As fall settles in, Hood River is buzzing with exciting events and flavors. Dive into the details and discover what’s happening around town. Plus, it’s a great time to celebrate one of the season’s finest forest-to-table ingredients: the chanterelle.

Celebrate Fall’s Arrival with One-Bowl Acorn Squash Bread

By Registered Dietitian Sarah Harper

If you enjoy banana bread, pumpkin bread, or zucchini bread, you’ll love the unique twist of acorn squash bread. Moist, tender, and mildly flavored acorn squash comes together harmoniously with cinnamon and vanilla to create a sophisticated twist on traditional quick bread.

Gorge happenings in the food and drink scene this week include where to get homemade lemonades and a yummy smash burger, plus events, an award, and a chance to cut lavender before the season wraps up.

Bistro 1907 at the historic Balch Hotel in Dufur held a soft opening earlier this spring that introduced guests to new Executive Chef Kevin West. West has developed seasonal dishes that are all about the Pacific Northwest flavors, including many that are specifically local to the Gorge…

Steve Bruere and Alan Busacca met in 2016 during a chance introduction while collaborating on a large agricultural asset outside of Walla Walla. Immediately, a strong friendship formed between them as they bonded through their love of the land and fine wine.

It’s the season for heirloom tomatoes! Colorful and flavorful, they are now adorning the favorite pizza of the season at Double Mountain. Also highlighted are tournaments, a concert series, and an anniversary celebration.

Lots of flavors are popping this week with new menu items that include steak and cheese, a new beer release, a loco moco special, Cioppino, and a wine and cake pairing. This lineup is a feast for the senses.

Refreshing Lemon Cucumber Salad

By Registered Dietitian Sarah Harper

When Life Gives You Lemon Cucumbers, Make Lemon Cucumber Salad. When it comes to easy summer salads, this Lemon Cucumber Salad stands out with its bright flavors and crunchy texture.

This week’s tidbits feature farmer’s market goodies, wine slushies, music festival tastes, and hours updates. Pavlaki Souvlaki serves Greek Cypriot food at the White Salmon Farmers market…

Farm Stand in The Dalles Opened its doors to the community for the first time on July 2nd. The farm-to-table deli and grocery store is located on Federal Street in the former The Dalles Chronicle building. Read the full article by Kelsie Cowart for the Columbia Gorge News.

A Simple Summer Salad - The Burrata Caprese

By Registered Dietitian Sarah Harper

When summer calls for light and effortless meals, this simple salad is your go-to: ripe local tomatoes, fresh aromatic basil, sweet and creamy burrata, all topped with peppery, locally grown microgreens. 

This Hood River bakery, owned by Tamara Bartucz Biscardi and James Biscardi, was named Oregon Nano Business of the Year in May 2024. They sell chocolates and pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat, as well as incredibly detailed and delicious specialty desserts.

Going to the Red Carpet Tavern for breakfast is like returning to the scene of the crime. Or so we’ve been told. We aren’t heavy drinkers ourselves… But, thank heavens, you won’t have to cook your relief breakfast yourself because we’ve found four places that can feed that queasy stomach and aching head on the morning after you’ve accidentally gone a bit overboard…

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Janice Bell of Arome Hood River shares a Brussels Sprouts recipe that is simple, elegant, and tender with a bit of crunch, and featuring Arome’s Black Mission Fig Balsamic and healthful, delicious, seasonally sourced Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Confluence Café Creates Community Space in Lyle

Community is created through local connection and shared spaces, but what do neighborhoods without the opportunity to gather do to mingle? Lyle is a town residents might consider limiting in this way, lacking in spaces to gather and create friendships. Ali Hamerstadt and Matt Bynum are here to change that. Together they collaborated to open Confluence Café just off SR-14 in Lyle...