​Feast Market a perfect spot

​Feast well-appointed bar in downtown White Salmon. Seared scallops topped with a creamy golden squash sauce and specialty beverage.

By Wren Andrews, for Hood River Eats
WHITE SALMON — Feast Market and Delicatessen may be just about the perfect spot to stop in on these cold winter days.
Perched high atop the cliffs in White Salmon, the restaurant-meets-market is nestled right downtown. Its central location, adjacent street parking, and mobility-friendly entrance makes it an easy stop.
The family-owned market, established by husband-and-wife duo Shawn Simmons and Jenessa VanDeHey, strives for a close connection to local farms with an aim towards sustainability and building community. Feast’s interior is cozy, with its heavy wooden beamed ceiling and warm light, while also featuring clean lines in exposed brick. The dining area is set up to host larger parties but also has smaller, more intimate tables for couples or individual diners. There is also countertop seating at the well-appointed bar. It is worth noting that the back of the restaurant is abutted by a patio for outdoor seating. And, while it was far too chilly when I visited, I was told more intrepid diners would be able to see Mount Hood on a clear day.  
As the temperatures drop, I am on the look-out for anything that can cut through the chill outside. Feast’s lunch menu hosts a range of classic sandwiches as well as a revolving list of beers, ciders, and kombuchas on tap.
Their dinner menu boasts diverse entrees including something called a “Hanger Steak” I regret not trying. Ultimately, I ended up going with a special they had on: Seared scallops topped with a creamy golden squash sauce. The scallops were perfectly cooked and melted like butter with every bite. I’ll even admit to ordering a basket of bread to mop up the last of the sauce. And while I was so delighted with my meal, it was made even better by the accompanying Hot Toddy.
Personally, I find the best measure of a place is after a meal with a good sipping drink in front of me. It was this post-dinner contemplation that brought out my true appreciation of Feast. While I had come in early for dinner (closer to 4 p.m. than 5 p.m.), there were still a few other diners. Conversation filled the space well, not competing to be heard over the music nor too hushed for fear of echoing. Shoppers drifted around the market and deli counter. It felt like a true community space.
As I was leaving, I stopped at the deli counter looking for something sweet to round out the night. Now, to my great surprise, I ended up with a piece of mascarpone cheesecake. I am not a cheesecake person, often finding it too heavy or overly sweet. However, this cheesecake found the perfect balance between fluffy and creamy. The sprinkling of coconut was a lovely addition. I have since gone back just for another slice.
Feast’s lunch service goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner is served from 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 4-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Feast is located at 151 E. Jewett Blvd. in downtown White Salmon. Their website, feastmarket.org, offers information about their catering service and you can also call 509-637-6886 or check out their Instagram page @feastmkt.