Category: 0 Oregon

Pine Tavern in Bend, OR

3/28/2019

Cookbook Dining Adventure!

Don and I spent one night in Bend last summer. We could have missed this wonderful little tavern, at the foot of Oregon Avenue... but our cookbook reminded us.

Traveling with Cookbooks

We don't cook when we travel, but we carry a couple of cookbooks... for dining inspiration.

In the '50's, Ford Motor Company cleverly sold cookbooks that featured recipes from restaurants across the country. I guess some thought, "I'm gonna buy me a Ford and go to these places!" Others thought, "I'll cook!"

The mid-century recipes have never inspired me to cook, but the watercolor images have inspired many road trip detours!

Last July, we once again used our cookbook like a treasure map, searching for restaurants in the book. Most have been out of operation for years, but I Googled Pine Tavern and got excited!

Still Open!

The old tavern was still in business after 80+ years! We pulled up and grinned to see that little had changed with the building, over the years. It was July so we saw no, icicles and snow, like this old photo. But we saw lots of pine trees.

Bend was a logging town, when the tavern opened in 1936. The tavern got its name, for the 2 gigantic Ponderosa Pines, just in back. A patio was built around the beautiful trees. In the old photo and the book illustration, it looks like one tree is growing right through the roof.

Inside

We stepped inside and felt the mix of old and new. We could see a few reminders of the past. There was a little knotty pine here and a few retro booths there.

Since 1936

Lots of displayed photos helped us imagine how the tavern looked over the years. In 1936, the place opened as a lunch counter, serving local timber workers and their families.

Two women, Marne Gribskov and Eleanor Bechen began the business, during a time when the country was just recovering from the Great Depression. The coffee shop/tavern/dining room, changed and grew over the years.

The Bar

It wasn't yet 5, so Don and I stepped over to the bar to enjoy the end of Happy Hour. We had a good chat with a few local couples who raved about Bend and made us want to move.

More Pics

I hopped up a few times to look at the old photos on the wall. There were pictures of the original lunch counter and photos of famous guests who have dined... Clint Eastwood, Ronald Reagan, President and Jackie Kennedy. I love it when restaurants display old photos!

1957 Addition

Just past the bar, was a spacious dining room that was added in 1957. I passed a few booths with curtains and that seemed very retro. Then I spotted the two trees, growing through the center of the room!

DJ and the Cookbook

I was looking at the trees and holding the book, when I almost bumped into one of the waiters. "Hey, do you still serve Wild Rice Dressing?" I asked.

It was early still, so DJ wasn't in too much of a rush. He said they didn't serve wild rice dressing and then he noticed what was in my hands. DJ had the perfect reaction.

"What! Where did you get this? Can I take a picture of it?"

DJ was suddenly the best guide ever. He told me that the Garden Room was added in 1957. It was built right around the two trees that had been on the patio. He took me closer, to study the tree trunks. One was about 300 years old and still thriving. The other was killed by mountain pine beetles over 30 years ago, but the trunk was preserved.

Pond-side Patio

DJ said he would be happy to be our server, whenever we finished up at the bar. We were lucky to get a patio table on such a lovely evening. Once seated, I looked back and was pretty amused to see the living pine, growing right through the roof.

The red umbrellas gave us shade from the evening sun.

Then when the sun got low enough, the umbrellas came down. Our view was even better. We watched a few kayaks and envied the people who lived in the homes across Mirror Pond.

Yum!

After studying the menu, we dug into some warm, sourdough bread with honey butter. The relaxed, evening atmosphere made us want to slow down and enjoy every minute.

Don ordered the house meatloaf special. It came with two slabs and a zingy, hot fanny gravy! My Chicken Marsala was smothered in a thick sauce of mushrooms and Marsala wine... which I shared with my heavenly mashed potatoes!

Cheesecake

DJ talked us into sharing the cheesecake. He was right! The cake with strawberry sauce, was perfect. It was fun hearing about the general manager's wife who makes the desserts. So fresh!

We were just finishing, when the manager stopped by our table and introduced herself. "Are you the ones with the cookbook?" Betsy asked with much enthusiasm. Betsy told us she was curious to see the book. I think she said had worked at the Tavern for 40 years, but that seems impossible.

Betsy studied the illustration and chuckled. She remembered specific details about how the door and entrance looked when she first started working. She kept shaking her head and smiling. "Bill will be so excited to see a picture of this book." It turns out that the owner is Bill McCormick, as in the McCormick and Schmick's restaurant chain. He sold the chain a few years ago and now his focus is on Pine Tavern, alone.

Perfect Evening

Our evening at Pine Tavern ranks pretty high. The atmosphere was comfortable with a good mix of locals and tourists. The pond setting was ideal. The food was yummy and not over priced. And our people encounters were fun... with the silly cookbook!

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Holman's Bar & Grill

12/30/2018

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Portland, OR

Nothing delights me more than a retro neon sign (including the word cocktails) and windows, painted with holiday greetings and clinking martini glasses! Usually, I just take a picture.

Last Summer

This past summer, Don and I spotted this wonderful place. Our daughter and son-in-law had literally just moved to SW Portland, into an apartment around the corner.

The sight of this neighborhood bar might scare some parents. But Don and I didn't worry. Instead, we joined the "newlyweds" and celebrated with drinks.

The Bar

The front door opened to the original bar, which has been serving customers for over 80 years... first, as a lunch counter, then a bootleggers saloon during prohibition. The Holman's sold the bar to the current owners in the 1970's. Last summer the bar stools were empty.

The Game Room

The game room with its slanted linoleum floor was practically empty, too. But the walls were full of entertainment!

Garden Patio

Last summer, it was a lovely day when we shared drinks on the patio bar. It didn't look quite as inviting, when we returned on December 26th. But even in the cold drizzle, the little area behind the bar looked a lot better than it did years ago... when it was an old used appliance graveyard. I learned that from some menu trivia.

December 26, 2018

We ended up having lunch at Holman's, on the day after Christmas. We were just finishing a festive holiday celebration with our kids and their spouses in Portland. What better place to dine, before heading to the airport!

The North Dining Room

I tried not to intrude with my camera, but there were quite a few people seated at the dark bar, at 11:30 am. We headed to the dining room, which was added in the '70's. It sort of felt like we were sitting down for a meeting at our round table, with rolling task chairs.

Settling In

As it turns out, we were lucky to get this prized dining spot. Holman's opens at 8 am and Heidi said the table is usually occupied, by older gentleman, when she walks by in the morning.

BYOS

I ordered a BLT with fries. That seemed like the kind of food I might have ordered years ago, at the lunch counter. They would have surely delivered my beverage with a straw, back in 1933. The sign on the table was a reminder that it was 2018 and we were in Portland. (Too bad the metal straws that Santa brought me, were packed!)

Looking Around!

While we chatted and ate our fairly decent meals, I took in all the fun decor. The dining room had once been a Rexall Drugs and I tried to picture that. I doubt the Cigar Man was part of the drug store decor, but the lit up Rudolph and Snowman could have been.

Shoes and Socks

Before noon, the Game Room was very quiet. I checked out the slanted floor again and the pinball machines and the square windows, that let me peek in on the bar. I smiled to see the wooden shoe display, that I remembered. I was glad they had added some felt socks for the holidays!

Meal Wheel

We didn't have time to play Pacman or pinball, but our very nice server did invite us to spin the Meal Wheel, before we paid up. She watched from the bar, while we took turns, hoping to match up the arrows for a free lunch.

Winner!

This photo makes the wheel look like it was spinning crazily fast! It wasn't. Luckily my wimpy attempt was strong enough to make one revolution... before finishing with the red arrows pointing at each other! Free Meal!

My BLT was free and I got to write my name on the Winner's Chalkboard! This was my first dining adventure, involving a free meal!

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The Old Hillvilla Restaurant, in Portland

12/28/2018

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Now, A Chart House Restaurant

On Christmas Eve we had reservations for dinner, at one of the nearly 30 Chart House restaurants. I wish the lovely hilltop restaurant had its original name. It kind of makes me think of Hillbillies!

At around 7 pm, our Uber driver skillfully zipped up Terwilliger Boulevard, high above Portland. At the top of the hill, we hit a traffic jam of cars, waiting to valet park. Our family of 6, happily exited, before reaching the tangle of cars. The glowing restaurant was buzzing with Christmas Eve energy.

Photo From 1930

Don and I usually avoid chain restaurants, but the Chart House is always a safe choice. We didn't want to risk some lukewarm holiday buffet, when we were feeling ridiculously lucky to be spending Christmas with our kids and their new spouses. Plus this Chart House had some great history. The property, once named Hillvilla, opened in 1921. Owner, R Simmons boasted about The View of a Million Lights. Today, the building doesn't look nearly as quaint as it did 90+ years ago, but it still has the view of lights and Mount Hood!

Busy and Festive

We were told our table wasn't quite ready and that was sort of a relief. We were in no mood to rush. We were in a festive, happy place with our kids. No one had to cook!

Downstairs

When we found 6 open barstools in the downstairs lounge, we were extra ready to relax.

Behind us there was a wall of windows, looking over the twinkling lights of Oregon's biggest city.

In front of us, we watched numerous bartenders (some in Santa hats) dashing, dodging, splashing, shaking and pouring! I kind of liked the cheery, rushed vibe... at least for a while. We had a nice toast, with our French 75 cocktails.

Up We Go

We were called to our table shortly after getting drinks. As we headed up the stairs I glanced over at the cozy fireplace. I wonder if that was added in 1954, when Ed Palaske bought and modernized Hillvilla.

I wonder what Mr. Palakse would think of the modern decor today. He would probably like the circular art on the wall. I'm guessing that was added when in recent years when the Chart House bought the property.

Table at the Window

When the hostess seated us at a window-side table, I wanted to cheer. We couldn't exactly see Mount Hood and the sun had set hours before, but the city lights below were mighty festive.

Moon

The whole day had been cold and cloudy, so I hadn't hoped for any stargazing. We did however get a good glimpse of the moon, now and then!

Cole

Before we even met our server, I knew this was not the night to bother our waiter with a cookbook. But I did have the 1963 Ford Motor Cookbook in my bag... just in case.

Our server introduced himself as Cole. If he was feeling a little overwhelmed with the holiday crowds, he hid it fairly well. We ordered wine and asked a few menu questions.

The Fine Cookbook

At one point I did share my silly traveling book with others at the table and I managed to get a smile from Cole, who said he had actually seen that illustration before. I asked if they stilled served "Spareribs A La Hillvilla. He said they did serve spareribs, up until a year ago. I was relieved it was no longer on the menu, since I usually feel forced to at least try whatever the cookbook has featured.

Happy

Maybe it was the wine, or the anticipation of Santa, but our gang could not have been happier. There was something so comfy-cozy about our table, as we settled in with wine and a couple baskets of warm bread.

Dining on a holiday meant we shared a little something in common with all the other diners. We were all celebrating. But even the staff seemed to add to the fun mix of energy in the place!

So Many Helpers

On a journey to the restroom, I squeezed past a few large tray-servers and I paused to look at all the foods sizzling on the grill. There were so many people giving up their own family time, to make our night special. I have to stop and appreciate that sometimes.

Food!

I tried not to laugh when I ordered Mac Nut Mahi. I felt a little like I was ordering at the drive-thru. But thoughts of McDonald's disappeared when I tasted my fish with warm peanut sauce, mango relish, soy glaze, mango sticky rice and Asian green beans!

My chopped salad with hearts of palm, cucumber, red onion... balsamic vinaigrette was a meal in itself, so I'm glad I saved room. No room for dessert, though. We were all happy and full by the time our empty plates were taken away.

Family Pic

While waiting on our Uber, I took advantage of a brief moment when the area near the tree was empty. A very cheery hostess offered to take our pic. This turned out to be the only photo of the 6 of us during our holidays together. Yay for family photos!

Totem Pole

Before our ride arrived, I rushed out to get one more peek of the exterior. The 2 valet guys had a brief lull in activity, so I shared the cookbook with them. They seemed amused by the old watercolor image... or they pretended well. I dashed off to the side, to see if the shape of the of the building matched the illustration. It was too dark to tell, but I did see a 50-foot totem pole. If there had been a spotlight, I could have snapped a photo of the dramatic carving, that Palaske added in 1959!

We may have dined at a chain restaurant, but the yummy food and curious history, made for a dining adventure. Maybe next time we'll catch a sunset!

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Jam Cafe on Hawthorne - Portland, OR

12/28/2018

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Christmas Eve Brunch

Don and I spent Christmas with our kids and their spouses, in Portland. Our daughter and son-in-law picked Jam on Hawthorne, as a good bet for Christmas Eve brunch.

We weren't the only ones with that idea.

Warming Up Inside

They don't take reservations, so we waited for a table, along with lots of other people. We were outside for a while and then found space inside, under paper snowflakes!

The Bar

There was a festive bar, serving at least 7 kinds of Bloody Mary cocktails and at least 12 flavors of Mimosa. I was happy with the free coffee, set up on the sidewalk.

White Tree and Snowflakes!

The small room just inside the door, was entertaining while we waited. We watched the bustling servers and the happy crowd, out on the sidewalk.

But when we were called to our table, I was thrilled to be in the larger room with the crazy white tree, nearby. There must have been 100 paper snowflakes and I was curious to know who made them all.

A Place to Play

The white Christmas tree wasn't the only special thing nearby. There was an elevated stage, with lots of toys and a play kitchen. Heidi and Chali could have leaned over and grabbed something to play with while we waited for food. Restaurants never had fun play areas when I was a kid... or a young parent!

Menu Options

The menu was colorful on the outside, with creative selections on the inside. Maybe that's why they call it a cafe and arthouse. Actually the art part was all over the walls. If it had been less crowded, I would have roamed and enjoyed.

Food!

A lot of amazing foods came to our table. For sweet stuff, we had Maddie Cakes (lemon-ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote) and Grand Marnier French Toast. I was tempted to get the Maple Cashew Granola, but the spinach and mushrooms in Ed's Scramble won out. At least mine came with toast, so I got to sample Jam's homemade jam! I also snuck a bite of some amazing biscuits and gravy!

Good Food Good Service

Heidi and Jamie picked well. The food was worth waiting for. Once seated, the service was speedy, without feeling rushed.

Festive Memories

I hope to come again, on another visit to Portland. Although, I may have a hard time adjusting to the atmosphere without the glowing tree and 4 kids, eager for Christmas!

Some say the anticipation isn't as fun when the kids are grown. But when your kids are old enough to drink Christmas mimosas, the holidays have a whole new feel. Yay for Christmas Eve Brunch!

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Dan & Louis Oyster Bar in Portland, OR

12/6/2018

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Smiles & Oysters

When you get smiles this big, you know you've had a successful dining/cookbook adventure. I love this picture of Michelle holding our "traveling cookbook" while her son Kai, holds the oyster shucking tool!

Since 1906

Last August, Don and I visited the landmark seafood restaurant in Portland. We stayed at a downtown hotel, not far from the 132-year-old building, that houses the restaurant. It was before 11, when we walked over to Old Town, so we hung out on Ankeny Alley and pondered the past... until opening time.

Dan Louis Oyster Bar

Don and I knew about the Dan Louis Oyster Bar, because it was featured in our 1950's cookbook. We peeked at the vintage book while we waited.

I studied the super mod illustration of the restaurant's dining room. What a curious boat-like counter!

I also looked over the recipe for oyster stew. As I studied the text, I wondered about the name. Who was Dan?The old cookbook made it looked like Dan, was Louis' first name. But today there is an AND, between the names.

Louis Building

The plaque on the building's corner, told us about Louis Wachsmuth. In 1906. Louis began selling gunnysacks of live oysters, for 50-cents a bag. Before long, Louis and his family were running a busy seafood business and restaurant inside the 2-story building.

We later learned that Dan was Louis' son, who died of influenza at the age of 27. Dan's name was added to the business, as a memorial. So there is a very sweet reason for the name Dan, in the restaurant's name. The Wachsmuth family still runs the business today.

Window Shopping

While Don and I waited, we peered in the window as the oyster display was being prepped. The visual was quite a sight! I tried to work up an appetite for oysters at 11 am, while I inhaled the sweet smells of Voodoo Doughnuts, a block away!

Open at 11

Young Kai (Louis Kai Wachsmuth) turned the sign and opened the door at 11. We entered the cozy space, where Kai's great, great grandfather sold seafood, over 100 years ago.

Walls Covered in History

There was a lot to absorb in the first room, with its nautical theme and collections of maritime objects. Michelle guided us to a table in a dining area, off to the right.

Oysters in the Morning

Don and I were the first diners that day. We settled in, with a sampling of Washington oysters. The Eld Inlet tasted mild and creamy. Kamamoto was buttery and Totten Inlet tasted more fishy and salty. I'm no oyster connoisseur, but I liked the Eld oysters best.

Digging In

As we dug into our oysters, Michelle came to check on us. When I found out she was part of the Wachsmuth family, I just had to pull out the old cookbook. Michelle grinned when she saw it. She said she had never seen the book, but recently someone had sent her a photo of that very page. "It's still the same ouster stew recipe that we use today!"

Soups

Don's smoked salmon chowder was rich and chunky, with a peppery flavor. Don loves his pepper. I of course had to give the original oyster stew a try. The broth was buttery smooth and the oysters were gigantic. I will admit, I'm a little timid about big plump oysters, but I was thrilled to eat the stew that has been served for over 100 years.

The Tour

Arriving early, meant Michelle was free to chat. She was also able to give us a tour. She walked us past Kai's oyster shucking station, towards some of the older dining rooms.

Oyster Cart

We turned the corner at one point and almost ran into a huge cart, carrying bags of oysters.

Michelle carried on a bit with the white haired man who was pushing the big load.

He was nice enough to pause for a photo, before he wheeled the fresh catch towards the kitchen.

Oyster Family

We continued through the maze of rooms and came upon a smiling group. "This is our oyster family!" Michelle laughed and the two boys giggled. I'm not sure how this all works and what their relation was, with the man pushing the cart. But I do know there was a wonderful rapport between Michelle and the folks we kept bumping into as we traveled through the numerous rooms.

The Big Dining Room

We moved into the large dining room, with cozy wood walls and a ceiling that looked like a ship's hull. The walls were covered in old plates and more nautical decor.

The Boat

I laughed when I saw the boat-like counter, with portholes on the side. I recognized the image from the kind of kooky illustration in the book. Michelle shook her head and chuckled, when I asked about the boat. "Half of that boat is in my garage right now."

Pine Walls and Round Plates

I couldn't get enough of all the wall decor! We didn't get a chance to meet Michelle's husband, Keoni. If we had, I would have asked about some of the memorabilia.

Keoni (Kai's dad) is 4th generation, so I'm guessing he must have spent a lot of his youth in these rooms. If I had grown up in that world, I would have wanted to play hide and seek in all those rooms. I would have probably spent a good amount of time counting all those plates, too!

The Kitchen

The kitchen area has been renovated and opened up, in recent years. It's always a good thing when a food business is happy to let customers see the food being prepared!

Cozy Dining

Next time, I think I'd like to sit in this tiny dining space, surrounded by painted, wood walls and ceiling.

Or maybe I'd like to sit beside the knotty pine and find out what MV Aspen means.

I believe this is the original dining room. This might be my favorite room. I can picture the Wachsmuth family gathering around this table.

Thanks!

Don and I had a whirlwind visit to Dan & Louis. We had a parking meter running back at the hotel and a drive to Seattle ahead of us. Next time we will come and rush less. We'll enjoy more of the menu and hopefully more of the family! What a fun place!

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Pine Tavern in Bend, OR

Holman's Bar & Grill

The Old Hillvilla Restaurant, in Portland

Jam Cafe on Hawthorne - Portland, OR

Dan & Louis Oyster Bar in Portland, OR

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