While doing more work for the Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon guidebook my girlfriend, Stephanie, lines up the perfect shot of Lower Oneonta Falls. I’ve had this waterfall featured a few times as Pic o’ the Week before, but if you haven’t seen it or would like to know how to get there, check out this link. Click on pic for larger image.
My latest soup review for What’s the Soup? took me to Levant in Portland, Oregon. Chef-owner Scott Snyder creates inspired French-Arabesque dishes, like the Cauliflower & Tahini, with Fried Purple Cauliflower, Spicy Pepper & Mint Relish. From the article:
“The marriage of flavor profiles and cooking techniques that are among the most lauded in culinary history produced a soup that was a worthy and just representation of both. The richness of French cuisine was highlighted with splashes of bright Middle Eastern flavor. If what the dietary experts say about eating lots of colors is true, then this bowl of soup will go a long way towards keeping me out of the doctor’s office. Reds, greens, and purples in a variety of shapes and textures danced on top of the soup’s creamy canvas in a way that made the bowl a joy to photograph while simultaneously producing an enviable mouthfeel in each spoonful.” Read the whole article here.
The annual Summer Kite Festival in Lincoln City is a treat – and it’s happening again this weekend, June 22nd and 23rd. Here’s a shot from last year’s event. Click on photo for larger view.
I like this shot of Ramona Falls taken on a recent hike. It features sun breaks and highlights on the cascade as well as my girlfriend, Stephanie, introducing herself to the lower segment of the falls. Click on pic for larger view. For more information on the hike, read my column about it here.
A week or so ago I took a Press Trip to Washington County, Oregon. On day 1 we stopped in at 1910 Main – An American Bistro for lunch. They feature updated classic American cuisine that uses local ingredients. This right here…..this is the hand dipped, beer battered meatloaf with mashed Yukon potatoes, seasonal vegetable (green beans in this case), fried onions and beef reduction. I say I like a lot of things, but really, look at this thing. As awesome as it looks it tasted twice as good.
I was recently hosted to an ATV tour of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area by Spinreel Dune Buggy & ATV Rentals. However, I struggled getting photos of the dunes. No matter where I placed myself, I just couldn’t capture the vastness of it all. Then near the end of my ride I spotted this tree in the middle of the dunes. Kind of away from the other oasis areas, and trying to make a go of it on his own. And by the looks of him, having a rough time. I fell in love with this tree. I don’t know, it might not be all that exciting of a shot, but that tree and me, we shared something 🙂
I wrote an article in the May edition of Northwest Travel Magazine about a place that I believe has the best Coffee in Portland. A bold statement I know, but give it the Pepsi Challenge sometime and get back to me if you take umbrage. Click here for the online teaser, or check out the latest edition of Northwest Travel Mag to read the whole piece.
From the article:
Courier Coffee Roasters does many things other elite Northwest roasters do. They focus on high-quality, single-origin beans, showcasing the terroir of specific regions. They have relationships with the farms and cooperatives from which they source. And they also focus on light and medium roasts. But Domreis’ shop ups the ante in all three aspects and then adds more to the pot.
“We want the best beans we can get,” says Domreis, “but we also source from people who are doing things the right way. Fair-trade and organic are great, but if they had to clear-cut acres of rainforest in order to do it, I’d rather source from a farm that’s not organic, but whose methods I know and trust.”
If you ever wanted to know what horseback riding on the Washington Coast looks like, it goes a little something like this. Big thanks to Back Country Outfitters for a new experience that I’m sure to seek out again soon!
The sun has returned to the Pacific Northwest. The word on the street is that he plans on hanging around awhile 🙂 In celebration, here is a sun-filled Oregon Coast sunset from last summer. Thanks to the Inn at Otter Crest for an amazing stay! Click photo for larger view.
Is it cheating to have another shot from the Baked Alaska Restaurant & Lounge in Astoria, Oregon as the Picture of the Week again so soon. No, I say! It’s not my fault that they plate some of the most delectable, photogenic food on the Oregon Coast. Blame them….and this Spring Chinook. Click on photo for larger, glistening view.
Adam Sawyer 