Photo Credit Richard Duvall

Jade went on KGW to share a sneak peak of some Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon and share details of the event.  Check out the video and scroll down for more info

Celebrate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon Events

The World of Cabernet Sauvignon Kick-Off in the historic Gesa Power House Theatre – This is geeky and total fun.  Everyone LOVES it.

Vintage Pour at Tranche – This is my fave because you don’t always get to compare older vintages at your house

Wine Panel Presentations at the Marcus Whitman Hotel – A regional comparison of Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla, Napa, and Italy.

Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Tasting at Waterbrook Winery – All the Cabernets.  All. Of. Them.

Collaborative Winemaker Dinner Series – My other fave because, well food and wine, plus you get to be out and about at the wineries.

Celebrate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

There are 60+ wineries pouring this year in fact you can see them all at this link to list of participating wineries so how did we choose 3 to bring on KGW.  These 3 will be poured at the Wine Panel Presentation.  If you attend you will get to taste them alongside comparisons from Napa and Italy and hear first hand the winemakers’ impressions.  Here’s what we thought:

2016 Doubleback Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ~$98

Intense flavors of red and dark fruits, spice, and vanilla. Earthiness, smokiness and a bit of that green pepper herbacousness we love on Cabernet Sauvignon.  Bright acidity with soft tannin.

2014 Aluve Walla Walla Valley Menozzi Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ~$52

Mountain fruit from the foothills of the Blues gives grippy tannin, earthy flavors, sweet herbs, vanilla, blueberry, and cola.

2015 Abeja Walla Walla Valley Heather Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ~$68 mailing list only

Complex with notes of black cherry, cassis, dark raspberries, and undertone of vegetal notes – rhubarb and olive – spicy sweet cinnamon, earthy minerality, velvety tannins, and notes of bitter chocolate on the finish.

Celebrate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon Tickets and Details

You can order tickets here plus get info on lodging and see which wineries are pouring at each event.  One of the cool things about Celebrate Walla Walla is you don’t have to get tickets to every event – but most people don’t want to miss anything.  Hope to see you there.  Please come say hi if you spot me.

The post Celebrate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Wines for Spring

I believe you can drink any wine you want any time of year. But there are certain styles I tend to crave with the season.  Check out the suggestions I shared on KGW 4 o’clock news and keep reading for more detailed info.

Erath 2018 Oregon Rose of  Pinot Noir

Rose is a great way to launch into the new season.  What I love about this rose of Pinot Noir from Erath is how beautifully it goes with food. It is finally the time of year when a well made salad can be a meal.  Think fresh greens with smoked salmon, goat cheese, and citrus or  strawberries, herbed chicken, and candied walnuts.  We paired with bagel and lox – that’s right if you think wine doesn’t go with breakfast, you are doing breakfast wrong.  Elegantly scented with strawberry, melon, stone fruit and florals this rose is the perfect accompaniment to spring meals.  You can find it just about anywhere fine wines are sold ~ $14

Maryhill Winery 2018 Otis Vineyard  Proprietor’s Reserve Albarino

Fresh flowers, light melon, a little white peach and citrus, Maryhill Winery delivers the perfect wine for spring with this gorgeous Albarino.  I can’t think of a better place to sip this Albarino than at Maryhill’s newest tasting room on the Vancouver USA water front – like on the patio, right on the shores of the Columbia River. Albarino ~$22 – sold where fine wines are sold.

Expect all of the music, menus, upcoming special events, and fabulous wines Maryhill is known to deliver.

Grand Opening events are this weekend:

• Saturday, April 13, 2019: Public Grand Opening Celebration, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., music by Sundae + Mr. Goessl, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
• Sunday, April 14, 2019: Public Grand Opening Celebration, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., music by Jessie Marquez, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
• Regular Hours 11 a – 9 p Daily
• 

Borealis from Montinore Estate

This is pure springtime in a glass. Like a field of wildflowers and sweet grass with white peach and light pineapple – so very aromatic.  A blend of some of the prettiest scented grapes – Muller Thurgau, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris.  Borealis is named for these “Northern Whites” classic to Alsace. (Get it?  Like “Northern Lights”) Full bodied and lush, yet crisp, with a hint of sweetness. It is perfect for sipping on a springtime evening and goes great with food. We had it with spicy Indian and it was perfect.  Plus it is organic.  Available in many states where fine wines are sold ~$16

The post Wines for Spring appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Jade went on KGW for just this topic.  Wines for Winter Meals.  Or let’s face it  Wines for long winter nights. Case in point the walk from the car to the studio was blustery and freezing and it snowed overnight!

Watch the clip and keep reading for more details.

Wines for Winter Meals

2015 Big John Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from H/H Estates Coyote Canyon Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills (Prosser WA)  $42 – Actually named for a great big prize winning bull, from back when the family raised cattle instead of grapes. This is  big Cab Sauv you want with your steak or pot roast. Tart red fruit, evergreen notes, big structure Note 2015 was tasted, 2013 pictured below. See our review of the 2010 H/H Estates Big John

2015 tasted

2015 Idiot’s Grace Cabernet Franc from Columbia Gorge  $32 – Ahh the other Cab… Cabernet Franc is Cabernet Sauvignon’s daddy so to speak and is one of my favorite grapes from one of my favorite wineries in the Columbia Gorge. I want this with a lamb and veggie stew because it has so many complex layers.  Savory with the vegetal notes expected from Cab Franc, a burst of Marionberry, and a finish of black pepper and orange oil. 

And finally from one of my all time favorite Horse Heaven Hills wineries … I like every bottle I’ve tried from Alexandria Nicole.

2015 Alexandria Nicole Cellars Block 7 Syrah from Destiny Ridge Vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills  (Prosser WA) $28–  This is the wine that will get you through the winter.  Wild and luxurious it is like purple velvet.  Pair with pork or duck with a berry compote or even a decadent grilled cheese. $28 (note 2011 pictured)

2015 Block 17 Alexandria Nicole Syrah was tasted

The post Wines For Winter Meals appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

It was one of those fluke hot Oregon days in May so I avoided the oven and served chilled and room temperature make ahead appetizers.  Follow these links for recipes for Sweet Peppers Stuffed with Shrimp Salsa and for Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs.

Guests were asked to write a 5 word tasting note to add to the notes Mark and I took pre party.  Examples were how the wine makes you feel “it’s getting hot in here” or what it smells like “strawberry, raspberry, cherry, cotton candy” or what it reminds you of “pink tennis shoe childhood summer.”

Our Taste of Rosé

• Rain Dance 2016 Nicholas Vineyard Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountain, Oregon Pale pink, ballet slipper in color this is a very “into the woods” rose with aromas of oak, fairy dew, and the coolness of evergreen.  If you were looking for a”wintery” rose this might be the one with Christmas(y) notes of cinnamon, clove, gingerbread, and orange zest.  Good acid, amazing finish.
• Baileyana 2016 Rosé of PN Edna Valley, California  Aromas of sour cherry beer, grapefruit, limestone, and some honeyed strawberry notes.  A refreshing tongue tapping palate that kind of dances around in your mouth.  Tart cherry and raspberry, vibrant and full with a spicy bergamot finish.
• Raptor Ridge 2016 Bellevue Cross Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Noir McMinnville, Oregon Bright candy apple red in color with a nose that seems subtle by comparison. Aromas of cherry nut bread, red ripe apple, cherry pie filling and raspberry.  On the palate the baked aromas translate into spiced apple cider, cherry, and cinnamon with nice acidity and a full rich mouthfeel.  
• Esprit Gassier 2016 Cotes de Provence   Most people in our group found this wine pleasant.  A pretty nose of bing cherry, strawberry, white peach, marzipan.  Not complex but nice welcome wine.
• Maryhill 2016 Rosé of Sangiovese Columbia Valley, Washington  The elusive wellmade crowd pleaser, this rosé of sangiovese will have you thinking “It’s 4:30 somewhere.” A pretty in pink color with a spicy floral nose of rose tea and lavender, fresh linen, sweet strawberry, and honeysuckle.  An inviting nose leads to a surprising fleshy palate that gets creamier as it warms delivering flavors of strawberry shortcake and terrific balance of a touch of sweetness with fresh acidity.

• Planeta 2016 Rosé of Nero d’Avola/Syrah 50/50  Sicily, Italy. Most people in the group wanted a little more fruit from this wine and used descriptors like peppery, hay, green tea. fatoush. I found the sharp acuity and savory, salty, slightly cheesy palate just screamed for fresh sardines. Odd but a bit delightful in its oddities. 
• Abacela 2016 Grenache Rosé Umpqua Valley, Oregon  A sweet tart floral wine with white cherry, clover, grapefruit, cherry, raspberry, herbs, and citrus blossom on the nose.  The palate is fun, bright fruit – melon and strawberry – with nice acid.

• Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2016 Rosé Estate Cuvee Umpqua Valley, OregonThis is a conundrum of a wine and I think you will enjoy unravelling the mystery. First it looks more like a red Beaujolais than a rose.  Then with 3 white grapes and 4 red it just has layers upon layers of things to discover.  Here is a crazy list: “rose on a hammock,” bright apple, mineral, lavender, creamy strawberry, sweet fresh apricot, lemon grass, apple cinnamon and spice, jasmine, grass, bitter radish, spice, herbaceous, pine needle, lime zest, savory, basil, oregano, tomato sauce.
• 14 Hands Winery 2016 Rosé of Syrah, Columbia Valley, Washington  Pineapple was the consensus on this one. Open for a day at the beach –  sea air, tropical coconut, fun palate.

• Franck & Sylvain Godon Rosé of Pinot Noir Sancerre Loire Valley A very dry, very serious tangerine colored rose of pinot noir. Fresh citrus and floral perfumed nose. Subtle notes of grapefruit, white peach, and honey drizzle. Minerality, green tones of sugar snap peas, and the bitter spice of white pepper and orange oil.  Pronounced perfume on the palate, tart fruit, a kicking acidity, and the salty salinity of the sea that make this wine beg for oysters.
• Chateau Grand Boise 2016 Rosé of Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Cotes de Provence Saint Victoire  Pale in color but aromatic this blend of grenache, syrah, mourvedre leans toward confected notes marzipan, apricot sponge cake, banana, cotton candy, sugared pear.  Less fruit on the palate but plenty of lemony zesty acid, full mouthfeel, and a long finish with a bit of peach.
• Day Owl 2016 Rosé of Barbera California Peach in color, this rose of barbera has a tropical, seductive nose of papaya, sweet herb, orange, white tea, and the intoxicating smell of a meadow blooming with clover. Aromas repeat on the well structured palate which boasts a big juicy mouthfeel, a long tangy spicy finish, and red apple skin tannin that dries the inside of the mouth making you long for another sip. 
• Ippolito Rosé of Gaglioppo Ciro Mabilia Calabria, Italy For those filling out their list of grapes tasted, or just for someone looking for a delightful rosé, here is an opportunity to taste a gaglioppo from Italy’s Calabria. A gorgeous mango color with a very light fizziness.  Taste it fast because that tickle dissipates after the first sip.  A fruity nose of condensed ripe flavors – candied apple, cherry lollipop, fresh strawberry, peach juice and a high note of sweet green herb.  Just a hint of residual sugar keeps the palate perfectly balanced.  Full bodied for such a pretty rosé, flavors of peach and strawberry, and a long finish of white tea and spicy clover.  An approachably sophisticated rosé perfect for vacations to the Italian Riviera or just pretend vacations.
• Tenute Rubino 2016 Rosé of Negroamaro  IGT Salento Italy  The color of coral reef, this rosé from Southern Italy lures with pomegranate, tangerine, and the smell of distant gardens of roses, lavender, and jasmine.  Vanilla and cherry scented like a cream soda without the heavy handed sugary smell.  Drier than expected with floral notes of gardenia and rose plus fruity tangerine.  Prickly acid and äa vivacious palate that ends with tart cranberry.  Add the negroamaro grape to your list.
• Strehn 2016 Rosé of Blaufränkisch Pale peach in color and light and delicate on the nose. Don’t serve this one too cold.  It has a lot to say.  Peach vanilla sorbet, slightly confected strawberry, tart fresh pie cherries, raspberry blackberry and apple skin.  A savory palate with tart grapefruit acidity, a little effervescent spritz, a hint of sweet and pungent anise, and the light salted meatiness of proscuitto
• Domaine de Clos Godeaux 2016 Rosé ‘of Cabernet Franc “Les Maupas” Chinon, Loire Valley, France This rosé of cabernet franc boasts a bold beautiful coral hue and a shy, yet pretty, nose.  The early spring floral aromas of a meadow – sweet hay, grass, cilantro, apple blossom, rose – plus tart raspberry and the spice of hibiscus tea. Great structure on the palate with juicy mouthwatering acidity, plum skin tannin, tart cherry, fresh strawberries, and bit of salinity.
• Bjornson Vineyard Argenta 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir This rosé of pinot noir lures with a fruit forward nose of fresh pear, yellow apple, light floral, white peach, candied lime zest, and bing cherry.  Full and lush, yet lively on the palate, the mid palate settles into a lingering bit of cherry strawberry sweetness on the tongue and then switches to tart lime on an extended finish.

Most of these wines were samples.  Opinions are unbiased and collective.

The post Second Annual Rosé on Rose Street appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Peruse our tasting notes to party vicariously or find some new NW Sparkling Wines faves for a party of your own.

Ready for a Sparkling Good Time

The Menu

mushroom strudels, quiche lorraine, carrot soup with buttered pecans

smoked salmon, cheese and meat charcuterie  

homemade meringues and an apple tart provided by our friend Jim Gullo

The Sparkling Wines

Click links for stories and tasting notes

Treveri Cellars Blanc De Blancs Brut Columbia Valley  “The Welcome Wine” ~ $15

14 Hands Winery Brut and 14 Hands Winery Brut Rose Columbia Valley “The Party Wines”  ~$15

Argyle Winery “The Art of Sparkling” Willamette Valley  The Party Fave” ~ 3 wine gift set $100

Duck Pond Fries Family Cellars XX Blanc de Noir Bruit 1996 Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley  “The Dark Horse” – $58 – limit of 3

Roco Winery RMS  Rollin Michael Soles 2013 Willamette Valley Brut Sparkling Wine “The Classic With Some Spice” – $65

Drinking in the NW: Sparkling!

All wines are Methode Champenoise.

Some samples were provided.  Wines were reviewed in an unbiased professional blind tasting format.

The post 6 NW Sparkling Wines For Your Holiday Wish List appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

We reviewed samples for our blind industry tasting of Northwest Sparkling Wines but could not deny our guests the joy of at least one wine from our personal cellar.  For that standing around, waiting to get started part of the evening, I can’t think of anything better than Treveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs.  It is a “go to” for me when entertaining.  Everyone likes it and the price is not only right it is absurdly low for the quality.

I first discovered Treveri when I tasted their rose.  It is hard to go wrong with a bottle of pink bubbles, but they did it oh so right. After three years of getting a taste here and there I FINALLY made it to their tasting room in Yakima, Washington to taste the full line up of sparkling wines.  They deliver on all all of the classic styles plus pull off some fun wines with real panache – Muller Thurgau, Riesling, Syrah.

Seated by a fireplace with a bubbling glass in one hand and the most perfect, warm gougere I have ever tasted – I was in sparkling heaven.  Our very sweet and diligent host was busy making sure our media group was comfortable and well informed.  “I’m going to need a moment of silence,” I explained. “This wine deserves it.”  I was already sold.  My question was not whether to buy, but how much could I fit into the trunk of a convertible bug.  They followed me to my car with a dolly.

That ain’t junk in my trunk

In addition to being the “house sparkling” at chez Tasting Pour, Treveri wine has been served at White House State Department receptions and the James Beard Foundation in New York.  The story of how this happened is precious.

Jürgen Grieb, Head Winemaker and Owner, was working late one night when a gentleman knocked on the door wishing to taste.  It isn’t in Grieb’s nature to turn anyone away.  There is something about German’s.  I experienced more hospitality from strangers in Germany than any place I have travelled.  Anyway, Grieb through opened his doors and his bottles.  Upon leaving the visitor handed him a  business card indicating he was a representation from the White House State Department.  A connection was made that helped Grieb realize his goal of putting Washington State Sparkling Wine on the map,

We did not take a formal tasting note and people were disappointed because they wanted to talk about the inviting peach aromas and the overall beauty of this Treveri Blanc de Blancs. Frankly we did not care what the group thought. We loved it.  We knew they would love it too. Some things should just be enjoyed.

If you have not been to the tasting room at Treveri Cellars it is a must stop for any visit to Yakima, WA.

Things I Love and Why You Should Go to Treveri Cellars

1. In Wine country NOT an Urban winery.  In Wapato  just outside Yakima
2. Free Tastings.  Seriously
3. Flatbread and other nibbles.  You could spend the day.
4. Cozy fireplace nooks.
5. And wait for it, SPARKLING COCKTAILS.

For more info see 6 NW Sparkling Wines for your Holiday Wish List.

Drinking in the NW: Sparkling!

We will share more notes as we make our way through our Treveri stash.

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We at Tasting Pour truly did not know what to expect from this wine and we really did not know how our industry tasting group would respond to it in a blind tasting format.  I mean 20 years on lees and not even on purpose at that.

I guess EVERYONE was excited about Duck Pond Blanc de Noirs

While preparing for the 2016 harvest, Duck Pond winemaker Trevor Chlanda discovered filled tirage boxes with bottles aging on lees, tucked away in the winery library. “At first I figured they were empty, and would be extremely useful for the upcoming vintage.  Once I noticed they were full, I realized the treasure I might have,” Chlanda said.

The base wine and original 1996 sparkling was made by Fries Family Wines President and Winemaker Greg Fries at the request of his sister Lisa Jenkins who serves as Vice President of the family-operated company.  Jenkins stated. “It’s incredible to me to see a wine that I loved so much find new life 20 years later. It’s the past and present coming together to make something so special.”

“This is a wine that is designed to be textural, hedonistic, mouth-filling and palate pleasing,” remarked Chlanda.

We at Tasting Pour knew opening this bottle was going to be a once in a lifetime experience – whatever the result.

AND IT WAS INCREDIBLE.  The nose was like walking through an evergreen forest – cedar, pine, juniper – all mixed with clove, orange peel and toast.  “Holy crap,” one taster exclaimed, “this smells like Christmas.”  Once we got some in our thirsty mouths we noticed some truffles in that forest plus  nutty flavors like toasted almonds and hazelnuts.

Only 160 cases of this sparkling wine have been disgorged. It is priced at $58 per bottle with a 3-bottle allocation per consumer. It is available through the Duck Pond Cellars tasting room and web site store.

For more notes from our blind tasting of Northwest Sparkling Wines visit 6 NW Sparkling Wines for your Holiday Wish List.

Drinking in the NW: Sparkling!

Samples provided by winery and boy howdy were they enjoyed by our group in an unbiased blind tasting format.

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This fall Mark and I had lunch with 14 Hands Winery Winemaker, Keith Kenison, in their Prosser Washington tasting room.   As our media group was being seated the hostess said, “14 Hands has started making sparkling wine.  Would you like to taste our first bottling pre-release.”  Um, why yes, yes we would.

Around the table went the bottle and its path was followed with “oohs” and “yums.”  Made in a methode champenoise style, but with Riesling, the wine was pretty and fruit forward.  We were confident it be well received when we assembled our winery friends for a blind tasting of Northwest Sparkling Wines.

With an orange creamsicle nose with touches of violets and a honeydew, confected palate, our tasting group found this wine easy to enjoy.  Probably the least dry of our line up, this makes a great party wine.

Later in the tasting session we made the rounds with the 14 Hands Winery Brut Rose.  People just like pink bubbles.  They always get a smile and someone pointed out this was a “let’s get this party started” kind of a wine.

A happy nose of cherry marzipan croissant, rhubarb strawberry tart, pink grapefruit, and of all things – circus peanuts.  Much time was spent trying to explain this retro candy to the age challenged among us.  Followed was a  debate about whether circus peanuts were a true delicacy. We decided to translate to aroma to confected orange.  This was definitely a drink and clink more than a drink and think wine – great for brunch.

If you are planning a trip to Prosser we recommend a thirsty stop at 14 Hands Winery.  It is a tribute  to the pioneering spirit of the Wild West right down to  its name. Fourteen hands was the measurement used to describe the heights of the wild horses that came down from the hills to drink from the Columbia River.  You can learn all about the history of the winery and the area from informative signage inside the tasting room.

Enjoy the 14 Hands Barnwood installment. In honor of the agricultural history of the Prosser area, the winery has gathered a collection of reclaimed wood from several barns in eastern Washington and created a beautiful display in the 14 Hands tasting room.

For more Northwest Sparkling Wine tasting notes see 6 NW Sparkling Wines for your Holiday Wish List

Drinking in the NW: Sparkling!

Samples were provided by winery and reviewed in an unbiased professional blind tasting format.

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Samples were provided. Notes were taken blind and are unbiased.  Our group consisted of wine writers, wine sale professionals, sommeliers, and their interested significant others.  Let’s face it. The significant others always have more interesting notes.

Not everyone liked every wine because this is the real world.  Since you too will be drinking in the real word take our comments into consideration and try some of theses wines for yourself. Click the links to see complete reviews. There are some lovely options.

Click for review. 2013  Mercer Estates Horse Heaven Hills Sharp Sisters Red Blend – 47% Merlot, 41% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Sangiovese, 1% Petit Verdot ~ $21

Click for review. 2012 Unbroken Horse Heaven Hills Blended Red – 43% Cab SAuv, 27% Merlot, 19% Malbec, 11% Cab Franc ~ $28

Click for review. 2010 H/H Estates Reserve Big John Cab, Coyote Canyon Vineyard – 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Mourvedre, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Malbec ~ $42

Click for review 2012 Chateau St. Michele Canoe Ridge Estate Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $36

Click for review 2013 Alexandria Nicole Quarry Butte Destiny Ridge Vineyards Estate Grown Horse Heaven Hills Red Wine 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 4% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot ~$26

Click for review. 2013 Mercer Estates Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon  ~$28

Click for review. 2012 Mercer Estates Horse Heaven Hills Cavalie Reserve – 52% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon 17% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot ~$42

Click for review 2012 Mercer Estates Horse Heave Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 5% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot ~$42

Horse Heaven Hills is a fascinating agricultural mecca producing record amounts of cherries, hops, and of course fine wine.  See A Swag Bag of Potatoes for the real story on Costco’s baby carrots. To learn more about the founding families and the wine history of the area Discovering Treasure in Horse Heaven Hills.  Information on wineries this line up  – Mercer Estates, McKinley Springs, Alexandria Nicole Cellars, Coyote Canyon Winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle

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We recommend:

Maple Counter Cafe for breakfast.  As locally sourced as possible and made from scratch, right down to the freshly squeezed juices, Maple Counter Cafe is run by 3rd generation restauranteurs.  Decorated with fun kitsch it is kind of like being at your eccentric aunt’s house, if she was also a great cook.  Fill your plate with “stylish eggs” like the high tide scramble with wild Pacific smoked salmon. Or try “creative pancakes”  like buttermilk  and bacon.

Bacon & Eggs for breakfast.  At Bacon and Eggs the food is local and so are a lot of the patrons.  Expect several egg dishes with a Mexican flare – migas, huevos con chorizo. chilaquiles – alongside standard comfort food breakfasts. There’a a wide selection of decadent things stuffed into brioche french toast.

Walla Walla Bread Company is a good choice for breakfast to go, but we really love their assortment of pizzas for lunch. They are a bread company partnered with a farm so all of their wheat is local for goodness sake.  Can you image the pizza crust? Then they go ahead and top those wood fired pizzas with things like tuna, potato, and house ricotta,  or bacon, bleu cheese, foraged shrooms, and spinach. And they make pastries.  ‘Nuff said?

Whoopemup Hollow Cafe for lunch. I was a little scared when we walked up to Whoopemup and the sign said “Southern Comfort Food.”  Was this soul food, a meat and three, someone’s over salted take on homestyle cookin’?  They lean towards delta food, not so much Deep South and that was okay.  This Southern girl found some of the best gumbo I’ve had and mac and cheese that I would have had seconds on if I weren’t trying to act like I was raised right.

The Worm Ranch for a quick lunch.  This little restaurant/convenience store hybrid is one of those “hole in the wall” locations that always has the best food.  Authentic Mexican and known for their tacos, go ahead and get a Mexican beer from the cooler and try a taco or three.  The people making, serving, and eating the food match the ethnicity – always a good sign you are getting the real deal and not a dumbed down gringo meal.

T Maccarone’s for dressing up for dinner. Italian inspired dishes with plenty of fresh rolled pasta choices.  I can’t resist the Black Cod Cioppino –  saffron-tomato broth, roasted red pepper, fennel, prawns, mussels, and manila clams.  I just need about a loaf of bread to sop up the broth.  Well planned and affordable wine list with lots of local choices.

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen for upscale dinner.    Make sure you get a reservation.  Saffron may charge $25 for reservations cancelled within 24 hours.  Frankly, I find this a bit of a deterrent but I do dig their super fancy flatbreads.  Who wouldn’t want spiced lamb, local greens, za’atar & smoked yoghurt on a flatbread?

Public House 124   At the end of the day everyone seems to end up here.  Go often enough and you will eventually meet everyone in town.  Cocktails on and off the menu plus good beer give a welcome break from wine tasting.  Everything pairs with their addictive truffle fries.

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