VINEYARDS

Oregon's Willamette Valley is well known for its Pinot Noir and is home to over 500 wineries ... so much tasting to do, so little time!

Penner-Ash Vineyards

My favorite winery!

Some of my favorite wines are from Penner-Ash Wine Cellars in Newberg. They also have one of the most beautiful views in the valley!

Soter Vineyards

Fabulous architecture, great view, fun wine tasting!

When I arrived for my tasting appointment at Soter Vineyards in Carlton, I was greeted by a staff member with a glass of North Valley 2013 Willamette Valley Rosé. Nice touch! A civilized tasting room with a small group, beautiful space and comfy chairs.

DELISH

Ponzi Vineyards Wine Pairing 101 Five Course Dinner

I was treated by my friends to an amazing five course dinner with wine pairings at Ponzi Vineyards on February 13, 2016. Every course was meticulously prepared by their Culinary Director, Chef Tom Ghinazzi. My favorite bite was the parsnip puree served with the pan seared steelhead, so creamy and delicious! If you're visiting Oregon's wine country, don't miss Ponzi's award winning wines at their gorgeous tasting room.

Menu

Duck Confit Bahn Mi, Chicken Liver Mousse, Crab Salad

Pan Seared Steelhead, Parsnip Puree

Roasted Chestnut Bisque

Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb, cherry lavender reduction

Poached Seckle Pear, Hazelnut Biscotti

Ralph & Lisa Wiser, my hosts!

Plenty of great wines!

Summer's End Vegan Dinner 2015

I was so lucky to snag tickets to the 5th Annual Summer's End Vegan Dinner last night – easily one of the best menus I have ever experienced. Held at Departure's gorgeous restaurant with a view of the full moon over the Willamette River in Portland, our seven course meal was prepared by Chefs Gregory Gourdet (Departure) and Joshua McFadden (Ava Gene's). Truly inspired!

5th Annual Summer's End Vegan Dinner

Menu

Crispy Potato Hand Pie

Departure x Ava Gene's Charcuterie

Squash + Coconut Milk Soup

Rice Cakes

Smoked Abalone Mushrooms

Bounty Tart

Feast Portland 2015

I finally got to attend Feast Portland (this is the 4th year). There were so many venues to choose from and I picked one of the dinner series – London is a City in Oregon. Local Chef Gabriel Rucker (of Le Pigeon and Little Bird fame) hosted Chefs Brad Farmerie (Saxon + Parole in NYC), Ollie Dabbous (Dabbous, London), and James Knappett (Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs, London). Each chef was responsible for the idea behind various dishes as you'll see in the menu – quite a collaboration. My favorite dish by far of the evening was by Brad Farmerie called "Forest Floor with Oregon Mushroom + Truffle" – amazing.

Menu

Charred Bread with Burrata, Local Berries + Fennel Pollen

Corn Veloute with Hazelnut + Foie Gras Vinaigrette

Scallop Tartare with Iced Eucalyptus

Forest Floor with Oregon Mushroom + Truffle

Buffalo Brisket, Burnt Cabbage, Corn, Huckleberry, Stilton

Banana + Custard Knickerbockerglory

The Chefs

Langbaan

Langbaan has been a phenomenon. When they secured a 2nd place spot on GQ Magazine's "Most Outstanding Restaurants" list, as well as a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Best New Restaurant, you couldn't beg, borrow or steal to secure a reservation. Their 24-seat restaurant is booked months and months in advance. I ate there in August 2015 and it was quite an experience – 12 courses of beautifully presented, exotic Thai dishes.