Spring is right around the corner, time for wineries to shake off the winter sleep. Because most local wineries are small, family-owned affairs, many close for the winter. As we finish up the winter pruning, we reopen the tasting rooms and release new wines. Go to www.eastvalleywine.com for information to plan a tour or to purchase local wine. Pudding River […]
By Omie Drawhorn For many local residents, a trip to the Markum Inn is a journey back in time to home-cooked food such as juicy hamburgers, steaks and chicken. While the menu continues providing that feel-good food, the restaurant on Highway 213 between Molalla and Silverton has a new owner and an new name. The New Markum Inn is now […]
Visiting wineries on Thanksgiving weekend is an Oregon tradition. It’s the time of the year when wineries – large and small – throw open their doors for holiday visitors. East Valley wineries are no exception. You can go to wwww.eastvalleywine.com to get information to plan a tour. Vitis Ridge Winery 990 N First, Silverton The picking, crush and pressing of […]
By Kristine Thomas Brimming with energy and enthusiasm, David Mahler eagerly shares the details of how he decided to write a cookbook based on the cuisine he created while living in Costa Rica. It’s not until he’s midway through his story he happens to mention he was knocking on death’s door at the time. An addiction to alcohol caused Mahler’s […]
The warm last days of an Indian summer have given local wine growers a case of optimism about this year’s harvest, despite some new challenges. Silver Falls Vineyard 4972 Cascade Highway, Sublimity Last month was full of fun, as we enjoyed the last few weddings of the season and the beginning of harvest! We also enjoyed our first Girls Night […]
Local vineyard managers are developing strategies to prevent a flock of thieves from snatching the fruits of their labor. From firing cannons to covering their grapes with nets, vineyard managers are attempting to keep birds from stealing their grapes.
Finally, the vegetables we have vigilantly attended for months return the favor with a bounty of the freshest, homegrown vegetables. Suddenly, making sure nothing goes to waste can become a major chore.
Area wineries and nearly 1,000 Oregon wine-lovers gathered in late June for the third annual East Valley New Release Festival.
East Valley wineries have long operated in the shadow of the more well-known Oregon wine region located on the west side of the valley, but little by little, local wineries are making a name for themselves.
Jim Hoke is a guy who doesn’t sit still for very long. The owner of Mt. Angel Sausage Co., Hoke is always on the move at his restaurant. On any given day, he will be making sausage, checking supplies, chatting with customers, or tracking down some curry sauce for his sensational currywurst.
Barley, water, yeast and hops are the four essential ingredients to make beer. The variety of hops, and how the brew master uses them during the brewing process, contribute to making each beer unique, John Annen of Annen Bros. Farm in Mount Angel said.
Even Martha likes them, our wonderful Oregon-grown hazelnuts. “Martha” as in Martha Stewart. A recent issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine featured recipes with hazelnuts – also known as filberts – reminding cooks and bakers pondering their list of Christmas holiday gift possibilities to include some with hazelnuts.
When September rolls around, two things come to mind – football and Oktoberfest. Naturally, Oktoberfest makes us think of great music, arts and crafts booths and many events from bike races to the fun run (the ultimate oxymoron).
When searching for a reason to return to the West Coast, Jason Hanson never thought he would land where he did.
Imagine 4,000 to 5,000 people tromping through your house every year – up and down the stairs, opening and closing cupboards and doors. For any house built for single-family use, wear and tear would be inevitable.
Summer should revolve around eating. Our out-of-town guests may already have an itinerary in mind, because when it comes to things to do, the Willamette Valley has a plethora of sights to see. But they are going to need a picnic basket for their all-day adventures.
Hanson Vineyards, located in Monitor, won a gold medal for their 2007 Willamette Valley Pinot noir at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. The ceremony took place in Rochester, NY.
By Kathy Cook Hunter Here is a recipe to fill your special Christmas needs. From what I could glean from my oldest cookbook, what I’ve always called “date bars” are English Matrimonials – also known as “matrimonial cake.” This version came from a friend, Patti Krug. It’s a good cookie all year, I think. If you or your family doesn’t […]
Local wineries will be open for the traditional Thanksgiving weekend open house, Nov. 27-29. Domaine Margelle Vineyards will be open only Nov. 28. Abiqua Wind Vineyards will have tastings at the old Marqum Store in downtown Marquam on Highway 213. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 27-29. “Our delicious ’08 Pinot noir will make its exclusive debut; quite […]
Cooking from scratch and saving money while you’re at it requires forethought and a kitchen cupboard stocked with the makings of healthy meals. Here’s a list of basic dry and canned foods people often reach for when cooking at home. The list was made with a Twenty Something just starting his/her home in mind – or for anyone who’s decided to save money in the kitchen.
Driving out toward Silver Falls from Silverton, one can’t miss the marquee on the left announcing, “$4.50 cheeseburger with fries.” A super bargain these days, and that offer is always there.
Since Tony Doody bought Monitor Inn more than three years ago, it has been spruced up, had new equipment installed and has been painted red, white and blue inside.
Not so long ago, local strawberries were plentiful and inexpensive. Today, with fewer growers raising them, strawberries have increased in price and consumers are much more interested in quality and how to care for their investment. Following are some of their most frequently asked questions.
Summer stretches out in front of us, and with it, a season’s worth of the berries for which our region is known. Strawberries, raspberries, marionberries, boysenberries (and similar varieties) and blueberries simply must be part of everyone’s diet, living in the Willamette Valley as we do. We are so fortunate to live here where we can enjoy them fresh.
Already known for interesting foods and Silver Creek gleaming outside its windows, Creekside Grill in Silverton will introduce its newest innovation during The Silverton Wine and Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 9. That’s the day Creekside owner Manny Rodriques will open a barbecue grill on the patio at the west end of the building.
