Thursday Tidbits
By the end of July, the Columbia River Gorge is hitting its sweet spot. Peach season is in full swing, berries are everywhere, local farms are supplying restaurants with fresh ingredients, and summer menus continue to evolve. From fruit stands and farmers’ markets to winery patios and waterfront favorites, here are a few tasty finds for your weekend.
Peak Fruit Season is Here
Mt. View Orchards in Parkdale has donut peaches ready for picking, along with plenty of other summer fruit. Already-picked blackberries, blueberries, pluots, plums, nectarines, and Red Haven peaches are stocked inside the farm stand.
Pearl's Place Fruit Stand, off HWY 35 minutes from downtown Hood River, is blending fun new summer drinks, including mixed-berry milkshakes and the refreshing Peach Peak. They're open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Farmer In Odell has Parkdale Red Haven peaches available now, along with peach-inspired treats and the season's first nectarines making their way off the trees.
Local Farms on the Menu
Fresh ingredients from Hood River Valley farms continue to shine on restaurant menus.
Solstice Pizza is safely serving local lettuces from Saur Farming, Oak Rose Farm, and Killer Tomato Farm, while also mixing up Blackberry Daiquiris as their current Cocktail for a Cause benefiting The Next Door Inc. You’ll also find Peach Margaritas on the menu.
Boda's Kitchen is also serving crisp (and safe) local greens from Oak Rose Farm, keeping things fresh and close to home.
Riverside Restaurant is serving a Salmon Cake special featuring fresh Columbia-caught salmon prepared with fennel pollen, lemon zest & green onion, served over a basil aioli.
Cool Sips & Sweet Treats
Sha Sha Pops has introduced a new Coconut pop made with creamy coconut milk, real coconut flakes, local honey, and fresh lime. You'll find the Sha Sha Pops cart at the Hood River Farmers Market every Saturday throughout August and September.
Maryhill Winery has a new Lemon Lavender Frosé combining their Winemaker's White with bright lemon and a hint of lavender for a refreshing seasonal sip.
Loop de Loop Wines is pouring a new pét-nat, while their Viognier-Riesling skin contact wine continues to be a guest favorite. 451 Kramer Rd, Underwood, WA.
At Volcanic Bottle Shoppe, beer lovers can now find their first beers from Iowa's Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., including Pseudo Sue on tap, with Cyber Sue and Citrus Sue available in the coolers.
Weekend Eats
Double Mountain Brewery is serving a Fig + Prosciutto Pie featuring olive oil, mozzarella, ricotta and goat cheese, dried black figs, arugula, balsamic glaze, and fresh lemon.
Grasslands Barbecue is back from vacation just in time for the weekend, with a lineup that includes a new brisket sandwich on Friday, Mezcal Baby Back Ribs on Saturday, and brisket Mohawks on Sunday at the Hood River Waterfront.
Looking for something to take home? Stop by Dani's Kitchen Shop Friday, July 31, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. for this week's "Adventure Awaits" cookie box, fresh drop cookies, pizza dough, cookie dough, and homemade jams.
Finally, if you're heading out wine tasting, Phelps Creek Vineyards continues serving one of the Gorge's classic charcuterie boards, thoughtfully paired with their wines and available daily from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
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