As we say goodbye to winter weather and creep ever so closer to April we are looking forward to dining and drinking outdoors in warmer weather.  What are you looking forward to most about spring? For now, let’s celebrate all of the delicious food news in the gorge.
 
The MAMA BULLDOG BURGER is a one-night only special this Friday at Backwoods Brewing Company. It features a smoked pineapple relish, bacon jam and Swiss cheese. Don’t miss out! Come out for Last Friday on March 31!

Drink your way to a better bike park! Mt. View Brewing is raising money to improve the Family Man biking park with sales of their special edition Family Mountain Man beer. Enjoy a pint at Grateful Vineyards with their new Carlos Pizza.

Make your way to Henni's for Happy Hour from 4:30 to 5:30 and enjoy their new "Plum Blossom" cocktail, featuring damson plum gin, Campari, dolin blanc, and orange peel.
 
Don’t miss the Grasslands Barbecue “2-Year Anniversary Hootenanny” this Saturday, April 1st at the Hood River Waterfront. 
 
Congratulations to Blue Bus Kombucha, now available at New Seasons Markets. 
 
Pizza Leona in White Salmon is celebrating spring with a new Primavera Olive pie, topped with green olive tapenade base, artichoke hearts and red onion.   
 
Find what you need at the Hood River Farmer’s Market from 10am to noon this Saturday, under the Ferment Brewing tasting room. 
 
Boda’s Kitchen is joining forces with Stave & Stone Winery for their Spring Wine Dinner on April 14th. Visit the Stave & Stone website to purchase tickets. 
 
Got some extra space in your freezer? Now is a great time stock up for summer grillin’ season and all your favorite meals and harvest the savings. Treebird Market is running a stock up and save big event - buy 10 packs of ground beef and get 33% off.
 
Crepe fans take note - Columbia Gorge Crepes will not be parking their food cart in its usual spot this year. You can still find them at the Hood River Farmers Market and at special events.
 
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Mike’s Ice Cream! The famous local ice cream stand is opening April 1 – that’s this Saturday! -  for their 37th year.
 
Pine Street Bakery is now offering matcha, sourced from a solar powered farm in Shizuoka, Japan. Come on in and enjoy at their new espresso bar.
 
There is a lot at steak this Friday at The Pines 1852. It will be your last chance to enjoy Smoke Wring BBQ at their tasing room from 5-8pm. They will also have music by Brigid’s Crossing from 6-9pm.

 Can you help? Fish Food Bank is looking for a few things.
- Paper shopping bags with handles - PLEASE! Clients use these when shopping for food if they don't have their own bags. We double-bag to provide strength for the items they're bringing home with them. Bags should be in good shape, handles intact. Please drop them off any time - if we're not around, you can leave them in the donation bin at the front of the building.
- A large bulletin board: 3'W x 4'H, or 2'W x 3'W (larger preferred).

Solstice Hood River Moroccan Beef Stew is gone in  just 2-weeks. Be sure to get this favorite before the seasonal dish ends until next year! Available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Grasslands Barbecue “2-Year Anniversary Hootenanny”  Saturday, April 1st.  A huge whole Hog , special guests and live music.  Ferment Brewing will offer beer to pair with a fest of whole hog, pork or beef ribs, fancy chickens and all the favs. Start your day Hood River Farmers Market in the morning at 10:00 a.m. and continue the party @Grass Valley Barbecue!  Bring your lawn chairs, enjoy live music and spend the day!
 
La Esquina Del Gorge is a new food truck located in the Hood River Heights, in the same pod as the Solstice truck, Belmont & 12th. Go check them out- delicious Mexican style burgers, fish tacos, and more!
 
Crushcider Cafe Just updated the tap list online with the ciders to start this  weekend, including the weekend special, gorditas. A  highlight of one of the four new ciders: Crush Cider is offering Winter Nellis with local pears from Hood River valley fermented dry and aged for a year. Crisp + effervescent with a clean finish.
 
Mt. Hood BBQ has been selling out of their pot pies.  They offer in both chicken and Beef Brisket. Pick one up hot or frozen to cook later.  They also have a special 3-meat sampler on homemade slaw. Brisket, Pulled Pork, Burnt Ends, Tri Tip or chicken.
 
Elk Ridge Restaurant in Carson is now Open Wednesday thru Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm for both Breakfast and Lunch. Located at 1 St Martins Springs Rd, Carson, WA 98610 www.carsonhotspringswashington.com
 
Dani's Kitchen Shop April classes are live on the website. Grab your tickets for Thursday evenings in April for baking fun!
 
I also hear Girl Scout cookies are popping up! Time to look for your scout and order a box two! Thin mint baked donuts were available at Moby Coffee Roasters in Parkdale. Hoping they make more!

FOR SALE: A mention of two favorite businesses who are selling. 
Pour Girls in Odell is selling as well as Sweet things by Julie who is based in Bingen, Wash. We will be sorry to see them go and wish them the best in their new endeavors.  If you know of an interested buyer please contact them or the realtor for more information.

Planning an EASTER special menu?  Let Hood River Eats know soon!