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Clackamas, Oregon In July, Don and I had a fun-homey meal at Dean's. We had heard about the family owned cafe, from my sister. Jennifer sent a text last February, "Kate and I just ate at a place that you and Don would love!" She raved about the food and the folks running the place. Dean's went on my list! Palms & Roses Don and I were back in Portland in July and checked the place out, on our very last day. It was an easy stop, right off the highway on the way to the airport. We parked and headed towards the sweet looking bungalow. What a palm! It made me feel like we were back in Texas. Those roses were mighty sweet, too! Bonus points! Picnic Tables and Porch Bonus points for picnic tables, too. Don and I are cautious travelers and diners, during these pandemic times. We appreciate outside options. And oh how I love a porch, I guess we could have eaten out there too. But we were curious to see the inside of this cute place. We headed for the door. Luckily we had cash, since the sign told us they didn't take credit cards. Eating in the House We were greeted by a young bearded man, named Tyler. He was carrying on with a group of coffee drinking men, near the fireplace. Tyler invited us to sit anywhere. We peeked in the second room, which looked cozy with lots of old woodwork. I was curious about the window that connected both rooms. Was that original? I could see through to the fireplace. Summertime Fireplace The front room had the fun fireplace, that would have been nice on a cold day. I was sort of amused by how the mantel was being used on a day in July. It had become a shelf, for holding napkins and carry-out containers. I was more amused listening to Tyler, with the locals who were sitting near the fireplace. Tyler was across the room, but he conversed with the older gentlemen, as he moved from here to there. Don and I felt somehow included in some of the humor, that flew back and forth. The coffee drinkers seemed to egg Tyler on. At one point an old fellow stood and headed to the counter, with his cane. Tyler teased, "No running on the pool deck now!" There were some chuckles. Sitting in the Front Room Don and I were seated at a comfy table in the front room, with a view of the dining counter, below a display of old tools. Next to the old saw and drill, there was a sassy little sign. "I'll have a cafe mocha, vodka, Xanax, Latte to go please." More Signs I read a few more snappy sentences above the window. "Mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy!" "Bacon makes everything better!" "Public Drunkenness Prohibited!" As we sat and absorbed the atmosphere around us, I began to see how these signs set the tone for the place. Personalized Mugs On the wall past the man at the counter, I spotted another sign, with yummy (and reasonably priced) food options. The sign was surrounded by shelves of personalized mugs. Clearly, Dean's was a place where lots of locals enjoy breakfast. If it hadn't been so close to lunchtime, I'm sure more mugs would have been missing. Chicken Noodle Soup When Tyler came to take our order, I was able to compliment him on his t-shirt, with an amusing photo from the movie, "Step Brothers". He looked down to remind himself, then laughed. He seemed pleased that someone appreciated his goofy Will Farrell shirt. I ordered Soup & BLT. My chicken noodle soup came so packed with noodles and chicken, I could have used a fork and knife. Moments later I heard a man nearby complain that his soup didn't have enough chicken. Tyler responded, by pointing to me. "Well, I gave all the chicken to her. It's her first time here!" Too Much? Don was pleased to have breakfast options for lunch. He was then perplexed about how to begin, with the massive serving on his plate. Actually he was excited about his ham & cheese omelet and hash browns. There were no signs demanding that we clean our plates, so he was safe. I even helped him a bit and it was a yummy feast. My delicious BLT arrived on sour dough. When I placed my order, Tyler suggested English muffin for my BLT. I hadn't caught on to his humor yet, so I said "Sure, BLT on and English muffin." Tyler shook his head and scolded that idea as if he hadn't given it to me. "What? You'll never fit 5 slices of bacon on that!" I scratched my head and ordered sourdough, which I loved. The sandwich was delish! And I wasn't a bit annoyed by Tyler's dry humor. Exploring After lunch I explored on the way to the bathroom. I loved the old stairs and wondered about the family that once lived in this wonderful house. Tyler saw me snapping photos and invited me to look at the framed photos of the Haberlach family. Haberlach Fam How wonderful that these photos were preserved when the home was bought. I did some internet searching later and couldn't find much info. But it looks like this family had some history with Tillamook Cheese! Chatting with Tyler Tyler checked us out and didn't reprimand us for not finishing our meal. He did ask where we were from though and said he might just have to charge us tax, since we were from Texas. His silly sarcasm reminded me of some of the old timer characters we've run across on our travels. But his quick and sassy remarks were somehow refreshing and kind. I thanked Tyler for the great food and his fun humor. He seemed to genuinely appreciate that. Heading Off On our way out, we were stopped by a couple on the porch. They had overheard our conversation and seemed so pleased that we enjoyed the place. They told us, "We came all the way from Vancouver to eat today!" They agreed that Tyler was a fun and funny addition to the place. They also mentioned that Tyler's parents owned the place. "We've been coming to eat here, since Tyler was about 7 years old." I loved ending our homey visit, with this extra little prize at the end. We drove off knowing that Dean's Cafe had been serving food for years in a couple other locations and in this cute house for about 10 years. I loved it that this couple knew Tyler as a little kid and had fun watching him grow up on their visits.
I tried to find more information on the internet, but found very little. Dean's is obviously a happy, homey business with lots of pleased customers. They evidently don't need lots of write ups and ads to lure people their way. Word of mouth got us there! The best kind of advertisement!
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Mount Hood, Oregon On a gorgeous day in mid June, Don and I joined our daughter's family on a food and drink adventure. Less than an hour from their Portland area home, we found ourselves at Grateful Vineyard, with a view of Mount Hood! Shade! The air was warm, so many of the tables in the sunshine were empty. No reservations needed for those. We spotted children having their own little picnic in the shade. This wonderful place encourages families and pets. Table Under the Tent Heidi had luckily made reservations and we had a table under the tent. I loved the words on the menu, "Weaving together farming fermentation and nourishment" Wine Grateful Vineyard opened as a Winery/Cidery/Brewery, in 2019 by Katrina McAlexander. Her grape-farming roots go back to her great-great grandparents vineyards, in Switzerland. For that reason, Heidi and I chose to sample wine! Don and Jamie enjoyed some beer flights. Baby Charlie didn't do any cider samples, but she enjoyed her pacifier. Food On weekends they offer a small menu. The fresh ingredients on the salad and pizzas, matched the atmosphere perfectly. All Perfect Maybe it was the perfect weather that made every sip and bite, taste just right. Even this little girl was in perfect spirits. Exploring It was so heavenly just sitting and enjoying... But it was impossible to stay seated. I had to get up and wander. The scenery was amazing. Sunflowers Charlie doesn't look too crazy about the sunflowers, but they were pretty. You could pick them for a dollar a piece, I believe. There were some great spots for family photos. Mount Hood tried to photo bomb this one. Until Next Time This was the perfect easy getaway on a Sunday at lunch. As we got ready to leave, it looked like they were setting up for some live music. I can only imagine how lovely these tables would be in the evening, as the sun lowers... with a glass of wine and little guitar. Sigh!
Gathering Place Today I'm going back a year, to remember a visit to a sweet bakery/cafe a year ago. Don and I found Harmony on our road trip in Oregon, in 2019. Evidently, Linda Lawrence opened the cozy place in 1984, as a "Community Gathering Place". Entrance This is how the place looked on a sunny day in October. I saw on the internet, that Linda's niece took over the biz in 2020. Now there are photos showing some seating, in the front. What a rough year to take over a business! Positive Vibes One side of the building was covered in colorful art. I like to think all the peaceful images and words, are somehow offering protection to this small business. Our Lunch Here's the menu from a year ago. "We have a place at our table for everyone." A sweet motto. Organic, Local, Naturally Grown A lot of places brag about that these days. But there was a write up on the table to help us learn more. It was nice to read up on Lisa Fuller and Sister Moon Gardens. I had a feeling that anything we chose for lunch was going to be healthy and fresh! Reading, Sharing, Visiting I peeked in the back room when we first arrived. The wall of books and games was welcoming. There were mostly older locals when I first looked in. A man with a nifty bolo tie and 2 men with walking poles. It looked like a nice crowd and I'm sad to think they probably have not been gathering here, during pandemic days. Restrooms Even the restrooms felt welcoming. A little Halloween decor here... a quilt there... And welcoming door signs! I could enter the door that said "Either..." or the door that said, "...Or". Clever! Bakery I love the idea of eating in a bakery. We were seated in the front room, not far from the sweet smelling bakery case. I kept eyeing the fat loaves of fresh bread, on the cooling racks. Donuts and Apple Fritters I was pretty tempted by the donuts. But it was lunchtime. Breakfast for Lunch Don was excited that he had some breakfast options. His plate looked heavenly with a veggie & cheddar scramble, grilled potatoes and fat pieces of toast, with boysenberry jam! Tomato Dill Soup! I couldn't resist soup, on a chilly October day. The soup was scrumptious, when I topped it with broken pieces of crispy toast. The salad with red onions and tomatoes, was accented with delicate flowers! That won me over. Heading Off We grabbed some iced, buttermilk pumpkin bars for the road and headed to the car. I took one more look at the art. Lettuce Live Together... Shalom, Salaam... Peace...Live... Thank you. This little place deserves to survive this pandemic. I hope to give them some business when we return to Oregon!
Lunch in October 2019 On this muggy July day in Texas, I'm remembering a chilly outing in Oregon. Don and I enjoyed a cozy lunch with our daughter, in this fabulous stone building, last fall. The Falls What a treat to have Heidi drive us out from Portland, to see Multnomah Falls. It was early enough when we started our hike, that the bridge wasn't jammed with tourists. We hiked long and high enough to work up a good appetite and enough warmth, to shed our coats. Completed in 1925 The 95 year old lodge looked picture perfect, sitting at the base of the falls. The lodge no longer houses overnight guests, but they had a restaurant and there was smoke coming from the chimney, just like the old photo. Upstairs The gift shop on the first level was swarming, but when we headed up to the restaurant, we found the dining rooms calm and inviting. I wondered about the stairs behind the host's desk. I was told there was just storage upstairs now, but the staff was once housed there. I really wanted to steal the lodge model that was on display. Very cute! Sitting Area The main dining rooms were to the left, but I peeked at few extra rooms off to the right. The old lodge furniture made it easy to picture guests staying here, back in twenties and thirties. There were only 5 guest rooms, originally. They became offices in the 1950's. Dining Rooms There were a couple options for tables. The great room was original, with stone walls and soaring ceiling. Evidently most people request the newer atrium, with views of the falls and lush green growth. Near the Fire! I always opt for dining in the original part, when there's a choice. Our table wasn't far from the fireplace, with a real cracking fire! There were dramatic light fixtures, reminding me of a haunted castle. And the vintage artwork, showed scenes of the falls and mountains. Vintage Place Setting I was delighted with the retro placemat and china. I was quite entertained with the trivia on my mat. Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the U.S.! Cozy Feast Heidi looked the part in her sweater and knit cap, as she dug into her poached eggs and hash browns. Don also was tempted by the breakfast options. He had a salmon-scramble, also with hash browns. I couldn't resist having potato bacon soup, on a chilly day. Don shared some of his toast and that made it perfect. All was yummy and the atmosphere was casual-comfy! As I write this up, our hot weather has turned to steamy storms. I'm looking at these photos longingly. Plaid shirts and jackets AND a cozy meal served in a lodge in Oregon! It's Pandemic July 2020 and I haven't eaten in a restaurant since early March.
Dreaming of the future! Welches, Oregon I love the idea of eating at a Roadhouse! This might even be a first. Last October, Don and I ran across the Barlow Trail Roadhouse, after leaving Mount Hood's, Timberline Lodge. The Roadhouse sign didn't look old enough to be a real roadhouse, but the cabin-restaurant was actually over 90 years old. Barlow Trail Roadhouse Inn - 1926 We pulled off of Highway 26, when we spotted the sign and old log building. The original cabin (in the center) was built by Bill Lenz in 1926. It was named for the famous toll road, built by Sam Barlow. The structure served as a general store before it became an inn. Signs and Swings We stepped up to the porch, looking for the main entrance. We passed the Trail Room (bar) entrance and and a few signs. We went past the porch swing and found the pale green door. Cozy Interior We had just come from the iconic Timberline Lodge, (used in exterior filming of The Shining) so we could have been a hard pair to impress. But, I ignored the '80's era tables and smiled at the old stove, log beams and deer head, with antler lampshades. Locals and Travelers The lunch crowd seemed to be mostly local folk and people like us... on the road. The diners in the earlier years, were mostly loggers and miners and the workers who built Timberline Lodge. Upstairs? I didn't get a chance to ask what the upstairs was used for, today. Barlow Trail was more than a restaurant back in the day. On the menu there was a mention about the inn's reputation. "Best food on the Loop to Timberline." downstairs and "Best Girls" upstairs. Pick of the Tables When we arrived, we were greeted by Brittnee. She invited us to sit anywhere. I took a look at the line up of booths and felt pretty delighted when I spotted this cute little set-up, tucked into the back corner. Just look at the shape of that table and those fine seats! Haunted Table? I told Brittnee that I was pretty sure we'd picked the best table in the restaurant. She smiled and informed us that we'd picked the haunted table. That got me pretty excited. "Really! What should we expect?" Brittnee sort of shrugged. "Oh... just good vibes." I was good with that. Little Bit of Lunch Don and I ordered a tiny feast, since we'd pigged out on brunch at Timberline Lodge. I ordered a bowl of chili. It was thick and piping hot, with a good amount of cheddar and just enough spice! Don's Patty Melt was served on dark rye, with a small side of creamy potato salad. Just right. Peeking Around From my seat, I had a good view of the fireplace. I would have preferred logs over gas, but I was happy for any fire, on that chilly day. I was sort of amused that there was just one washroom in the old place. But I guess all the customers had been men, back in the day. The little washroom was actually pretty tidy. I was sort of amused by the combo of fishing decor and lace curtains. Heading Out We finished up and thanked Brittnee. She seemed to be the only server. She was in good spirits despite being extra busy. We peeked into the adjoining lounge. We could see from the outside that this odd addition (with stone facade) came years later. The atmosphere seemed more biker bar than cabin cozy. Chimney and Deck I took a quick peek at the other end of the building. There was a covered deck with picnic tabes. I'm guessing this place might have a whole different feel, with summer crowds. On a quiet October day, the old inn looked like a storybook house. If I were a kid, I'd have been tempted to climb that stone chimney! As we pulled back on the road, I glanced up at the roofline and was reminded of the image on the menu. What a sweet old place. I'm glad it's still around.
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The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
April 2024
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