Willamette Valley |
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A rich culinary culture can be found in the restaurants of the region. From Newberg, in the foothills of the Chehalem Mountains, to Eugene in the south, local chefs are building a reputation for creating gastronomic delights to be enjoyed with—what else—a great glass of wine. The Painted Lady in Newberg is named for the Victorian house in which it makes its home. With a menu that is decidedly “refined, modern and American,” its owners, Allen Routt and Jessica Bagley, use the best ingredients and culinary traditions to bring out unexpected flavors. Willamette Valley dominates this wine list. In the nearby town of Dayton, you’ll find the Joel Palmer House restaurant. This historic house is sacred space for Pinot noir and wild mushrooms. Chef Chris Czarnecki carries on a wellestablished family tradition of marrying fungi to Oregon Pinot (the wine list has 500 to choose from and the mushrooms are harvested all over the state by his father, Jack.) For culinary creations of the French persuasion, make your way to Bistro Maison in the heart of downtown McMinnville. This elegant restaurant won Citysearch’s Best Fine Dining, Best French Food, Best French Fries and Best Outdoor Dining in 2010. The menu is decidedly French, and the wine list is distinctly global with offerings from France, Oregon, California, Australia and Spain. Also in downtown McMinnville, Nick’s Italian Café has been serving traditional Italian soups, pasta, panini and entrées since 1977. The wine list includes only Italian and Oregon wines, heavy on the Willamette Valley vintages. While you’re downtown, seek out McMenamins Hotel Oregon, a friendly pub with 42 antique-filled guestrooms. The Hotel’s Cellar Bar serves regional wine, handcrafted ales and spirits, and featuresWillalive music on the weekends. You can’t leave this property without visiting the legendary Rooftop Bar (pictured below), which has a breathtaking 360-degree view of the valley and offers lunch and dinner in addition to their handcrafted ales, wines and spirits.
There is something special going on in the town of Albany. Some might call it a gastronomic empire. Others might just call it delicious. At the heart of the matter is Matthew Bennett, owner and chef of Sybaris and a 2011 James Beard Award nominee. With a gourmet menu that changes seasonally, Sybaris draws from local farms to create what Bennett calls “eclectic Northwest bistro” fare and a wine list reflecting the Pacific Northwest. Albany is also host to many exciting culinary events throughout the year. In the spring, don’t miss the Upstairs Downtown Loft Tour and Wine Walk and be sure to sample tasty treats at The Nosh Tours happening throughout the summer. In the town of Eugene, Marché (French for market) takes its cooking philosophy from its name, with a focus on market-fresh, seasonal and regional ingredients. The result is a rich combination of French and Pacific Northwest (as illustrated by the Halibut Tartare). The wine list reflects France, California and the Pacific Northwest. |
It’s true that you rarely hear the phrase “Willamette Valley” without the accompanying words "Wine Country." This 100-mile fertile swath between Portland and Eugene has become world-famous in the last four decades for its Pinot noir. However, there is more to the Willamette Valley than wine.
