|
The Northwest Food & Wine Festival is also sponsored by
Deep Water Grill
sponsored by
Oyster Bar
sponsored by
Official Brewery
|
presented by
Calendar
of Events, Wine Maker Dinners
and our Staff Reviews & Favorite Things!
Check Out
and Dine With Our Participating Restaurants!
Earn Free Wine, Tickets, Spa Treatments, Golf and much more!
Lyle Hotel presents:
Live Flamenco Guitar: First & Third Saturdays, each month
Saturday, May 31st: Syncline Winery Winedinner
100 Seventh Street in Lyle Washington located on the sunny side of the Gorge!
Make your reservations today! (509) 365-5953 (800) 447-6310
El Gaucho
El Gaucho® Portland presents: Live Latin guitar nightly featuring
Mario, Toshi, Nat, Mariano & J.B.
Monday through Saturday, 7.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Sunday, 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Join El Gaucho® Portland Wild Card Texas Hold 'em First Friday of Every
Month 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
$75 per person Space limited to 8 players Enjoy 2 well drinks from our
Premium Liquor Well, Chef’s selected appetizers, and one of Leann’s fine
cigars. A signature El Gaucho® prize will be awarded to the winner. 503-227-8794
West Cafe
SW 12th & Jefferson Street
Happy Hour Every Day 4:30-6 & 9-Close
Every Third Tuesday @ 6pm is TTTT. Third Tues. Twilight Tasting.
An informal wine tasting paired with small plates of cuisine @ a modest price 35..
LIVE JAZZ, every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month beginning @ 7 Quiet, Soft & Ambient Stephanie Torres performs with David Bell on the 2nd Sat. Mary Kadderly joins us on the 4th Saturday (http://www.marykadderly.com/)
For information please call us at 503-227-8189
Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro
Thursday May 15th - Riverplace
Complimentary Wine Tasting
Saturday May 16th - Lake Oswego Flight Night
Visit the website for Details!
Phelps Creek Vineyard Open House
Vineyard Tour and Fine Food - Please, join us!
May 24 - 25 11 - 5 p.m.
1850 Country Club Road, Hood River
Visit our website at http://www.phelpscreekvineyards.com
Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Vineyard tours and wine tastings are available Monday and
Tuesday, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, by appointment only. To schedule your
tour, call (509) 832-3497.
Email to: info@alexandrianicolecellars.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28TH:
0/8 Seafood Grill, Twisted Cork Wine Bar, Bellevue.
Call now to make reservations for a delightful dinner which has been showcased around Alexandria Nicole Cellars wines by chef-owner Dan Thiessen. You will enjoy ANC's winemaker, Jarrod Boyle, as he gives a short "blurb" about each wine served and answers questions. Contact 0/8 Seafood Grill, 425.637.0808 or go to www.08seafoodgrill.com for reservations.
Fenouil Restaurant in the Pearl
Cena Cubana - Regional Dinner
June 22nd, 2008 - 6:30
June 29th, 2008 - 6:30
Family Style Dining - Wine Included
$43pp Does not include Gratuity.
Call for reservations at
503-555-2225
The London Grill
The Standard Sunday Brunch can be described in two words Absolutely Fabulous!
An outstanding array of offerings puts this high on our lists of "must
go." Well worth it anytime you can make it or need to impress! We
also recommend it for a private semi - casual lunch or dinner location
where the old world charm is evident in the decor of fine wood work and
ambiance. One of only two four diamond restaurants the food speaks for
itself. The London Grill also boasts one of the most extensive wine lists
in the Northwest, with more than 10,000 bottles and awarded Wine Spectator’s
2007 Award of Grand Excellence. Over the past 50 years, the London Grill
has become known for its table-side dining and numerous specialty dishes,
including Dungeness crab cakes with roasted red pepper sauce and cilantro,
dill-cured salmon served with cucumber and red onion salad, roasted rack
of lamb, and the local breakfast favorite, Eggs Benedict. Chef Franz Popperl,
the London Grill's new executive chef, has dedicated decades to creating
award-winning cuisine. Make your reservations on line at bensonhotel.com
Favorite Things
Executive Touch Limousine
introduces their new Stretch Hummer Limousine!
We loved it - all 10 of us!
2006 Icon Series H2 Hummer is now here! portlands Newiest and Most Luxury
filled Hummer! You have to see it to appreciate this Luxury Limousine.
Fiber Optics through out, THX surround sound system with DVD, CD 4 flat
screen TV's, Luxury at it's Best! Call 503-310-7776 and make your reservation
for the weekend or ??? and save! What a great way to visit the wine country!
No driving with all the fun! Service was excellent
and we already have plans to do it again!
Executive Touch Limousine
is proud to off the Clients of North West Food and Wine a Member only
Special! A 5 hour Reservation would normaly be $500 in the Lincoln Stretch
(8) Passenger Limo Add the 25% off and take a tour or rent for only $375!!
Call 503-310-7776 for details and for reservations
Our New Favorite Book - Order a copy Today! It's Awesome!!
Oregon Copies Coming Soon in Spring 2009!
Favorite Things continued ....
Our staff regularily visits 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.
DragonFish
We think this is the perfect spot for late night catching up with friends
or after a concert or play at the Snitz. The happy hour menu begins at
10 pm and runs through closing. We stopped by a little after 11 in the
bar and found a wonderful variety to choose from on their menu. The sushi
was fresh and although fairly typical - it was quickly brought to the
table by a very likable gentleman. The miso soup was delicous and just
the right temperature. The ribs were falling off the bone and the sauce
was exactly what it should be, thick and sticky and also a nice protion
size of four ribs. The carmel ginger crusted chicken was accompanied atop
a pile of slivered lettuce that had the most fantastic sauce combination
on it - diced peanuts on the side made this truly satisfying. Katsu salmon
arrived crispy on the outside and not overcooked on the inside - a delight!
Last but not least the pot stickers arrived and were a favorit with two
at the table in particular. The sticky buns come with two different sauces
that were good, but not as great as the others. Now for the cocktails,
we had the chefs specail sake with peach which was excellent and everyone
agreed that this place should be a regular stop on our late night list.
It should be noted that the food costs here are extremely reasonable -
most appetizers run about $2.50. We're going to try the restaurant on
the other side of the hotel soon - stay tuned!
One of our staff recently signed up for Pioneer
Organics to deliver to her home. At dinner the other evening
without any prompting she said,"You guys, I am so looking forward
to Thursday because Pioneer Organics is delivering to our house now -
I can't tell you how awesome the produce is - it actually smells like
fruit! And the flavor is unbelievable. I can't believe I am excited to
have proudce and fruit delivered to my house,but, I am." We admit
we cracked up - but, what an endorsement.
West Cafe
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 tastyl. 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!
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." We ordered the cheese plate - very well priced and excellent selection - maybe the best in town! Also the 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 tuna roll was also very nice and we truly enjoyed the "big snacks" while watching the movie. 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
over on Thruman just off 23rd.. 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.
We can't say enough good things about Fenouil.
If you haven't been there you are missing out on a delightful experience.
The service and the atmosphere are wonderful. We recommend the mussels
and foie gras for appetizers. The onion soup is a oozing with the cheese
and prepared the way you like it. Main courses that have become our favoirte
are the duck, scallops and Kobe Steak. For dessert - take your pick but,
we choose the port - whether its a tawny or the flight - what's not to
like? If you elect to take a bottle of wine along - make sure you send
a glass to the kitchen so you can return the love you'll get in every
tasty and elegant bite of food. Recently we attended a Wine Maker Dinner
at Fenouil with Goose Ridge Estate Wines. It was exceptional. Each course
was paired perfectly and the food presented was done very well. It was
a blast and all 20 of us left happy! Each month they have dinners that
celebrate various georgraphic regions of the world. We are planning on
attending some of those coming up.
Macadam Bar and Grill
has become the favorit lunch spot of one of our close friends. The
atomsphere is right, the food great - she likes the fish of the day and
chips! Sea Bass just the other day - and the accompanyments are great.
She didn't know what to expect and now has many casual business lunches
there. Kudos to you Macadam Bar and Grill - thank god we finally have
a great restaurant in that location on Macadam! O.K. our staff confirmed
it - had a casual dinner party - and the food was really well done - in
fact, we might have to say that their blue cheese burger is the best we've
tasted. Thick, juicy and oozing with cheese! The pear slaw is to die for!
The chicken penne was very nice with some sundried tomatoes that added
just the right touch. What a great place to eat when you don't want to
spend a ton but still want great food. The service was excellent as well.
Enjoy!
Puddin River Chocolates! - if you
have not placed one of their famous Mudballs in your mouth - you have
never really had a gourmet chocolate experience! So exceptional! Teresa
has her own shop on line or at the Thriftway store in Cuthford. What a
fabulous hand made Holiday gift or - we even know people that give them
to deserving students for graduation!
Shula's - Portlands
newest steak house makes its' mark with impecable service and even better
steaks. The atmosphere is great - not too stuffy but private at the same
time. All the diners were having a great time - some were hard core football
fans and did not mind sharing their own fantasies for their sons football
futures with us. It was a pleasuer to dine at Shula's Steakhouse. We love
that they bring the steak cart to the table and show you the various types
of cuts they offer - as well as the lobster - fresh from the sea! The
steaks were excellent - between all of us we loved the cowboy cut ribeye
and the filet - in fact - I don't think any one ordered a different cut
from those two although other tables did and they were loving their selections
as well. We did a quick table check and each steak was perfectly cooked
- better yet - the meat was so mouthwateringly good, you had to close
your eyes for a moment to enjoy the tender flavor of excellent quality
steak. The bernaise sauce was awesome and the sides were done perfectly
too. Everything is oversized so we did not go overboard each ordering
just one, then sharing - we still had to go boxes though. The shrimp wrapped
bacon appetizer, is a must have and the double baked potatoe was done
just right, absolutely delicious. We ordered some mushrooms too to accompany
the steaks. The waiter was very good, there but not there if you know
what we mean. We had a fantastic bottle of Nicoles Cole that made each
mouthful a perfect pair. We highly recommend this for die hard great steak
- without the butter -lovers!
The Lyle Hotel
A perfect stop or overnight stay on a trip to the wine country! Quaint
charm abounds at the Lyle Hotel. Greeted with a cosy fireplace in the
foyer and comfortable rooms you'll feel like you've stepped back in time
at the Lyle Hotel. We thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant and would recommend
the Pulled Pork Quesadilla without hesitation. The Artichoke Bisque was
sublime. The Down Home Pot Roast was slow cooked and tender and the vegetables
excellent. We got a little weak in the knee over the Chicken & Farfalle
with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce. A nice wine selection from vintners in the
area make the meal a wonderful experience. We missed out on the Wine Makers
Dinner, but our friends make it a priority on their weekend calendars.
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.
Pinocchio
This relatively new restaurant is located across from the beginning of the city park blocks on the cross hairs of Park and Salmon. We stumbled (not literally)onto Pinocchio on the way to a concert at the Snitz and decided to have a couple of specialty coffee libations in the bar. The interior of this "Modern Italian," establishment sets the stage for some chuckles with its wall murals of the classics painted wonderfully, but sporting Pinocchio's nose. Michael Bazzani formerly of The Heathman owns the restaurant and with his cast of professionals making it happen we feel this place is deemed for years of success. We decided to return with some friends the next evening and have dinner after purusing the menu. Nelia Serapion, formerly the sous chef at Southpark has delivered Michael's culinary vision with bell weather Italian style that has her own special touches. The calamari was perfectly prepared and had fried lemons and parsley accompanying the tentacled display. A nice portion to share. We decided to try two side courses, one was the lamb ragoue, a hearty savory blend of flavors that are made only over time spend simmering. It had just the right amount of meat and pasta. The second side we had was the risotto with shitake and chanterelle mushrooms, it was creamy and had the delicate flavor of the mushrooms showing itself with a flavorful caress across the palette. We love our friend's risotto, but this one is a fine traditional representation of the dish, it likely doesn't have the cheese our friend adds in generous amounts to her own recipe! The two entrees we chose were the Braised Ribs, which fell apart with only a touch of the fork and had a delicious tomato based sauce and some fresh, crisp green beans on the side. The second was the Pinocchio in Purgatory, a seared pepper steak with a lovely sauce created by a combination of wine and a great chef's imagination laced with a traditional cooking style. Not overpowering, but there in a way that leaves you wanting more! The side potatoes are crispy little nuggets that simply capture your mouth and take it hostage, they are wonderful with the sauce. The steak did not have overpowering pepper on it like so many other restaurants make the mistake of doing, rather it was there to the taste and not powering down the throat like an inferno of hell - hence, actually where the name of the dish came from. Italians often relate hot food to the devil's dish - a steak in purgatory! The desserts are - "the best tiramisu I've ever had," and the chocolate caramel cake - you just need to order it for yourself. Presentation was beautiful, with three deep fried sprigs of basil as a garnish, that seem to wave to you for attention - although the first bite clearly wins the prize. We also have to note that our waiter, John, was very fun, extremely informative and obviously loves what he is doing. If he is in the house, ask for him, and let his tongue and cheek humor set the stage for a meal to remember. If you are going to a concert across the way - this is a great spot to stop for the antipasti bar - quick and full of traditionally prepared Italian classics like roasted garlic and steamed mussels along with slivers of delicate meats and an entire gamete of accoutrements you would expect. Service is immediate and for that reason we'll be making this a stop on our concert evenings whether before of after.
www.nwfoodandwinefestival.com
|
