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Newberry Volcano, OR

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument includes 50,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features. The volcano itself is 20 miles in diameter and the caldera is 4 by 5 miles in diameter. We drove a steep, rough road with hairpin turns up the side of the volcano to Paulina Peak.

From the peak (7,985 ft) we marveled at the two lakes that were formed when pumice and lava deposits divided the crater/caldera in two.

 

...and savored beautiful views of the area.

The other part of this park that we saw is Lava River Cave, a mile-long lava tube that crosses under US97. We arrived late in the day, descended into the tube and walked about halfway through before we had to turn around or else spend the night there. The tube was lit only with our cheap flashlights and the occasional lantern rented from the ranger station. No time for a tripod, but here a couple of photos I found online.

Goodbye daylight! At least there were stairs and rails for part of the way.

This is waaaaay more light than we had, but necessary for professional photography:

Another unique experience that was great fun!

Newberry Monument site: www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/newberrynvml

Notes: Portland and Eugene, OR

Portland

We stayed our first night at the aloft Hotel near the Portland airport. We weren’t nearly cool enough for the place, but it was interesting. The lobby is a fun hangout place, but the rooms are small with vintage-y IKEA-ish furnishings. I think Paul hit the closest when he said it looks like what the average American thinks a European hostel looks like. Good description, but it was much nicer than any hostel I’ve stayed in! www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels

We had a fun dinner with the Tveites at the Rogue Distillery & Public House. Probably the best known of Oregon’s microbreweries, this is a popular place, and usually has a wait for tables. No problem, sit in the bar and enjoy one of the 38 beers on tap. I loved the Pale Ale and next time want to try the Chipotle Ale. Our fish and chips were very good and Emily Rose’s salmon melt looked great.
1339 NW Flanders St.
503.222.5910
www.rogue.com

Eugene

We found a lovely spot to eat in Eugene: the Fifth Street Public Market. Besides Marche', which is supposed to have a fabulous Sunday brunch (doesn’t start until 11AM), upstairs is a nice food court and a lovely place to sit and eat.

Plenty of nice shops here, also, including a great kitchen and wine shop (Marche' Provisions).
Corner of Fifth and High
www.5stmarket.com

McKenzie River, OR

Our route over the Cascades followed the McKenzie River upstream from Eugene to Clear Lake.

Two lava flows dammed Clear Lake 3000 years ago and moved into the McKenzie River. The results are two breathtaking waterfalls with foaming white water cascades in between. We first encountered Sahalie (“Heaven” in Chinook Jargon) Falls.

We hiked the Waterfalls Trail along the river and were rewarded with the sight of Koosah (“Sky”) Falls.

The Belknap volcano spewed lava into the river 1500 years ago and sent the river underground for three miles. It reemerges as the serene Tamolitch Pool.

We finished our route at Clear Lake, a popular fishing location.

You could spend every remaining day of your life exploring Oregon and would marvel each day at God’s creation. It certainly made an impression on me.

Travel Notes: Redmond, OR

Redmond seems to be the town for the people who work in the mills and in the tourist industry in Bend. Downtown Redmond had evidently been catering to tourists, but seems to be hurting now.

However, plenty of big box store construction was going on, as was road work. (Oregon evidently got a lot of stimulus money for transportation.) We had a really good breakfast at the Toucan Café on SW 6^th and enjoyed the free wifi. (www.toucancafe.com) Central Oregon is not as “wired” as we’re used to in Austin and Portland, so coffeeshops and libraries are important!

 

The Red Dog Depot was voted “Best Lunch Redmond” by newspaper readers, so I decided to check it out. It was the middle of the afternoon, so the place was dead, but I enjoyed the surroundings of the historic train depot and the burger was above average.
3716 SW 21^st Place
reddogdepot.com

 

Madaline’s Grill seemed to be a popular dinner place in Redmond. We had some pretty good shrimp there with Mexican sides.
2414 S. Hwy 97
www.centormall.com/Madalines_Grill

 

You cannot beat the location of Redmond! So close to Smith Rock, Sisters, the Metolius River, beautiful drives, and the area’s commercial airport. The cherry on the top is that Cline Falls is the “city park.” It is a lovely place to swim and picnic.

And there is a pretty little hike along the river. 

Crater Lake, Part 3

We drove several miles on a gravel road to reach The Pinnacles. These are fumaroles that were formed when volcanic gas rose up through hot ash deposits, fusing them into these solid rocks, some 100 feet high.

 

We saw some glorious clouds on this clear, beautiful day.

 

As usual, I was intrigued by dead trees.

 

After all this, Steve still had enough energy to walk to the top of Watchman Peak!

Crater Lake, Part 2

We drove along the West Rim Drive, stopping and hiking to beautiful overlooks.

We tried to take the boat ride around the lake, but all slots were full for the day. If you go, make reservations for the boat! (www.craterlakelodges.com/Activities-1843.html)

This formation is called the Phantom Ship.

We were awed and overwhelmed.

Crater Lake, Part 1

The high point of our trip was Crater Lake. We drove in via the north entrance road, which is open only in summer. The first overlook is an astoundingly beautiful sight.

This caldera lake (5 by 6 miles) was created when the volcano MountMazama collapsed around 5700BC. This amazingly blue and clear lake is the deepest in the US with the deepest average depth in the Western Hemisphere. Because the lake is fed only from snow and rain and has no inlets or tributaries, it enjoys some of the cleanest water in North America.

Wizard Island was created by later lava eruptions.

Some hydrothermal activity remains along the lake floor, suggesting that at some time in the future Mazama may erupt once again!

www.nps.gov/crla

Notes: Bend, OR

The economy hasn’t been kind to Bend. Big-spending tourists are scarce this year.

But it’s still the center of what’s happening in Central Oregon.

 

Reviews of the places we visited:

Blacksmith Restaurant

I read excellent reviews of this restaurant, whose chef is from Texas. We must have made a mistake going on Sunday night—the chef wasn’t cooking, he was hosting his family for a dinner. The building, a historic blacksmith shop, is dark and cozy. Many people were enjoying the bar and the restaurant hosts live jazz a few nights a week.

The beer and wine selection was good, but my ceviche was mediocre (the chef is supposedly well known for the ceviche of the day). Steve enjoyed his fish, but we’re not impressed, especially for the prices.

211 NW Greenwood Avenue
www.bendblacksmith.com

Deschutes Brewery and Public House

This place was hopping! It seems like it is pretty busy most of the time.We had the Black Butte Porter and the Cascade Ale. Two thumbs up! But the star of the show was the Oregon Salad I got: “Grilled Oregon Chicken Breast served over Fresh Field Greens. Served with Chopped Hazelnuts, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese Crumbles and our Oregon Berry Vinaigrette Dressing on the side.” I highly recommend it and the pub atmosphere here.

1044 Bond Street
www.deschutesbrewery.com/brewery/brew-pubs/bend-pub/default.aspx

McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Yet another McMenamins project. You can stay in the converted 1936 Catholic school, go to the movie theater here, and/or eat, which we did. I got the summer beer, the Ruby, and it was delish! I got the seared tuna appetizer and Steve got a burger. They were very well done.

However, like the McMenamins Brewpub we visited in Portland, the atmosphere is flat. Not my favorite by a long shot.

700 NW Bond Street
www.mcmenamins.com

Silver Moon Brewing Co.

This is probably a great bar to hear live music, but in the middle of the afternoon, it was flat. The smell of bacon was overpowering and the atmosphere was unwelcoming.

24 NW Greenwood Avenue
www.silvermoonbrewing.com

Strictly Organic Coffee Co.

Lovely place to hang out. In the summer, you can get a grilled lunch on the patio.

Free wifi, great coffee. I loved the “Nut and Fruity”: wedges of apple and roasted hazelnuts drizzled with honey, with hazelnut butter for dipping.

Two locations: 6 SW Bond, 450 SW Powerhouse Dr., Suite 400
http://www.strictlyorganic.com/

The Wine Shop

I enjoyed a beautiful glass of Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir while hanging out and reading. The owner was friendly and a couple of her friends were also hanging out and visiting.

“Wine, port, sake and champagne by the taste and glass” (and the bottle, of course).

55 NW Minnesota Avenue
http://thewineshopbend.com/

Tumalo, OR

Another beautiful drive. Imagine! This time, I took the Cline Falls Highway from west of Redmond to Tumalo State Park, northwest of Bend. Tumalo State Park looked like the perfect place to camp, swim, and picnic. It’s an easy walk upstream to tube down the beautiful creek.

And don’t be silly like me and assume Tumalo Falls is in TumaloState Park ! That’s a in a different location, 10 miles west of Bend, after 2-1/2 miles of gravel road. On the approach, you see verdant valleys and enormous ridges.

And the beautiful river which must be downstream from the falls.

Tumalo Falls isn’t well publicized in the Oregon travel guides, so I was almost alone on this outing. The sign at the falls gave a good explanation of the site:

Cascade Mountains20,000 years ago the Tumalo Creek canyon was filled to the brim with ice. Moving at a rate of six inches per day, the 900-foot tall glacier carved out this canyon and the steep ridges all around you…Winter snow and spring rain collect in the , percolate through porous volcanic rock and emerge through fissures as springs.

And what an impressive sight it is!

I took the short hike (uphill…pant, pant) to the overlook at the top of the falls. You rarely get to look down on a large falls and this view was mesmerizing.

 

MacKenzie Pass Scenic Byway

This pass was closed for road work when Steve and I drove over the Cascades, so I decided to go to the summit today and see what we missed.

First stop was at Windy Point. Unfortunately, a heat wave has settled in and there was no wind. But it was a fascinating look at three different lava flows, the most recent 1500 years ago.

No wonder the astronauts who were training to walk on the moon spent a lot of time around these volcanoes!

 Then I drove to the summit to the amazing Dee Wright Observatory, built in the 1930s by the CCC. (I overheard an old codger saying that the CCC was for the young men and the WPA was for the old men.) I sure wish our economic stimulus package could put people to work at our national and state parks systems!

I fell in love with this observatory.

The views were amazing. You can climb up to the structure and peer at each peak through a small portal…

(I don’t know how to set my camera to also get the mountain in view.)

…or admire a stunning panorama through an arched open window.

It was a little too hazy to see Mt. Hood well. But the Sisters were close and magnificent.

From the vantage point, you also overlook a huge volcano flow, estimated to be 2700 years old.

 

I loved the ½-mile loop through the flow that stretches for about 8 miles. The fissures, ridges, gutters, and outcroppings that were formed as magma and lava cooled at different rates are amazing.

The scientists say these volcanoes are still active and will blow sometime. (Remember Mt.St. Helens? Part of the same chain.)

This was one of my favorite spots during the trip—a unique gem.

Bend, OR: Restaurant and Museum

Victorian Café

This café is consistently voted “Best Breakfast” by locals and I see why! My Crab Benedict was amazing and the home fries were way above average. The café is only open 6AM to 2PM, but they serve breakfast the whole time and add lunch around 11. It’s an old funky house, very Austin-y vibe, with a pretty little outdoor patio shaded by huge trees. I intend to work my way through their menu and I suggest you do the same when in Bend!

1404 NW Galveston Ave
(541) 382-6411

High Desert Museum

This well-regarded museum just south of Bend consists of several halls and a few outdoor areas. In some of the halls are Native American art, tools, and clothing.

 

Other halls present dioramas of pioneer life, a spooky dark mine, and the kids’ favorite: a teepee.

Can you believe the Forest Service used these in the ‘30s to fight wildfires?

 

The outdoor nature trail passes by an otter pool and a birds of prey exhibit. Because I was there during the heat of the day, the critters were comatose.

I HIGHLY recommended this museum for school-age children! The pre-schoolers seemed bored, except for the teepee and the animals.

www.highdesertmuseum.org

 

Sisters, OR

One of the most beautiful drives I’ve seen is Highway 126 between Redmond and Sisters. As you drive past ranches, some irrigated and bright green, some fallow and brown, you see the Sisters Mountains in all their glory.

On the other side of the road, you glimpse Three Finger Jack

 

The tiny town of Sisters has adopted a Wild West look and plenty of shopping for tourists.

I had a delicious marionberry biscuit at the famous Sisters Bakery (no website, 251 E. Cascade Ave). And, of course, I had to patronize the Stitchin’ Post (www.stitchinpost.com), quilt shop extraordinaire. I hope to make it to their huge quilt show some July.

Sunday: Ranch Girl?

I headed out to the Middleton’s land to help with watering and irrigation. Between shifts of hauling water via bucket from the irrigation ditch to trees and plants, I sat in this idyllic spot:

And this was my view (I promise I did not retouch the photo…the sky really was that blue!):

Their land is right next to Smith Rock, a very impressive landmark:

Though I was tired by the end of it, I also felt refreshed after spending the day in such a beautiful setting.

Saturday in Bend, OR

It was glorious August weather: sunny and dry, warm in the sun, pleasant in the shade. First stop was Pioneer Park for a quilt show. What a lovely setting to enjoy the handiwork of the many quilters in the area!

Onward to the Old Mill District. I didn’t really see much in the way of historical buildings, but did stop at the shopping center. Standard chain stores with a couple of local ones scattered about. I had a delicious lunch at Allyson’s Kitchen (www.allysonskitchen.com), a kitchen store plus café. The Natural Choice (hummus, cukes, avocado, tomato, red onion, organic greens, and tapenade on 8-grain bread) was to die for! Check out their website for some fabulous recipes.

I had to go by Between the Covers (www.btcbooks.com), an independent bookstore on the outskirts of the Old Mill District. It was a lovely place to browse and I picked up “Sometimes a Great Notion” by Ken Kesey because Steve and I are in the mood to re-read it after visiting this area.

Next, I drove up Pilot Butte (should have hiked up, but I was lazy). www.oregonstateparks.org/park_42.php I was treated to a beautiful 360-degree view of mountains and buttes. To give you an idea, here is the map:

Imagine seeing these mountains and buttes every day!

 

Muriel says it’s inspiring, but humbling, to live surrounded by such majesty.

 

Stopped at Trader Joe’s (yea!) on the way home for dinner. What a blissful day!

Trip Notes: Central Oregon

I am now a huge fan of Central Oregon! Many visits are required to investigate this beautiful, varied slice of nirvana.

East from Portland, over the Cascades, lies the high desert of Central Oregon. Because of its location, the area enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Bend is the most famous city in the area, but Redmond and Sisters are well-known to lovers of outdoor sports.

In the winter, it’s best to fly from Portland to the Redmond/Bend airport and avoid the icy and (possibly closed) passes. But in warmer weather, scenic drives over the Cascades include:

• From Eugene, drive along the McKenzieRiver on 126 and enjoy scenic orchards, springs, and waterfalls. Stay at Belnap Springs in the DeschutesNational Forest . Next day, check out Proxy Falls then go over McKenzie Pass. Hike in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area and/or Black Butte. Drive into Sisters.

• Cascade Lakes Highway with great hiking along the high mountain lakes.

The Cascades provide skiing and snowshoeing runs in the winter and abundant hiking trails in the summer. Many rivers run through the area, with perfect kayaking and canoeing conditions.

Bend

Bend is the center for tourism, with fantastic restaurants and interesting shops.

We ate at Pine Tavern (pinetavern.com) and enjoyed a delicious (though pricey) dinner and a view of the Deschutes River, which meanders through town. This establishment has been in business since 1919, serving food and drink to the local loggers, millers, and schoolteachers. The seared ahi appetizer and the trout with a black-bean-chickpea ragout (that night’s special) were fabulous but, for real decadence, you must have the hazelnut brie fritter and the sky high mud pie! Ooh la la! You’ll need a long walk to work that off.

Blacksmith Restaurant (www.bendblacksmith.com) has enjoyed a lot of foodie press and it probably the successor to the late lamented Merenda. It is really a 1923 smithy, beautifully renovated. Also try Vola Restaurant (http://volobend.com/). The first Friday of the month is wine and art in Bend.

The McMenamins Old St. Francis School looks like a great place to stay (www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=98). It’s a Catholic schoolhouse that’s been converted into a hotel, a theater, a restaurant, and two pubs.

The High Desert Museum (www.highdesertmuseum.org) is considered one of the outstanding natural history museums in the nation.

Check out Pilot Butte, a cinder cone with fantastic views of the area (http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_42.php).

Also, Sunriver Observatory (www.sunrivernaturecenter.org).

Redmond

In Central Oregon, you can usually ski through April. Because this is high desert, the powder is phenomenal.

The most popular ski resort in the area is Mount Bachelor (www.mtbachelor.com). Those of us whose knees can’t take downhill skiing anymore can take a sled dog ride, ride a big tube down a hill, or take a snowshoe hike with a naturalist.

The sentimental favorite is Hoodoo ski area (www.hoodoo.com). Smaller than Mt. Bachelor , less crowded, and cheaper to boot, you can have a fabulous day of skiing with minimum hassle. Besides the alpine trails, you can enjoy Nordic (cross-country) trails at the top of the mountain. I want to try snowbiking: you sit down and “ride” the bike, with small skis attached to your feet. No trauma to the knees!

Smith Rock dominates the landscape in Redmond. We hiked the easy River Trail at the State Park, partly because in February it was still icy on the upper trails and partly because it was the first time we’d hiked in a while and weren’t in great shape. The Crooked River runs along the monolith, providing a place to cool off. We watched four river otters cavorting on the beautiful sunny day. The Cascadia Fault that runs through the area makes for dramatic landscapes, but also threatens an eventual earthquake.

Sisters

Sisters was my favorite town. It’s like an old Western movie set. I loved the Stitching Post quilt shop and hope I can go to the huge quilt show in July.

On the drive from Bend to Sisters, check out the statues of galloping horses. Although the reindeer farm between Redmond and Sisters has seen better days, it’s still fun to watch these animals we rarely see.

Try Pleiades restaurant (pleiadesatfivepine.com) and The Gallery Restaurant.

To check out during future trips

• Crater Lake!

• Lake Billychinook, where three rivers feed into this gorgeous lake.

• Metolius River hike near Wizard Falls, stay in vintage Metolius River Lodges

• Warm Springs
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Eagle Crest Resort, inn, biking, golf course
• Elk ranches and llama ranches
• Lava tubes
• Obsidian Trail in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument

• Tumalo Falls

• Breitenbush Hot Springs

Copyright 2009, Beth Schrader

Travel Notes, Vol. 1: Portland, OR

 

Alberta Street

Fun place to stroll, eat, and shop. Expensive boutiques, funky handmade clothes, eco-friendly shoes, gardening and home décor shops, art galleries, and Collage (www.collageonalberta.typepad.com) where a class on collage (natch!) was going on.

 

 We ate at Petit Provence (www.provence-portland.com). We figured it must be good since it was super crowded (inside) Sunday noon. {See the separate restaurant review posted 2/24/09}. We were too stuffed to try the pastries, but hope to return to check them out…possibly the location in Lake Oswego (15964 SW Boones Ferry Road).

The Grotto

This oasis calms us as we meander through it. Run by the Order of Servants of Mary, it’s open to the public during daylight hours. Begin on the lower level and follow the Stations of the Cross.

Various other artworks lead you to the grotto and outdoor altar. The altar is carved out of a high basalt cliff and includes a replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta. It is a dramatic setting.

I was entranced by the St. Peregrine Mosaic, since mosaics are one of my favorite art forms.

Next, go into the Gift Shop and purchase tokens to go up the 10-story elevator to the upper grounds.

Stroll around the beautiful gardens and enjoy the lovely religious art.

 

The monastery and the convent behind it house the Servite friars and the Congregation of Oblates of St. Martha from Saltillo, Mexico. I wonder what the oblates think of their change in climate!

The rose garden is probably magnificent in season. We were there in February and the grounds were green, but of course not much was blooming, other than a few bulbs.

The perfect end to your stroll is the Meditation Chapel. It is a gorgeous, modern glass-and-granite building wit comfortable chairs and an unbelievable view. What a marvelous place to sit and contemplate God’s wonders! Or to nap, as one man was doing. Even our talk and photography session didn’t rouse him.

If you are blessed with a pretty day in Portland and have time for an hour-long walk, head over to The Grotto and peace out.

www.thegrotto.org

Copyright 2009 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Petite Provence, Portland, OR

 

We figured this place must be good since it was super crowded Sunday at noon. The place entices you in with breads and pastries on display.

Tables are crowded together, and the day we were there the cooks had partied a bit too much the night before (according to our waiter) and it took a while to get the food. So just sit back, enjoy the French roast coffee and fresh raspberry juice and pretend you are actually in Provence. We had sandwiches (BLT with a fried egg, classic Monte Cristo, and pork sandwich) and they were delicious. Customers around us were enjoying the salmon hash and berry French toast the place is known for. We were too stuffed to try the pastries, but hope to return to check them out.

www.provence-portland.com

Restaurant Review: Umi Sushi, Lake Oswego (Portland), OR

Tucked away in a strip center in suburbia is a restaurant that many consider to be the best sushi in Portland: Umi Sushi.

Upon entering, you realize you will have a great view of the master chef from anywhere in the dining room. The bowl of edamame and hot towels that arrive at your table clue you that this is a place that takes its job seriously.

We sampled several sushi selections and the Oregon, Rainbow, and Salmon Skin rolls. Everything was exceedingly fresh and well prepared.

If you find yourself in this part of town and love sushi, don’t pass up this place!

6334 SW Meadows Road
503-684-7521
www.goumisushi.com

Restaurant Review: Blue Sage Café, Lake Oswego (Portland), OR

We felt like we were in a Hollywood Western when we walked the Blue Sage Café chain. Being Texans, we had to stifle our snickers about the cowhide and horn accents.

However, the food was very tasty. The very fresh roasted wild salmon salad was tossed in a lime-honey vinaigrette and topped with diced tomatoes, red onions, toasted almond slivers and fresh avocado. The Dungeness crab sandwich served on grilled flatbread was sublime. The masa crusted chicken sandwich sounded chancy to me, but it was actually a nice contrast between the moist chicken breast, the masa harina crust, the melted mozzarella and the fresh tomato.

So, just pretend you landed in Disneyland with great food and have fun.

7 Monroe Parkway
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503-635-5222
www.bluesagecafe.com

Hotel Reviews: Portland, OR

Here are notes on the hotels we’ve stayed at in Portland.

Hotel Monaco, previously 5th Avenue Suites

This hotel is responsible for my love affair with Kimpton hotels. This beautiful, small hotel is located in the heart of downtown’s attractions. The staff are extremely friendly without being smarmy.

Underground parking with an unloading area means you stay dry and don't have to hunt for downtown parking. The lovely lobby looks like an elegant living room. Enjoy the morning coffee and papers or the evening wine tastings here. Don’t forget to bring Spot or Fifi…they are welcomed in grand style and will have their own doggie bed in your room.

The rooms are unbelieveable for the price and location (not cheap, but not outrageous). We had a corner suite with large windows, nice desk, a sofa, luxurious bed, Aveda toiletries, and excellent coffee for the in-room coffee pot. Good coffee is a detail I expect in the better hotels; I am often disappointed.

This being Portland, the hotel is very green. Hybrid car drivers get 50% off the parking rate, only environmentally friendly cleaning products are used, all coffee is organic free-trade, and there are recycling bins in each room.

As if this wasn’t enough, the onsite restaurant, The Red Star Tavern & Roast House, is fabulous for breakfast or dinner. The atmosphere is elegant, but relaxed…we were dressed casually, like Portlanders, and felt comfortable. The menu focus is “New American Cuisine” – fresh ingredients, old favorites made lighter, and so on. Delish!

506 S.W. Washington at Fifth Avenue
503-222-0001
www.monaco-portland.com
www.redstartavern.com

Portland Marriott City Center
The lovely location looking over the Willamette River partially makes up for it not being as close to the downtown tourist attractions. It did look like it would be convenient for a business trip.

The beds are fluffy and luxurious. You’ll have a great night’s sleep.

520 Southwest Broadway
503-226-6300
www.marriottportland.com

Crowne Plaza Lake Oswego
This is a typical Crowne Plaza, though a bit scruffy at the edges. It’s convenient to Lewis & Clark College. Pets are welcome.

14811 Kruse Oaks Drive
Lake Oswego
503-624-8400
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

Notes for next time:
Try the Marriott Residence Inn in Lake Oswego for convenience to L&C.
http://www.marriott.com

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Burgerville, Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA

Sometimes, you just want a great burger in a casual atmosphere. When the urge strikes, get yourself to one of the many Burgervilles in the Portland/Vancouver area.

Besides the lusciousness of the burgers, this chain offers regional Northwestern foods when in season. I had sautéed Walla Walla sweet onions on my burger and my only regret is that I didn’t get the Walla Walla onion rings! Blackberries were in season when we visited, so we tested the iced tea, milkshake, and smoothie made from the fresh blackberries. They will put you in a swoon!

Family-friendly, but not greasy. Check it out!

Many locations
www.burgerville.com

Restaurant Review: Doug Fir, Portland, OR

Doug Fir is definitely a hopping place! Always crowded with fun-loving couples and groups, this restaurant/bar/lounge does comfort food with a Northwestern slant. The décor is kitschy 70s-style diner booths and lots of wood.

I had the halibut and chips, one of the best versions ever. The chowder won rave reviews from my dining companion and the salmon was as tasty as we’ve had a much more expensive restaurants.

Desserts are the over-the-top confections you’d expect: a decadent brownie ala mode that would feed three, a vat of in-season fruit cobbler (ala mode, of course), a slab of banana cream pie topped with chocolate curls. Yum!

Make sure you visit the bathroom while you are here! The women’s (the only one I can vouch for) is disconcerting. It’s covered in mirrors and it takes a minute to figure out where the stalls are. The looks on the faces as women enter is priceless!

There’s live music in the lounge almost every night and, one Sunday a month, Crafty Wonderland takes over the lounge with dozens of artists selling typical and quirky crafts. Late dining hours feed the post-show appetites.

Don’t miss Doug Fir on your next visit!

830 E. Burnside
Portland, OR
503-231-WOOD
www.dougfirlounge.com
www.craftywonderland.com

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Justa Pasta, Portland, OR

This warehouse used to be a factory that supplied fresh pasta to local restaurants. Now it also houses a casual restaurant, heavy on pasta dishes, of course. It’s a very popular lunch spot and does good business for dinner. After ordering at the counter, you choose to sit outside, in the bar area, or in the quiet dining room.

The daily specials are good choices since they feature local seasonal produce. I am a fan of whole wheat pasta, but we didn’t care for their grainy whole wheat rigatoni. The alfredo sauce is fantastic, as is the roasted greens-and-pecorino ravioli.

The wine list is extensive and features a varied selection by the glass each day.

Justa Pasta is an excellent choice for relatively inexpensive casual dining.

1326 NW 19th
Portland, OR 97209
503-243-2249
http://www.justapasta.com/