Love & Hominy Frosé and Italian Taco

Working Hands Fermentation Katsu Chicken Tacos

Worldly tacos are the word this week (and sausages), along with popsicles, wine, cherries, berries, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the Gorge. From Katsu Chicken Tacos and SausageFest to U-pick strawberries, fresh organic cherries, and Father's Day plans, this week's Tidbits are full of early-summer food finds and weekend adventures.

Tacos, Tacos &… Sausages?

Visit Love and Hominy for their famous Frozé and their newest addition to the worldly taco lineup: The Italian Taco. Nonna approved.

Working Hands Fermentation in the Hood River Heights is serving Katsu Chicken Tacos Wednesday through Friday this week.

Then, on Saturday, June 13, Working Hands shifts into full celebration mode with SausageFest. Enjoy brats, Polish sausages, Italian wieners, veggie options, music, and plenty of fun throughout the day. Festivities kick off at 12:45 PM with the traditional 0.5K Beer Belly Fun Run, followed by the hot dog eating contest at 5 PM and the cornhole glizzy toss competition. Frosty Peak Ice Cream will be there for dessert.

Popsicles, Wine & River Views

Join Domaine Pouillon in Lyle on Sunday, June 14, from 2–5 PM for an afternoon of local flavors, handcrafted goods, and Columbia River views. Enjoy popsicles from ShaSha Pops and their brand-new mobile cart while browsing jewelry from three talented local makers. Food and wine from the bistro will also be available.

Cherry & Berry Season

Idiot's Grace Winery will have a bin of fresh-picked, unsorted, certified organic cherries outside the tasting room beginning Saturday, June 13, at 11 AM. Field-run fruit is available for $4 per pound, and if you've purchased produce there before, you know the pounds tend to be generous. Sorted fruit will also be available in the tasting room produce fridge while supplies last.

Packer Orchards will once again offer U-pick strawberries beginning Friday, June 12. Strawberry season waits for no one.

Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

River Daze Cafe is featuring Blue Bus Cultured Foods in some highlights on the menu, including its Pastrami and Spicy Tempeh sandwiches topped with Classic Kraut and Kraut-Chi. Pair one with a Citrus Sunrise kombucha from Blue Bus. Gluten-free baked goods are available as well.

The Rivertap Pub in The Dalles has added several new specials to the menu, including Tanner Tots, Asian Fusion Primavera, and a Cowboy Burger.

Pine Street Bakery has a new Tropical Cupcake featuring coconut cake filled with mango compote and topped with coconut Swiss meringue buttercream and slices of kiwi. Close your eyes and it just might transport you to the beach.

Mt. Hood Creamery at Baseline Biscuits is serving scoops during extended hours this week (open til 7 pm! Regularly open til 5 pm). Stop in for favorites like Salted Caramel, 2-Fold Vanilla, Cookies n Cream, Chocolicious, Candy Monster, and more.

Meanwhile, Pixán Tacos is making a strong case for salad season with its Xek Salad featuring shaved jicama, orange, and chili.

A Quick Note

Cork Hood River will be closed Thursday and Friday this week, but will return to regular business hours on Saturday. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 PM.

Looking Ahead

Father's Day is right around the corner.

Grasslands Barbecue is taking pre-orders for whole chilled briskets, available for pickup on June 21. This weekend at the Waterfront, they'll also be serving Pork Cheeks with a Strawberry-Fresno glaze, making the most of fresh Gorge fruit season.

In The Dalles, Cousins' Restaurant is hosting a Father's Day Brunch on Sunday, June 21, from 9 AM to 2 PM. From Papa Benny and Redeye Roasted Tri-Tip to Cousins Famous Beans and scratch-made desserts, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Dad around the table.

Thursday Tidbits