Blog Archives

thursday tidbits

7/27/2023

How is it possible that we are nearing the end of July? Lucky for us here in the gorge, mid-summer means that our orchards and farms are bursting with fruit and vegetables, ready for you to pick or for your favorite restaurant to turn into an amazing dish. I can't get enough of the beautiful photos I'm seeing of peaches, tomatoes, and cherries.

It's fair week! Look for your favorite local food trucks at the fairgrounds in Odell.
The Wagon Social Club has updated hours, now open daily 11am-7pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Backwoods in the Gorge is featuring the Fruit Ninja Burger this Friday night only. Beef, smoked glazed pineapple, peppadew pepper relish, sriracha aioli, white cheddar, and house made bbq sauce.
Jacob Williams Winery is hosting a 5 course paired dinner with Chef Brianna Lively on August 12. Tickets are $139/person.
Strawberry U-Pick is back at Pearl’s Place - hurry before they are gone!
Dance the night away at the Latin Dance Social at Crush Cider Cafe Friday night from 7-9pm.

Drop a note below if you have an event or special to add to the list.

thursday tidbits

7/20/2023

Photo by Willow Wine Cellars

Willow Wine Cellars has started a GoFundMe to raise money to purchase the property they have been renting for the last several years. Brendan and Tarnna are amazing humans who make amazing wine! Donate here https://gofund.me/2c16793c
Love & Hominy is now open Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm.
Riverside Restaurant is now open until 9:30pm for summer hours.
Mt Hood BBQ will be at the 1301 location this weekend, serving beef and pork ribs, mango slaw, brisket, and potato salad. Loaded baked potatoes on Saturday plus the regular menu all weekend.
Waucoma Bookstore and Crush Cider Café are hosting a book release celebration for Andrea Bemis on Sunday, July 30 at 3pm at Crush Cider Cafe.
Time to order tamales from Local Rhoots – first come, first serve, pickup Tuesday 7/25.

As always, please drop a note in the comments if you have an event or special to share.

In Season

7/17/2023

From Farm to Blender: Unleashing the Magic of Local Fruit in Fantastic Smoothie Creations

Story and photos by Sarah Harper

Treat your taste buds to a burst of vibrant flavors while supporting local farmers by incorporating in-season, locally-grown fruit into your smoothie recipes.
Smoothies can be a nutritious and delicious addition to a balanced diet. They can be nutrient-rich, full of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and smoothies offer hydration.
Smoothies are also a delightful way to introduce nutritious foods to kids. In addition, smoothies can be utilized as an effective tool for managing weight in adults, or as a protein supplement to support nutrition and fitness goals.
Crafting a smoothie is more than simply tossing ingredients into a blender. If you are seeking advice on creating delicious and nutritious smoothies this article is for you.
Let us explore my blueprint for making smoothies and master the art of crafting the perfect blend.

the ingredients for making a fantastic smoothie

My Smoothie Blueprint has four main categories: Liquid, Fruits/Veggies, Flavor, and Other.

Liquid - The liquid serves as the foundation of the smoothie. It facilitates the seamless blending of ingredients into a smooth beverage.
Fruits/Veggies - By incorporating fruits and vegetables into your smoothie, you boost its nutritional value and enhance its volume and flavor.
Flavor - To further enhance the flavor, you can add additional ingredients - get creative
- Green Juice Smoothie: For a refreshing flavor with a bit of zing, I add ginger and lemon juice to this smoothie.
- Almond Joy Smoothie: For a delightful smoothie reminiscent of the classic Almond Joy, I add dates, coconut, and cocoa powder. This combination unites the sweetness of the dates, the tropical essence of coconut, and the indulgent taste of chocolate.
- Other - I incorporate a supplement to enhance the nutritional profile of my smoothies. Depending on my needs, I may add fiber, protein, or even a combination of both.

the steps to making a fantastic smoothie

Making a fantastic smoothie does not need to be complicated. Below are my simplified steps for crafting smoothies.

Choose and gather the ingredients.
Begin by adding the liquids to the blender followed by the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth. Check consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid. Conversely, if the smoothie is too thin add more frozen fruit or ice cubes.
Taste a small amount of the smoothie and make any necessary adjustments to the flavors. For example, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or another date for more flavor.

smoothie making tips

Below are several tips I find helpful when creating fantastic smoothies.

Opt for ripe and flavorful fruits: A helpful guideline when making smoothies is to remember that if the fruit doesn't taste delicious on its own, it won't taste as good when blended into the smoothie.
Enhance the texture: Elevate the appeal and satisfaction of your smoothie by incorporating ingredients like frozen banana, yogurt, nut butter, chia seeds, or cacao nibs. These additions make the smoothie more interesting and satisfying.
Add protein: Including protein in your smoothie helps create a satiating smoothie that will keep you fuller longer.
Use a powerful blender: Opting for a powerful blender helps ensure creamy, froth-free, and lump-free smoothies.
Easy cleanup: Make cleanup a breeze by rinsing the blender immediately after blending. This straightforward step eliminates the hassle of dealing with crusted-on smoothie remnants!

smoothie FAQs (ask a dietitian!)

Here are a few frequently asked questions, answered by me! A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Are there specific local fruits that work well in smoothie recipes?
Yes! Local fruits are a fantastic choice for crafting delicious smoothies. Here are some that you can find at your local farmer's market.

Cherries
Peaches
Blueberries
Raspberries
Blackberries and Marionberries
Huckleberries

Do smoothies need yogurt or milk?
No, smoothies do not need to be made with yogurt or milk. Most of the smoothies I make are 100% plant-based. I use non-dairy milk, particularly soy milk, thanks to its notable protein content. While some people use yogurt to thicken their smoothies, I prefer to incorporate other ingredients such as nut butter, frozen ripe bananas, and even silken tofu.
What do you sweeten smoothies with?
When it comes to sweetening smoothies, there are numerous alternatives to table sugar. Here are five of my favorite natural sweeteners:

Ripe banana
Pitted Dates
100% Maple syrup
Honey
Monk fruit or stevia

Recipes
Now that you have explored my smoothie-making blueprint, you are now prepared to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. However, to further inspire your smoothie-making adventures, here are some tried and true smoothie and smoothie bowl recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Almond Joy Smoothie
Berry Bliss Smoothie
Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
Interest in making smoothie bowls? Here is my article all about Smoothie Bowl Toppings.

Sarah Harper is a Registered Dietitian, creator, and one of many eaters behind The Addy Bean. She is also an avid hiker, a registered yoga instructor, and a former nursing home dietitian.
Based in Hood River, Oregon, Sarah lives with her husband Jacob, her dog Huey and her blog’s namesake – her cat Adeline.

thursday tidbits

7/13/2023

Wilderton, photo by Hearafter Photography

Wilderton, the country’s first non-alcoholic distillery, opened their tasting room on the Hood River Waterfront. Stop by to learn about their distillery and taste their selection of non-alcoholic cocktails. Tours available on request.
The Saw Tooth Roadhouse in Parkdale has reopened, visit them for dinner Thursday through Sunday from 4-8pm.
Wicked Sushi, Burgers, Bowls will be hosting Chris Vincenzo of Hood River Brewing from 5-7pm on July 19.
The Bachelorette made a visit to the gorge this season! Tune in Monday, July 17 to see which local spots they hit up.
Tickets are on sale now for Hood River Hops Fest, which will be held October 7. Get your tickets at www.visithoodriver.com

Gorge Gluten Free

Columbia Gorge Gluten Free in Bingen is now open on Thursdays, and will have fresh baked and frozen goods available Thursday & Friday 7:30am-3pm and Saturdays 8:30am-3pm.
Congratulations to Double Mountain Brewery for opening their newest location in Overlook.
Red, White, & Blues with Bill Scholer Blues Band at Phelps Creek July 22 2-5pm
Big Jim’s Drive-In is now open until 10pm to satisfy your nighttime cravings. Cruise in, drive-thru, or order online.
Taqueria La Picosita has moved to the Mt Hood Country Store.
On July 16 Jure Poberaj & Krystyna Livingston of White Salmon Baking Co. will be creating a 6 course tasting menu to pair with Loop de Loop Wines new releases and sold out library wines. Farm-to-table in the meadow outside between the vines and the winery, overlooking the Gorge and Mt Hood.
Aniche Cellars is open again, and is donating $2 from every bottle of Inferno sold to the local fire department. Hawkins Cellars, Loop de Loop Wines, and South Hill Winery have also reopened. Let's support the Underwood wineries who have been through so much this month!

As always, drop a note in the comments if you have a special or event to add to our list!

thursday tidbits

7/6/2023

Cool Beans Espresso & Ice Cream

It is a somber week here in the gorge as we watch the fire burn in Underwood and hope for the best for all of the families and businesses who are affected. Let's make sure to give lots of love and support to the restaurants and wineries in Underwood once they are able to reopen. In the meantime we have a relatively short list of tidbits this week. Stay cool and stay safe!

Cool Beans Espresso & Ice Cream is now open in White Salmon. Pro-tip, they will serve up ice cream sandwiches made to order, from 12-8pm every day.
Check out the coolest new food truck in town, Benny's Shave Ice, parked at 416 Cascade Ave and open Wed-Fri 3-7pm, Sat 11am-7pm, and Sun 12-7pm.
Grasslands Barbecue will be open Fridays in July and August, 11:30am until sold out, at Waterfront Park.
Kainos Coffee in The Dalles is now open for brunch, every Sunday starting at 9am.
It's cherry season! Pie cherries are available at Pearl's Place, stop #1 on the Hood River Fruit Loop. Want to do the work yourself? U-pick is available at Draper Girls Country Farm, Packer Orchards, Hood River U-pick Organic, Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Mt View Orchards, The Gorge White House, and Montavons Berries. See the graphic below for a list of seasonal u-pick opportunities.