More pithy ditherings from http://www.travelthegorge.com/
Just kidding there – but the Sawtooth Roadhouse IS a very pleasant place for some good food and good company. Just in front of the old Hanel Mill site, on Highway 35, 9 miles south of I-84, the Sawtooth gives you an excuse – if you’re the type who needs one – to drive this National Scenic Byway into the foothills of Mt. Hood. The views of Mt. Hood and upper valley orchards would be reason enough for the drive; add a great lunch with warm service to the trip and you’ll become a regular.
The TTG Team feasted here on what could have been a dreary Friday. Skies were overcast, Mt. Hood appeared fleetingly, and it was too cold to want to get out of the car. But the lure of fresh-baked lasagne, an authentic Reuben and crisp-crust pizza was inescapable and we ended up sitting in their cozy bar, being waited on by the owner and regaled by the chef.
It’s hard to define exactly what about the food sets the Sawtooth apart from standard roadside fare – it’s an unexpected mix of California fusion with northwestern cowboy that really works. The Thai Pizza was full of oriental flavor and crunch, and the potato soup – not two things you would expect to find on the same menu, was rich and full-bodied with bacon and onion. Beer and wine were reasonably priced.
It isnt always obvious that they are open for lunch most days of the week. You might want to call first - 541.354.2511 - just to make sure they’re ready to welcome you.
The TTG Team
For a complete directory of dining in The Gorge, go to www.TravelTheGorge.com/casual.asp
Showing posts with label Travel the Gorge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel the Gorge. Show all posts
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sorosis Park, The Dalles, Oregon
More insightful comments from the team at http://www.travelthegorge.com/
No, it wasn't named after a liver disease of a different spelling. According to the Historic The Dalles website, the name has a much more elevated origin: Sorosis is from the Greek meaning “a multiple fruit formed from many flowers.” The word "soror" means "sister" in Latin.
This park by any other name would be as delightful. At "the top" of The Dalles, this 15-acre park is the town's largest and includes a spacious picnic area, playground with a massive climbing toy, tennis court, frisbee golf, and a walking trail around its circumference. There is a well-tended rose garden with benches overlooking the valley and there are some huge shade trees obviously grown for shady napping. The Veteran’s Memorial is on the overlook point.
On a recent outing, the TTG Team experienced much of what the park has to offer. The path is gently sloped and great for dogs. Poop bags are located near the west-side parking lot for anyone taking a last minute walk with their best friend. Squirrels abound, children and families are playing and wayward frisbees from the park's excellent frisbee golf course create endless temptations. - so it's even more important to keep your barking buddy on a leash.
One of our team members had never been to the park inspite of many years in the area. If you've also overlooked it, Spring is near and Sorosis Park would be a great place to welcome it in.
The TTG Team
For great sightseeing possibilities in The Gorge visit http://www.travelthegorge.com/sightseeing.asp
No, it wasn't named after a liver disease of a different spelling. According to the Historic The Dalles website, the name has a much more elevated origin: Sorosis is from the Greek meaning “a multiple fruit formed from many flowers.” The word "soror" means "sister" in Latin.
This park by any other name would be as delightful. At "the top" of The Dalles, this 15-acre park is the town's largest and includes a spacious picnic area, playground with a massive climbing toy, tennis court, frisbee golf, and a walking trail around its circumference. There is a well-tended rose garden with benches overlooking the valley and there are some huge shade trees obviously grown for shady napping. The Veteran’s Memorial is on the overlook point.
On a recent outing, the TTG Team experienced much of what the park has to offer. The path is gently sloped and great for dogs. Poop bags are located near the west-side parking lot for anyone taking a last minute walk with their best friend. Squirrels abound, children and families are playing and wayward frisbees from the park's excellent frisbee golf course create endless temptations. - so it's even more important to keep your barking buddy on a leash.
One of our team members had never been to the park inspite of many years in the area. If you've also overlooked it, Spring is near and Sorosis Park would be a great place to welcome it in.
The TTG Team
For great sightseeing possibilities in The Gorge visit http://www.travelthegorge.com/sightseeing.asp
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A Spot That Should Be Hot
Another pithy posting from http://www.travelthegorge.com/
The Windseeker Restaurant down by the port in The Dalles, Oregon is a too-often-overlooked treasure. A new chef has come on board recently and we expect good things. However, what is already noteworthy is the location, the view, the outdoor seating, the ample free parking, and the restaurant's proximity to The Dalles' Riverfront Trail. Prices for local wines aren't bad either!
On a recent sunny afternoon in the Gorge - yes, sun in winter - the Team and a friend or two took a Saturday walk along the mostly-level Riverfront Trail. Starting in the SE corner of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center parking lot (leave one car at the Windseeker if you only want to walk one way), the River Walk takes you along not quite 4 miles of the Columbia River, through Taylor Lake Park, along the back of the Google Campus, to the patio at the Windseeker Restaurant. You share this gentle walk with river birds, a few power walkers and polite cyclists, and a whole lot of pretty.
Our destination was an excellent bottle of Cathedral Ridge Chardonnay and assorted appetizers on the Windseeker's garden patio. The owners have taken great care with their garden of indigenous flowering trees and perennials, rose bushes, Dutch bulbs and water elements. The fenced patio offers ironwork tables and springy ironwork arm chairs. The elements are hard on them, but they are comfortable and kept as clean as being outdoors permits.
The best thing about the Windseeker is just being there - at the edge of the river, looking over at low basalt cliffs and greening hills. Amtrak's Empire Builder follows the north side of the river, and the occasional freight train moves across the view. Seagulls announce the arrival of a loaded barge headed downriver and pleasure boats move languidly out of the way. There is seldom much wind in this protected location and the sun warms your shoulders much more often than west-of-the-Cascades dwellers would believe.
The TTG Team strongly recommends this experience - and a groundswell of local support to make this a really hopping spot. You'll thank yourself! For a complete listing of casual dining in The Gorge, go to http://www.travelthegorge.com/casual.asp.
The Windseeker Restaurant down by the port in The Dalles, Oregon is a too-often-overlooked treasure. A new chef has come on board recently and we expect good things. However, what is already noteworthy is the location, the view, the outdoor seating, the ample free parking, and the restaurant's proximity to The Dalles' Riverfront Trail. Prices for local wines aren't bad either!
On a recent sunny afternoon in the Gorge - yes, sun in winter - the Team and a friend or two took a Saturday walk along the mostly-level Riverfront Trail. Starting in the SE corner of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center parking lot (leave one car at the Windseeker if you only want to walk one way), the River Walk takes you along not quite 4 miles of the Columbia River, through Taylor Lake Park, along the back of the Google Campus, to the patio at the Windseeker Restaurant. You share this gentle walk with river birds, a few power walkers and polite cyclists, and a whole lot of pretty.
Our destination was an excellent bottle of Cathedral Ridge Chardonnay and assorted appetizers on the Windseeker's garden patio. The owners have taken great care with their garden of indigenous flowering trees and perennials, rose bushes, Dutch bulbs and water elements. The fenced patio offers ironwork tables and springy ironwork arm chairs. The elements are hard on them, but they are comfortable and kept as clean as being outdoors permits.
The best thing about the Windseeker is just being there - at the edge of the river, looking over at low basalt cliffs and greening hills. Amtrak's Empire Builder follows the north side of the river, and the occasional freight train moves across the view. Seagulls announce the arrival of a loaded barge headed downriver and pleasure boats move languidly out of the way. There is seldom much wind in this protected location and the sun warms your shoulders much more often than west-of-the-Cascades dwellers would believe.
The TTG Team strongly recommends this experience - and a groundswell of local support to make this a really hopping spot. You'll thank yourself! For a complete listing of casual dining in The Gorge, go to http://www.travelthegorge.com/casual.asp.
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