Thursday Tidbits
Cold days call for warm food — and this week, the Gorge is delivering. This Thursday Tidbits is packed with cozy classics and winter favorites, balanced with farmers’ markets, fresh groceries, cider, mocktails, and a few dates to mark on your calendar. Whether you’re leaning into comfort or craving something crisp, this week is full of good reasons to eat, sip, and gather local.
Mugen Noodle is back from winter break and reopening tonight, serving from 5–9 PM. Who’s ready for a spicy bowl of Black Garlic Chintan? Hood River.
Freebridge Brewing has rolled out new menu items, including a Buffalo Fried Chicken Sandwich with bleu cheese slaw, a Mushroom Provolone Burger, a Cowboy BBQ Burger, Dirty Style Pub Potatoes, and a Pesto Veggie Wrap. The Dalles.
Apple Valley BBQ continues its popular Prime Rib Nights on Fridays and Saturdays. They tend to sell out quickly, so arriving early is your best bet. Parkdale.
Draper Girls Country Farm is open all winter long, pouring a variety of hard ciders that change daily. Winter hours: 10 AM–4 PM, Monday–Sunday — perfect for a growler stop. 6200 Hwy 35, Mount Hood.
Solstice Wood Fire Pizza has brought back their beloved Meatball Margherita: house-made beef & pork meatballs, fresh mozzarella, ricotta salata, fried garlic chips, basil, red sauce, and garlic oil.
Looking for something extra cozy? Their Moroccan Beef Stew is back for lunch and dinner and truly hits the spot on cold days. Hood River.
The Hood River Farmers Market returns this Saturday, January 17, with 30 vendors offering local produce, groceries, and more. 10 AM–1 PM in the vestibule below Ferment Brewing Company. Stock up — the next market isn’t until February 7.
Speaking of Ferment, their heated yurts are open on the deck. It’s a great place to warm up with a pint after the market.
Cousins’ Restaurant in the Dalles is closed until January 30, giving the space a little refresh to ensure the next 35 years are just as cozy as the first.
Soca Wine Shop has new non-alcoholic mocktails, including a Pepper & Pine Tonic and a Pomegranate & Ginger Spritz — because it’s always nice to have options. Not doing Dry January? They’re also pouring eight new wines by the glass this week.
Brigham Fish Market just shared that Sturgeon Fish & Chips are on the menu — offered in both their classic breading and a cornmeal version.
Oysters + Wine with Ridge of Wonders Wine happens Saturday, January 31, from 1–4 PM at Inn of the White Salmon. Preorder oysters by January 23, or take your chances with first-come, first-served.
Gorge Farmer Collective is back in action after the holiday break, with the first 2026 pickups and home deliveries completed. Place your order online Thursdays through Mondays for Wednesday pickup or delivery. Haven’t ordered from them before? Use code HRE20 for 20% off your first order.
Looking ahead, Riverside Restaurant at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn is now accepting Valentine’s Day reservations. Whether celebrating with a partner, a galentine, or even treating yourself, they’ve prepared a special menu for the occasion!
Wherever your week takes you, we hope it includes something local, something comforting, and maybe a new favorite along the way.