Belles and Beaus of Jacksonville Pay a Visit to Bybee's Historic Inn

Monday, November 28, 2011 by Heather Tyreman
Belles and Beaus of Jacksonville Oregon gather in November 2011 at Bybee's Historic Inn for an evening of Victorian fun.You just never know what's going to happen next when you visit an Oregon bed and breakfast.

Vikki Lynn and Tina Marie of Bybee's Historic Inn near Jacksonville, OR, don't let the grass grow under their feet!  There's always something new and exciting going on at this authentic Oregon lodging.  Here's a report about a recent Northwest culinary event at their inn, combined with a little bit of Victorian fun.

They write:

November 5th: Twenty-two members of Belles and Beaus of Jacksonville enjoyed and evening of Victorian tradition at the Bybee’s Historic Inn.   Belles and Beaus is an organization that promotes history by dressing The gentleman of Belles and Beaus of Jacksonville Oregon gather at Bybee's Historic Innin vintage clothing and accessories while reviving the traditions of the 1800’s.  They pay attention to every detail including the clutches the ladies carried containing period appropriate items. 

After a gourmet dinner catered by Chef William Prahl of Deja Vu in Jacksonville, the ladies retired to the Parlor and the men remained in the dining room just as it was done in the Victorian era. 

To finish off the evening everyone gathered in the parlor to play Victorian games.  It was truly magical to have our 1857 circa home filled with guests representing that period.



If you're looking for a venue for your special event, consider Bybee's Historic Inn near Jacksonville, OR.  Bybee's Historic Inn specializes as an Oregon wedding location.  They also play host to various northwest culinary events in their dining room.  You can find out more at their special events webpage and at their wedding events webpage.


Or give them a call at (541) 899-0106 to discuss your plans.

5th Annual Food & Wine Classic and Ashland Oregon Lodging

Friday, October 7, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini
5th annual Food & Wine Classic celebrates Ashland’s amazing restaurants, talented chefs, and Oregon’s bounty, Southern Oregon style.  The event kicks off on Friday, November 4th with a Meet the Chefs party and the Downtown Wine Crawl.  Join us as Chandra Corwin of Cucina Biazzi, Ashland’s 2010 Top Chef, defends her title against seven others in the Chef Showdown Saturday and Sunday starting at Noon. Sample over 30 vendors and experience wine, farm and food workshops. 

2010 Food & Wine Classic, Ashland Oregon from Dana Welsh on Vimeo.

You have many Ashland Oregon Lodging options and we suggest choosing an inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  The Guild has 6 unique inns to choose from when visiting Southern Oregon and Ashland all sharing their passion for true Northwest Culinary dining.  Create a memorable weekend, select a unique and quality inspected bed and breakfast and maybe even enjoy the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s closing weekend by seeing a play.

St Helens, Oregon ~ A Small Town with Big Surprises and an Elegant B&B

Sunday, August 14, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini

St Helens, Oregon with Mt St Helens in the distanceThere's a quirky little town on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, a half-hour drive north of Portland, that is trying to discover itself. St Helens Oregon has already been discovered by Hollywood, for one.  Recently numerous scenes from "Twilight" were filmed here and each October Olde Towne recreated in the manner of the popular 1998 Disney movie, "Halloweentown".

Dozens of fishing boats might be waiting in the harbor for the tide to turn and the salmon to run.  The local brewery, "Captured by Porches" is lodged behind the Plantation House and Captain Jack's karaoke bar in the heart of Olde Town, along with shops and restaurants and the Columbia Theatre.  Sailors and kayakers with rentals from Scappoose Bay Kayaking, enjoy the calm waters of the narrow channel and farther out, oceangoing freighters and container ships traveled the main Columbia channel.  The front steps of the 1905 Columbia County Courthouse — located immediately north of Columbia View Park — look out upon Plaza Square, which extends between Strand and First streets.



Nob Hill Riverview Bed and Breakfast in St.Helens, OregonA delightful Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn, The Nob Hill Riverview B&B, sits on a hilltop overlooking Olde Town and features a wonderful view of Mount St. Helen.  The perfect place to relax and unwind.  From the moment you step inside you will find that the Inn is elegantly appointed and restored for your comfort. You will feel pampered after a restful night's sleep and awake to the inviting aroma of homemade organic food being prepared for your breakfast.  A true Northwest Culinary treat for that romantic getaway and a unique inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Inns Play Poker with the Medford Cruise for Local Charities

Friday, June 17, 2011 by Heather Tyreman

Medford Cruise Poker Run on June 17, 2011 visits Prospect Historic Hotel and Bybee's Historic Inn


The Prospect Historic Hotel B&B Inn - Motel and Dinner House along with Bybee’s Historic Inn will be card stops for the Poker Run on Friday June 17th.

For over a quarter century the Medford Cruise has been all about automobiles, good times and good people. The Poker Run is a great opportunity to join in the fun, cruise with classic cars and win some great prizes. Approximately 90 cars will be participating in the run and the poker game. All of the proceeds benefit local youth organizations.

Both of these authentic Oregon Nationally Registered Historic Inns will be open for tours and a chance to stretch your legs on their magnificent grounds. Refreshments will be provided by each of the Inns.

            William M. Bybee, a prominent figure in the development of Jacksonville and the surrounding area built the Bybee House circa 1857. Now run by innkeepers Vikki Lynn and Tina Marie, the six-guestroom house has been restored to all of its original elegance and is known as Bybee's Historic Inn.  The Inn hosts a ‘Historic Characters’ Dinner on the third Friday of each month. (This is happening after the Poker Run)

            Albion Boothby built the Prospect Hotel (originally called the Boothby House) circa 1888, as a stop over for visitors to Crater Lake. Known as the Prospect Historic Hotel and Dinner House, Karen and Fred Wickman have enhanced the traditions set by the Boothbys in providing an elegant yet relaxing stay along with hearty meals, both for breakfast and one of their fantastic dinners. The Signature Prime Rib has been called “The Best in Southern Oregon” and is one of the Northwest culinary delights of Southern Oregon.

            The Medford Cruise Poker Run Cars will start showing up at the Prospect Historic Hotel around 10:30 to 11am on Friday June 17th and come by Bybee’s Historic Inn around 12:00 to 12:30pm.

            If you wish to see a lot of really great classic cars, stop by either Inn on Friday and ENJOY the VIEWING!

Sunset Magazine Recognizes Chehalem Ridge B&B in Newberg Oregon

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 by Heather Tyreman

So we set out to find rooms—weekend rooms—for under $150 per night*. Call us cheap, but for that price we also want our own bathroom, no bedbugs, and rooms, or at the very least lobbies, with a dash of personality. And each one of these hotels is in a place we really want to go. (*All hotels have an under-$150 rate for at least 1 weekend through late spring and summer. Rates do not include tax.) What follows is our list of the best.

24. Chehalem Ridge B&B, Newberg, OR. With a view that it shares only with the hawks, this modern cottage has 4 cozy but unfancy rooms within striking distance of dozens and dozens of Willamette Valley wineries. Breakfast is a multicourse affair that on nice days is served out on the deck. $140; chehalemridge.com   

View from the Rose Room at Chehalem Ridge B&B in Newberg OregonInnkeeper Kristin Fintel's comment:  "The rumors are true! Sunset Magazine Loves Us! We are listed as #24 of the West's best hotel deals. I might quibble with the word un-fancy (is "doily-free so hard to type?), but we appreciate the love non the less."

And Chehalem Ridge B&B is only one of ten properties that Sunset selected in the Northwest!  Kudos to Kristin & Curt!

What the Sunset staff didn't tell you is Kristin is well-versed in the kitchen, creating a variety of breakfast meals that suit individuals who are gluten-free or avoid eating such common foods as eggs, dairy, soy, corn, nuts, or even sugar.  Or course, if you're not food sensitive, her breakfast cuisine features the best the Northwest can offer.  And, the price of breakfast is included with your room.  Will you find that level of service in most hotels?

If you're looking for a Northwest culinary experience at an authentic Oregon bed and breakfast, look no further than Chehalem Ridge B&B in Newberg.  And maybe you'll see the Sunset staffers enjoying the view.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast's Slow Food

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini

What do you see in this photo?  If you answered apples, mushrooms, potatoes, bread and greens, you would be right.  I see a savory Italian Fritatta with Argula and mushrooms, herbed roasted potatoes, a rich and flavorful banana French Toast and Old Parkdale Inn’s famous Baked Fuji Apples.

Once a week we receive our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box delivered to our door by Hood River Organics.  It's like Christmas every time, not knowing what gifts we will receive.  Depends on what is being harvested on the organic family farms in the Hood River Valley and Columbia Gorge.  This is exceptional Oregon Slow Food.

Some of the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild belong to their local CSA and they also, along with most of our innkeepers, visit the farmers markets regularly, selecting the perfect ingredient to create a true Northwest Culinary experience for our guests. Many of us have gardens producing fresh herbs, vegies, and more.

As spring turns into summer the box gets heavier and the market stands overflow with more and more of the bounty our farms have to offer.  Won’t be long before the berries and fresh herbs start arriving.  Can’t you just taste them?

A Northwest Culinary Delight ~ Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Monday, April 25, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini
Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee CakeIt is spring in the Pacific Northwest.  The rhubarb in the gardens of our inn, the Old Parkdale Inn, is just about ready to harvest and the Oregon strawberries should begin to come on soon.  Put the two together and we get a favorite of our guests, Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee Cake.

3 c fresh rhubarb, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 c fresh strawberries
sweeten with agave nectar (or one c sugar)
1/3 c cornstarch

Cook the strawberries and rhubarb for about 5 minutes.  Combine the sweetener of your choice with the cornstarch and add to fruit.  Cook until bubbly and thick.  Set aside to cool


3 c flour
1 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 c butter

1 c buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract

Combine dry ingredients.  Cut in butter until the mixture resembles fine  crumbs.  Beat wet ingredients together and add to flour mix, stirring just to moisten.  Spread half the batter in a greased 9x13x2 inch baking pan.  Spread the cooled rhubarb filling over this and spoon the remaining batter in small portions on top of the filling.

Make a topping by combining

3/4 c sugar, 2 cup flour, cut in 1/4 cup butter and then add 1/4 cup flaked coconut

Sprinkle over the coffee cake batter, bake at 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes.  The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild truely enjoy turning your vacation into a culinary vacation.  Coffee anyone?

Hood River Blossom Festival and Oregon Bed and Breakfast Inns

Sunday, April 3, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini
Mt Hood, blooming orchards and beehives near a Mt Hood Bed and Breakfast - photo by Mary PellegriniIn the Hood River Valley 15,000+ acres pears, apples, cherries and other fruit, will burst into blossom this month.  It is a true sign of sping as we dust the snow off our back steps. 

Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of spring with a full plate of events from BBQs, to arts and craft shows, to antique sales. 

You won't want to miss the Blossom Fest Quilt Show with some 80-100 beautiful handmade quilts will be on display, many for sale.  Another can't miss event is the Dessert Party at the Apple Valley Country Store.  A variety of desserts, jams and jellies, all made with fresh local fruit, will be available.

Start your day at one of the many Oregon Bed and Breakfasts near Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge with a breakfast prepared from fresh local products.  Ginger baked pears, fresh Blueberry Scones, Apple Quiche, we're talking Northwest Culinary breakfasts!

With Nine Unique Inns in OBBG's Mt Hood Region to choose from this will only be one of the hard choices you'll face on a weekend of events for all the senses.

Take the scenic 35 mile Fruit Loop through the valley's orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities.

Just want to sit back and relax?  The Mt Hood Railroad travels through thousands of acres of orchards in blossom and has a layover in Parkdale and the Art and Music Festival.  Enjoy live music and art in the park while taking in stunning views of Mt. Hood.

Visit us in the Hood River Valley at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn and prove to yourself that spring has definitely arrived!!

Have I been an Oregon Innkeeper for 8 years already?

Friday, April 1, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini
The Old Parkdale Inn-A Mt Hood Bed and BreakfastOn March 31st, 2003, we arrived in Parkdale and began our journey as innkeepers of the Old Parkdale Inn, a Mt. Hood Bed and Breakfast.  It was something I had dreamed about doing for quite awhile and some days I still pinch myself and some days I ask myself what am I doing!

Today I begin my 9th year.  My, time certainly flies when we are having fun!  And I am having fun.  Oh, I admit there are days when it gets a little rough, say mid September when we have had a constant turnover of guests experiencing Oregon.  But those guests are amazing and I wouldn't trade them for the world.  Some have become friends, almost family, they have returned so many times.

The Old Parkdale Inn is nestled in the Hood River Valley on the northern slope of Mt. Hood.  We are the perfect base for outdoor adventure and quiet retreats.   Our grounds have been recognized as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat and we look forward to spring and the arrival of the many birds that frequent our feeders.

Located in the heart of the Fruit loop, a scenic 35 mile driving tour past family farms, fruit stands, wineries, and friendly communities, we anxiously await the show of blossoms ready to open in the acres of pears, cherries and apples.

On Blossom Fest Weekend, April 15/16, businesses along the Fruit Loop open after their winter nap and celebrate spring with art shows, music, and of course, food.

Mt. Hood, Pear Blossoms and Bee Hives, a sure sign of Spring in the Hood River ValleyAs a Certified Green Lodging member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild you can rest assured you will experience accommodations fulfilling your sustainable travel needs.  Our inn has three artistically decorated guest rooms, all with private bath, eco friendly products, a modern kitchen and dining room where we serve up a hearty Northwest culinary breakfast.  
 
The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, , the Hood River Valley blossoms, Mt. Hood.  Is there a better way to welcome spring?

Sakura Ridge - The Farm and Lodge. Exquisite lodging in the Columbia River Gorge

Monday, March 28, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini
Sakura Ridge The Farm and Lodge with Panoramic Views of Mt Hood and the Hood River ValleySakura Ridge - The Farm and Lodge, is a working orchard and Oregon bed and breakfast located on the west slopes of the Hood River Valley.  You'll feel like you are sitting on top of the world as you enjoy panoramic views of the valley and majestic Mt Hood from your private patios or the extensive decks.

The Farm grows organic dark sweet cherries and delicate pears many of which make it to the amazing breakfasts served at the Lodge along with many other organic fruits and vegetables grown organically in the extensive gardens.  A true Northwest Culinary experience. 

From the Coast, Portland, Mount Hood and The Gorge, Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon to the Rogue River Valley or Central Oregon to the High desert of the East the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers unique and comfortable accommodations.

Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our near 100 hosts in any one of our many regions. Experience romantic getaways, historic treasures, and tucked away rustic retreats.  Whether your trip is for a quiet escape to a quaint rural or coastal town, for a World Class City experience or for a new spin on business travel, you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance by staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn

Ski, Surf , Sip and Sleep in One Location ~ In and Near the Hood River Valley

Thursday, March 24, 2011 by Mary Pellegrini

The town of Hood River, the hub of the Columbia River Gorge, is known in the world of sports at the windsurfing capital of America. Stiff prevailing winds and the Columbia's strong Mt Hood, Oregon's tallest peak at 11, 240' watches over the Hood River Valleyriver currents combine to create a kind of wind tunnel that makes for legendary windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.  South of the city, above the pear and apple orchards of the Hood River Valley, the massive glaciered peak of Mount Hood rises to fill the horizon, a perfect postcard image of Oregon. 
 
Where can you ski in the morning and windsurf into the afternoon and evening?  And it's blossom time in the Hood River Valley.  Take the Fruit Loop, a 35 driving tour through the valley's orchards, forests and quiet communities.  Stroll the quaint shops, breweries, and wine tasting rooms in downtown Hood River.  The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild will provide unique accommodations, a superb Northwest Culinary experience, and tips on where to dine and explore. 

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

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Breakfast Ingredients at Forest Springs Bed and BreakfastNo 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.

Wanderfeast ~ 10 Weeks, 10 Chefs and 10 Tastes They're Crazy About

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
There you have them.  Ten Weeks, 10 Chefs, and 10 Tastes they're crazy about!  Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products.

Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast - A Culinary Vacation through Oregon

Week One ~ Cheese Week

Week Two ~ Travel Oregon Fish Week

Travel Oregon Wanderfeast Beer Week ~ Week Three

Wanderfeast Week Four ~ Fall Fruits Week

Artisan Spirits Week Five ~ Travel Oregon Wanderfeast

Wanderfeast Week Six ~ Shellfish Week

Meat Week from Travel Oregon's Wanderfeast

It's All About the Nuts in Wanderfeast Week Eight

Mushrooms ~ A Staple in Northwest Culinary Fall Dishes

Oregon Bounty Wanderfeast Week Ten ~ Wine

Travel Oregon and the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild invite you to come along for a Wanderfeast Vacation.   Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  For information about Wanderfeast, 10 weeks, 10 chefs and 10 very special culinary tastes of Oregon visit the Travel Oregon Website.

Mushrooms ~ A Staple in A Northwest Culinary Fall Dishes

Sunday, November 7, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini

Another week....another feast!  Wanderfeast, a celebration of food, foodies, and your chance for an authentic Oregon Culinary Vacation.  From the wine crush in Applegate Valley to the chanterelles hiding in the Coast Range to the fish and game that frolic in every nook and cranny of Oregon, ten top chefs will chase after ten of Oregon’s finest epicurean products. It’s ten weeks of foodie bliss, from one end of Oregon to the other.  And you’re invited to come along.  For information about this week's Wanderfeast and spirits of Oregon visit the Travel Oregon Website 

Oregon is home to some pretty fabulous fungi: hobbit-like morels, earthy porcinis, the elusive truffle. If you know what you’re looking for, a day in the forest during the fall can yield a bounty of wild mushrooms. This week we find mushroom-crazy chef Leather Storrs from Noble Rot among the firs in the foothills of Oregon’s Coast Range, sleuthing for chanterelles.


 

Design  your own Wanderfeast and possibly win a Culinary Vacation of a lifetime.  And even if you don't win we encourage you to create your own Oregon Culinary experience by visiting the member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and plan an Oregon culinary vacation like no other.  Our innkeepers take breakfast seriously, serving freshly ground coffee, more often than not roasted locally, along with sweet and savory delights created from the very best of what our Oregon producers have to offer.  

Dessert for Breakfast - Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake

Monday, July 19, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
The Innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild use the freshest, locally grown ingredients when preparing breakfast for our guests.  Berries are big in Oregon and during July the Oregon farmer harvests the Blueberry.  The Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake3The Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake is so easy and is always a favorite summer culinary treat at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.  This great crumb-topping coffee cake recipe comes to me via the Hood River County Fruit Loop Cook Book and Nelson's Blueberry Farm where we pick up our supply of the dark blue berries high in anti-oxidants and other micro-nutrients.  The Buckle is a great crumb-topping coffee cake, light, moist, and filled with blueberries.  We serve this hot with tangy yogurt and fresh blueberries for an authentic Northwest Culinary Treat.

Have you ever wondered why this dessert is called a "Buckle"?  "Buckle" is defined as to "bend, warp, bulge, or collapse" which is exactly what happens to a blueberry buckle as it bakes.  That is because during the baking of this coffee cake the baking powder in the cake causes the buckle to rise.  But with all those fresh Oregon blueberries and crunchy streusel on top of the cake batter, the cake rises, unevenly, thereby giving it that "buckled" look.

Blueberry Buckle

3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup flour
2 teas. baking powder
1//2 teas. salt
1/2 teas. nutmeg
1/4 teas. cloves
1 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Topping
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teas. cinnamon
1/4 cup soft butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cut shortening into sugar.  Add eggs and milk and blend well.  Add dry ingredients then gentle fold in blueberries.  Pour into greased 9 inch square baking dish.  Combine topping ingredients and crumble over batter.  Bake 40-45 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched.  Serves 8
 

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!  





A Northwest Culinary Treat ~ Rogue Creamery Lavender Cheddar Panini as served at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

Monday, May 31, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
Rogue Creamery Lavender Cheddar Panini as served at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

Guests at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast have been treated to the Rogue Creamery Lavender Cheddar Spring Tart several times now much to their delight.  This past weekend at our inn located in the Hood River Valley we served the Rogue Creamery Panini with Apples, Spinach and Red Onion.  I sauted the onion in a little butter to soften the flavor for a perfect breakfast sandwich.  Yummy!!  Enjoy and visit the Rogue Creamery on Facebook, like, and stay tuned to more of the yummy recipes utilizing their superb cheeses. 


LAVENDER CHEDDAR PANINI WITH APPLES, SPINACH AND RED ONION
2 thick slices rustic 9 grain bread
6 slices Rogue Creamery Lavender Cheddar
6 thin slices Braeburn apple
6 leaves fresh organic spinach
…3 slices red onion rings
Layer slice of bread with 3 slices of cheese and the remaining ingredients. Top with 3 more slices of cheese and bread. Drizzle bread with olive oil and place oil side down on a pre-heated panini press. Drizzle more oil on top of bread and close panini press. Grill until cheese is melted and bread is a golden brown. Serve with sweet mustard or jam and lots of fresh fruit.

You'll find that the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild take extra steps to seek out the freshest ingredients from our Oregon farms so we can serve up the very best Oregon Culinary breakfast treats.
 

50 Plates...all 50 States and the rest of the feast found in Portland!

Sunday, May 9, 2010 by Debbie Lusk
"50 Plates is a restaurant showcasing the cuisine of the American tradition. Of memories real or imagined of grandmothers’ pies, state fair fries, of date shakes and cheese steaks; a Kentucky bourbon fueled culinary road-trip beyond Route 66, from Smithfield Hams to Ipswich Clams. 50 Plates is the best of red states, blue plates, and everything in between."

Nuff said!  This Portland, Oregon restaurant kind of sums up their offerings in one short and very sweet paragraph!  Too late for dinner one evening, we happened upon 50 Plates and decided a margarita and appetizer's sounded perfect.  Chopped Salad with Oregon cheese, apples and nice pork slider for my hubby along with a couple of house margaritas and we were hooked!  A few weeks later we tried 50 Plates again but for dinner this time.  A couple of orders of "Wild Mushroom Stroganoff" and were hooked all over again! 

Slowly eating our way through Portland one restaurant at a time, we have had the opportunity to try just about every type of food but have no where come near to trying even a dozen different places.  I think it's quite possible that Portland, Oregon is the Northwest Culinary capital of the country!  And, attach that awesome title to one of our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild membership inns, and you have the perfect food pairing!

The Heron Haus in the NW district of Portland, The Lion and The Rose B & B and The Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast all of which are in or near Portland, are spanned far enough a part from each other, that one can experience all the tastes of Portland that reach across the Rose City.  Strategically located in very different parts of the city, staying in any one of these inns puts you near some of the best food you'll ever taste!

My faves!...Kenny and Zukes...a Portland Jewish delicatessen with "real" bagels and cream cheese!  Piazza Italia...a place in the Pearl where you could swear you were in Italy the second you walk in the door.  Henry's Tavern is where the beer never stops flowing and the food is absolutely to die for.  Prepare to be so stuffed after dining at Henry's, that you'll have to walk it off!  And then of course 50 Plates.  A big city bistro in the heart of Portland.  Mind you..."my faves" change periodically as we explore even more in to the belly of food beast.  It will be a never ending exploration that will only end we are done.  And hopefully...we won't be done till we're done...well...at least not until we've had dessert!






Oregon Birdwatching in the Mt Hood Region of Oregon

Thursday, April 22, 2010 by Mary Pellegrini
March brings the southward movement of many migratory land birds and as an avid birder I wanted to share the many birding opportunities that can be found in Oregon.  The Oregon Cascade Birding Trail (OCBT) is a self-guided tour highlighting nearly 200 prime birding destinations designed to showcase the region's birds and spectacular scenery.  This blog will focus on the Mt Hood Loop of the Oregon Cascade Birding Trail.  Let's get settled first before we begin our birding adventure.  There are Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns near many an OCBT trailhead where you can begin your day with a northwest culinary breakfast and the geotourism knowledge our innkeepers have to share.

The Mt. Hood Loop of the OCBT rises from the Columbia River to Mt. Hood, the highest point in Oregon, and combines some of the best of the region's birding with legendary Oregon scenery.  This loop traverses the Columbia River National Scenic Area and the Mt. Hood National Forest and visits 19 birding sites.

Lewis and Clark traveled the Columbia Gorge corridor.  The Lewis' Woodpecker, Clark's Nutcracker and Clark's Grebe were named in their honor.  Many species of waterfowl and raptors including the Bald Eagle inhabit the river and Tamanawas Fallsfurther up the mountain you'll observe woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and so many more.

One of my favorite hikes, and I have many, is the Tamanawas Falls trail.  The falls are amazing at 100 feet high and 40 feet wide.  The trailhead footbridge is the midpoint of a 8-mile stretch of the East Fork of the Hood Riverhosting nesting Harlequin Ducks.  A riparian habitat and mature mixed-conifer forest surrounds the trail to the falls.

Brightwood Guest House Bed and BreakfastAfter you've explored the trails on the north side of Mt. Hood head on around to the south and western flanks where the Sandy and Zig Zag Rivers lead you past Trillium Lake and through Wildwood Recreation Area.  The Brightwood Guest House B&B, the site of a former pioneer way station, can provide a home base while searching for the elusive Pileated Woodpecker.  Bring out the hiking boots and binoculars, pack your bags and begin your Oregon Birdwatching adventure.

Not your momma's inn...An Oregon Culinary Vacation!

Sunday, April 11, 2010 by Debbie Lusk
The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn, Albany, OregonOver twenty years ago, I had my first experiece staying at an inn.  The Bath Street Inn in Santa Barbara was lovely.  Flowers, cakes, cookies, wine and yeah...the fact that it was set in Santa Barbara didn't hurt anything either. Well...that was a while ago and a few years back my dream of being an innkeeper came true.  It will be two years on May 1st since we opened our inn and began our new lives as innkeepers.  Wow...what a change from being the guest to being the innkeeper!  Yes...it's romantic, yes...it's even a bit like living in a fantasy world and oh yeah...it's a heck of a lot of work but you know what...we wouldn't have it any other way!

Seeing the changes over the years take place in the B & B industry has been eye opening as well.  And...seeing the changes in how our guests travel, what they want to do here when they get here and seeing how some guests are choosing their vacations based purly on what kind of Oregon Culinary experience they are going to get has changed a lot just in the past two years.  Economy, family time and making the most out of a long planned trip has formed the ideas in our heads that we wanna get the most for our money.  Well...I'm here to tell ya...you have clicked on the right link!  Innkeepers in Oregon and especially our Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild innkeepers are pretty awesome!  We love to cook, we love using our local products and most of all, we love to brag about how we are able to use what grows here in our regions to prepare the best food.  That's probably why our guests keep coming back!

In Southern Oregon near Ashland, Jacksonville, and Cottage Grove, our innkeepers are so lucky to have so many choices when it comes to "good food!"  The Rogue Creamery, several wineries, and great restaurants that use local food when preparing their recipes top the list in Southern Oregon. The Willamette Valley is also known for their local booty as well.  Where else can you go to harvest hazelnuts, pick wine grapes, grab a box of organic veggies and go back to your inn and prepare a feast?  Well...we know it's here!  Then there's the HoodBrightwood Guest House B & B, Oregon River Valley...what can we say about that region?  Yummmmm!  Orchards full of things like pears, organic cherries and apples!

Come check in to one of our inns!  We'll show you a culinary adventure, a little local taste and a Northwest Culinary Vacation you will wanna come back for! Oh yeah...bring mom along too!