Deschutes Brewery Opens in Portland!

May 2, 2008



Yes, you can get a burger at the new Deschutes Brewery & Public House in the Pearl District -- a burger with house-made pickles, a roll fresh from their bakery and, soon enough, beef from cows fed on the brewery's spent grain.

"As a brewpub, we'll exceed people's expectations," said chef Jeff Usinowicz. "We'll definitely be a brewpub, but we'll also be a great restaurant -- the kind of place where, if you don't feel like getting dressed up for Bluehour, you can drop by as you are for some great food and great beer." >>Full Story on OregonLive.com

Find the Best Burger in Town at Barley Brown's Brew Pub

March 12, 2008

Photo: Tyler, owner of Barley Brown's Brew Pub

By Kari Whitacre

It is with welcome anticipation that we watch the clock count down the minutes until Barley brew. Wednesday evenings are spent, with friends, around a table at Baker City’s one and only Barely Brown's Brew Pub. We pull up a stool, and pints of cold sudsy wheat beer magically appear in front of us. Kathy, the bar-maid, knows what we drink and greets us with a smile and a menu. Usually, we order a burger (recently selected as the best in Baker) and fries or a nacho with extra jalapenos and settle into a few hours of downtime.

Continue reading "Find the Best Burger in Town at Barley Brown's Brew Pub"

Oregon Pinot Gris- On the Road to Becoming A New Favorite

January 31, 2008


If you're a wine lover, or even a connoisseur, you are probably familiar with Oregon's well-known celebrated wine, Pinot noir. But have you heard of an equally delicious wine, known as Pinot gris?

According to The New York Times, "Oregon pinot gris is one of the least-talked-about, best-value wines on the market today."

Pinot gris often have flavors of flowers, nuts and fruits (such as the pear). They often have a very crisp, clean flavor and taste good when paired with a variety of dishes. If you're looking for a good place to taste an Oregon Pinot gris, try Ankeny Vineyard Winery or Willamette Valley Vineyards. I have purchased many a bottle of Pinot gris from both places, and it has been well worth the trip. A glass of Pinot gris tastes great anytime, but especially on a hot day. It is very refreshing!

To read the New York Times full article on Oregon Pinot gris, please click here.

Interested in finding more wineries in Oregon? Please visit our Attractions section.

~Ashley M.

Great Places for a Cup of Joe in Salem

January 17, 2008


By Ashley Moran

Ah, January. While the holidays have ended and the festive cheer has been boxed up, January is still a great month to relax and get cozy. And what better way to do so than to curl up on a comfy coffee house sofa, sipping a piping hot latte?

There are a number of excellent coffee shops and bakeries sprinkled through the Salem area, and I've compiled a list of my personal favorites (being the coffee connoisseur that I am). There are, however, many other great coffee houses I haven't covered. If you have a favorite that isn't on the list, please add it to the comments section below.

Continue reading "Great Places for a Cup of Joe in Salem"

Iovinos Ristorante- A Fabulous Dining Experience

October 30, 2007

By Anthony Davis of the Corvallis Visitors Bureau

I have been a Corvallis native for a long time now and had never been to Iovinos Ristorante (yes it is Ristorante not Restaurant), but had heard some wonderful things. Last week I decided to indulge myself in a new restaurant experience with a group of friends (No I did not pay for them, I am nice but not that nice). Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the restaurant. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was just as good. There is an extensive wine list and a full service bar which adds to the fabulous experience that this Italian restaurant has to offer. The building is in the new Renaissance Towers at 136 SW Washington St., in Corvallis Oregon. The Renaissance is Corvallis' new and first high-rise condo building overlooking the beautiful Willamette River.

Corvallis has many great restaurants to choose from. Please visit our Places to Dine section for more information.

Hidden Gems of Yamhill Wine Country

October 25, 2007

Howdy, Sean here with Travel Oregon's International Department. It is not to say that this job is not without perks.

Japanese guests from Northwest Airlines World Traveler magazine were in town for a Fall tour of Oregon and its "countryside." So we headed down to wine country to get a first-hand look at the wine harvest experience.

After a quick breakfast, well, hold on now, it wasn't quick and it should not go without saying. Possibly the most yummy breakfast that I have found on the streets of Portland lie at the corner of NW 11th and Everett. The Everett Street Bistro has the feel of exactly what is intended, a little slice of Parisian ambiance on the streets of Portland.

Continue reading "Hidden Gems of Yamhill Wine Country"

On The Road With Oregon Bounty

September 6, 2007

By Greg Robeson

When is a job not a job? If you were to chart it out, I guess it would be somewhere near where the Y axis (what you love to do) and the X axis (what you’re paid to do) intersect. As one who loves food and travel, that intersection for me is an annual getaway called “On the Road with Oregon Bounty.” Here’s the assignment: go spend seven days in Oregon’s seven different regions, meet interesting people in the culinary world, and produce a video diary of your adventures. Rough duty.

Continue reading "On The Road With Oregon Bounty"

Come and See Us at the Bite of Oregon!

August 10, 2007

Looking for an activity to add to your weekend agenda? Stop by the Travel Oregon booth at the Bite of Oregon, located at Portland's Waterfront Park. Taste delicious menu items from restaurants around the state, including Artisan Sausages with Pinot Noir Braised Cabbage from Rafati's Elegance in Catering in Portland, Lobster Quesadilla from La Rosa Authentic Mexican in Bend, Oregon Huckleberry BBQ Lamb from Foley’s Station in La Grande, and so much more. A variety of Oregon wineries and breweries will also be present at The Bite. After you've savored your first round of treats, stop by and chat with a Travel Oregon employee, pick up a copy of our magazine, and learn about all the great things there are do to around the state. We'd love to meet you!

Also at The Bite, you will find excellent entertainment, including performances from a number of artists such as Stumptown Jug Thumpers, Patti Smith, a fireworks show and performances especially for kids, by Radio Disney and more. You will be sure to leave this event entertained, full and happy.

Admission to The Bite of Oregon is $7 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Information on special passes and discounts can be found at www.biteoforegon.com/visitor_info.html.

For more information on culinary events in Oregon, please visit our Upcoming Events section.

Good Eats in Astoria

June 29, 2007


By Ashley Moran

Welcome to the Travel Oregon staff's monthly "Good Eats" blog! This month, we're exploring the dinning scene of Astoria, located on the Oregon Coast. Astoria has so many great sites to see, including the Astoria column, Flavel House and Columbia Maritime Museum, you are bound to work up an appetite!

My mother, sister and I recently visited Astoria, and had the opportunity to dine at a number of restaurants in Astoria- all of which received rave reviews in our book!

Check out a few of our staff's favorite Astoria restaurants:

Continue reading "Good Eats in Astoria"

Good Eats Over Graduation Weekend: Corvallis

June 14, 2007

By Mo Sherifdeen

College graduation is just around the corner, and students and families all over the state are getting ready to celebrate. If you’re heading to Corvallis for the graduation ceremony at Oregon State University, here are some ideas to get you started on the hunt for that perfect place to celebrate and chow down in style.

Sahalie Wine Cellar/Wine Bar/Restaurant – Located along the waterfront, Sahalie is a cozy place to swirl, sniff, and sip away a pinot over brie with a group of friends while debating the complexities of life. They focus on featuring wines from Oregon’s south Willamette Valley and also offer a diverse menu featuring other wine regions, wine varietals and styles; they also have a good selection of Northwest microbrews.

Continue reading "Good Eats Over Graduation Weekend: Corvallis"

Good Eats Over Graduation Weekend: Eugene & Monmouth

June 13, 2007

By Ashley Moran

College graduation is just around the corner, and students and families all over the state are getting ready to celebrate. The staff at Travel Oregon would like to help you plan for this exciting day, by providing a list of fantastic, authentically-Oregon restaurants, perfect for your grad’s party. Traveling to Eugene or Monmouth? Be sure to check out these great restaurants along the way!


Good Eats Near the University of Oregon:

Café Lucky Noodle
Lucky Noodle is located only a few blocks away from campus, near Fifth Street Public Market. They serve a combination of delicious Italian and Asian-fusion dishes, along with a wide array of cocktails and desserts. I would recommend their three cheese tortellini- pecorino, romano and parmesan cheese stuffed organic pasta sautéed in a pesto cream sauce, topped with grilled chicken. Their almond chicken is also delicious, and includes chicken encrusted with herbs, toasted almonds and garlic breadcrumbs, finished in a light, lemon butter cream sauce with linguine pasta and sautéed vegetables. To top it off, finish your celebration meal with some Italian gelato.

Continue reading "Good Eats Over Graduation Weekend: Eugene & Monmouth"

Memorial Day in the Oregon Wine Country

May 28, 2007

Happy Memorial Day!
As you're out and about today celebrating Memorial Day in the Wine Country, we hope you take this chance to meet the winemakers, explore the smaller, quaint towns of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine growing region, and to experience the area’s charming restaurants and inns – all the while getting to know that tasty but cantankerous little grape that has made Oregon so famous.

And as you swirl, sniff, sip and savor tastes of Oregon's best pinots, you might want to write down (in a 100 words or less) why you love Oregon Pinor noir. Our friends at the Willamette Valley Vineyards are giving away a trip for two during September to Oregon's wine country that includes airfare, a rental car, great restaurant meals, friendly tasting room staff, and special tours of Oregon’s top wineries. For rules, last year's winner and to enter, visit Willamette Valley Vineyards' contest page here

Cheers!
Mo

Good Eats in Portland

May 21, 2007


Welcome to the Travel Oregon staff's monthly "Good Eats" blog! This month, we're exploring the unique cuisine of Portland. If you're planning on watching a show at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, shopping at Saturday market or simply exploring the city, Portland has a variety of choices that will surely satisfy your cravings.

Our staff has put together a list of restaurant reviews, ranging from Cuban to Pacific Northwest that are guaranteed to make your mouth water.

Continue reading "Good Eats in Portland"

Romance, Exquisite Cuisine and Delicious Desserts at the Portland City Grill

May 2, 2007


By Gloria Zacharias

With four teenagers living at home, it isn’t often that my husband and I can sneak away to take some time for ourselves. However, my husband arranged a surprise outing on the occasion of our tenth wedding anniversary and even the kids didn’t give the secret away.

On a recent Saturday night, a chauffeur-driven black Lincoln cruised up to the front of our home to take us to our surprise (for me) destination. It was a beautiful spring evening in Oregon, and once I stopped hounding my husband for information about the restaurant he was taking me to, I relaxed and enjoyed the drive up I-5 to downtown Portland.

Continue reading "Romance, Exquisite Cuisine and Delicious Desserts at the Portland City Grill"

Cocktails for a Cause – A Bar Crawl Experience with Portland Monthly

April 25, 2007

By Mo Sherifdeen
Cocktails for a cause Single, hot city magazine seeks adventurous partners for a single night of cocktails, carousing and camaraderie!

The ad was intriguing. The premise was simple: one night, eight bars, one bus. No, this was hardly your typical Friday night frat party. Instead, “Cocktails for a Cause” was Portland’s only bar crawl benefit event.

When I figured out that the event was a benefit for Live Wire! (read about them here) and took participants through some of the best watering holes in Portland (as featured in the February 2007 issue of Portland Monthly), I was sooo there!

While Oregon’s craft brewers and wine makers have garnered an international reputation for their libations, savvy mixologists and intrepid craft distillers such as SakéOne, Bendistillery (Crater Lake vodka), House Spirits Distillery (Medoyeff vodka, Aviation gin) and New Deal Distilled Spirits (New Deal vodka) have quietly transformed Oregon into one of the hidden gems of the cocktail world. Borrowing a page from local chefs, mixologists are creating seductive cocktails infused with local ingredients and fresh fruit such as berries, watermelons, pumpkins and yes—even avocados—while perfecting classics such as sazeracs and negronis. And so with the intoxicating spirit of liquid adventure in mind, my wife and I eagerly signed up to be part of the bar crawl.

Continue reading "Cocktails for a Cause – A Bar Crawl Experience with Portland Monthly"

Good Eats in Ashland

April 6, 2007


Welcome to the Travel Oregon staff's monthly "Good Eats" blog! This month, we're exploring the unique cuisine of Ashland, located in Southern Oregon. If you're planning on heading down to Ashland for the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival, you're in luck! This town has a wide variety of options, all of which are absolutely delectable choices.
Our staff has put together a list of restaurant reviews, ranging from Asian Fusion to Polyethnic that are guaranteed to make your mouth water.

Continue reading "Good Eats in Ashland"

Good Eats in Salem

March 13, 2007


As you may have heard, Oregon’s incredible bounty has inspired a growing list of chefs and culinary artists who have embraced the idea of creating Oregon Cuisine ---- savory food using local wine, fruits, vegetables and meats. These Oregonians have elevated the act of dining into an exuberant gastronomical adventure, be it a simple roadside meal of fresh hazelnuts and aged cheese over wild greens or succulent fresh crab cakes at a fine dining establishment on the coast.

We at Travel Oregon are committed to eating our way through Oregon to bring you our take on the very best Oregon has to offer. Each month, we'll pick a different city and opine on our "Good Eats" column about where you can sit down for that next great meal - based on our staffs' dining experiences.

This month, we're off to Salem, the state's capital. I grew up in this area, which gave me the opportunity to taste a large variety of authentic, Pacific Northwest cuisine. I recently teamed up with some fellow foodies in the Salem area to begin searching for the city's hidden "gems".

Continue reading "Good Eats in Salem"

An Afternoon Touring the Wineries of Lane County (Southern Willamette Valley)

The mild winter sun shone brightly down on me as I gazed past the peacefully dormant vines on the slopping hills overlooking the lush Briggs Hill Valley. It was a beautiful Thursday afternoon and I was with fellow Travel Oregon cohort Michelle and our good friends from the Convention and Visitor’s Association of Lane County Oregon (CVALCO) Natalie and Josh at the Sweet Cheeks Winery (yes, there’s a story to the name…but you will have to read on), located approximately 20 minutes outside downtown Eugene.

When it comes to wine, place matters. And when you think Pinot noir, no place is probably more famed than Oregon’s storied Willamette Valley. On this particular afternoon, Natalie played tour guide as we toured some of the Southern Willamette’s finest wineries for an afternoon of swirling, sipping and savoring!

Continue reading "An Afternoon Touring the Wineries of Lane County (Southern Willamette Valley)"

Oregon's Seafood & Wine Festival- Oyster Shooters, Bisque, and Much More!

February 8, 2007


As you read our blog or peruse through our website, you will probably notice that there’s always something fun and exciting to do in Oregon. And very often, there's something delicious to taste! Our very own Amy visited the Oregon Seafood & Wine Festival this past weekend- read on to hear more about her culinary adventure.

Sampling Seafood and Wine...what could be better? Benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society at the same time!

The Oregon Seafood & Wine Festival was held at the Oregon Convention center February 2nd and 3rd. The festival offered 20 Seafood Restaurants, 65 wineries, live Oregon Jazz, and dozens of other exhibitors.

Continue reading "Oregon's Seafood & Wine Festival- Oyster Shooters, Bisque, and Much More!"

Culinary Delights at the Oregon Truffle Festival

February 6, 2007


The Oregon Truffle Festival took place on January 26-28, 2007 in Eugene, Oregon. Harvesters, chefs, growers and gastronomic aficionados came together to celebrate one of Oregon's most incredible treasures (and to try some really great food, too!)

This festival is the first of its kind in North America, and has run for two consecutive years in the Willamette Valley.

Read on to hear about Jessica's very own truffle adventure!

Continue reading "Culinary Delights at the Oregon Truffle Festival"

Oregon’s Fine Cuisine Featured at Food Fete

January 30, 2007


Californians love Oregon. And we Oregonians are loving you back.

The romance was evident at San Francisco’s Food Fete last Monday, an invitation-only media event held in conjunction with the Fancy Food Show, which featured 80,000 new products exhibited by 1,100 vendors and attended by thousands of consumers, chefs, and foodies worldwide. The Fete, though, was limited to 62 journalists from such media outlets as the Wall Street Journal and Sunset magazine.

Continue reading "Oregon’s Fine Cuisine Featured at Food Fete"

For the Love of Chocolate - A Guide to Oregon's Specialty Chocolate Makers

January 29, 2007

With Valentine's Day around the corner, no doubt chocolate is on your mind. This year, why not head to a specialty artisan chocolate store? Oregon is chock-full of such artisan chocolatiers who are intent on dipping, rolling and sprinkling their way into your good graces. From Portland to Ashland, here are chocolate shops that are putting Oregon on the map with their tasty treats.

Euphoria Chocolate Company
Eugene-based Euphoria makes high-quality, European-style truffles with a local twist. Their Oregon Wine Truffles are blended with local wines—Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet—and rich chocolate. Also on the menu are classic truffles, chocolate bars, even malt balls.
Three Eugene Locations:
6 W. 17th, 541.343.9223
532 Valley River Center, 541.343.3995
4090 Stewart Rd., 541.344.4605
www.euphoriachocolate.com

Continue reading "For the Love of Chocolate - A Guide to Oregon's Specialty Chocolate Makers"

Good Eats in Eugene

January 19, 2007

As you may have heard, Oregon’s incredible bounty has inspired a growing list of chefs and culinary artists who have embraced the idea of creating Oregon Cuisine ---- savory food using local wine, fruits, vegetables and meats. These Oregonians have elevated the act of dining into an exuberant gastronomical adventure, be it a simple roadside meal of fresh hazelnuts and aged cheese over wild greens or succulent fresh crab cakes at a fine dining establishment on the coast.

We at Travel Oregon are committed to eating our way through Oregon to bring you our take on the very best Oregon has to offer. Each month, we'll pick a different city and opine on our "Good Eats" column about where you can sit down for that next great meal - based on our staffs' dining experiences.

This month, we start in the heart of the Willamette Valley in Eugene, Oregon’s third-largest city. This college town (home to the University of Oregon Ducks) is located 2 hours south of Portland and offers a multitude of activities and attractions.

Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria (Reviewed by Ashley M)
I have loved Italian food for as long as I can remember. The first time I heard about Beppe & Gianni's, I was a student at the University of Oregon. Even though I could barely afford groceries back then, it was well worth the splurge. In fact, it was more than worth it. My three roommates introduced me to this restaurant three years ago, and we recently joined forces for a full-fledged college reunion at the very same place.

Continue reading "Good Eats in Eugene"

Portland Named One of Top 10 Cities for Beer Lovers

November 13, 2006

We were stoked to find out this week that Shermans Travel and MSN named Portland one of the "Top 10 cities for beer lovers." Confirming what beer lovers in Oregon already knew, the article says: "In Portland, there are plenty of drafts to go around. Indeed, with 28 breweries based here – more per capita than any other city in the country – this Pacific Northwest city clearly boasts the motherload of American microbrews." (You can read the entire article at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15642039/)

Of course, good beer isn't limited to just Portland. Being the beer aficionados that we are, here are some of our local favorites from around the state (as picked by Travel Oregon staff and friends):

- Full Sail (Hood River): Named one of the top 20 breweries in the world - the independent and employee-owned Full Sail brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot on earth. Swing by the tasting room and sample their awarding winning brews, grab a bite to eat from the pub menu and soak up the view from the deck. (Suggested by: Kevin, Mo)

- Terminal Gravity (Enterprise): After a day exploring Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge, head to this famed Eastern Oregon watering hole where hoppy IPA and refreshing stouts welcome you. (Suggested by: Karen V.)

Continue reading "Portland Named One of Top 10 Cities for Beer Lovers"

Ankeny Winery- Exquisite Wines and Even Better Company

October 27, 2006

There's nothing better than spending a crisp, fall afternoon talking with friends and listening to great music in the beautiful outdoors, while sipping a delicious glass of Oregon Pinot Noir.

I recently had the opportunity to do just that, by taking part in Ankeny Vineyard's Harvest Party in Salem. When I first arrived on the gorgeous grounds of Ankeny, it felt like I had immediately stepped out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Luscious green fields and miles of blue sky surround the quaint vineyard, in addition to Ankeny Wildlife Refuge and Cox Cemetery. It is the perfect location to escape your to-do list and fully relax.

When I first arrived, the delicious smells of seafood and the sounds of laughter filled the air. I traveled toward the outdoor patio area, where I was immediately greeted by Hershy, the vineyard dog. Hershy spent the majority of the afternoon mingling with guests and guarding the driveway leading up to the festivities. Hershy even has a wine named after him, complete with an adorable mug shot on the label (which is an absolutely delicious red wine). Once I arrived in the tasting room, my friends and I filled our glasses and chatted with the vintner himself about each wine. We then ventured outside where Celtic music filled the air, and hot salmon chowder and shrimp cocktail waited to be devoured.

Continue reading "Ankeny Winery- Exquisite Wines and Even Better Company"

Oregon Bounty International - Japan (Day 1)

October 15, 2006

Yo, yo, wasabi.

No, I'm not trying to be cool or coy, that is the actual name of one of the magazines in-state to research this celebration called Oregon Bounty. WaSaBi

First off, let me introduce myself: Mr. Sean Egusa, Asia Tourism Manager for Travel Oregon. I promote inbound tourism to the state to the Asian markets, first and foremost Japan. So we have some Japanese in town interested in this culinary tourism product that has been snowballing in conjunction with the Oregon Bounty celebration this month (and next). This project involves a lot of good food, fraternizing with some of our best chefs, tasting some of the world's best Pinot Noir and in general showcasing the best of Oregon... Say no more...

Our guests are here courtesy of our friends and partners at Northwest Airlines. The direct flight from Tokyo is a boon to the tourism industry in Oregon and from Singapore to Shanghai to Tokyo, they are jonesing to get the international crowd hip and in the know on the Oregon experience. Are we ready???

Continue reading "Oregon Bounty International - Japan (Day 1)"

Oregon Bounty International - Japan (Day 2)

October 14, 2006

October 13, 2006 (yes, it's a Friday)

But there was no cursed weather or bad luck on this day.

Day #2 of promoting Oregon's Culinary Tourism in conjunction with our statewide Oregon Bounty was another whirlwind of activity but, as always, done in classical Oregon style (laid-back and leisurely).
www.traveloregon.com/Bounty

Our day began leaving the foggy banks of the Willamette behind to head into the Columbia River Gorge after being caffeinated at Urban Grind in the Pearl District. I decided to start high so diverted at Corbett off of I-84 and headed for the amazing view at the Portland Women's Forum. Blue was the color of the sky and it was good (but a little chilly).

We proceeded on down towards Multnomah Falls where we made a quick stop at Wahkeena Falls. Upon reaching Multnomah Falls I was hailed by a familiar voice and looked up to see Petra (POVA) who was on a research tour of her own with some guests from Europe, only she was heading back towards Portland. Kind of appropriate her heading west and me heading east...

Continue reading "Oregon Bounty International - Japan (Day 2)"

Oregon Bounty 2006 Day Seven: The Coast - A Wine Snob Reeducated

October 6, 2006

I learned today that you should never ask an artisan beermaker if a hop is just a hop. If you do, you’ll get a 20-minute dissertation on the complexities of growing conditions, aromas and hand-feel. In a word, they take this stuff as seriously as any winemaker worth his vineyard-designated Pinot noir.

My last stop on this journey took me to the Pelican Pub and Brewery in Pacific City. Located off Highway 101 between Lincoln City and Tillamook, without the requisite saltwater taffy shops and bumper car carnivals, Pacific City is on the verge of being the next cool place on the Coast. The Pelican is the focal point of this growing beach town, from the surfers braving the chilly Pacific waves to the Dory boats that launch each morning to bring in the daily catch.

After a morning learning the ropes of microbrewing with the brewery’s head honcho, I had the pleasure of discovering how beer and those fishermen’s bounty can be a great culinary match. I was skeptical at first. Putting wine and food I understand. But beer and food? Come on, I thought… beer is just beer, right? Lesson number two: never tell an artisan beermaker that beer is just beer.

To prove that, we began with a New England-style clam chowder matched with the Pelican’s India Pale Ale. The contrast was amazing, with the IPA proving to be the perfect foil for the creamy texture of the chowder. Next up was a Tombo (aka Oregon Albacore Tuna) that had been crusted with fresh hops and served over an heirloom tomato broth. For this course, we tried Pelican’s Elemental Ale, a brew made using the same fresh hops that adorned the fish. This time, the effect was an echo of the flavors. It was just like I was in one of those fancy wine dinners where everyone was crawling over each other to identify what was happening on their palate, only without all the hype. I quickly became a wine snob reeducated.

During Oregon Bounty, the Pelican Pub and Brewery is offering the opportunity to relax at the next-door Inn at Cape Kiwanda and have your own beer and food experience. There are also lots of hotels and inns featuring special Oregon Bounty packages and rates. Check out The Coast section of traveloregon.com/bounty for details. Or, you can read about my memories of catching and eating at source here on the coast.

Next stop on this On The Road With Oregon Bounty journey? Home.

Oregon Bounty 2006 Day Six: The Willamette Valley - Getting The Dirt

October 5, 2006

Winemakers and farmers love to talk dirt. They might not spend a lot of time yacking about whether the guy three parcels over is going through a divorce, but they can go on for hours telling you in minute detail the origins of the soil they farm.

In the Willamette Valley, these stories start some 15,000 years ago, and center around a giant lake up in Montana created by climate change at the end of the last Ice Age. Apparently, giant earthen dams holding back the water gave way, causing a series of dirt and debris tsunamis to flood through the Columbia River Gorge before taking a left turn toward Eugene. Known as the Missoula Floods, this geologic activity and the rich soil compositions it created is why the Willamette Valley is such a fertile place to grow grapes, and why you can’t drive but few miles in most parts here without running into a farm stand selling Oregon’s bounty. Yesterday, I enjoyed the results of that prehistoric turmoil.

My destination was the Campbell House Inn, located in Eugene. When we arrived, I met Jeff Parker, executive chef and a man who’s never met an ear of local corn that he couldn’t get really excited about. Jeff and I headed out into the farmlands surrounding Eugene. Once we left the sprawl of mini marts and burger joints, we hit a long stretch on River Road where the Burma Shave-style signs let us know what awaited. We stopped at Thistledown Farms, where we loaded up a basket-full of corn, peppers and herbs before heading back to the Campbell House’s kitchen. There, Jeff showed me a few tricks as we made an autumn salsa of sautéed corn, red bell and yellow banana peppers finished with a little cilantro (something I learned: if you boil corn in the husk, you can remove the silks much easier and save on the dental floss). Our dish wasn’t fancy, but it tasted just like Oregon in the fall. When you have corn that erupts with that much flavor, why get in its way?

During Oregon Bounty, Jeff is running a series of “Shop With The Chef” packages where you can stay overnight, head to the market to choose your own bounty, and then sit back while he prepares your feast. There are also dozens of events at wineries throughout the Willamette Valley, as well as harvest festivals and events. Check out the Willamette Valley section of traveloregon.com/bounty for details. Or, you can read about my earliest experiences on the farms of the Willamette Valley.

We’re in the final stretch of On The Road With Oregon Bounty. The Oregon Coast is waiting.

Oregon Bounty 2006 Day Five: Southern Oregon - The Whey It Is

October 4, 2006

Yesterday I learned that mold is a good thing, and I’m not talking about the stuff covering that orange that’s been sitting in the bottom of my refrigerator for weeks. The mold in question is the green-blue running through the bleu cheese being handcrafted at Southern Oregon’s Rogue Creamery.

My mission on this leg of the trip was to try my hand at being a cheesemaker. What I learned is, that while milk and mold are an important ingredient in making great bleu, passion is what really pushes it into the cheese stratosphere.

The guide on my cheese journey was David Gremmels, co-owner and cheesemaker at Rogue Creamery. His is a quintessential Oregon story: four years ago he stopped by the creamery to taste products for a new wine bar he was opening in Ashland. He ended up buying the company.

It was one of those right place/right time encounters. The previous owner, a second generation cheesemaker getting ready to retire, was looking to sell. He had offers on the table, but knew the prospective buyers would eventually end up scavenging the brand, shuttering the plant, and moving production out of state. David threw in an offer, spent a day making cheese, and left with a handshake deal. Within a year, Rogue Creamery was at the top of the bleu cheese heap, winning a string of awards over the world’s top cheesemakers.

As David led me through the process of creating their limited edition Rogue River Bleu (a creamy, earthy bite of heaven), it became clear very quickly why he’s selling more than just cheese out of his small, decades-old creamery. While I went elbow-deep into the curds, helping to turn the soft-yet-firm morsels for yesterday’s batch, David’s exuberance for what would rise out that whey was barely controlled. He adores his cheese. He constantly complimented and called by first name the creamery’s few dozen employees, and not in a the-boss-is-giving-someone-a-tour-of-the-plant-acting-like-he-does-this-all-the-time kind of way, either. I got the feeling that it didn’t matter if David made cheese or sold appliances; he’d love what he did and would be incredibly successful at it.

During Oregon Bounty, you can drop by the creamery, located about 15 minutes north of Ashland in Central Point. You can also learn the magic that chefs can make with these cheeses during special events at the new Harry and David store in Medford. Wineries throughout the Rogue, Umpqua and Applegate regions are having special events each weekend where you can taste Rogue Creamery’s products, local pears and more along with the latest vintages, too. Check out the Southern Oregon section of traveloregon.com/bounty and go to Winery Events or Festivals/Events.

Finally, check out the video diary of my cheesemaking experience, or read about my reflections of visiting the ranch in Southern Oregon where my great, great grandparents settled in the 1800s.

Now, it’s on to the Willamette Valley. See you on the road tomorrow.

Oregon Bounty 2006 Day Four: Central Oregon - You Want To Do What?

October 3, 2006

Today is a bit of a homecoming for me. I’m in Central Oregon, where I was born and raised. A lot has changed here over the past 45 years. Growing up, we had to drive 20 miles for a special night out, and that was at the region’s one pizza parlor, on the south side of Bend. Today you can eat meals here that rival the best you’d find in Portland’s top restaurants.

The redefining of Central Oregon has come in phases, led by individuals who took risks and defied the odds. John Gray developed Sunriver in a place that seemed at the time to be in the middle of nowhere. Bill Healy took a mountain where you couldn’t go directly from hotel room to lift chair, and turned Bend into a winter destination. Today, Doug Maragas hopes to take a bare patch of land north of Redmond and make Central Oregon a winegrowing region.

Doug knows there are plenty of naysayers. But, there was a chorus of detractors in the late 60s and early 70s who said people like David Lett, Dick Ponzi, Dick Erath and others were nuts for thinking you could grow Pinot noir in the Willamette Valley.

I toured the spot where Doug hopes that vines will one day greet visitors arriving in Central Oregon from the north. He believes he’s found a microclimate that, wit