washingtonred's Profile
Anywhere good to eat in Coos Bay?
Yes, Porta is the one~ I'd love to hear a review if you go!
Anywhere good to eat in Coos Bay?
I hope you enjoy the area~ I grew up outside of North Bend... There aren't many Chow-ish places... The old stand-bys have always been the Portside in Charleston and Benetti's Italian (downtown CB across from the Egyptian Theatre). They will be nothing compared to what you are used to, I am sure... but they've kept locals happy for years. I've heard good things about the new Italian place in North Bend (can't remember the name of the street, but it's basically across from Safeway).
If you find any gems, please post! I'll check them out next time I return!
Tangerine and Basil pasta help
Would you suggest using the marjoram in the sauce along with the thyme mentioned by alwayscooking?
Tangerine and Basil pasta help
I recently bought some tangerine and basil flavored pasta. At this time, my plan is to make a warm pasta dish using salmon. Looking for suggestions for things that might go well in the dish~ or if I would be better off serving the salmon on a bed of pasta and some veggies on the side. Thanks!
How/Why did you pick your screen name?
I stubled across chowhound while looking for some wine pairing advice... I am a redhead, from Washington, and I happen to love red wines.... easy enough ;-)
Sea- The Local Vine or Purple Cafe
Just an update... I chose the Local Vine on my trip, and was very glad I did. The staff was friendly and knowledgable. (One gentleman, Todd I believe, was also helpful in pointing me toward just the kind of place I wanted to find for dinner) I enjoyed a nice flight of Italian Reds, and was able to chat briefly with one of the owners, Sarah. She is a gracious host anxious to make sure her patrons are enjoying themselves. Next time, I'll pencil them in for a meal.
Anyone else use alcohol as cough syrup?
I make a "Thera-Toddy". I heat up twice the amount of water called for, and add a some Brandy and Lemon to a night time TheraFlu... I sleep like a champ and don't wake up with a medicine hangover!
Sea- The Local Vine or Purple Cafe
Staying on 6th and Seneca. Hoping to stay within walking distance~ I'm fairly knowledgable when it comes to wine, just looking to spend a little time and maybe try some things I might not ordinarily run across.
Sea- The Local Vine or Purple Cafe
I have a few hours to myself Friday evening in Seattle. If you had to pick one... Which? and Why? Thanks!
Food containing booze
I should probably clarify a bit. I was initially thinking about some Jello shots, or marinated marischino cherries...maybe even fruit soaked in some alcohol. Hoping to find something a little new and different.
Food containing booze
I will be attending a cops and robbers themed birthday party this weekend. Guests have been asked to bring a food dish. I'd like to kill two birds with one stone and bring a dish that has some alcohol in it too... Any suggestions?
Pick 2 cupcakes, please. . .
Mint Cream filled with Raspberry Mouse Frosting
Carrot Ginger Cupcakes with Creme Cheese Frosting
Dinners that freeze well
I love to freeze stuffed peppers. I cut them in half and blanche for about three minutes~ let them cool slightly, stuff them, ( I use chicken, spanish rice and black beans) put them on a tray in the freezer to completely chill, and then wrap them.
When my mom had back surgery last year, I filled her freezer with these, mini lasagnas, and even some burritos~ I did some breakfast ones (egg, sausage, mushroom, or egg, ham, peppers) and also some using basically the same filling I do for peppers.
Boarding Pass 2005 Shiraz
I have had this one~ The packaging makes it great for a gift! The local wine shop had a special event Grateful Palate tasting last December. They have some very nice wines~ including Paringa, a sparkling Shiraz.
www.gratefulpalateimports.com
Has anyone been to Porta? Or familiar with their Chef? (Alex Bourgidu)
On my quest to take mom somewhere nice, I heard that a new Italian restaurant has opened in North Bend, OR. I've read mixed reviews~ so I'm hoping you trustworthy CH'ers, if not familiar with the restaurant, might know of the chef. Alex Bourgidu has previously been in Seattle at The Asteroid Cafe, and was the executive chef at Portland’s Italian restaurant Genoa. Thanks!
What ingredients make your heart go pitter pat?
anything with sun-dried tomatoes
gouda
lamb
mushrooms
Southern Oregon recs needed
Headed home next week for my mom's wedding....I would like to take her out for a nice dinner. Hoping for some recommendations between Florence and Bandon as she's right in the middle of the two. Seafood recs are always a plus~
Thanks!
Columbia River Gorge (Literally!)
No reservations needed~ Once you get to town, they have a great visitor map with the wineries listed and numbered. Since you like the small and obscure definately hit COR and Syncline.
I offered this same advice to someone last year... His review is here:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/492022#3422092
...side note. Full Sail brewery is also here, and a fun stop for some micros.
Columbia River Gorge (Literally!)
Made a trip last August~ You and your friends are in for a treat!
Starting with the wineries... favorites were Cathedral Ridge and Phelps Creek on the Oregon side and COR cellars and Syncline on the Washington side. (Of course Maryhill too depending on which direction you are coming from and how far you are wanting to travel)
As for Food...
Brian's Pourhouse was an excellent treat when I was there last summer~
http://www.brianspourhouse.com/default.html
Save room for dessert and try the Pear Cobbler!
Another great meal I had was across the bridge in Bingen at the Solstice Cafe
http://www.solsticewoodfirecafe.com
We had a woodfire pizza with a Syncline Mourvedre there and after that, stopping at Syncline was a must.
Also~ Panzanella (102 5th St) is a great Artisan Bakery/ Italian Deli in Hood River. My friend and I stopped in and picked up some bread and cheese to take with us for nibbling between wineries.
Would love to hear back on where you went. August was my first visit to Hood River and I can't wait to get back!
Restaurant Recommendations for Idaho Panhandle
I have to second the Eichart's reccomendation~ and if you head through Coeur d'Alene, I really enjoy Brix.
Last minute suggestions please
I went with a COR cellars 2006 Sauv. Blanc. I remembered this one as being less on the fruit side with more mineral and grassy notes. It went well, and the flavors of the dish allowed me to pick up the faintest of the wines citrus notes, mellowing the mineral side very well. The dip was not too salty, more on the herb and pepper side, and when baked on the salmon, it made a great "crust". The pasta had less flavor than I imagined~I'll have to choose another side dish...
Overall, I think a chard may have gone better, (and almost went with a Pinot Gris) but am not disappointed in the pairing at all. I do have another fillet at home....
Last minute suggestions please
Thanks for the insight~ I started to question the basil after reading your reply,. and grabbed the dip I purchased. I should've looked closer~ It's a Parmasean-Asiago Dip. I tasted it at a local Olive OIl co this weekend and the idea of it with salmon has been in my head ever since~
Wine is chilling, and I'm getting hungry~ will report back!
Last minute suggestions please
Now that sounds like a plan CM. I'm making the dish as a trial run before a dinner party~ I did grab two salmon fillets. So maybe I'll test it twice (If I open two, I'll drink two)
Last minute suggestions please
Dinner is Salmon baked with a Pesto Asiago dip to be served with spinach basil pasta~
At a loss for what varietal to serve this with... Pinot Gris? Sauv Blanc? Help please... and thanks
Dirt Cheap but good wines
Candido Salice Salentino is a favorite cheap go-to for me! Usually found in the $7-8 dollar range.
A week in Spokane
I get so tired of people bashing the Spokane food scene~ it may not be terrific but it has certainly grown in the last few years! Chances are Spokane will never be known for a wide selection of fine dining, but there are wonderful meals to be had!
The Brooklyn Deli has an incredible selection of sandwiches, bread that is baked daily, homemade soups, salads, breadbowls and a decent selection of microbrews and wines. A fantastic lunch spot!
The Italian Kitchen beats every other attempt at Italian in town~ handsdown. I have recommended it to several people and not one has been disappointed.
Favorites for a dinner out include Hill Restaurant and Ella's Supperclub. If you venture toward the valley, Ambrosia is wonderful as well.
And if you have a spare afternoon~ Hit Vino, the wine shop. Grab a bottle and go next door to OMO for some chocolate, then next door to Saunder's cheese market. They make a wonderful cheese plate, I think the corking fee is $5, and you can sit and enjoy all three at once.
You may also want to check out www.tasteeverythingonce.com
Decent review site with links to restaurants~
Pairing help please
Dinner is portabella stuffed ravioli with a sage brown butter sauce. (Thinking I may throw in some sun dried tomatoes) I found the ravioli at a local Italian market and just had to grab them. I've never used a brown butter sauce and am just not sure what to pair this with.
