PARTAKE

Charred Pepper Cotija Tacos

Recipe and photos by KACIE MCMACKIN

I recently had a version of these tacos in Portland at ¿Por Qué No? and immediately came home determined to fi gure out how to make them on my own. These have just a hint of heat from the charred pasilla peppers, smoky fl avor from the chili powder and chipotle seasoning that’s rubbed on the cotija cheese before it’s seared on all sides, and brightness from the lime-cilantro sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 solid block/wedge of cotija cheese, cut into half-inch batons • 4 pasilla peppers, fl esh cut away from the seeds and core • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice • 1 bunch cilantro, stems discarded • 2 Tbsp. chili powder • 1 Tbsp. chipotle powder • 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for serving neutral oil • small fl our tortillas • kosher salt Directions

In a powerful blender, combine the lime juice, cilantro, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup neutral oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until fully combined.

In a small dish, mix together the chili powder and chipotle powder. Rub the pasilla peppers with a little oil, season with salt. Rub the cotija with a little oil, season on all sides with the chili powder mix.

Heat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or nonstick pan over high heat. Sear the peppers on the hot skillet until they’re charred on both sides. Set aside. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the cheese on all sides until deeply golden and crispy. Set aside.

On the skillet or open ame, heat the tortillas on both sides. Smear each tortilla with a bit of sour cream (optional) and the lime-cilantro sauce. Add a strip of the charred pepper and cheese. Enjoy right away.

BACKWOODS BREWING COMPANY

509-427-3412 • backwoodsbrewingcompany.com 1162 Wind River Hwy • Carson Backwoods Brewing is family owned and located in Carson, WA. Established in 2012, we o er delicious beers, hand-made pizzas, outdoor seating, and welcome all ages.

Open daily: 11:30am-9pm

CASA EL MIRADOR FAMILY MEXICAN RESTAURANT

541-298-7388 • casaelmirador.com 1424 West 2nd Street • The Dalles Quality Mexican food prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients. Warm, friendly service and a lively atmosphere. Indulge in generous portions of flavorful sizzling fajitas, fish tacos, savory enchilada dishes and daily specials. Drink specials & Happy Hour menu from 3-6pm, Mon-Fri. Full service bar, take-out menu, gift certificates and catering services. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

EL PUERTO DE ANGELES III

541-308-0005 1306 12th Street • Hood River, on the Heights We are open and happy to serve you. Authentic Jalisco Cuisine. We provide a safe dining experience. Enjoy good food and good times. Offering daily lunch and dinner specials, served all day. Happy Hour Mon-Fri. Outdoor dining available (weather permitting).

Open Daily 10am-9pm Dine-In or Takeout BRIDGESIDE

541-374-8477 • bridgesidedining.com Exit 44 off I-84, Cascade Locks Stunning views next to the Bridge of the Gods – Bridgeside (formerly Charburger) serves tasty char-broiled burgers plus an extensive menu of breakfast items, chowders, fish & chips, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with friendly service. Gift shop • Special event room & terrace

CELILO RESTAURANT & BAR

541-386-5710 • celilorestaurant.com 16 Oak Street • Downtown Hood River Celebrating over 16 years, Celilo began with a desire to honor the bounty of the Northwest. Our ever-changing menu reflects the seasonal highlights of the region’s growers and foragers. We offer the most innovative in fresh, local cuisine as well as an award-winning wine list, full bar, small plate menu, and happy hour. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm

EVERYBODY’S BREWING

509.637.2774 • everybodysbrewing.com 177 E. Jewett Boulevard • White Salmon Everybody’s Brewing sits perfectly nestled on the cliffs of White Salmon, WA, overlooking the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. With award-winning beers, a globally-inspired food menu, and jaw-dropping views of Mt. Hood, you’ll quickly discover why Everybody’s is a Gorge favorite.

Visit Website for Updated Hours | Indoor/Outdoor Dining and Takeout (Order Online or Call) BRODER ØST

541-436-3444 • brodereast.com 102 Oak St. Suite 100 • Hood River Offering Nordic inspired breakfast and lunch to the gorge. Something new and exciting for the whole family to enjoy. Come try traditional recipes such as aebleskiver (danish pancakes), swedish meatballs, norwegian lefse (potato crepes) and lots more! We look forward to serving you! #broderost

DOPPIO COFFEE

541-386-3000 • doppiohoodriver.com 310 Oak Street • Downtown Hood River Relax on our beautiful patio in the heart of Hood River. Enjoy a hand crafted, in-house roasted espresso drink. Serving breakfast and lunch all day: panini sandwiches, fresh salads, smoothies and fresh baked pastries and goodies. Gluten free options available. Free Wi-Fi and our patio is dog friendly. Our tables are spaced apart and disinfected after each guest.

GRACE SU’S CHINA GORGE RESTAURANT & TIGER LOUNGE

541-386-5331 • chinagorge.com 2680 Old Columbia River Drive • Hood River A Gorge favorite known for authentic flavor and friendly service. Proudly serving Hunan and Szechuan cuisine since 1978. From our family to yours, we’re honored to have you at our table! Open Tue-Sun, closed Mon. Call or visit Facebook.com/ ChinaGorge for updates on takeout & dine-in service.

GROUND ESPRESSO BAR & CAFE

541-386-4442 • groundhoodriver.com 12 Oak Street • Downtown Hood River Get your daily fuel for your Gorge sports and activities here! A long time locals favorite coffee house and eatery, Ground features fresh in-house roasted coffee, house made pastries and cookies with lots of gluten free options. We make our soups from scratch every day and source mostly local and organic ingredients. Nitro cold brew on tap.

REMEDY CAFÉ

541-716-4020 • remedycafehoodriver.com 112 Third Street • Downtown Hood River Organic juice, smoothies, bowls, burritos & salads. House-made almond and coconut milks. Vegan and paleo options. Best quality organic and local ingredients. Organic espresso. Order Online - RemedyCafeHoodRiver.com Dine-In, Takeout and Curbside Options. Kids Corner. WiFi. “Where Healthy Food and Your Cravings Meet!”

SUSHI OKALANI

541-386-7423 • sushiokalani@gorge.net 109 First Street • Downtown Hood River We are the local’s favorite spot for fresh fish, Pan-Asian cuisine, and a huge sake selection, all available to-go only. We offer curbside pickup, 7 nights a week. With creative rolls, rotating specials, and fresh sashimi and nigiri, we also offer staples like Teriyaki, Tempura, and stir-fry dishes to satisfy all tastes. Phone orders only, starting at 4, pickup 5-8pm. Check IG & FB for specials and current menu.

THE LITTLE SEVEN SEVEN RANCH HIGHLAND BEEF

509-767-7130 • L77Ranch.com Grass-Fed Highland Beef from our ranch to your home. The L77 Ranch Shop is tucked away in the woods in Lyle. Highland Cattle can be viewed from the roads as you travel through the ranch. See all we have to offer in an open airy space. We stock a full selection of premium steaks, roasts, ground beef and more. Email for our Local Price List. By appointment only.

RIVERSIDE & CEBU LOUNGE

541-386-4410 • riversidehoodriver.com Exit 64 off I-84 • Waterfront Hood River Welcome to Riverside, where you’ll find the best food, drinks and views in the Gorge. Dine indoors or outdoors on the waterfront with fresh menus changing seasonally. Plus an award-winning wine list and 14 taps with all your favorite local breweries. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with the freshest ingredients grown and harvested by thoughtful, intentional local growers.

THUNDER ISLAND BREWING CO.

971-231-4599 • thunderislandbrewing.com 601 NW Wa Na Pa Street • Cascade Locks A brewery and taproom located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. The river and mountain views pair beautifully with craft beer and delicious food. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio. All guests are welcome, and are expected to follow Oregon state COVID guidelines. Cheers!

Reservations are recommended. To book, visit thunderislandbrewing.com. PFRIEM FAMILY BREWERS

541-321-0490 • pfriembeer.com 707 Portway Avenue, Suite 101 • Hood River Waterfront pFriem artisanal beers are symphonies of flavor and balance, influenced by the great brewers of Europe, but unmistakably true to our homegrown roots in the Pacific Northwest. Although they are served humbly, each glass is overflowing with pride and a relentless aspiration to brew the best beer in the world. We’ll let you decide. Open Daily | 11:30am-9pm

SOLSTICE WOOD FIRE PIZZA

541-436-0800 • solsticewoodfirecafe.com 501 Portway Avenue • Hood River Waterfront Family-owned & loved by locals for 15 years! One-of-akind specialty pizzas & seasonal small plates. Sublimecocktails, craft beer, wine & ciders. Indoor & outdoor dining with views! Abundant vegan & gluten-free options. Order takeout from the cafe or our mobile pizza truck on our website! Cheers!

YOUR PARTAKE LISTING HERE

Contact Jody Thompson for more information: 425-308-9582 • jthompson@thegorgemagazine.com 541-399-6333 • thegorgemagazine.com The Gorge is a mecca for great food and drink: restaurants, cafés, wineries, breweries, food carts & more. Help visitors and locals decide where to dine and drink. They’ll see your ad in print and in the online digital edition of the magazine…for one affordable price! RESERVE A PARTAKE LISTING SPACE TODAY