Thursday Tidbits — Thanksgiving Day Edition
Thanksgiving Dinner by Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, photo by Cooper Spur
Happy Thanksgiving! We hope today brings you good food, cozy moments, and a little extra joy. As the holiday season settles in, we’ve gathered the latest specials, winter menus, and local happenings to catch you up on what’s new, what’s cooking, and what’s happening around the Gorge this week.
Skamania Lodge is welcoming the holiday season with a brand-new menu crafted by their new Executive Chef, Greg Staerkel. His approach celebrates the flavors, farms, and foraged ingredients of the Gorge—perfect for festive dinners, family gatherings, and cozy winter nights. (image)
New specials by Chef Greg at Skamania Lodge, photo by Skamania Lodge
Riverside Restaurant has added two sparkling NA cocktails: the Snow Globe and Holiday Spritz, featuring @wildertonco, @fevertree_usa, the perfect way to toast the season, no alcohol required. Also, their Chicken Cacciatore got a winter makeover featuring braised Mary’s Chicken, tomato, kalamata olives, sweet peppers, onions, over a bed of creamy rosemary polenta!
The Riv Café is expanding dinner hours and adding new winter menu items, including the 10th Street Firebird 🌶️🔥 — crispy breaded chicken tossed in hot honey, topped with coleslaw, red onion, and fresh jalapeño on a house-made bun. Starting December 4, they’ll be open for dinner Thursday–Saturday, 4–8 PM.
The Pines 1852 tasting room has shifted to new winter hours: Open Thursday–Monday, closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Dani’s Kitchen Shop is stocked with Herb’s Harvest locally grown Bartlett Pears—canned and ready for any last-minute holiday magic. Each purchase comes with a free recipe card so you can whip up a Brown Sugar Harvest Pear Galette or Warm Harvest Pears à la Mode in minutes.
Kickstand Coffee Kitchen has another delicious feature from their current cocktail menu: the Dark & Stormy Cider — dark rum, house-made apple cider, Gran Gala, lime & ginger beer.
Next time you visit Solstice Pizza, try one of their small plates—especially the roasted local cauliflower with house-made chimichurri, fresh pomegranate, and a Saur Farming beet chip. Open 11:30 AM–8:30 PM this weekend, Friday through Monday. (Closed Tuesdays through winter.)
Double Mountain Brewery has kicked off its annual Gift Card Discounts, available now through December 28. Plus: bottles-to-go discounts! Holiday favorites include Hey, Porter and Fa La La La La Winter Ale.
Crush Cider Cafe is taking a seasonal pause and will be closed Thanksgiving through 12/3 at 4 PM.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards is extending its Fruit Stand season for at least another week. There’s still plenty of apples, pears, jams, cider, and other fall favorites to enjoy.
Stave & Stone Winery is serving up special Holiday Weekend Food Specials Friday–Sunday (11/28–11/30). Expect Brie & Prosciutto Sliders, Goat Cheese with Cranberry Jam & Orange Zest, Bourbon Maple Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnuts, plus a 2017 Library Flight featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Quiver Red Blend, and Zinfandel.
Marchesi Vineyards — Chestnut Roast & Tree Lighting
Get merry at Marchesi this Sunday, November 30, 2:30–6 PM, with chestnut roasting, Panettone di Milano, wine, and holiday cheer. At dusk, they’ll light their Christmas tree and sing traditional Christmas songs. Hot apple cider and Vino Bruciato will be flowing to keep you warm. No reservations needed—just bring your holiday spirit.
A Grateful Thanksgiving Message
Today—and every day—we’re thankful for this community of farmers, makers, chefs, bakers, servers, baristas, brewers, winemakers, and small-business owners who pour their hearts into feeding the Gorge. And we’re equally grateful for all of you who show up, shop local, read our blog, share our posts, send tips, and help this little project keep going.
From our HRE family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being here.
Pine Street Bakery’s lineup of Thanksgiving Pecan Pies, photo by Pine Street Bakery