier faces, but couldn't decide if it was for their table mates or the sin on their dessert plates.


A Cena Ristorante'

We had to find out what all the buzz was about following the festival - we had so many people tell us they loved a lot of different items but, the Gnocchi from a Cena was Wow! It was a dark and rainy and windy night as we headed over to explore the food at a Cena, but we had an itch that needed to be scratched! We were embraced by a cosy warm restaruant as well as front end manager Chris. He welcomed us to the restaurant - and Thanked us for dining with them - a nice touch. Leading us to the back dining room we were seated at a comfortable booth not too far from the kitchen where there was some magic being made! Joined by some friends we fell to our task and ordered as much as we thought we could possibly eat and then some. The menu at a Cena has a good variety, but simple and to the point at the same time. The Antipastis come in two sizes. We chose the Calamari which was light and delecate and also one of their house made "slight char" pizzas a.k.a. the Margherita. Good choice! It tasted also, so fresh, and we thought that it was dressed pretty perfectly - the char adds some smokey flavor that we all enjoyed. We also ordered the Gnocchi from the festival and saw immediately why our other friends were raving about it - so light and a nice sauce. It was like bitting into a cloud, only this was more filling and likely much much tastier. Not stopping there we also ordered the Straccoto, Red Wine Braised Short Rib, truffled Parsnip Puree and Roasted Carrots, gremolata. Wow that was so tender and so delicious I coveted it, but, then I hadn't ordered it so it was for sharing which was a good thing anyway because the Pappardelle special with Boars Belly had these irresistable wide beautiful noodles that were in a word - Fantastico! The Lasagne was a huge portion and had just the right amount of cheese and home made fennel sausage, but the porcini and San Marzano tomato gave it a lovely flavor and we all had several bites. That is one thing you should note, these dishes can easily be shared with the portion sizes. There was no stopping now and we ordered every side dish on the menu and were glad we did. Chef Gabe has a way with his veggies - they are excellently flavored and chared on some on them. The Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, saba was maybe my favorite, but then again the Roasted Cauliflower with capers, currents and chilis was smashing as well. Ricotta polenta with sausage and porcini ragu was light and exceptional and the sauted rainbow chard with simple lemon and garlic was clean and well seasoned. Dessert was an very interesting Tiramisu with coffe chocolate liquor on the bottom. Well at some point we couldn't eat any more, but all agreed that this place deserved the hype and it could potentially become pretty addictive to dine there.

Altitude - The Resort at The Mountain

This chef gets the Northwest Cuisine that we long for. The menu is well rounded and includes crusted trout, crab cakes, and a variety of perfectly prepared steaks with appropriate sauces and accompanyments. Most people may not even know this place exists inside The Resort, but once they've gone there they will be telling everyone about it. Everything we had was exceptionally prepared. We loved the Cesare salad - the dresssing was spot on. The crab cakes - divine. The crusted trout was absolutely delicious and the steaks - try the ribeye or the tenderloin with bernaise - you can't go wrong. If you want a neat destination dinner - this place is it or stop on your way to the mountain. The prices range from 14 - 30 and there are lots of choices. Put it on your list!

Aquariva
You know how sometimes a place takes you back to great memories of friends and gatherings? Well Aquariva did just that for us the other evening. We hadn't been there for a looooooooong time - actually since the name change, but in walking in the doors it was a breath of fresh air again and I wondered why we had stopped going there. Well that lapse in judgement is over! We had such a great time and the river view made me realize just how many restaurants in Portland just don't have a view at all. It's the first time I've really enjoyed the rain for awhile. Now ... on to the food. We started off with some crispy fries and tempura veggies in the bar along with the spiced Marcona almonds. The fries were devored in a mere minutes along with the tempura veggies which actually had a nice selection of options in it. The marconas were also nicely spiced - maybe a little salty, but with beer perfecto! On to dinner - another great view and the only competition was the presentation on the plate. Aquariva has a knack for interesting presentation and the food wasn't bad either! The Short Ribs were braised and sitting on a bed of walnut bread pudding and a wonderful side of sauted brussel sprouts and served in a Black Hot Pot - nicely tender - beautiful. The Halibut Steak was perfectly cooked and had a nice carmeled sear on the outside. The salad with crab, radicchicho and escarole was ligth and yet dynamic. The dessert was shared and also exquisitely presented. The Nougatine Semi Freddo, Almond Dacquoise, Candied Cocoa Nib definitely finished the meal with a wonderful sweet luxurious feel to the palate. We lingered a while, not wanting to leave the surroundings, but alas another evening of Top Chef beckoned and we relinguished our place at the river, reminding ourselves that we can and will return.

Allium Bistro & Bar in West Linn
Portland's loss is West Linn's gain - BIG TIME! Exceptional cocktails like the lemon drop and kamaKazi are a deal at $5 during happy hour. Pascal and Ian have hit it out of the park - the signature scallops and ribeye steaks are to die for as well. We tried the mushroom soup which we normally would not and the flavoring was spot on. Duck done right and nicely proportioned. The chicken liver mousse and the calamari are also worth digging into. The oysters are wonderful and you can choose the size which is something that other places don't offer. When we were there the place was packed - so I would definitely make a reservation. The surroundings are comfortable and attractive with a hint of warmness - great lighting as well. Oh, one other thing - The paella has a nice portion of seafood as well - our table - narry a complaint! We all agreed we'll be back and we're bummed we didn't live closer to West Linn!

Davis Street Tavern
This avant garde atmosphere is one that only embellishes the food. A spectacular wine list is just the icing on the cake, but back to the food. Extremely innovative combinations that are shear joy to the mouth will make this dining experience one that will make you wanting to come back often. A beet and goat cheese tureen turned out to be a table favorite, lamb done to perfection, halibut not over cooked and scallops to die for where on the menu that evening when we savored the flavors. This restaurant uses what is fresh and available and the ever changing menu will keep us wanting to come back and see whats next. Although we have not made it to their happy hour it is only at our loss. The menu boasts a huge selection of local bounty which we can not wait to try soon. Hope to see you there.
Update: Possibly the best happy hour food there is! Don't miss the mussels in coconut milk or the seared steak and sauce with fries. Also the burgers - pork, sirlon and more - all exceptionally tasty!

Brassiere Montramarte
This used to be a favorite haunt of ours years ago and so when it was brought back to life we were thrilled. It's now transformed into an exact replica of a authentic french bistro in Paris. However; we think the food might just be better here than across the pond based on our friends first hand experience with french dining in the "real" Parie'. The lunch menu is quite devine and the choices are so inviting it's really hard to decide whether it's Croque Madame or Boars Belly or a simple sandwich that isn't really do simple in flavors once you take a bite. The Foie Gras fries are almost as good as the truffle fries! If you need a quick fix of great stop here for lunch. We haven't made it to dinner yet, but thought we should get this up here so everyone can at least make a lunch date.

Bo's Restobar
Although we've only indulged late at night and during lunch we have to write a little something about this downtown corner location. Besides the sheek atmosphere the service here is very good. The clam chowder with lemon grass is so delicious and a truly unexpected flavor that leaves you wishing you had ordered more. The Scallop Ceviche is a beautfiul presentation and in two words Simply Delicious. The spicy wings are indeed spicy and gooey goodness! Try it - we think you'll like it - and decide to come back again.

H5O Bistro and Bar

We decided to try H5O Restaurant and Bar during Happy Hour and we all decided to go back again .... and again... and well - you get the drift! The cocktails were a delight to try and they have a very extensive list of lovelies to try or tie one on (only if you aren't driving). They usually have a couple of unusual ones on the happy hour menu that we found mightily appealing. The menu at happy hour has some interesting options as well with truffle fries - you can't do wrong and diver scallops, rolls and burgers that fill the belly with joy. It is quite nice to have a hotel right there - makes me want to start my Friday Happy Hour there and then just stay over and plan a great brunch the next morning - perfect!

Le Pigeon
You know how you've heard a lot about a restaurant but never gone? We'll let us tell you GO!!! Make a reservation and plan on a plate of delicious creative flavors that will blow your mind. There is much of "so good" on this menu it's hard to put into words - Just Go o.k. you won't be sorry and the pricing is reasonable. We ate practically everything on the menu - nothing fell short in fact it's easy to see why these guys get so much press. We are truly lucky to have so many incredible restaurants in this town. This is community tables at their finest. A rustic atmosphere contrasts the five star presentations on the plate. Put these guys on your hit list! We think a must have is the Foie Gras Pefetroles and the Corn Bread with Maple Ice Cream for dessert, but you be the judge.

The Original

What a fun place to eat. We've stopped by for lunch and in the evening as well. The service is quick and friendly and the menu keeps you wishing you could order more than one thing. Old time favorites perk up the palate with memories at lunch with things like Meatloaf Sandwiches, Po Boy's, Big tasty burgers and comfort food like open faced turkey sandwiches with all the fixin's make this a popular spot at lunch - we could hardly get a table thanks to those chefs in the kitchen. At dinner the menu does a switch to a more local, seasonal yet interesting with things like Cattail Creek Lamb meatballs and fried cheescurds to perogies and house made sausage for appetizers and then keeps the interest high with a southern flair such as the 72 hour brazed brisket served with baked beans and mac n' cheese or draper valley fried chicken with thyme honey. The menu is varied and we've never been pressed to find things we know we'll like or want to try the next time we're in the mood for love on our plates.

What's not to like here? We're going to tell you shortly! There is so much goodness in the style and flavors both in the delicate soups and Northwest fare. A fantastic happy hour and bar menu makes this one of our favorite haunts - the mussels here are so great, but the bread served with it make the dish complete. Everything is so melded flavorwise that the entire dish is a well constructed play on your palate- that's just for starters - stay tuned for more details! In the meantime, head on over and see what Chef Dustin has in store for you.

West Cafe
Update! - The Bail Out Dinners are in full swing - check out our calendar page for details - all good and TEN DOLLARS!
On the corner of Jefferson and 12th resides West Cafe. Sleek and hip with a urban atmosphere. What a gem! We had occasion to try several of the dishes off the main menu that we think deserve a word of gratitude. The shredded pork wrapped in bannana leaf was tender and flavored with ginger and garlic, uniquely presented, along with a really nice red thai curry sauce, just a touch of heat in it. Very nice. The Morrocan half chicken with cardommon, apricots and dates was recommended by our wait person and so wonderful, full of palate pleasing sensations. The appetizer of prawns was tasty. Although there are only two prawns we were not unhappy we ordered it, the curry potato salad on the side was very very good. This tapas dish comes in a long narrow boat plate and although we wished it was a little bigger, we'll order it again for the flavors alone. We also had the cesare salad and it could use some zip but, all in all we will be back and plan on attending some of their jazz evenings and wine tasting evening already! Give West Cafe a try and we think you will not be disappointed! Every third Tuesday of the month the Twilight Tasting/Tapas Dinner - we attended 3 and can easily say you will not be disappointed - this is the best quality and food pairing for the price we've found so far.

Living Room Theater aka livingroomtheaters.com
Just back from our first experience at Living Room Theaters on 10th & Stark. What a great place. Groovy and open bar scene intices movie goers to stay awhile in the plush brown cube benches and chairs. We were sad we got there a little late and couldn't enjoy a cocktail there in the "lobby bar." Tthe hummus appetizer was a very nice portion and presented so you could make a kind of hummus,tabouli, baba ghanoush style pita sandwich for easier eating in the theater. The chicken skewers are tender and come with a nice noodle base. The pizzas are delicious if you enjoy an extra thin crust as well. This is definitely my new favorite theater in Portland and we already have plans to return soon so we can get there a little earlier and enjoy the entire location just a little bit more!

We just love Steves Cheese is now the Cheese Bar and located at 6031 SE Belmont . In fact we drive across town to visit his store. Why? Well for one we like to support the little guy once and a while, but, Steve deserves the accolades we've been hearing about. He is a wealth of knowledge and information, not to mention he picks out great cheeses that are seasonal which only compliment his many other staples in his case year round. Our favorites are the 4 Year Gouda, Ossau Iraty and you can't miss with the Rogue River Gold Blue, but we can't leave out the great Raclette that is in season right now or the fresh ewe cheese that comes in the cutest little jar. Also, you will want to buy the smoked sea salt he has - it is awesome on fish and so inexpensive. Now he has added beers and food to his new establishment - you have to check it out! We hope to be seated at the bar very soon.

The Meadow - Possibly the only stop you'll need to make for a special gift or just plan fun!
O.K. so just when you think you might have the insider information on gourmet finishing salts from exotic locations you realize you knew nothing! Well, at least that is how we felt after visiting The Meadow. What an awesome shop - not only do they carry the most diverse collection of salt that we've found in the city - the owners also seem to know more and be more passionate about the earthly spice than anyone we've ever met. If you have some spare time and want to add something different to your next dish that will keep your friends guessing what you know - that they don't - stop by. Once you get past the salt displayed you'll find that this shop does have it all - for anyone, including yourself that deserves a "special" gift! Fresh flowers, yummy wines, exotic chocolates beyond compare and of course the salt and unique collection of salt and pepper mills provides a bounty of options in the gift department. We left with a sampler of finishing salts and a bag full of unique chocolates in very colorful and interesting packaging that we know will make the recipients feel special. We could try to describe what we think of each one and how it was packaged, but really you deserve to take the time to explore this shop yourself. It's somewhat of an abstract piece of art - a real treat! They are located just a couple of minutes from Broadway at 3731 N Mississippi. You need to stop by - you will not be disappointed.

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