Thursday Tidbits
Kickstand’s Smoke Signal: Mezcal, tequila, fresh pear, ginger, lime & egg white.
The holiday season is creeping closer, and the Gorge is full of cozy flavors, fresh pours, and new menus to savor. Here’s what’s happening this week around Hood River, The Dalles, and beyond:
Food & Seasonal Specials
The Wagon Social Club will be slinging sammies at The Dalles Coffee Shop for The Dalles First Friday, 4–7 pm. (116 E. Second St.)
Kailea Coffee Co. is baking up Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Bread this Saturday and Sunday — sweet, soft, and perfect with a warm latte. (101 WaNaPa St, Cascade Locks)
Solstice Wood Fire Café has a new menu star: Roasted Carleton Farms pork tenderloin with apple chutney, caramelized fennel and apples, braised red cabbage, and mashed red potatoes.
Kickstand Coffee & Kitchen has launched its new fall/winter cocktail menu 🍁 — think blood orange, maple syrup, housemade apple cider, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and more! Try the Smoke Signal: mezcal, tequila, fresh pear, ginger, lime, and egg white, served in your own personal smoking box.
Packer Orchards will host its Holiday Table Tasting November 15–16. From pumpkin to pecan, sweet potato to green bean casserole, you’ll find your new holiday must-haves.
Grateful Vineyard is offering its Fondue Board daily — and Fridays are 20% off! Walk-ins welcome. New hours: Thursday–Monday, 12–6 pm (closed Tuesday & Wednesday).
Celilo Restaurant has new winter hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 5–9 pm.
Brews, Wine & Cheers
Full Sail Brewery has something new on tap: Let Them Drink Fresh Hops Vienna Lager!
All hail malt and hops in royal harmony — this golden beauty reigns with bready sweetness and a toasty finish, crowned by a bouquet of freshly harvested El Dorado hops. Expect subtle pineapple notes and crisp, clean drinkability.
Hawkins Cellars just released the 2023 Underwood Mountain Chardonnay. Join them this Saturday Nov. 8 as Stovepipe Sourdough will be serving a pizza special: Delicata Squash and Nduja pie.
Working Hands Fermentation is pouring The Vollmond, a Märzen lager that’s been lagered for three months — rich, toasty, malty, and smooth. Also: Pizza Night returns November 12!
Syncline Winery will celebrate harvest this Saturday, 12–5 pm. Enjoy wine-paired bites by Chef Matt Dillon, live music from Megan Alder & The Woods, and a sweet finish from Frosty Peak Ice Cream. Tickets include four wines and three chef-crafted pairings.
Aniche Cellars has announced its Holiday Case Sale — the perfect time to stock up for gifting or gatherings.
Thunder Island Brewing brings back Taco Tuesday — because tacos + beer are always a good idea.
Local Goods & Farm Finds
Kiyokawa Family Orchards has switched to winter hours (daily 10 am–4 pm). U-pick is still open, and they still have over 50 varieties of apples and pears! Stock up for crisps, pies, applesauce, cider, and more.
Treebird Market announced that turkeys arrive November 12!
Pre-order early:
Diestel Organic Turkeys – $6.99/lb (10% off if you pick one up by 11/13)
Pasture-raised @tailfeatherfarmww – $9.99/lb, available frozen 11/22
Email michael@treebirdmarket.com to reserve — quantities are limited!
Give Back
Many local businesses are holding holiday food drives to support area food banks, including PJ’s Hometown Café (1301 Belmont Ave). Donors receive discounts on meals — a great way to give, and get a little something back.
Bonus Sip
If you’re stopping by Cork Hood River, ask about their Lambrusco feature — a perfect companion for cozy meals, rich flavors, and cooler nights. A top pick this season is @bergianti_vino “No Autoclave”, from their newest producer in Emilia-Romagna—just one of many exciting additions to their Italian wine lineup.
Cheers to the first week of November!
Bundle up, sip something seasonal, and keep supporting local.