Thursday Tidbits

Mookie

First Friday in downtown Hood River welcomes a new Cookie Trailer - Mookie. Shown here: signature Chocolate Chip Cookies with a sprinkle of flake salt

Strawberries, cookies, ice cream, and cool summer drinks are taking center stage in this week's Thursday Tidbits. From Mookie's opening in downtown Hood River to fresh strawberry desserts, U-pick berries, and frozen treats around the Gorge, summer is starting to look pretty sweet.

Sweet News: Mookie Opens Friday

Something new is coming to downtown Hood River.

Mookie will open its cookie window next to The Walled Garden Pub and Kings & Daughters Brewery during First Friday festivities tomorrow, June 5, at 5 p.m.

The new cookie trailer will serve fresh, scratch-made cookies, specialty milks, and ice cream sandwiches inspired by both classic American comfort foods and French pastry-trained chef and owner Lindsay Gott’s pastry background. Expect cookie favorites like its signature Chocolate Chip with a sprinkle of flake salt, brownie-like Double Chocolate, Vanilla Confetti, a Gluten Free option, and a special cookie flavor of the weekend.

This is your first chance to stop by, grab a cookie, and welcome the newest addition to the downtown food scene.

Strawberry Season Has Arrived

Strawberries are showing up all over the Gorge this week.

If you'd rather pick your own, Pearl's Place Fruit Stand on Highway 35 just south of Hood River is now offering U-pick strawberries.

Meanwhile, Kaile’a Coffee Co. (Cascade Locks) is blending the season into a fruity Strawberry Frappe, while Celilo Restaurant (Hood River) is celebrating strawberry season with a dessert featuring mint-chocolate ice cream, fresh local macerated strawberries, and tea cookies.

Celilo Restaurant

Mint-chocolate ice cream, fresh local macerated strawberries, and tea cookies dessert.

Cool Sips & Frozen Treats

Pixan Taqueria in White Salmon is helping beat the heat with a house-made Pepino Agua Fresca. Inspired by traditional aguas frescas, their version combines cucumber, lime, chia, and just enough sweetness for a refreshing summer drink.

Columbia Gorge Crepes has rolled out its June drink specials, including a Cinnamon Roll Latte with Cream Cheese Cold Foam, Cookie Butter Latte, and Cold Brew. And for anyone wondering, the popular banana bread latte isn't going anywhere. Find them Wed-Friday and Sunday at Hoperanchlavender farm, Saturdays at the Hood River Farmer’s Market.

At The Riv Cafe, the new Cinnabrew Crunch is bringing together coffeehouse favorites in one chilled drink. Sweet, cold, and delicious, it's an easy choice for a warm June afternoon. (The Dalles)

Over at The Sweet Spot, summer treats now include cold things like Mochi Ice Cream, Fried Chicken Ice Cream, and plenty of frozen favorites for adventurous snackers. (Hood River)

Pixan Taqueria & Cantina

House-made Pepino Agua Fresca

Fresh Seafood & Local Ingredients

Sushi Okalani is featuring striped bass (Suzuki) and seared swordfish (Kajiki), along with great Nama (unpasteurized) sake for a limited time, including one from the Matsui brewery in Kyoto, Japan. (Hood River)

Meanwhile, Riverside Restaurant on the waterfront in Hood River is continuing to highlight local producers, partnering with White Salmon Baking, Haylift Garden and many others. Look for their fresh-baked breads and heirloom vegetables appearing throughout the menu this season.

Plus, there’s a new pie at Grateful Vineyard: local fresh foraged Morels and purple asparagus in an olive oil garlic base, topped with chevre and fresh lemon.