Double-Stacked Bookshelves

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon!  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! JT's Food Truck A traveling truck through Marion and Polk counties, you can find JT 's at various locations on various days.  One day, you'll find him serving up food at the state capitol in Salem.  The next day you might find him outside the trucking repair shop on the side of the highway in Independence.  Another day might find you visiting the Barrel and Keg or Vagabond Brewing or another Salem establishment.  Yet another might find you dressed in your finest wedding attire while he feeds everyone at a reception.  Wherever you stumble across JT's, be prepared to eat some tasty food.  Sometimes you'll even catch him pulling his homemade smoker...

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon!  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! Ixtapa I am a huge fan of Mexican food and Ixtapa does a tasty job of providing that.  A traditional sit-down restaurant with a few locations throughout the state, the location I'm most familiar with is in Lebanon.  Their portions are HUGE, so there's at least two meals for the price of one.  The location is easy to get to and family friendly.  Mmmm.  Via TripAdvisor Recommendations:  The Daniel Special (skirt steak, grilled chicken, fried shrimp, rice, beans, guacamole, and tortillas on the side), Fajitas, Margaritas! You can check out their menu here .   What are some of your favorite I eating establishments? Come back tomorro...

Join me for the moth of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon!  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! Hasty Freez HF is an Albany institution!  They used to have a second location in Lebanon, but that one was closed years ago to make way for a Dutch Bros.  However, the original is still holding strong and is a hot destination for anyone who knows the wonders of the drive-thru/walk-up burger/shake stand.  Everyone who spouts off about how good In-n-Out is has CLEARLY never experienced the glory that is Hasty Freez.  It's all about that American Cheese and special sauce!  And the milkshakes?!  Oh man, the milkshakes!  Via the Democrat-Herald Don't let the exterior or the fact that you might wait a hefty minute to order fool you, this place ...

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon!  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! Grain Station Brew Works With two locations within 30 minutes of each other, GSBW is making a name for itself as a great gathering spot with pretty good brews and some killer food.  Originally located in McMinnville, GSBW has recently opened a second location in the small college town of Monmouth and business is booming.  The vibe is welcoming and you can't go wrong with a visit!  McMinnville location via Yelp Recommendations Brews:  Danksta's Paradise IPA, House Money IPA, Tarrazu Coffee Stout, Haystack Gold Ale Cocktails:  Pear Tree Food:  Cambazola Mushroom Burger, Grilled Chicken Burger, Jalapeno Poppers, Hummus Plate Check out the...

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon!  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! First Burger Located in a little storefront in downtown Albany, First Burger has become one of the busiest stops in town.  Operating from an "always fresh, always fast" attitude, you're guaranteed to get a tasty burger in your basket.  Add in some hand-cut fries and this place means business! Recently taken over by one of the former cooks, First Burger has not let up on any of their founding principles.  It's a tasty little gem in a vibrant and growing downtown.  Heads Up...seating is limited! Recommendations:  Mushroom Burger, The Uncle Sam, Fried Pickles You can check out the menu here ! What are some of your favorite F eating establis...

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon!  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! Eola Hills Wine Cellars With two locations in the near vicinity (Rickreall and Salem), Eola Hills has a lot to offer its patrons.  While the majority of their offerings are wine (obviously), they do hold a few events that include food.  One of my favorite things that Eola does is Yoga and Wine evenings on the first Monday of the month (1st and 3rd when the weather is nicer).  They have paired with Yoga+Beer , a PNW company that hosts yoga and beer/wine/cider sessions at various breweries/wineries throughout Oregon and Washington, and the event draws dozens of people to the locations. EH Legacy Estates via Made in Oregon Recommendation:  2015 Oregon Pi...

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon.  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! DaVinci Ristorante In the vicinity of where I currently live, there aren't a ton of "fancier" eating establishments; at least ones that don't take an hour or more to get to.  DaVinci , however, is one of a handful of fine dining restaurants in our state capitol, Salem.  You'll find steak, seafood, pastas, etc on their menu, in addition to an EXTENSIVE wine list .  You will also find much more reasonable prices for the fine dining experience than you would find in larger cities, like Portland.  Via the Statesman Journal DaVinci also offers a pretty great happy hour Monday through Saturday.  The prices are so incredibly reasonable that you could e...

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon.  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list!   Chowder Bowl at Nye Beach Mmmm...I love a good bowl of chowder.  Or any seafood, really.  But there is something so satisfying about soup and the Chowder Bowl's chowder is pretty stellar.  I mean, they named the restaurant after it!  Of course they offer other fares, but you should go for the chowder and the garlic onion cheese toast.  Drool! Located at Historic Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon, the Chowder Bowl is an institution.  They've been open and operating from the same location since 1980 and there is always a wait to get a table.  While you're waiting, feel free to wander 100 yards down the street to the beach or explo...

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon.  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! Bunk Sandwiches If you're looking for a seriously good sandwich, one that will drip and ooze and make you close your eyes in pure bliss, look no further than Bunk Sandwiches .  Located in a few separate locations throughout Portland, Bunk has made a name for themselves since their humble beginnings in a tiny hole-in-the-wall location on SE Morrison.  Since their debut on an episode of  Diner's, Drive-Ins, and Dives  in 2009, their business has been booming.  But don't let that deter you from going.  Despite their new-found fame, they have stayed true to their roots and continue to deliver outstanding sandwiches.  Recommendati...

Join me for the month of April as I participate in the A-Z Blogging Challenge and share some (I couldn't share all) of my favorite noshing joints in western Oregon.  Hopefully you'll leave the blog a little hungrier than when you arrived...or at least with a new culinary destination on your travel list! Arr' Place Tucked away on a quiet side street in Newport, Oregon, a small town on the central Oregon coast, is this culinary wonder.  Housed in an unassuming cottage and run by a three person team (Aymee, Robert, and Rebeka), most would pass right by and never know the delights within.  However, if you find yourself with the opportunity to step inside, I highly recommend it!  What will you find?  Local, fresh, and seasonal foods including water delights caught that morning.  My first visit to this location was on a complete fluke, but I was absolutely sold.  That trip found me diving...

Oh man, oh man!  The 2018 A-Z Blogging Challenge is just around the corner and it's time to reveal the theme of the month :) And, without further ado, I give you:  Noshing Your Way Through Oregon For the entire month of April I will be blogging about my favorite places to grab a bite, a pint, or a tasty treat in Oregon (specifically the western half of the state).  Why?  Because I like food.  It's universal and satisfying for the soul.  And it's my blog!  In return, feel free to share your favorite places to eat in your local area.  Or, if you've been to Oregon, feel free to share your favorite places to eat here.  It's a sharing and caring community! Don't know what the A-Z Blogging Challenge is?  Well, let me tell you!  Essentially, participants (hundreds!) spend the month of April (aside from Sundays...the much-coveted day of rest) blogging about their chosen topic in a corresponding day/letter format.  Day 1=A, Da...

This week's prompt for the Writer's Workshop is:  10 Things That Make Me Happy...   A Strong Cup of Coffee.  I like to taste my coffee and have it kick me gently in the face.  Mmmm. Rain.  The sound.  The smell.  The feel.  The atmosphere.  The...taste, I guess.  Being from the PNW allows me to experience the beauty of rain a lot.  However, we've had an unusually dry Winter/Spring...and going in to Summer, so I haven't been able to enjoy my delightful rain as much as I would love to. Hoppy Beer.  I am also thankful that I live in a region that produces seriously outstanding beers (You go, Oregon!).  As my preferences have changed over the years, I have become increasingly drawn to IPAs and the like.  The hoppier, the better in my opinion! A Plethora of Books.  I feel completely lost without a book on my person at all times.  What if I have to wait somewhere?  What if I get sto...

Here's what's on my mind... 1.  Something I'm not looking forward to:  a six day work week...barf!  Working at a university, it is sometimes necessary to work six days a week; roughly about eight Saturdays a year.  These happen sporadically throughout the year, but between June and July our Freshmen Orientation programs take place and 6:30am and me do NOT get along.  One bright side to this:  it's the last one!  Woohoo! 2.  Spending Sunday at the beach...or the Oregon Brewers Festival  in Portland...or hiking Silver Falls ...or relaxing on my only day off.  We haven't decided which yet.  South Falls @ Silver Creek Falls 3.  Finishing up In Paradise by Peter Matthiessen and starting in on Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich; I'm picking it up at the library on my way home :)  Along with this, I'm excited to knock out some more squares on my  Bookish Bingo: Summer Edition card ! 4.  I ...

TGIF!  I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm sure ready for the weekend and I plan to do a bit of reading...like always.  So, to continue on with this wonderful alphabet of writers, we come to D and I bring you:  Katherine Dunn and Jude Deveraux, the first women writers to appear on my list! Katherine Dunn (1945-) An Oregon writer, Katherine Dunn is probably best known for her novel Geek Love , but she is also a journalist, poet, voice artist, and radio personality.  She has had many columns published in various magazines, including Vogue , Playboy , and the LA Times , and has also been recognized for her writing on boxing ; Dunn is a writer for cyberboxingzone.com , an online boxing magazine.  Geek Love is a great look into the seedier side of a traveling circus, focusing on the sideshows instead of the main stage acts. *Recommendation:  Geek Love Jude Deveraux (1947-) Sometimes you just need a little cheesy romance book to take you a...

We're coming to the end of the A-Z Blogging Challenge and, I'll admit, my last few posts are going to have to enter the "creative" sphere.  So bear with me.  Today is all about the letter Y, so here's my solution... You've Arrived:  The Oregon Trail When the Willamette Valley was being promoted as "the promised land" in the mid-West and East of the US, hordes of people started moving west.  Most travel was done in covered wagons pulled by oxen and loaded with supplies and family heirlooms.  Sadly, most of those heirlooms would be tossed along the trail when the wagons encountered poor weather, swollen rivers, or the Rocky Mountains.  The end destination for these families was Oregon City in the Oregon Territory. The journey was a harrowing 2,000 miles of rugged terrain.  Originally only able to be traversed on foot or by horseback, thanks to the mountain men and fur traders from the early 1800s, the route was slowly widened and impr...

Whoopsidaisy...Guess my Saturday (and Sunday) got away from me and I forgot to post my X topic!  So here's to a little catch up :)  X is for... X Marks the Spot:  Shanghai Tunnels See what I did there?  Sneaky sneaky.  Anywho, moving on.  In the Oldtown/Chinatown area of Portland, there is a magical underground network of tunnels that are less...magical and more maniacal.  Comprised of a network of underground tunnels connecting the basements of several hotels and bars along the waterfront of the Willamette River, the Shanghai Tunnels were originally built to move goods from the ships docked along the waterfront into the basements of their respective destinations in order to avoid streetcar and pedestrian traffic. During the height of the shipping days in the Willamette Ports, unsuspecting drunks in the bars above the tunnels would suddenly disappear into the floorboards (through a strategically placed trapdoor), finding themselves...