Thursday Tidbits
Riverside’s Pumpkin Flan
The season is shifting, harvest is here, and as the temps cool down, the flavors are warming up! From pumpkins to cider to chili, here’s what’s happening this week around town.
At Riverside Hood River, fall makes a sweet return with Pumpkin Flan back on the dessert menu, while Remedy Café is leaning into the season with a cozy Pumpkin Spiced Chai.
Over at The Grateful Vineyard, hospitality industry workers can enjoy 20% off every Monday and Tuesday, and Mt. View Orchards’ Mountain Rose apples 🍏 are ripe and ready — but they won’t last long.
Édeske Patisserie is introducing its first-ever seasonal drink, a Spiced Apple Cider Latte, alongside the much-anticipated Harvest Bon Bon Collection. Don’t forget their seasonal hours: Thursday–Sunday, 9 AM–3 PM, closed Monday–Wednesday.
If you’re craving something savory, Analemma Wines has brought back their Albondigas — Spanish-style meatballs made with Analemma Estate beef and Stamboom Meats pork, served with pickled Calabrian chiles and smoky pepper sauce. It pairs perfectly with their 2023 Godello.
Pairings are also the theme at Cathedral Ridge Winery, where fall matchups include Pinot Gris with Cacio e Pepe, Chardonnay with Butternut Squash Soup, Pinot Noir with Mushroom Risotto, Syrah with Braised Short Ribs, and Riesling with Spicy Chili.
For more harvest fun, Maryhill Winery hosts its Annual Grape Stomp & Harvest Party on September 27–28 at all locations (free entry), and Sunshine Mill Winery invites guests to “harvest sunshine” with vendors, food, wine, grape stomping, and tours the same weekend.
Craving comfort food? Le Doubblé Troubblé Wine Co. will be serving fried chicken sandos at their wine club pick-up this Saturday starting at 4 PM. And speaking of chicken sandos, Oregon Growers suggests dressing yours up with their Apple Butter — perfect on a buttermilk biscuit stacked with fried chicken, cheese, and bacon.
The weekend also brings a little heat: Everybody’s Brewing hosts the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off at Trout Lake Hall on Sunday, September 28, from 5–7 PM, with a lineup of amazing Gorge chefs. Come taste, vote, and cheer them on.
On Monday, September 29, 10 Speed Coffee celebrates 20 years with $2 drinks and 20% off beans.
Harvest season is in full swing at local farms:
Draper Girls Country Farm offers more than 50 apple and pear varieties, fresh non-pasteurized cider, and a country store stocked with fall treats.
At Pearl’s Place Fruit, U-pick apples run through October, and their pumpkin patch is open for free family fun.
Meanwhile, The Farmer in Odell has U-pick blueberries available this Saturday and Sunday from 9–2 PM at 5114 Bassler Dr., Parkdale.
Two farmers’ markets are starting to wind down for the season: the last Trout Lake Market is this Sunday, September 28, and White Salmon’s market closes September 30.
Lastly, don’t forget to mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
· Orchard & Ale Fest (formerly Hops Fest) returns October 4 at the Hood River Event Site
· Harvest Fest runs October 10–12
· Fill Your Pantry Market with Gorge Grown is set for Nov. 2 at the Rockford Grange