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Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 11:10:28 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		I'll be going to the WV in early July with my wife for 2 days of wine tastings w/o the kids, Yahooo!  We started this tradition last year and ended up having dinner at the Dundee Bistro--good not great.  Does anyone have any other dining suggestions?  I saw a positive review on this site recently for Tina's.  Red Hill Provincial? 
Post #: 1
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 11:37:23 AM   
Dad of vinny

 

Posts: 24
Joined: 6/3/2008
Status: offline 		Red Hills is nice- save some room in the belly and get a palate cleanser for the lavender ice cream- I kid you not, it is great.

Our first stop is Foster and Dobbs cheese shop in Portland when we go to get some nice artisinal cheese for noshing and sipping on some 375's.

I wrote up Tina's and I'll do it again, they are fantastic and make sure you ask for the second wine list. If you hang around long enough, it is a winemaker hangout and we have been privy to some "taste offs" from some tipsy winemakers simply by just being in the room.

In Carlton, Cuvee is pretty darn good, it is a serious dinner though, I don't think I've ever left there in under 3 hours.

Cielo Blu is a cool Italian place in Carlton- get one of the pizzas as a starter, they are fantastic. This place works really good for lunch too.

Not sure where you are staying, but Bruce at the Brookside Inn is doing some great winemaker dinners on his property- I won't lie everything at Brookside is expensive, the two chefs coming in July are both fantastic and one is the owner of my very favorite restaurant here in Seattle, Crush and the other used to work there. Here's a link to the series
http://www.brooksideinn-oregon.com/area/events.html

Have fun

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 2
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 11:52:35 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		Thanks,  we go low budget on the accomodations (Shilo).  Would rather splurge on the dinner/wine.  Will look into your suggestions.  Have you heard about a place in the area that specializes in wild mushroom dishes?

Ahh...just found it--The Joel Palmer House--have you heard anything about it?

< Message edited by cgrimes -- 6/6/2008 11:56:49 AM >

(in reply to Dad of vinny)
Post #: 3
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 12:22:30 PM   
Dad of vinny

 

Posts: 24
Joined: 6/3/2008
Status: offline 		We tried to get in there last time we were down and they were full. It's supposed to be excellent, get your rezzies early.

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 4
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 5:33:26 PM   
duck833

 

Posts: 65
Joined: 5/13/2008
From: Eugene, Oregon
Status: offline 		Was at the Joel Palmer house in Dayton last summer with a group of six.  We all ordered the mushroom maddness tasting menu, it was fantastic.  Sat outside on the deck and had a great time.  Did not order wine since most of us except for the driver were half gassed from tasting all afternoon.

Going up there next month with some other folks and will simply repeat last years trip.

_____________________________

Go Ducks!!!

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Post #: 5
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 7:30:10 PM   
Serge Birbrair

 

Posts: 1525
Joined: 4/23/2006
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Status: offline 		If you like mushrooms, nothing beats Palmer House
http://joelpalmerhouse.com/

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Post #: 6
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 7:31:08 PM   
Serge Birbrair

 

Posts: 1525
Joined: 4/23/2006
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Status: offline 		cg, Pa;mer House doesn't mind BYOB

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Post #: 7
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 7:33:23 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		Serge, have you been to Cuvee in Carlton?  That also seems to be well liked.

Do they have a corkage fee?  Living in MA there are few restaurants which let you BYO unless they fail to have a liquor licence.  I'm not used to the concept of BYO at a restaurant.

< Message edited by cgrimes -- 6/6/2008 7:36:19 PM >

(in reply to Serge Birbrair)
Post #: 8
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 7:44:39 PM   
tomandlu

 

Posts: 41
Joined: 3/27/2006
From: Boston, MA
Status: offline 		Craig,

The Joel Palmer House is THE place to dine in the Oregon wine country.  Exceptional preparation, great food, great wine.  As previously mentioned, they don't have a problem with BYOB either. 

That said, Cuvee in Carlton was also excellent last time I ate there (2 years ago?).  They have an excellent local wine list and the food is outstanding but perhaps not quite at the level of the Palmer House. 

However, if you're in the area, the singular dining experience, IMHO, in Oregon is Paley's Place in Portland.  If you go, ask for the tasting menu.  It's not on their regular menu but, if you call ahead and request it, they will enthusiatically accomodate you.  They focus, intensely, on fresh ingredients and the preparations are inspriational.  They will be suggest a wine flight to accompany it but, in your case, it would skip it and either bring something in (corkage is probably $20) or get something from their wine list.  Paley's is where I go for inspiration in my own cooking.  Reservations are required (small space) and it's noisy but the food is transcendent.

Enjoy your trip!
Tom

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 9
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/6/2008 7:54:24 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		Thanks everyone,  I think we'll go to either Cuvee or Joel Palmer House.  Will report back after the trip.

(in reply to tomandlu)
Post #: 10
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/9/2008 7:11:02 AM   
esb

 

Posts: 125
Joined: 1/17/2008
From: Bend, Oregon
Status: offline 		The Painted Lady, Newberg - In my opinion, they have raised the bar in wine country.

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 11
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/9/2008 8:07:51 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		Thanks. I'll probably try that since it is right in town.  Website looks good.

(in reply to esb)
Post #: 12
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/9/2008 2:48:46 PM   
kanab ram

 

Posts: 22
Joined: 12/18/2007
From: Orange County & Oregon Coast
Status: offline 		Another vote for Joel Palmer House.  A favorite stop everytime I'm over in the valley.  Also like Tina's and The Painted Lady.  If you make it to the coast try Blackfish Grill or Tidal Rave (Lincoln City area)

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 13
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/9/2008 3:13:35 PM   
yipen

 

Posts: 12
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Portland, Oregon
Status: offline 		Bistro Maison will be my choice, classic french bistro

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 14
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/9/2008 4:10:08 PM   
wino

 

Posts: 2
Joined: 6/9/2008
Status: offline 		Hi Everyone,

My wife & I are going to be driving from Vancouver BC to the Oregon Coast - staying from June 25 - 30, and then in Portland in early July for 4 days.  I noted a couple of dining recommendations in Lincoln City (where we're staying for the Kite Festival), and in Newberg. We've dined at some very nice places in Portland's Pearl District before, but not in the last 3-4 years. I'm particularly intrigued with the BYO possibilities. Any other ideas??
Unfortunately the hours that we'll be passing through the Willamette Valley going west will be too late to dine and still get to Lincoln City before it's too late. And on the way back we'd be able only to make a lunch in the wine country. Someone suggested Cielo Blu as a good Italian place in Carlton for lunch. Any others in the area?

Thanks in advance,  wino

(in reply to yipen)
Post #: 15
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/9/2008 4:48:50 PM   
Serge Birbrair

 

Posts: 1525
Joined: 4/23/2006
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Status: offline 		There are lots of places at Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast,  where you can buy local smoked oysters, candied Salmon and lots of other local spacialties just for a lunch.
If you deside to sit, the oyster soup is a must try. You won't miss the cafes in ther centre of town.

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(in reply to wino)
Post #: 16
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/10/2008 2:19:56 PM   
kanab ram

 

Posts: 22
Joined: 12/18/2007
From: Orange County & Oregon Coast
Status: offline 		Wino,

Tidal Rave is actually in Depot Bay and Blackfish Cafe in Lincoln City proper just as you enter town on the right side of 101.  I bring bottles to both restaurants everytime.  Overall Lincoln City is lacking on good fine dining options (Blackfish being an exception) so many of us go to Depot Bay or the valley for fine dining.  I've heard that the Bay House (south end of LC) is also good but it's over-the-top pricey IMO.  For more casual dining, you won't be disappointing with Otis Cafe, Side Door Cafe, Wildflower Cafe or Gallucci's.  Steer clear of the Kernville Steakhouse.  Have a safe trip.  

< Message edited by kanab ram -- 6/10/2008 2:46:50 PM >

(in reply to Serge Birbrair)
Post #: 17
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/10/2008 2:25:24 PM   
WineandPoker

 

Posts: 3
Joined: 6/10/2008
Status: offline 		I eat somewhere in the valley almost every weekend.  A lot of good advice here.  I love mushrooms and the Joel Palmer House is certainly a favorite, but IMO, the Painted Lady is the best around.  I'd even put it above any of the Portland restaurants (including Paley's).  I've had quite a few amazing meals there.

(in reply to kanab ram)
Post #: 18
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/13/2008 11:01:28 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		After much debate, I have made reservations for The Painted Lady.  Will let you know how it goes.  Thanks for all your suggestions!

(in reply to WineandPoker)
Post #: 19
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 6/13/2008 12:33:52 PM   
JerryPat

 

Posts: 6
Joined: 10/20/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: wino

Hi Everyone,

My wife & I are going to be driving from Vancouver BC to the Oregon Coast - staying from June 25 - 30, and then in Portland in early July for 4 days.  I noted a couple of dining recommendations in Lincoln City (where we're staying for the Kite Festival), and in Newberg. We've dined at some very nice places in Portland's Pearl District before, but not in the last 3-4 years. I'm particularly intrigued with the BYO possibilities. Any other ideas??
Unfortunately the hours that we'll be passing through the Willamette Valley going west will be too late to dine and still get to Lincoln City before it's too late. And on the way back we'd be able only to make a lunch in the wine country. Someone suggested Cielo Blu as a good Italian place in Carlton for lunch. Any others in the area?

Thanks in advance,  wino


Wino;

for your Portland experience may I suggest Genoa and Wildwood? Our two long time favorites in PDX.

(in reply to wino)
Post #: 20
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 7/12/2008 11:18:58 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		Thanks to all who helped make this trip a memorable experience.  See link for my notes from our trip to the Willamette Valley:

http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=5421

(in reply to JerryPat)
Post #: 21
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 7/13/2008 4:07:59 AM   
Serge Birbrair

 

Posts: 1525
Joined: 4/23/2006
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Status: offline 		was  The Painted Lady worth a visit?

I take you are not overly impresed by 2007?

< Message edited by Serge Birbrair -- 7/13/2008 4:40:59 AM >

_____________________________

Do you really think you understand terroir!? -

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 22
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 7/13/2008 10:18:28 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Serge Birbrair

was  The Painted Lady worth a visit?

I take you are not overly impresed by 2007?


Serge, the Painted lady was excellent.  There are 2 choices with the menu--a 3 course prix fixe ($45) and a 5 course pairing menu ($75--paired wines $100).  Had a nice duck confit, halibut with celery root risotto, cheese course.  My wife had a nice shrimp ravioli, slow-roasted steelhead on bed of arugula and eggplant fritters.  She had a goat cheese cheesecake for dessert.  Corkage $25. 

As for 2007s, none of the pinots were available for tasting.  Many of the whites were excellent.  I ended up joining the wine club at Torii Mor as the wines were great and they are one of the few (Bergstrom is another) who will ship to MA.

Perhaps someday our trips will coincide--I still want to do the wild mushroom fest at the Joel Palmer house.
Craig

(in reply to Serge Birbrair)
Post #: 23
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 7/13/2008 10:33:39 AM   
Serge Birbrair

 

Posts: 1525
Joined: 4/23/2006
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Status: offline 		I am an idiot...I saw your 2007 TN's without realisation they were for whites, mea culpa!

Do we need advance reservation for Painted Lady or can we just drop in?

_____________________________

Do you really think you understand terroir!? -

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 24
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 7/13/2008 10:05:08 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 906
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Serge Birbrair

I am an idiot...I saw your 2007 TN's without realisation they were for whites, mea culpa!

Do we need advance reservation for Painted Lady or can we just drop in?


Advanced reservation.  Was pretty full, even on a Wed night.  Enjoy.  Would love to hear your impressions.

(in reply to Serge Birbrair)
Post #: 25
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 7/13/2008 11:17:50 PM   
rjonas

 

Posts: 148
Joined: 11/5/2006
From: Newcastle, WA
Status: offline 		Craig - Glad to hear you enjoyed Cana's Feast.  I'm serving their '03 Syrah at a dinner party this weekend.. <Sigh>, my last two bottles...

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I'm not as think as you drunk I am!

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Post #: 26
RE: Dining Suggestions, Willamette Valley - 7/14/2008 2:53:03 AM   
Serge Birbrair

 

Posts: 1525
Joined: 4/23/2006
From: Boca Raton, Florida
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: cgrimes

quote:

ORIGINAL: Serge Birbrair

I am an idiot...I saw your 2007 TN's without realisation they were for whites, mea culpa!

Do we need advance reservation for Painted Lady or can we just drop in?


Advanced reservation.  Was pretty full, even on a Wed night.  Enjoy.  Would love to hear your impressions.


I don't know exact date we go there, but I do know that we'll skip Joe Palmer house this year
(so we could go there together with you the next year :) )
just to try something new.

_____________________________

Do you really think you understand terroir!? -

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 27
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