- Andrew S.
Eclectic and Electric
Bold global flavors meet comfort food classics
Guests are invited to explore cuisine from regions like the Hawaiian islands, with fresh salmon bowls, ahi poke and a rich and flavorful Wagyu Loco Moco. For some soulful Cajun flavors, try their incredible Smoked Jambalaya or the Smoked Salmon Po’Boy.
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Photos by MJ Media Productions, Active Media
Everything about Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill is eclectic, especially the menu’s innovative fusion of traditional comfort food and global cuisine designed to tantalize your taste buds. Named for co-owner Bobbie Franks’ father, this family-friendly venue on the northside of town opened in April of 2023 and has become a welcome fixture in the Lebanon dining scene.
Bobbie and Aaron Franks never intended to own a bar and grill, but when the opportunity arose to take over the beautifully designed eatery situated in a quiet new development, they jumped at the chance.
“It kind of fell into our laps,” Bobbie explains.
The space features a bright open dining area and a bricked bar with a glittering glassware display, while the walls are adorned with funky artwork and big-screen TVs.
Robin’s has a full bar and is a great place to grab a drink, but the real adventure at this extraordinary spot is the food. Chef Derrick Hamel-Kaalekahi is the mastermind behind the delectable offerings.
“He comes up with these fabulous creations, and his team in the kitchen works so well together — they’re all amazing,” says Bobbie.
Haamel-Kaalekahi’s specialty is gourmet comfort food, so you’ll find traditions with a twist complemented by fresh meats and seafood. Indulge in the Open Face Crab Imperial Melt, the Steak Oscar, or the Smoked Langostino Smashed Potato — buttery, savory smoked langostino, penne pasta and a delicious garlic-parmesan bechamel served atop a mountain of baked smashed potato smothered in compound butter, topped with fresh chives and crispy bacon.
No matter your craving or preference, there’s something for everyone at Robin’s, and the lineup also includes a delicious assortment of appetizers, burgers, plates of pasta, salads, sandwiches and more.
The Korean BBQ Cauliflower is a customer favorite, and the Roast Beef Burger is a newer addition — a smashed burger topped with roast beef, pepper jack cheese, and horseradish aioli served with a side of au jus. A children’s menu is also available for the little ones.
If you’re craving something sweet, enjoy one of their decadent desserts, like the Flourless Chocolate Torte Cake or their wildly popular Butter Toffee Bundt cake, served with fresh berries and housemade whipped cream. With 11 rotating taps, canned and bottled beers, wine and a list of tasty specialty cocktails, it’s easy to find the perfect libation to complement your meal. Pair your poke bowl with a Hawaiian Martini or a Spicy Jalapeno-Hibiscus Limeade. Their large selection of premium spirits means the talented bartenders at Robin’s can always whip up the cocktail of your choosing.
The clientele at Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill are as eclectic as the menu, and they’ve acquired a large local following of all ages.
“We have very loyal customers,” Bobbie says. “We see a lot of older folks during the day, especially our regulars from the Oregon Veterans Home. We
also see a lot of the younger crowd and their families.”
The establishment is family-friendly throughout, minus the bartop, and, weather permitting, a glass roll-up door leads to a picturesque outdoor patio with firepit tables. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or celebrating a special
occasion, the Franks and their friendly staff are here to welcome you with a fun and unique dining experience!
Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill is located at 805 N 5th St in Lebanon. Please give them a call at (541) 4054054 or visit their website at www. robinnorthsidebar.com
Blissful Brews & Bites
Family-owned brewery crafts seasonal sips
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
Photos by MJ Media Productions, Active Media
With a name like Barsideous Brewing, visitors expect a unique experience, and this family-owned brewery and restaurant does not disappoint! Featuring a creative compilation of artisanal beers with locally sourced Pacific Northwest flavors and delicious food pairings, this eclectic venue is the perfect spot to embark on a journey through handcrafted beer bliss in a historical building that’s the essence of small-town nostalgia.
Barsideous is owned by brothers Bill and Joel Bartman and their nephew Brian Franks. The name comes from Bill’s 30-year teaching career when his colleagues nicknamed him ‘Barsideous,’ based on his impressive powers of persuasion and a catchy combination of his last name with Darth Sidious from Star Wars. Previously a home brewer, Bill and the family teamed up in 2017 and found the most captivating place for their brewery — Lebanon’s former movie theater. With a fascinating history dating back to 1910, the building was originally the Empire Theater, then the Kuhn and finally the Gem before becoming Barsideous. Nowadays, it has three distinct areas: the front half, which houses the kitchen and restaurant; the middle, which was converted into a state-ofthe-art small-batch craft brewery; and the back, an enchanting entertainment venue with a stage for live shows. The space is allegedly haunted, so watch out for wayward spirits!
Bill and his crew intimately coax the beers at Barsideous into existence and then give them a life of their own. “We brew for the enjoyment of drinking and the spirit of the moment,” says Bill. “I like to take an intuitive approach, a holistic sense of how the individual parts will add up and interact to form a beautiful and balanced beer.”
Fresh, local ingredients and seasonal pairings are constant inspirations, like in Sweet Georgia Brown, an American brown ale brewed with toasted pecans and maple syrup that calls to mind marshmallow roasts around a blazing bonfire. S’aint Misbehavin,’ a holiday brew available through winter, is a strong Scottish ale with cherries, cinnamon sticks, maple syrup and vanilla beans. Several of their year-round taps started as seasonals but were added to the permanent list due to their popularity, like the Chocolate Casanova — a chocolate stout made with locally-sourced chocolate
and rumored to have aphrodisiac qualities. It earned the brewery a silver medal at the 2020 Oregon Beer Awards.
Besides beer, Barsideous also brews seasonal hard seltzers that feature refreshing, fruity flavors like peach, cherry and lemon-lime. When one flavor runs out, a customer poll decides the next creation. Various wines are also available, and local ciders from 2 Towns and Bauman’s are on tap.
There’s no such thing as ‘just stopping in for a beer’ at Barsideous. Every visit is an experience, and pairing their mouth-watering pub-style cuisine with the exceptional flavors of their brews is a culinary odyssey you don’t want to miss! The hand-tossed pizzas are a guest favorite, with spent grains from the brewing process used in the pizza dough for an extraordinary
flavor combination. Giant ½ pound burgers are cooked to order and loaded with fresh toppings, and their delectable Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, which also comes in pizza form, is, according to Bill, “what keeps them on the map.” But the secret is that the creative cooks at Barsideous will work to satisfy any craving they can accommodate — you just have to ask. The brewery is also family-friendly, and a selection of children’s entrees are listed on the regular menu. Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, with food specials and discounted brews, including $12 Growler fills and fourpacks on Thirsty Thursdays.
of Cafe Rock, another local business, uses the brews to make luscious beerthemed desserts like Sweet Georgia Brown brownies or S’aint Misbehavin’ cupcakes. They’re served exclusively at Barsideous, so keep an eye out because they go fast. The brewery also does literary collaborations with local authors and in the past co-designed beer with Conversion Brewing.
Barsideous identifies as a “bridge brewpub” that works to bridge connections in the community, and their many local collaborations are a true testament to that mission. The owner
At Barsideous, they believe beer has the power to bring people together, and the vintage venue in the back is the perfect place to gather with friends and family to simply celebrate the art of living. The stage welcomes local live music, comedy nights once a month, and the brewery hosts private parties by reservation. This sensational spot is just waiting to take you on a gastronomic adventure, indulging in handcrafted beer paradise!
Barsideous Brewing is located at 644 S Main St in Lebanon. Please give them a call at (541) 570-1789 or visit their website at barsideousbrewing.com.
HOUR: 4PM-6PM
DID YOU KNOW? ONION SOUPS HAVE BEEN POPULAR AT LEAST SINCE ROMAN TIMES. WIDELY GROWN AND GENERALLY INEXPENSIVE, ONIONS WERE REGARDED AS A POOR PERSON’S FOOD, AND THE UPPER CLASSES AVOIDED IT.
French Onion Soup
Rich, savory dish a peasant classic
Ingredients
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
¾ teaspoon sea salt
1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1½ tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce)
1½ tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup dry white wine
6 cups vegetable broth
freshly ground black pepper
Topping: Baguette slices | Gruyère, aged cheddar or Parmesan | fresh thyme | red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Heat oil in large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, salt and several grinds of pepper; toss to combine. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 40 minutes, stirring every few minutes, or until onions are very soft. Increase heat to medium and cook 15 to 20 more minutes, stirring often, until golden brown. Stir in vinegar, tamari, thyme and garlic. Sprinkle flour on onions, stir; cook 2 minutes. Stir in wine; cook 2 minutes, or until evaporated. Add broth and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°F. On parchment-lined baking sheet, bake baguette slices topped with cheese until toasted and cheese melts, 8 to 10 minutes. Ladle soup into ramekins or bowls; top with toasted baguette slice, thyme and pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Home Is Where the Experience Is
Premier real estate services in Linn County
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
Photos by MJ Media Productions, Active Media
Oregon Real Estate Professionals LLC truly stands out for its exceptional customer service. Led by owner/principal broker Todd Branson, the agency puts clients first and ensure every transaction is handled with care, integrity and a personal touch. Their mission is to guide clients through buying and selling ventures across Linn County. Covering Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Brownsville, Jefferson, Scio, Crabtree, Cascadia, Tangent, Crawfordsville and the surrounding areas, they offer personalized service and unparalleled expertise to both buyers and sellers.
Linn County’s idyllic landscape, with its rolling green hills and pristine lakes and rivers, provides a serene escape for all. Whether you’re in the market for a home, a commercial space or a recreational property, Oregon Real Estate Professionals has the ideal options. Sellers particularly benefit from the area’s natural beauty, which enhances the appeal of their properties and attracts eager buyers looking to be part of this breathtaking environment.
Established in 2019, the agency was built on the pillars of integrity, transparency and client satisfaction. Armed with extensive knowledge and insights, the brokers offer
invaluable guidance and expertise to ensure informed decisions at every stage of the real estate journey. Whether navigating a competitive market or negotiating the best deal, clients can rely on the Oregon Real Estate Professionals team. Each member is committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of clients, ensuring a smooth and successful real estate journey.
Oregon Real Estate Professionals understands the diverse needs of every buyer. With a flexible approach, they customize their services to match each client’s specific requirements. Leveraging the advanced tools of the Willamette Valley Multiple Property Listing Service, the brokers ensure comprehensive access to all available listings and offer expert guidance so that every individual finds the perfect fit for their unique desires and aspirations.
When selling your property, Oregon Real Estate Professionals goes the extra mile to ensure success. The team begins by analyzing market trends, considering the urgency of the sale and your specific goals. Through a comprehensive evaluation, they determine the optimal value of your property, providing you with a clear understanding of its worth. This strategic approach facilitates a quick sale and maximizes profitability, giving you peace of mind throughout the process. From initial pricing to closing the deal, their expertise ensures a seamless and lucrative transaction, allowing you to confidently move forward with your real estate goals.
Oregon Real Estate Professionals continues to set the bar high, ensuring every client’s real estate journey is exceptional. Contact them today to discover why they are the best choice for all real estate needs in Linn County.
Call (541) 258-6100, visit oregonrealestateprofessionals. com, or stop by their office at 2345 S. Santiam Hwy., Lebanon.
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