Thursday Tidbits
Grilled Sunflower Head - Packer Orchards
It’s that late-August moment when summer produce is absolutely peaking while fall events are starting to creep onto the calendar. Tomatoes are at their peak, peaches are landing on everything, pears and apples are ready for picking, and apparently even sunflower heads are headed for the grill. Add a seafood pop-up, an anniversary weekend and a few last tastes of summer, and there’s plenty worth squeezing in before August slips away.
One Last Bowl of Pho
The Cauldron Café has announced that this is the last week for pho, so consider this your reminder to get one more bowl while you can. The café is currently open Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., but keep your eyes peeled — new days and hours are coming.
1810 Cascade Ave., Hood River, OR
A Seafood Pop-Up at the Farm Stand
The Seabed Grill is popping up on the Farm Stand in the Gorge patio Friday, Aug. 28, from 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. They’ll be grilling wild-caught coho salmon, locally caught albacore tuna from Tre-Fin Day Boat Seafood and assorted veggies. Look for grilled coho salmon sandwiches along with a grilled-and-chilled Niçoise-style salad with tuna bomb sauce that’s quickly becoming a local favorite.
1009 12th St, Hood River, OR
Tomatoes Take Over the Market
Peak tomato season gets its own celebration at the Hood River Farmers Market this Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tomato Fest will feature fresh local tomatoes, bulk sales and canner’s specials, plus a tomato tasting where you can sample different local varieties. Market vendors will also be getting into the spirit with tomato-inspired specials and seasonal creations. Find the market at 501 Columbia St., across from Full Sail and the cinema.
Grilled Sunflowers? Yep.
It’s the last weekend of Sunflower Days at Packer Orchards, and they’re finishing things off with something we haven't seen on many Gorge menus: grilled sunflower heads. Available this weekend only, Aug. 29–30, the sunflower heads are served elote-style. We’re intrigued. Pair one with a peach milkshake, and you have yourself a pretty memorable late-summer snack.
3020 Thomsen Road, Hood River, OR
Crush Turns 11
Crush Cider Café is celebrating its 11th anniversary with a Crush-tastic shindig beginning Friday, Aug. 28, and continuing through the weekend. Look for gorditas, dancing, music, and special drink offerings throughout the celebration.
1020 Wasco St., Hood River, OR
Peach Season Lands on a Pizza
A Grateful cult favorite is back at Grateful Vineyard. Chef Ryan McAlexander's Peach Pie starts with his three-day fermented pizza dough and a house-made olive oil and garlic base, then piles on tree-ripened peaches picked fresh at Mt. View Orchards, mozzarella, ricotta, capicola, thinly sliced jalapeños and goat cheese. Fresh basil, house hot honey and grated Parmesan finish it off.
6670 Trout Creek Ridge Rd, Mt Hood, OR
One More Bubbly for Summer
Spotted on the menu at Riverside: a bottle of Ridge of Wonders Wine 2025 Sparkling Gewürztraminer. Sounds like a pretty fitting bubbly for a toast to the final stretch of summer.
1108 East Marina Way, Hood River, OR
Pizza With a Purpose
Over in White Salmon, Pizza Leona is highlighting its Community Pie this week, made with a basil pesto base, salami, Mama Lil’s peppers and goat cheese. Even better: sales of the Community Pie this term benefit Gorge Grown Food Network.
100 East Jewett Blvd, White Salmon, WA
U-Pick Season Rolls On
Kiyokawa Family Orchards is now open daily, with plenty of U-pick pears and apples plus peaches.
Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
5625 Hutson Dr, Mt Hood, OR
Harvest Dinner Is Coming Up
Time is getting short to secure a seat at Gorge Grown Food Network's annual Harvest Dinner, happening Friday, Sept. 11. This year's dinner will feature a locally sourced meal prepared by Chef Ben Stenn of Celilo Catering, served at The Orchard Hood River. 2124 OR-35, Hood River.
Wines will be poured from COR Cellars, Double Strand Wine, Mt. Hood Winery and Windhorse Vineyard, with beer from Ferment Brewing Company and kombucha and other nonalcoholic options from Blue Bus Cultured Foods. Tickets are available through Gorge Grown Food Network.
And September Is Almost Here...
Festival season is waiting right around the corner. Huckleberry Festival in Bingen, WA, kicks things off Sept. 11–13, giving us one more reason to start making those September weekend plans.
For now, though, there are tomatoes to taste, peaches to eat and, apparently, sunflower heads to grill. Cheers!
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