Culinary Tourism

Connect with the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild via Social Media

Friday, April 12, 2013 by Mary Pellegrini

Social media. One either likes it or they don't. We of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild actually love it. Today's travelers' are web savvy travelers' who use many different social media sites to make wise travel choices. Social media listings direct you to us and then our innkeepers take over to make your lodging choice the perfect choice for your Oregon vacation.

The Oregon B&B Guild website ~ new and improved with loads of information, serving as a 'one stop shopping' website:

Visit the Target Market page to begin your search for an inn that will fulfill your interests, birding, hiking, biking, wine tasting, historic destinations, etc.
Weddings and Retreats - many of our innkeepers will host weddings and retreats
Culinary Tourism - for our food loving guests, that would be all of you!
Browse by region, specials, amenities
Each inn has direct links to their personal on-line reservation systems. There is also an availability calendar for all regions
Purchase Lodging Gift Vouchers which are redeemable at all our member inns
Each inn has a direct link to their on-line reviews. TripAdvisor, Yelp, BedandBreakfast.com and iLoveInns. Review before you reserve.

This Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Blog. An amazing social media tool. We post about happenings and events all across Oregon and the lodging options close by. Search the blog for posts on winery events, bird watching sites, farmers markets and oh, so much more!

facebook - join almost 2000 fans that 'like' the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. You'll get live updates on specials, events, and state wide happenings.

twitter - follow us on twitter @oregonbbguild and @ORinnquire for short timely Q&A with innkeepers. We live here. We know Oregon like the back of our hands and would love to help you create a memorable visit at our inns and in our regions

Flickr - where our innkeepers have uploaded photos of their inns, events, and scenic shots of Oregon

Pinterest - photos and more photos! Of our inns, our innkeepers, our food, and of course our Oregon.

There are over 400 bed and breakfasts in Oregon but only ours are inspected and approved by the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, making them a exceptional lodging choice for your perfect vacation. Thank you for choosing one, or more, of our member inns as a lodging option on your next Oregon vacation. You'll be glad you did.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Style in Jacksonville!

Friday, January 11, 2013 by Heather Tyreman

Chinese New Year in Jacksonville Oregon with Bybee's Historic Inn

Ready for a little culinary tourism combined with an Oregon geotourism event? Check out the information provided by Vikki and Tina at Bybee's Historic Inn near Jacksonville, Oregon. Register your own parade entry, or plan to participate in the "Snake-A-Leg" 5K fun run (ever seen a group of folks do a 5K in a dragon costume?)!

The signature event for Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association is a Chinese New Year

Festival. The main events are held in Jacksonville, Oregon, in partnership with the Jacksonville

Chamber of Commerce and the City of Jacksonville as well as other generous sponsors. Please

visit Jacksonville for a spectacular Chinese New Year Celebration. Call Bybee’s Historic Inn for

lodging accommodations. 541-899-0106 book early!

Chinese New Year Celebration:

Parade, cooking classes, martial art exhibitions, arts & crafts and much more. Stay tuned as we plan for Year of the Snake!

DATE: Saturday, February 16, 2013

LOCATION: Downtown Jacksonville

PHONE: 541-899-8118

CONTACT: chamber@jacksonvilleoregon.org

WEBSITE: www.socca.us

Let Oregonian writer Gerry Frank tell you where to stay in Eugene Oregon

Friday, November 23, 2012 by Heather Tyreman

We always like it when venerable travel writer Gerry Frank picks an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member to include in his articles. On November 18, 2012, Gerry picked the Oval Door Bed & Breakfast in Eugene as one of his favorites. You can read the full article from the Oregonian here.

"Mornings start out right with locally roasted coffee delivered to the guest rooms. Follow the aroma of just-out-of-the-oven baked goods to the dining room for a full gourmet breakfast. Main dishes feature a choice of two entrees made with seasonal ingredients (including a healthier option) such as corn fritters, eggnog French toast and Dungeness crab hash. Fruit and breakfast meats complement the superb main dishes."

Nothing like adding a little culinary tourism to your Eugene Oregon stay! If you're a business traveler, thinking about relocating to Eugene, or parents of a University of Oregon college student looking for a more home-like environment for your time in Eugene, the Oval Door Bed and Breakfast could be your pick too.

Call Melissa or Nicole at 541-683-3160 or visit their comprehensive website to review their rooms and make your reservation. Lodging in downtown Eugene Oregon can't be more complete than a stay at the Oval Door.

And thanks, Gerry Frank, for picking an Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member!

What Everybody Ought to Know About Nez Perce Art in the Wallowa

Monday, August 20, 2012 by Heather Tyreman

The 16th Annual Nez Perce Art in the Wallowa is coming up very quickly--Saturday of the first weekend in October 2012 to be exact. If you like contemporary Native American art then you don't want to miss this opportunity. Nez Perce Indian and nearly Columbia River Tribal Plateau artists will once again display and offer their work for sale at the historic Wallowa Lake Lodge in Northeastern Oregon.

Live and silent auctions take place in the afternoon of Saturday, October 4, 2012, from noon to 4 pm. Every year's different so it's worth to see what the artists are offering this year. Many of the artists are in attendance too.

In the evening at 6 pm, there'll be a dinner by reservation only in the dining room of the Wallowa Lake Lodge. Tickets for this dinner sell out quickly as fewer than 100 people can attend. The scrumptious dinner includes fresh salmon, local buffalo, local salad and vegetables, and cheesecake with huckleberry topping. A culinary tourism or locavore delight!

The afternoon reception, live & silent auction is free admission. Dinner tickets are $45 in advance and can be reserved through the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center at 541-886-3101 or purchased through local vendors listed here

Entertainment during the dinner features Nez Perce storyteller Carlotta Kauffman who will perform "According to Coyote" a collection of Coyote stories collected and produced by her brother John Kauffman. This show was recently performed Dakota State University (see photo).

You can stay at the Wallowa Lake Lodge for this event, but we'd like to recommend that you check into one of three Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild members located nearby in Joseph, Oregon (10 minutes away) or Enterprise, Oregon (20 minutes away). All three of these Oregon bed and breakfasts are equipped with only private bathrooms that are either attached directly to your guestroom or are nearby. And by staying in Joseph or Enterprise you'll be able to enjoy more of the sights and sounds of this vibrant Pacific Northwest artistic community.

Make your reservations soon!

See you at this northwest culinary and artistic event!

Culinary Tourism in Southern Oregon at A Taste of Ashland April 28-29, 2012

Thursday, April 19, 2012 by Heather Tyreman

Taste of Ashland culinary tourism event on April 28 and 29, 2012 in Ashland, Oregon

Oregon Slow Food enthusiasts pay attention! The innkeepers at Bybee's Historic Inn near Jacksonville, Oregon are always coming up with little tidbits. Today it's an upcoming culinary tourism adventure in Southern Oregon. Vikki Marie sends:

A Taste of Ashland is coming up April 28 & 29, 2012 in Ashland, Oregon!

The Ashland Gallery Association presents A Taste of Ashland. For over 20 years A Taste of Ashland has offered a weekend of pairing excellent local restaurants and great regional wineries and other beverages to sample as you stroll to 17 unique galleries enjoying impressive displays of artwork all in the heart of Ashland. A Taste of Ashland: 17 galleries, 17 restaurants, 17 wineries, one delicious art experience! A colorful Food and Beverage Guide with walking map will lead you through this amazing sensory experience.

Get your tickets early since it usually sells out and you do not want to miss out on 2012’s wonderful event. A two-day weekend ticket is $55; individual day tickets are $45 (Saturday) or $35 (Sunday). Tickets are available through the A Taste of Ashland website

Ashland is only a short 15 miles from Bybee's Historic Inn. Attend both days or only one, but start & end your trip to Ashland in the comfort of Bybee's Historic Inn.

Ready for a fun night out in Southern Oregon?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 by Heather Tyreman

Are you a character? Or would you like spend the evening with a character or two? Bybee's Historic Inn, an authentic Oregon bed and breakfast just outside of Jacksonville, OR, is offering that opportunity in January 2012.

Vikki Lynn, innkeeper from Bybee's Historic Inn, offers the following:

Local Historic Characters of the 1800’s come alive.

Join us for a truly unique initmate dining experience featuring a menu paired with wine or Dry Soda!

Enjoy local historic characters that 'come alive' sharing their lives as it was in the 1800's while being captivated by a demonstration of how whiskey was made in a log still.

When: Monday January 16th

6:30 - 10:00 pm

Cost: $55.00 per person for dinner and wine

$45.00 per person for dinner and Dry Soda

How: 541-899-0106

LODGING & DINNER: Luxurious room, dinner and gourmet breakfast for two. $210.00 - 235.00 (depending on room choice). To help us preserve the integrity of our vintage wood floors we ask that you please do not wear "high heels"on the porches or inside the home. Thank You!

Please check our website for more information. www.bybeeshistoricinn.com

Nothing like a little bit o' down home on the farm culinary tourism. Hope to see you at Bybee's. No word about sampling from the still, but who knows what a character might do!

Portland Oregon's A Painted Lady Inn is Voted "Best for Nearby Museums"

Saturday, June 25, 2011 by Heather Tyreman

A Painted Lady Inn Portland Oregon lodging wins Best of Nearby Museums Award from Pamela Lanier's Bed & Breakfast Inns 2011 competition

It never seems to end that Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild members keep winning awards. This time it's the 2011 Guests' Greatest Picks competition hosted by Pamela Lanier's Bed & Breakfast Inns. And the winner in the category "Best for Nearby Museums" is (drum roll please). . .Oregon's own A Painted Lady Inn located in Portland!

(Not a small feat, mind you, considering that this is a national competition!)

Innkeeper Jody Runge offers the following about her Portland Oregon lodging: "Located in vibrant, hip Northeast Portland, A Painted Lady Inn offers a calm oasis in the heart of the city. Just steps from wonderful shops and fine restaurants, A Painted Lady will be your Portland home-away-from-home."

The secret? Great public transportation via the Portland Max Line and the Portland Trolley will take you to anywhere in Portland Oregon's downtown core. Visit the Portland Art Museum, the Portland Children's Museum and the Oregon Historical Society's Museum all from the comfort of the MAX line or the Portland Trolley.

And when the day is done, hit Portland's funky restaurant scene for a little bit of culinary tourism on your way home to A Painted Lady. And vote for the inn in Pamela Lanier's 2012 Guests' Greatest Picks competition!

Travel to the Brit Festival in Style!

Saturday, June 25, 2011 by Heather Tyreman

Thinking about mixing a little culinary tourism with your summer concert schedule? A stay at Bybee's Historic Inn in Jacksonville Oregon could be your cup of tea (or scone for that matter). Top it off with transportation to Jacksonville's Britt Festival and your weekend entertainment is well taken care of.

View of the side porch of Bybee's Historic Inn near Jacksonville Oregon. Bybee's Historic Inn is near the Britt Festival.

Innkeepers Vikki and Tina write: Summer has officially arrived at Bybee’s Historic Inn. There is not a cloud in the sky and a sweet breeze is teasing all the flowers, the trees and us. Tina just finished a batch of her famous coconut and rose scones. The aroma is wafting through the Inn and smells good enough to melt the coldest heart. We also polished up Vikki’s Tahoe from top to bottom so our guests can be transported to the Britt in style. We have four Britt performances in a row this week starting June 22. if you are a Mary Chapin Carpenter, America, or Charlie Daniels Band fan there are tickets available.

Innkeepers are great on the inside story. Give Bybee's Historic Inn a call at 877-292-3374 and let Vikki or Tina assist you in planning your culinary vacation cum music festival. And see ya at the Britt!

Culinary Tourism at its Best at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Member Inn

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

No other experience brings you that elusive thing we call home as quickly as waking up to the warm and comforting aromas of breakfast. Imagine these drifting up the stairwells and down the halls. Coffee being freshly ground and sweet and savory delights. You know that something wonderful awaits your arrival at the breakfast table. Any possibility might exist. You may be surprised with fresh scones with homemade jams, gnocci with fresh herbs, a 3” high savory custard, or perhaps a French crepe, an Italian fritatta, or a Spanish Tortilla. No matter the experience, you can be assured that the Innkeepers of The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild take Breakfast very seriously.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Innkeepers include farmers, winemakers, fruit growers, cheese mongers, and ranchers. Your culinary experience will differ depending the region of Oregon you are visiting. Whether we serve locally grown produce, fresh farm eggs and cheese, sustainably raised meats or the wine your host may serve in the afternoon, we regard ourselves stewards of the land.

There are countless Food, Wine and Beer Festivals to celebrate Oregon's Bounty in every corner of our fine state. Regional orchard and farm loop offers you as visitors to the Northwest the chance to take a culinary vacation through the rural landscape, the coast and the urban areas. By staying with our member innkeepers, you will have an insider guide to the foods and beverages of the region.

Culinary tourism in Oregon begins here!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Small town Oregon, tons of delicious restaurants, chef's making their "own" creations, using all local ingredients of course! So, what does one do with resources like that? Well, we create a food tour of course! Tastes, sips, bites...a nosh perhaps?

The Albany Nosh Tours began this past June and they were a hit from the get go! I think we had them at that Traegered prime rib or maybe it was that homemade pasta that Ruby just prepared and filled with buttered butternut squash or maybe it was even those delicious Class 5 burgers or Rubens to go along with the beer from Calapooia Brewing Co. Who knows and when you are chomping down on a bite of all that is delicious here, it doesn't' really matter, it just tastes soooo good!

Newspaper write ups, flier info, pamphlet lingo and even blogging...ahem...couldn't begin to

properly describe what these tours are like. You really need to go on one. And, we just happen to have a few seats still available on our NEXT ALBANY NOSH TOUR!

It's all happening on December 18th beginning at 4pm. We meet downtown, trolley to a few restaurants, taste local wines and cheeses at a local vintage (breathtakingly gorgeous) home, a quick ride through our Monteith District and get the quick tour from our "step on" guide, enjoy live Christmas music all evening till the ending befits the perfection of the evening! Yes, we will end at one the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Inns!

The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn will open up this night only for a first level tour of the inn. Get your tickets for the this entire tour by calling Cathy at The Albany Visitor's Association. Her number is 541-928-0831!

Built in 1908, The Pfeiffer Cottage inn exudes Robust Craftsman Bungalow all the way. Clean lines, oak and fir floors, original leaded glass windows and built in's throughout will make you want to stay! Warm, inviting and decorated for Christmas! Our kitchen will be filled to the brim with sweets from several local home bakers and will be served

with Bailey's infused homemade Hot Chocolate!

A perfect way to spend an evening in a small town during the holidays! See you on the trolley!

Culinary Tourism Through An Innkeepers Freezer!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

This is my kitchen!

I am an innkeeper!

I want a new kitchen!

However, I know that patience is a virtue and I am waiting patiently for winter so I can get my new kitchen!

Our inn will be hibernating for a month or so this winter so we can begin renovating this 1970's, plywood cabineted (is this even a word?), floor tile on the counter mess of a kitchen. Yeah...the picture isn't too shabby but believe me when I tell you that it really needs a makeover! Do you hear that "This Old House" people? Well...they probably heard it when I emailed them last month asking for a new kitchen in our 1908 Robust Craftsman Bungalow! I even offered them a place to stay while they worked. I haven't heard back from them yet but I am sure they are pondering my idea and mulling over which subway tile will work best for that awesome copper counter top they are ordering for me right now. I can dream can't I?

Well...it is quite amazing even to me what comes out of this 1970's kitchen sometimes. And...it helps when our guests become our friends and share recipes with us. That's what happened yesterday! A guest told us about this recipe while we sipped coffee and chatted about what else...food! I tried it this morning and oh my gosh...our bicyclists

loved it! I always wondered what I should do with all those Cinnamon Crepes I had rolled up and froze in the freezer. Now I know and so will you! Enjoy making this very easy and very delicious recipe! And Nellie...thanks for the idea and thanks for staying with us at The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn!

BAKED CREPE CUSTARD

Take your frozen "left over" crepes (I used 8) and put them on top of slivers of butter in an oiled baking dish.

Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake frozen crepes till thawed, about 20 min.

Mix 1 cup of sour cream, two to three tablespoons packed brown sugar, four eggs and a couple of teaspoons of vanilla together. Pour over the thawed crepes and top with ground cinnamon!

Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 to 35 minutes. The dish is done when it browns a little puffs up.

This serves 5 very hungry bicyclist cycling the Willamette Bike Trail with just enough left over to test for yourself!

Thanks again to all our guests that love cooking and sharing recipes as much as we do! And, check out our recipe section on our very gorgeous new Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild website!

See you soon at the breakfast table..."This Old House" crew!

A Culinary Tour Down First Avenue and Antiques In The Streets!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Want a taste of a small town in Oregon this weekend? Come join us in Albany as we celebrate "ANTIQUES IN THE STREETS!"

Albany is known for many spectacular things but this event for sure stands out among those of us that LOVE vintage finds, a sweet downtown and very yummy tastes of locally grown and prepared food!

On Saturday, our annual event, "Antiques In The Streets" will begin at 8am! Our Albany Farmer's Market begins at 9am and is just around the corner from all the festivities! Our museum in town will also play host to "Enduring A's Model A Ford Club!" That event will begin at 10am at the museum on Lyon Street South!

Please feel free to wander and peruse our darling "Main Street USA" top award winning downtown and peruse our historic buildings, their gorgeous details and renovations in progress as

you enjoy an outdoor lunch at Cappies Brew Pub, Clemenza's or Albany's newest burger joint, First Burger! All local, all fresh and all so very good and you know Albany loVes to shAre so we can point you in the right direction and show you where to get the best grub in town! Don't forget to get a cold one down at Calapooia Brewing Co. too! Some of the best beer in the valley and the tots...delightful!

We hope to see you in downtown this Saturday! Come for the food, the antiques, the car show and hopefully come and check out the town that boasts the most historic homes and buildings in the ENTIRE state of Oregon! Bragging rights aside, Albany is a pretty cool place in the summer and so we welcome you to enjoy our "place to play!"

One more thing...The Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild has two membership inns in Albany and one in Corvallis! All approved, all inspected and all ready for you to check out Albany and check in to one of our inns this weekend!

Balloons, Elephant Ears and a Culinary Tour...it's all up in the air!

Friday, August 20, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Next weekend is the award winning Wah Chang NW Art & Air Festival! The party begins Friday, August 27th and continues through Sunday, August 29th at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany, Oregon!

Our balloonist begin floating in to town late next week to prepare for their hot air festivities! Join us as we celebrate the stunning "Balloon Night Glow" while enjoying Curtis Salgado. "America" will be our entertainment on the MAIN STAGE Saturday evening! Celebrating their 40th anniversary tour, "America" will bring back that great music while we enjoy delicious festival tastes! Only in Oregon, will you

find a festival where a huge portion of the "fun" is in the food!

Wine and Micro brew Gardens, Funnel Cakes, Mad Cupcake Love, BBQ Ribs, Turkey Legs, Chicken, Hawaiian fusion and more local tastes steal the show!

For more info on the ART, CAR SHOWS, and how you can get a balloon ride, go to www.albanyvisitors.com!

And...there are three Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inns within minutes of the fairgrounds! The Harrsion House in Corvallis and The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn and The Edelweiss Manor B & B in Albany!

See you at the ATI Wah Chang NW Art & Air Festival next weekend!

Culinary Tourism in Strata!

Thursday, August 12, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Googling the word, "strata," I found that it can mean many things. A geological formation, the former name of a rock band, it's a recipe and a name of a company! I'm not sure why this recipe is named "Strata" except that in this photograph, you can kind of see why perhaps because of the way it rises as it's squeezed out of it's perfect boundaries while baking.

This is a very easy recipe and again one of those we have twisted around, added to and played with till we got it right. Simple, delicious, easy and can be made on a whim! The perfect breakfast for one or many if multiplied!

My Personal Strata!

-cube 2 slices of any kind of bread. We love using two different kinds of breads. A rye and whole grain perhaps, or a sour dough and honey wheat!

-spray a single serving ramekin or small baking dish with olive oil

-lay cubed bread in the dish and up the sides as much as possible

-whip 3 eggs, some basil, a few pepper flakes, salt and pepper and a little milk. Pour mixture over cubed bread

-sprinkle with chopped onion, cooked turkey bacon or Peppered Canadian Bacon and a little jack cheese with a bit of diced tomato

-Bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes

This Strata can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning. This will give the bread enough time to soak in the egg mixture!

And...depending on the season, change it up! I love going to my garden and getting some Thai Basil or fresh tomatoes to use as well as using local cheese's when I have them on hand. Sweet corn is a nice addition too!

Check out this link to our "Breakfast Experience" on our OBBG website when you are thinking about checking in to one of our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inns!

See you soon!

Culinary Tourism...a "nosh" tour in the Willamette Valley!

Sunday, June 27, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Oh my, where do I begin?

I was born in SoCal on a warm dry day in 1961. Ok...skipping ahead a few years.... I watched as my grandmother pounded the heck out of a steak. She was a tiny thing but man could she pound the heck out of that beef. And, she was one of those kinds of women that could pull a few items out of her pantry and prepare a feast. Now my Jewish grandmother on my mom's side, another important influence in the kitchen, she told a totally different story. Couldn't understand a word of it sometimes, but I got the picture cause when she was mad or wanted me to behave, she spoke "Yiddish" and yes...then I behaved. So, when the word, "nosh" came up for this tour, how more fitting could it be?!

NOSH: A Yiddish word meaning to snack, eat a light meal, a small bite, nibble or munch!

Between my grandmothers', my mother's innate ability to improvise and improve on any recipe she tried, my firefighting awesome cook of a husband and my yearning desire for "really good" food, I have only learned from the best how to cook and now I am learning where to find the best food in Oregon. My personal journey, my quest, my "foodie" exploration and just like Albany, I love to share!

Thus...the Albany Nosh Tour! Bursting at the seams and wanting to run down First Ave.

screaming..."do any of you know what you have here in this sweet town???" I didn't want to be known as "debbie...that crazy lady that runs down First Ave. screaming," so...with the help of some of my AVA buddies, we created the "Albany Nosh Tour!" And, like most of us here in Oregon, perhaps a motto of sorts...we came up with..."Albany...we love to share!" And, we did just that yesterday!

Beginning with our ride over to Novak's for our first stop, we were overwhelmed by the most delicious Hungarian chicken dish and a plethora of pastries. The Novak family made us feel like family and even brought in Joseph and Matilda to make us feel even more at home. After enjoying what I considered a "meal," we loaded up the trolley and headed to our 2nd stop...Calapooia Brewing Co. Burger's, ruben's, fries, tots and three or four paddles of their beer in the garden and we could have stayed all evening! A great quick tour of their brewery of which they brew beer and send out to five different cities in Oregon, puts Albany on the map of one of the best places to brew beer! Told ya we like to share!

Ah...Taste of Italy at Pizza King! A quick cooking lesson with fresh garlic, lemon zest, peppers and parmegano reggiano mixed in "orchetta" pasta and yummm! Ruby you are the best and that authentic "bellini" with the fresh berries, the peaches, the Prosecco and wow...is there life after you have had the best Italian food? And yes...by this time we are beginning to get really full but we don't want to be done yet! So, we board the trolley again and head to P'Shaws and enjoy a quick bite of local jams, sweets and a nice browse of Pam's shop of handmade, homemade and all regional goodies!

The last trolley stop took us to Sybaris! From here we walked the rest of the tour. Believe me when I say...we really needed it. But, not till we have had Matt's most delectable dish! Thank you Matt and Janel for helping put Albany on many maps and for drawing visitor's from all over the world as they come to enjoy our sweet town and your most divine Pacific Northwest cuisine! What a treat and gorgeous as always!

Rolling almost literally down the "avenue," we entered Vault 244 and were lead through Lane's very trendy, very cool and very inviting bistro. Hauled in to the new banquet room at the rear of the restaurant, we were awestruck at our "taste!" Almost too pretty to eat and drink, Lane gave us a quick run down on the new renovations and the much anticipated outdoor seating options. That is set to be open this week by the way. Thanks to Lane, his head chef and mixologist (that's my name for the guy that makes the cool drinks) for a very unforgettable taste!

Moving on to Clemenza's again owned my Matt and Janel and at no surprise another perfect taste of Prosciutto wrapped fruit in a balsamic glaze and oh my...yum doesn't even begin to describe this taste. In awe, in amazement and in for another treat, we then headed to First Burger where couldn't possibly "taste" another bite...but man...that Frito chili pie was soooo good! But, we needed our cupcakes! Well...I did anyways and knowing that Jessica's Rocket Queen Cupcakes were waiting for us at Boccherini's along with a nice iced latte', we shook a leg and rubbed our bellies and headed on in for the perfect ending of very perfect taste!

And that it was!

Thanks to all our restaurateurs, our chef's, our owner's of these delish dining digs in Albany! We are here because you are here and have helped make our town a destination location for travelers, trekkers, writers, photographers and local folks that just plain love "really good" food!

And...if you are visiting Oregon this season, join us for our next "nosh" in Albany, OR on July 31st! For info: call the Albany Visitor's Assn. at 541-928-0831! And...if you are looking for that most awesome Oregon B & B to perfectly round out your perfect Oregon visit, check out The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild at www.obbg.org!

Culinary Tourism in the state of Oregon!...baked brie and caprese!

Monday, June 14, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Not sure I would want this guy in my garden but I loved going to our local nursery last week!

Looking for all kinds of herbs to plant in our garden has been fun this year. Our usual Sweet and Thai Basil will steal the show in all our breakfasts at our inn but this year we are looking for those unusual herbs that add a taste that's new and fresh!

There are a few of my favorite summertime recipes below that I hope you make, enjoy and share with your friends. Around here when the sun is shining, the margaritas are made and we are looking for that simple and very tasty something to chew on, we make "Insalata Caprese" and a little "Baked Brie!" Who doesn't love a bit of mozzarella with lots of herbs and tomatoes? And...who doesn't love that nutty and creamy brie oozing fresh out of the oven spread on crusty Italian bread.

So...here goes! Enjoy and let us know how much you loved these recipes and if you have a "really good" margarita recipe to share, let us know about that too!

BAKED BRIE

2 Tablespoons butter, softened
About 7 ounces whole ripe Brie or Camembert cheese with rind
2 Tablespoons sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread butter over the top and sides of Brie. Place the Brie on an ovenproof rimmed serving plate. (I like using a mini cast iron pan...it looks cool and keeps the cheese warmer longer). Sprinkle almonds over top.

Bake in the preheated 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until cheese just begins to melt!

and now for the Caprese!

INSALATA CAPRESE

3 lg. fresh tomatoes
16 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, only fresh will do
1/2 small red onion, sliced thin
1/2 sliced black or kalamata olives
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar ( I use 30 yr. old basal mic vinegar...really, really good flavor!)
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
1/8 cup fresh oregano
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (or use Fleur de sel...a French sea salt...yum)!

Slice mozzarella into small slices, slice tomatoes thick and combine the tomatoes and cheese with all the remaining ingredients. Toss well and coat everything!

Chill for 1 hour (minimum). When ready to serve, arrange tomatoes on a large platter, put some of the cheese slices on each tomato slice. Work in olives and onions. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top and serve with crusty bread!

And yes...these recipes can be served with one of our awesome "inn" breakfasts! We hear it's a European thing. Loving that fresh just picked and tossed dish makes us innkeepers pretty popular in Oregon. Check out one of our Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild Inns to see what's cookin' this summer!

Culinary Tourism in Oregon Takes You To The Coffee Shop!

Sunday, May 16, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

"Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted seeds, commonly called coffee beans, of the coffee plant. They are seeds of coffee cherries that grow on trees in over 70 countries. Green unroasted coffee is one of the most traded agricultural commodities in the world. Due to its caffeine content, coffee can have a stimulating effect in humans. Today, coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide." per Wikipedia when googling "coffee!"

And according to a National Geographic take on coffee..."Goats will eat anything. Just ask Kaldi the legendary Ethiopian (map) goatherd. Kaldi, the story goes, noticed his herd dancing from one coffee shrub to another, grazing on the cherry-red berries containing the beans. He copped a few himself and was soon frolicking with his flock." This is actually supposed to be a true story from centuries ago when the fruit was first discovered.

The biggest question though is...how do you take yours?

A self professed coffee snob, I did not have a relationship with coffee until about 10 years ago. It was so bad that my father-in-law got in to the habit of bringing his own thermos when coming to our home. Now that's telling you something. My coffee was apparently horrible. Since then, I have learned that the fresher roasted the bean the better, the grind is really important and if you are true coffee snob, you will forgo the sugary syrups, the tons of creamer and learn to love the crema as it lulls in your mouth and you are smitten when you find that perfect cup of "joe!"

I recently learned about coffee "French Press" style. I love the flavor, the way the oils thicken the brew and the true coffee experience. And an experience when drinking that perfect "cuppa" is what you want. I hear from an English friend that we Americans taking our "cups to go" is not how it should be done. A true sit with a "real" cup is how we should do it. And, if you aren't making it at home, check out a few of these places if you are visiting Oregon this season!

Pirate Coffee, Wandering Goat Coffee Co., Boyd Coffee Co., Sisters Coffee Co., Kobos Coffee Co., Oregon Mountain Coffee or Allann Bros.!

And yes of course...there just happens to be an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inn or two near all of these awesome coffee shops! But then...you are really lucky if your innkeeper is a "coffee snob!" We are sure to buy the best, local and freshest beans around. And, if you are looking to check out some "Oregon" roasted coffee beans and you want to try them brewed "French Press" style, check out "Mother's Bistro and Bar" or "The Heathman Hotel" in the Portland area or, "Tease" in Southern Oregon!

Just as always, your Oregon innkeepers know where to find the best of everything here! The best local culinary experiences and the best brews too!

Wings, Wine and Eugene Bed and Breakfasts of Oregon

Monday, April 5, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

The Wings and Wine Festival is scheduled for May 8, 2009 at Fern Ridge. The extensive wetlands provide unique habitats for a variety of wildlife, including breeding birds and a large variety of birding opportunities for all levels.

Pre-registration is required for some activities.
There are many nature walks planned and a van tour of local wineries and tasting rooms. Nothing like mixing a little geotourism and culinary tourism on the same trip!

Where to stay? Fern Ridge is located 10 miles west of Eugene, in Oregon's southern Willamette. These Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild's inns await your arrival. They are sure to provide a quiet place to unwind, a restful night's sleep and an outstanding gourmet breakfast to start your day.

Oval Door B&B: A 20th century farmhouse style inn, located in downtown Eugene. The guest rooms are elegant, comfortable, and spacious.

C'est la Vie Inn: Offers four guest rooms, each uniquely decorated and well appointed and proudly stands in a quiet west Eugene neighborhood.

River Walk Inn: Located in a quiet residential neighborhood on the edge of downtown, this lovely Dutch Colonial home is on a local bike path.

Social Innkeepers, Culinary Tourism and the OBBG Annual Meeting in Ashland Oregon

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

So here we are--social innkeepers engaging in a little culinary tourism in Ashland Oregon as part of our Annual Meeting of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. We started the day with touring some wonderful Ashland Oregon lodging facilities: Ashland Springs Hotel, Winchester Inn, Chanticleer Bed & Breakfast, the Romeo Inn, Albion Inn, Shrew's House Bed & Breakfast, the Ashland Royal Carter House, Oak Hill B&B and Country Willows Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Most of these inns were withing walking distance of downtown Ashland. Can you imagine innkeepers trooping through the neighborhoods of Ashland in the rain and sometimes snow?

Ahi Wasabe Edamane from Dragonfly Restaurant & Gardens in Ashland Oregon

In the afternoon, we began our Epicurean tour of Ashland restaurants at the Ashland Springs Hotel with samples of Organic Nation's Gin and Vodka accompanied by duck confit from Lark's, a restaurant located within the Ashland Springs Hotel. Yum!

Other restaurants on our Epicurean tour included samplings from: Zoey's Cafe, Tease, Dragonfly Restaurant & Gardens and Standing Stone Brewing Company. Everything was tasty and fresh. As says Pat from Oak Hill B&B, "We're so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful restaurants!"

Oregon Farmer's Market...a lesson in culinary tourism!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by Debbie Lusk

Can you say sustainable travel?...can you utter culinary tourism?...or can you blurt..."wow...I've never seen veggies this green before!"

Well...it began on March 20th in Portland! It's Spring here and it's time for our Oregon Farmers Markets to sprout up all over the state and share their stuff! Flowers, veggies, art...you name it and you can find it. From now till deep in to autumn, you can drive in to just about any Oregon town, city or region and find a farmers market!

Throughout this season, you can enhance your Oregon culinary experience by tasting the fresh faire and enjoying our local goods as they are paired with wines and cheese's and yes...we grow them too! And we do a mighty fine job of it! The Willamette Valley as well as Southern Oregon grow the best grapes for the best wine in the entire state! The cheese's here in Oregon...wow, what can I say?...they are delightful and can also be seen at almost every farmers market in the state!

In the city of Albany, you not only find our lovely home and garden grown goods, you will find local honey, flowers, crepes and even local music to be had as well. It's all about what is here, what we can see, taste and touch and then take home.

If it's made here, grown here or even played here, you can experience it here! We hope when