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Volume 2 Issue 4/Fall 2011 (Display until January 1, 2012) WillametteValleyLife.com
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Best of the Valley! Plus: Craft Brewing Hoop Dreams Albany Daycation
Valley Floor Fall Calendar Your Money The Vine Bon Mangez
Fall 2011 • Willamette Valley Life
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Star of India I N D I A N
R E S T A U R A N T
Northern Indian Culture and Flavors Lunch Buffet or Traditional Indian Dinner Fresh Ingredients 2138 Lancaster DR NE • Salem, OR 97305
503-588-9800
www.starofindia.weebly.com
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Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2011
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
I’m not ready
I
don’t know about you, but I’m not ready for summer to be over. There are so many things I’ve put off because something else got in the way. I only made it to the beach once this summer. And the hammock on the back deck? I think I took a swing once or twice. I’m trying not to beat myself up over it, but in the land where the sun doesn’t shine nearly long enough throughout the year, I should probably be arrested. For all of you who ended up in the same boat as me, this issue has some great ideas to help ease you slowly into the next season. We are excited about the first annual “Best in the Valley” awards! I put the word out in the last issue of Willamette Valley Life, and the results are published on page 6. Some of my favorite places made the list as well as a few places I’ve never heard of. That’s the beauty of
MEET THE PRESS:
these polls—you get to learn about new business establishments that you might not otherwise have come across. I’ve already made a list of must visit restaurants from the poll results. The Willamette Valley is world famous for its wineries, but craft breweries are on the rise here in the land of grapes and hops. Writer Meredith Russell took on the “gruelingly tough” job of visiting a variety of breweries and craft beer makers for this issue, and gives us the run down on what she found on page 8. Did I mention that I was not ready for summer to end? Fortunately for all of us, writer Tami Richards had a line on a story about hula hoop enthusiast and performer Camille Farrell, who founded an organization of fellow hoopers called Hoop Tribe. I imagine a performance by these folks would be a blast to watch, especially since the thought of trying it myself gives me a hernia. We round out this issue with a daycation trip to Albany; more financial wisdom
As the summer winds down and fall moves in, get out of the house. Enjoy the sunshine we have left and the beautiful fall leaves that are popping up everywhere. from moolah-master Ken Gardner; a restaurant review from our favorite Willamette Valley foodie Bon Mangez; oenophile Ryan Reichert sings the praises of Riesling wines; and finally, Willamette Valley Life Associate Editor, Jessica Gardner, fills us in on where to go, who to see and what to do on the Valley Floor. As the summer winds down and fall moves in, get out of the house. Enjoy the sunshine we have left and the beautiful fall leaves that are popping up everywhere. See you in the New Year with our second anniversary issue!
PUBLISHERS/EDITORS Randy and Dawn Hill ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jessica Gardner ART DIRECTION Hill Design Studios CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Omar Elwafaii, Jessica Gardner, Ken Gardner, Kathy Hawthorne, Randy Hill, Bon Mangez, Ryan Reichert, Tami Richards, Meredith Russell, Pete Slenning ADVERTISING SALES L. Andrew Brown/Concept Marketing Randy Hill PHONE 503.507.1228 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 17264, Salem, Oregon 97305 EMAIL: publisher@willamettevalleylife.com Copyright 2011 by Willamette Valley LIfe Magazine ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.
willamettevalleylife.com
THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS
Jessica Gardner loves the outdoors, enjoys a good cabernet every now and then, and wishes she could fly away in Doctor Who’s TARDIS one day.
is also a certified French wine enthusiast and Spanish Wine Educator. Ryan strives to learn all he can about wine and to share his passion with everyone. nwwhites.com.
Ken Gardner writes for life, financial liberty and the pursuit of member happiness. He has worked in the financial industry for over 10 years and does not have perfect credit…but he’s getting there.
Tami Richards is a native of Salem. An avid bibliophile, she has a keen interest in the people of the community, both past and present, local and far-reaching. She enjoys the Willamette Valley for all the obvious reasons, but her favorite aspect is taking advantage of all the rivers and streams—day-hiking along them, smelling that amazing fresh scent, and searching for waterfalls to photograph.
Ryan Reichert is originally from Northeast Ohio and relocated to the Willamette Valley to further his career in the wine industry. He has received both his Intermediate and Advanced certifications from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust and
Meredith Russell is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in work with young children and families. She is a freelance writer on parenting, family life and health. She transplanted herself from the East Coast to Salem fifteen year ago.
Cover photo: Fall is in the Air, Kathy Hawthorne Fall 2011 • Willamette Valley Life
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Compiled and Edited By Jessica Gardner
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Fun with Fungi
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t may not be the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, but it’s just as much fun. A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village will celebrate the fall and all of its bounty with the 13th Annual Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Merriment. Enjoy a full day of fall festivities at the children’s museum with harvest crafts and games, fresh pressed cider, live music and entertainment, petting zoo and much more. The festival entertainment includes a performance by singer/songwriter Clare Norelle, a costume fashion show for pets from Willamette Humane Society, and a music performance by LuAnn Ritts with her band Cash and Company. The grand lighting of hundreds of carved pumpkins takes place at dusk. Bring a carved pumpkin for discounted admission.
on’t miss Mount Pisgah Arboretum’s annual celebration of mushrooms and the harvest season. The Mushroom Festival features several hundred species of local fungi, collected throughout western Oregon. You don’t have to be a nature-nut to have a great time. The festival also features a huge plant sale, a scarecrow contest, children’s activities, hayrides, craft vendors, incredible mushroom-inspired food, fresh apple cider, wine, great music by popular local bands and much more. A wide variety of mushrooms, plants, and arts and crafts will be on sale, with proceeds supporting the Arboretum’s work in environmental education and habitat restoration. Where: Mount Pisgah Arboretum, 34901 Frank Parrish Road, Eugene, Oregon. When: Sunday, October 30, 2011 Contact: 541-747-3817; MountPisgahArboretum.org.
Where: A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem, Oregon. When: Saturday, October 15, 2011 Contact: 503-371-3631; acgilbert.org.
Irish Ceili
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ou don’t have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate Irish culture. Get your Celtic fix by joining the Céilí of the Valley Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Irish heritage and culture primarily through social events that incorporate music and dance. For those unfamiliar with the custom, an Irish céilí (pronounced “kay-lee”) is a merry social gathering with music, songs, dancing, friends and refreshments. The group holds Irish social dance classes on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Salem. On the second Friday of the month, they host a céilí with live music, called dancing, food, raffle and much more. Unlike typical months, the October event will begin with a Hanz Araki Celtic concert featuring Hanz Araki, Kathryn Claire and Cary Novotny. The concert will be followed by a complimentary dance lesson (with paid admission) and céilí with live music. Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE, Salem, Oregon. When: Friday, October 14, 2011 Contact: 503-931-3055; ceiliofthevalley.org.
Harvest Festival T
his October 1st through 31st, revel in a whole host of family events at the Willamette Valley Fruit Company Harvest Festival. This year’s partnership with the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation and Marion-Polk Food Share will help promote their newest NO Hungry Child campaign, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting these groups. To celebrate this campaign, the festival will feature a 10-acre corn maze in the shape of a brain being fueled by fresh healthy foods. You’ll have a blast as you seek to find objects and follow clues on your Maze Passport. On October 15th, lace up your sneakers and join the 1st Annual Harvest Maze Gallop and Graze, featuring a Family Fun Run, a 5k race and a 10k race.
Storybook Land
Murals Unveiled
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hree large murals were unveiled on September 8, 2011, as part of the grand opening for the new Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families at Oregon State University. This new facility brings together faculty and student researchers dedicated to improving the holistic health of children and families throughout Oregon and around the world. The murals were created by Ron Mills de Pinyas, a professor of art at Linfield College. The paintings make use of luminous color, patterns in rhythm and an ethereal flow of veiled forms. Where: Oregon State University, Campus Way and 26th Street, Corvallis, Oregon. Contact: ronmills.net and campaignforosu.org. 4
Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2011
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tart your holiday season off with a visit to Christmas Storybook Land. Enjoy a simulated walk through a Christmas lighted forest where you can view over 85 scaled down scenes of Mother Goose rhyme characters, fairy tale characters and
If running’s not your thing, there are many other exciting activities, including a pumpkin patch, barrel train, pedal carts, mini zip-lines, corn crib, hay maze, pumpkin bowling, CornBall (corn-themed volleyball), pumpkin and gourd launchers, great food and much more. Where: Willamette Valley Fruit Co., 2994 82nd Avenue Northeast, Salem, OR 97305. When: October 1-31, 2011 Contact: 503-362-8678. wvfco.com.
family movie characters, some of which are animated. Two huge train displays, a Victorian Village, and Main Street round out the fun. At the end of your walk, visit the North Pole and chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Make sure to bring a camera! The venue is free, and visitors are encouraged to bring canned food donations for the less fortunate. In 2010, over 23,000 non-perishable food items were donated to FISH for local distribution. Where: Linn County Fair & Expo Center, Cascade Livestock Building, 3700 Knox Butte Road, Albany, Oregon. When: December 2-16, 2011 Contact: 541-231-6811; christmasstorybookland.org.
PHOTO BY AMY MCMULLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Pumpkin Merriment
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October, November, December Family Harvest Days – Silverton. Every Saturday in October. Pumpkin painting, gourd bowling, harvest treats for kids, beer and wine for adults. sevenbridesbrewing.com 1-31 – Willamette Valley Fruit Company Harvest Festival – Salem. Explore a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, barrel train, mini zip-lines, corn crib, hay mountain, pumpkin launchers, great food, and much more at family-friendly prices. Portion of proceeds benefit the NO Hungry Child campaign. 503-362-8678. wvfco.com. 8 – Oregon Valley Boys Grange Hall Tour – Oak Grove. Join the Oregon Valley Boys for an old fashioned community dance at the Oak Grove Grange Hall in Oak Grove from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Adults $5.00; children 12 and under free. oregonvalleyboys.com. Corvallis Farmers Market – Corvallis. Saturdays through 11/19. Corvallis’ downtown hosts two outdoor farmers markets bursting with the Willamette Valley’s best fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, nursery plants, baked goods and other delights. Meet the growers, listen to live music, partake of samples and cooking demonstrations, or pick up expert tips on gardening and health. 541-740-1542. locallygrown.org. 15 – The 13th Annual Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Merriment – Salem. Enjoy fall festivities at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village with harvest crafts and games, fresh pressed cider, live music and entertainment, a 4-H farm animal petting zoo and much more! Bring a pumpkin for $3 off admission. 503-371-3631 or 800-208-9514. acgilbert.org. 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 – Haunted House – Millersburg Grange Hall. Cost is $3 per person or 3 non-perishable food items. Proceeds are to benefit the Grange & Jefferson Christmas Food Basket program. 541-905-4113 or 541-926-3646. 19-31 – 13 Nights of Halloween – Salem. The 13 Nights of Halloween is a festival full of Halloween activities organized by the Culture Shock Community Project. There are a variety of events, many free, for all ages. From pumpkin carving to Thriller dancing, roller derby to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, ghost stories to zombie mobs, there’s something for everyone! cultureshockproject.org/13nights. 21-31 – October Weekends at Lone Pine Farms – Junction City. Fun fall activities including the famous pumpkin patch, haunted corn maze and cow-trail roller coaster ride. 541-688-4389. lonepinefarms.com. 21-31 – Colonial Harvest Days – Pleasant Hill. Celebrate the harvest season with an unique fall experience for the entire family. Each weekend enjoy live music, face painting, food venue and more. 541-746-5161. northernlightschristmastreefarm.com. 22 – Nearby Nature’s Haunted Hike – Eugene. Enjoy a pumpkinlit hike and encounter all sorts of furry and feathered creatures of the night, from a gigantic bat to a sneaky spider. Rain or moonshine. Registration required. 541-687-9699. nearbynature.org. 28 – Mad Scientists’ Halloween Extravaganza – Eugene. Witness spooky science demonstrations and eerie experiments in the mad scientist’s lab, win prizes in the horrifying Halloween Carnival, and try your hand at launching a pumpkin projectile with a trebuchet! 541-682-7888. sciencefactory. 30 – Halloween with Harry – Corvallis. Celebrate Halloween with the stirring music of Harry Potter. 541-752-2361. cosusymphony.org. 31 – McMinnville Halloween – McMinnville. The McMinnville Downtown Association will hold its annual Safe & Sane Halloween. Hay rides, games, Halloween photos, free cartoons at the Moonlight Theater and trick-or-treating on Third Street. Donation of non-perishable food items requested to benefit the local food bank. 503-472-3605. downtownmcminnville.com.
November
December
11 – Veteran’s Day Parade – Albany. One of the largest Veteran’s Day parades west of the Mississippi River. Memorial Service at Timber Linn Park at 8 a.m. The parade starts at 11 a.m. 541-928-0911. albanyvisitors.com. 11-12 – Coastal Hills Art Tour – Willamina. The annual Coastal Hills Art Tour will be held in Willamina. Artists will be housed in business venues throughout downtown, and all of their art is for sale. Admission is free. 503-876-5777. willaminachamber.com. 12 – Play in the Rain Day – Eugene. Looking for something fun to do with your family on a rainy (or perhaps even sunny) Saturday in November? Visitors will discover how fun, easy and rewarding it is to spend time outdoors in nature—in all kinds of weather. 541-349-7501 or 541-344-8350. youthinnature.org. 13 – Salem Collectors & Flea Market – Salem. Salem’s oldest antique show and flea market. Over 150 vendors selling collectibles, antiques, jewelry, glass, pottery, toys, furniture, tools, home decor and much more! salemcollectorsmarket.com. 20 – The Four Seasons - “Autumn” – Salem. Salem Chamber Orchestra features violinist Heather Netz in a performance of Vivaldi’s “Autumn” concerto from The Four Seasons. Program also includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 and Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite. Conducted by Nikolas Caoile. 503-581-4325. salemchamberorchestra.org. 24-27 – Celebration on the Territorial Thanksgiving Wine Trail – Various South Willamette Valley Wineries. Enjoy beautiful venues, specials on wine, live music and wonderful food all weekend long in the wine country. Come taste the wines of the East Willamette Valley Wineries and Chehalem Mountains Winegrowers, with award winning wines and special Thanksgiving holiday deals. 541-221-8592. southwillamettewineries.com. 25 – Free Day at Cascades Raptor Center – Eugene. Come visit the birds for free the day after Thanksgiving. Bring family and friends and discover the world of raptors: hawks, owls, falcons, eagles and more. 541-485-1320. eraptors.org. 25 – Santa’s Parade and Tree Lighting– McMinnville. The McMinnville Downtown Association will hold its annual Santa’s Parade at 1 p.m. with caroling and tree lighting at 5 p.m. Parade highlights include floats, hay rides and the highstepping McMinnville Garden Club “Rakettes.” 503-472-3605. downtownmcminnville.com. 25-26 – Polk County Craft Festival – Rickreall. Two buildings with over 100 vendors. Wreaths, ornaments, ceramics, gift baskets, fudge, cowboy art, baked goods and much more. 503-623-3048 or 888-229-6818. co.polk.or.us/fair. 26 – Pet Photos with Santa – Dallas. Help raise money for local animal charities. For a donation of $6.95 you will receive a 4x6 print as well as an emailed image for as many reprints as you wish. 503-831-1222. oldmillfeed.com.
PHOTO BY KEITH BUCKLEY
October
1-31 – Night Time Magic – Albany. Drive through the historic districts of Albany and enjoy the homes lit up with white lights. 541-928-0911. albanyvisitors.com. 3 – Springfield Christmas Parade – Springfield. In its 59th year, the Springfield Christmas Parade is a time-honored community tradition the Springfield citizens anticipate every year. It has gained the notable reputation of being the “oldest and coldest” (and sometimes “wettest”) parade in Oregon. Enjoy floats, a Tuba Carol Concert and more. 541-988-0955. springfieldchristmasparade.org. 8 – Celtic Christmas Concert – Corvallis. An evening of contemporary Celtic music featuring Jeff Johnson, Brian Dunning and Wendy Goodwin as well as classical singers Janet Marie Chvatal and Marc Gremm. Free Admission. 541-757-176. fofm.org. 10 – Festival of Lights Holiday Parade – Keizer. The Festival of Lights Holiday Parade is the largest nighttime illuminated holiday parade west of the Mississippi! The whimsical holiday experience has become a family tradition for thousands of Oregonians since 1989 and continues to grow exponentially each year, reaching Keizer and the surrounding areas to make this a truly regional Pacific Northwest event. Free admission. folholidayparade.org. 10-11 – Silver Falls Christmas Festival – Sublimity. Engage in various Christmas themed crafts such as wreaths, cards, gingerbread houses and ornaments. Enjoy refreshments, live music and appearances by Santa. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Silver Falls and Silver Falls State Park. 503-873-8681 x 21. oregonstateparks.org. 10-11 – Salem Saturday Market’s Holiday Market – Salem. Over 200 artisans with thousands of handcrafted food, gift and decor creations; $100 shopping spree giveaways; hourly door prizes; live entertainment; and visits from Santa. Largest Holiday Market in Oregon with free admission. salemsaturdaymarket.com. 11 – Japanese New Year’s Traditions – Salem. Enjoy Japanese taiko drumming and New Year’s traditional mochitsuki (making rice cakes) outside the Reed Opera House. Learn more at the World Beat Gallery exhibit on the Reed’s 2nd floor. Free admission. 503-581-2004. salemmulticultural.org. 19-23 – Willamette Heritage Center Magic at the Mill – Salem. Features thousands of twinkling holiday lights and entertainment for all. Enjoy live music, living history, kid’s activities, demonstrations and more. Admission charged. 503-585-7012. willametteheritage.org. 31 – New Year’s Eve Family Fun – Salem. Ring in the New Year at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village with live music and entertainment, crafts and activities for kids, and a lighted ball drop at 9 p.m. Admission charged. Tickets go on sale December 1. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org.
27 – Trail Band Christmas Concert – McMinnville. The Trail Band will perform for this annual Christmas kickoff at the McMinnville Community Center at 6 p.m. 503-472-3605. downtownmcminnville.com. 29 – Holidays at The Capitol Tree Lighting – Salem. The 27 foot noble fir tree lighting will take place in the Rotunda. The Capitol will be decorated with many trees highlighting our “Holidays in the Northwest” theme. Enjoy refreshments and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free. 503-986-1386. leg.state.or.us.
December 10 – Festival of Lights Holiday Parade – Keizer
Fall 2011 • Willamette Valley Life
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THE GREATEST...THE PRIMO...THE SECOND TO NONE...THE CREME DE LA CREME
Accounting Firm
Hotel
Antique Store
Jeweler
Integrity First Financial 345 Lincoln Street SE Salem, Oregon 97302 integrityfirstfinancial.com
The Grand Hotel 201 Liberty St SE Salem, OR 97301 grandhotelsalem.com
Earle Antique Company 129 Commercial Street Northeast Salem, OR 97301-3402
Calusa Studio 155 Liberty Street NE, Suite B8 Salem, OR 97301 calusastudio.com
Architect
Deffenbaugh & Associates 388 State Street, Capitol Center Suite 840 Salem, OR 97301 da-arch.com
Landscaper
Art Gallery
Local Band
McKenzie Landscape 28081 SW Morgan St Wilsonville, OR 97070 mckenzieslandscape.com
Valley Art Gallery 2022 Main St Forest Grove, Oregon 97116 www.valleyart.org
Karen Lovely Band Ashland, OR karenlovely.com
Attorney
Heather’s Hair and Nail 8481 SW Warm Springs St Tualatin, OR 97062
Manicurist
Willamette Valley Legal 1130 Liberty Street SE, Suite 100 Salem, OR 97302 willamettevalleylegal.com
Massage Therapist
About Touch 895 Country Club Rd, Suite A140 Eugene, OR 97401 abouttouch.com
Auto Body Shop
Taylor’s Auto Body 12795 Westview Dr Dallas, OR 97338
Nursery
Auto Dealer
The results are in for the Willamette Valley Life “Best of the Valley” poll! Thousands of folks around the valley had the opportunity to vote for their favorite and these candidates were voted the best. Congratulations to the winners!
Lithia Toyota of Springfield 163 South 9th St Springfield, OR 97477 lithiatoyotaspringfield.com
Auto Parts
Salem Brake & Wheel Inc 1235 12th St SE Salem, OR 97302
Bakery
Cascade Bakery 229 State St Salem, OR 97301 cascadebaking.com
Bank
West Coast Bank 301 Church St NE Salem, OR 97301
Barber
Kristie’s Barber Shop 20 W 17th Ave Eugene, OR 97401
Book Store
Carpet Cleaner
Advanced Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Keizer Rd NE Salem, OR 97311 advancedcarpets.com
Caterer
Coffee House
Willaby’s Catering 765 Liberty Street SE Salem, OR 97301 willabyscatering.com
Chiropractor
Computer Repair
Riverfront Wellness Center 2399 12th St SE Salem, OR 97302 riverfrontwellness.com
Cleaners
Quality Shirts & Laundry 1311 Liberty St NE Salem, OR 97303
Beauty Salon
Clothing Store
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Brown’s Town Lounge 189 Liberty St NE Suite 112 Salem, OR 97301 Broadway Coffeehouse 1300 Broadway St. NE Suite 101 Salem, OR 97301 broadwaycoffeehouse.com
The Book Bin 215 SW 4th St Corvallis, OR 97333 bookbin.com Salon 554 554 Ferry St Salem, OR 97301 salon554.com
Cocktail Lounge
Second Glance 312 SW 3rd St Corvallis, OR 97333 glanceagain.com
Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2011
Fortress Computers 2118 Lancaster Dr NE, Suite 120 Salem, OR 97305 fortress-computers.com
Contractor
Kraft Custom Construction 191 Kingwood Avenue NW Salem, OR 97304-4029 kraftcustomconstruction.com
Dentist
Tom Davis, DDS 410 E Ellendale Ave, Suite 2 Dallas, OR 97338
Florist
Expressions In Bloom 1575 NW 9th St Corvallis, OR 97330 inbloom.com
Daryll’s Nursery 15770 Ellendale Road Dallas, OR 97338-9614
Optometrist
John Harrington, R.O.D. 5750 Inland Shores Way N Keizer, OR 97303 salemeyedoctor.com
Pest Control
Furniture Store
Good Earth Pest Control 29030 Hwy 34 Corvallis, OR 97333 goodearthpest.com
Golf Course
South Salem Pet Supply 4655 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302 salempet.com
Grocery Store
Select Impressions 2215 Claxter Road Northeast Salem, OR 97301 selectimpressions.com
Rileys Real Wood Furniture 2305 W 11th Ave Eugene, OR 97402 rileysrealwood.com Langdon Farms Golf Club 24377 NE Airport Rd Aurora, OR 97002 langdonfarms.com Market of Choice 67 W 29th Ave Eugene, OR 97405
Health Club
Kroc Community Center 865 Bill Frey Dr NE Salem, OR 97301 salemkroc.org
Pet Store
Printer
Photography
Crendo Photography Reed Opera House, Suite 305 Third Floor Salem, OR crendophoto.com
Physician
Mark Rampton, MD 2400 NW Kings Blvd Corvallis, OR 97330 corvallis.familydoctors.net
Plumber
Real Estate
Brita Arcuri Windermere Real Estate 1600 Oak St Eugene, OR 97401 britaarcuri.com
Gagle’s Heating 2789 Pringle Rd SE Salem, OR 97302 gaglesheating.com
Thrift Store
Radio Station
Veterinarian
91.9 KRVM 1574 Coburg Rd Suite 237 Eugene, OR 97401 krvm.org
Service • Selection Options • Economic
Goodwill 3535 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, OR 97305-1435 Cornelius Veterinary Clinic 1280 North Adair Street, Cornelius, OR www.corneliusvet.com
Winery
Firesteed Wines Tasting Room 2200 N. Pacific Highway W Rickreall, OR 97371 firesteed.com
Restaurant: Mexican
La Marguerita Express 515 Chemeketa St NE Salem, OR 97301 lamargaritaexpress.com
BBQ
Hole in the Wall Barbecue 3200 W. 11th Ave Eugene, OR 97402 holeinthewallbbq.com
Thai
• Large selection of sizes, colors & options • Secure hard shells • Economical • Smart, frugal, green, unusual & adorable!
Thai Beer 1130 Lancaster Dr Salem, OR thaibeer.org
1/2 Price
Chinese
Twin Dragons 919 River Rd Eugene, OR 97404
Gift Certificates
Pizza
Pizza Research Institute 530 Blair Street Eugene, OR 97402 pizzaresearchinstitute.com Best of the Valley, continued on page 14
Restaurants • Wineries • Florist • Golf • & More!
Get yours at www.kykn.com
“The Northwest’s Only Teardrop Trailer Superstore”
Light & Easy to Tow! Teardrops NW • 2130 Davcor St. SE, Salem • TearDropsNW.com Fall 2011 • Willamette Valley Life
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E X P L O R I N G T H E W I L L A M E T T E VA L L E Y
Craft Brewing Thrives in the Mid-Valley
The Mid-Valley boom According to the Oregon Brewers Guild, Oregon is the number two hop growing state (with most grown in Marion County) and has the second highest brewery per capita in the U.S. (second to Vermont). Brewery numbers are increasing, and existing breweries are thriving. Jeff DeSantis of Seven Brides Brewing in Silverton says, “Breweries are doing well despite the odds.” Seven Brides opened its tap room in May 2010 and has been growing ever since. The tap room opened two additional days a week and more than tripled the number of full time employees. Seven Brides hired a full time events coordinator to host everything from wedding rehearsals to over 800 motorcyclists. Venti’s Café and Taphouse has expanded beyond its Basement Bar by opening an 1100 square foot taproom and restaurant with 24 taps and 103 bottled beers. Wandering Aengus Ciderworks is opening a new tasting room this fall. In Turner, Gilgamesh Brewing has almost tripled its production in the last two years. And rumors abound of new breweries opening in the Valley.
It’s not just to drink anymore The culture surrounding craft brew is central. A self-described “craft beer evangelist,” Killikelly sees “The future of beer in this country is craft beer. All the big breweries are looking to appear craft brewish: If you can’t beat them, be them.” Venti’s will make the most of this trend. “We are making a specific effort to get people interested in the dozens and dozens of styles of beer.” With tastings, talks and training events planned, “even people who don’t like beer will find something they like.” Mike Radtke of Gilgamesh Brewing in Turner sees a trend moving from beer as a beverage to accompany an activity, to beer as the activity. “In the Mid-Valley, it’s more than just drinking beer—more interactive. It’s a conversation piece. People are buying beer, trying different 8
Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2011
varieties out, conversing about it. Just like the wine industry, where people sit down and have a glass of wine with their meal, focus on pairing and talk about the wine. ”
The Mid-Valley is changing Salem and the Mid-Valley have had some descriptive names within the beer industry: “wasteland of beer,” “redheaded step-child of Oregon beer,” or “black hole.” However, James Kohn of Wandering Aengus Ciderworks believes “There’s been a cultural sea change. People want to stay in their own community, not rely on another community for a good time.” “There is a generation in Salem who is interested, who want the same things going on as Portland,” says Radtke. “We’ve tried to put ourselves in the middle of it…whether it’s a couch race or a barbeque at Bush Park. Whatever is going on, we try to promote it.”
Salem and the Mid-Valley have had some descriptive names within the beer industry: “wasteland of beer,” “redheaded step-child of Oregon beer,” or “black hole.” However, James Kohn of Wandering Aengus Ciderworks believes “There’s been a cultural sea change. People want to stay in their own community, not rely on another community for a good time.” As the crowds at the new Venti’s demonstrate, “There are a significant number of people who are interested in craft beer. We’re trying to build up that culture,” says Killikelly.
Is the economy helping? Gilgamesh Brewing started in 2009 in the middle of the recession. The Radtke family viewed the timing an opportunity for a family business. “We were starting our business in a down economy. We had no overhead, no facility, no employees to cover. We opened a new market for
PHOTOGRAPH BY MEREDITH RUSSELL
C
raft brewing is alive and well in the Mid-Valley. Despite continuing dismal financial news and unemployment hovering around 9.4%, craft brewing and its vibrant culture is a bright spot. Matt Killikelly has one of the greatest job titles ever: “Craft Beer Czar” for Venti’s Café and Taphouse in Salem. He defines craft brewing as “typically beers that are produced on a smaller scale, using older, traditional styles. Not taking short cuts. Not using additives to the fermenting process such as corn and rice.”
Pictured above: Artist Jesse Cox crafted the metal tap heads at the new Venti’s Left: Seven Brides Brewing
numbers. “We’ve gone from 450 barrels the first year, to this year closer to 1000 barrels.”
Good for the Mid-Valley
ourselves. We all kept our regular jobs and the part time hours to make it work. When the economy is down, big businesses are suffering, people are getting laid off—it’s the best time for small business.” Especially during difficult times, people “Make sure there is room in their budget for things that give them pleasure,” says Radtke. “Certain things people can live without; certain things they choose not to live without.” He also credits the rise of the “staycation” for the success of craft brews and culture. While fewer people can afford a big trip, “People can afford to go to a brewfest or do a beer pairing in their own home. It’s what people can do in here the Mid-Valley.” And his proof of success is in the
All of this adds up to good news for the Willamette Valley. Venti’s new taphouse alone has added 75 jobs and counting. “A guy was hired this morning,” says Killikelly. Mid-Valley brewing is drawing people. “This is a renaissance of the tiny guys. People are looking to do their own brewing in a smaller market, resulting in a lot of talent and diversity coming to the Mid-Valley,” says Kohn. And if cities like Bend and Portland are any indication, craft brewing could become a mainstay of the Valley’s economy, identity and culture. For more information: Oregonbeer.com, Oregon Brewers Guild, Ratebeer.com, Taplister.com. Meredith Russell is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in work with young children and families. She is a freelance writer on parenting, family life and health. She transplanted herself from the East Coast to Salem fifteen year ago.
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Summer 2011 • Willamette Valley Life
9
A R T & E N T E R TA I N ME N T
Hoop Dreams
PHOTO BY TAMI RICHARDS
F
or many adults, the sight of a hula hoop brings back childhood memories of carefree days rotating a round plastic tube around their hips. Gyrating a hula hoop can be how many have learned the physics of force, propulsion, speed and that irreducible buzz-kill known as gravity. Since its introduction by WHAM-O as a children’s toy in the late 1950s, the hula hoop has been instrumental in teaching persistence, patience and the exhilaration of accomplishing a goal. One of the goals of Hoop Tribe of Salem is to inspire a sense of unity within the community, one hoop at a time. Like many flow artists, their aim is to bring people together, making a positive difference by promoting a healthy, fun and positive lifestyle. Camille Farrell, founder of Hoop Tribe, has been actively involved in producing hoops and performing at local venues since 2008. With their hoops as dance partners, the hoopers perform at various music festivals, public events and art shows as well as hold workshops at Bush Park, Minto Brown Island Park and at the Waterfront in Salem. The positive feedback from the community has been encouraging and rewarding for the group, spurring their desire to pay it forward. Flow arts are something that Farrell has been interested in since she first saw a young woman dancing with a hula hoop. “Shortly after my father passed away, I discovered hooping as a way to channel my negative energy into something positive and creative,” Farrell said. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw someone dancing with a hula hoop—it was in 2008 at the NW String Summit Festival at Horning’s Hideout, a wild peacock farm right outside of Hillsboro. I went home and made a hoop of my own (and one for my best friend). Here I am, three years later, still passionate about hooping. It’s a
PHOTO (RIGHT) BY OMAR ELWAFAII PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS
Above: Hooper Camille Farrell gets her hoop on at Bush Park. Right: Hooper Michelle Chambers
creative outlet to raise money for charities, encourage a healthy positive lifestyle, create a sense of community among local artists, spread love and inspire others the way I was inspired that day at NW String Summit.” The repetitious motion of the hoop can calm the mind, much like meditation. Use of hula hoops is being incorporated into gyms and dance studios, and is even being made into a video game for the Nintendo Wii. Motivated by the activity of picking up a hoop—where she encountered the meditative flow, steady rhythm, even breathing and concentration of hoop dancing—Farrell unplugged from
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Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2011
Gyrating a hula hoop can be how many have learned the physics of force, propulsion, speed and that irreducible buzz-kill known as gravity. daily stresses, the TV and the Internet. She soon began creating her own hoops to use in flow art, recruiting her best friend, Michelle Chambers, to join her in performing at hoop jams. A hoop jam at the park, lasting anywhere between one to three hours, is an exciting experience full of energy and creativity. Anybody is welcome to join in the event with the gift of a small donation, which is given to charities. When the rain prevents outdoor hoop jams, Hoop Tribe takes to indoor arenas, meeting at gyms or in various businesses throughout the area. Updates on hoop jam schedules, as well as a listing of the charity recipients, can be found on Hoop Tribe’s Facebook page. The hula hoops used by contemporary hoopers come in many forms. Day hoops are made from plastic piping, wood or
metal, and can be made in different sizes. Because of the heavier rotational mass, hoops with a larger diameter rotate slower, allowing for more control around the body. The lighter hoops spin faster, requiring the performer to have more skill. Fire hoops used by hoop dancers are made of plastic and have four to six spokes extending six to eight inches outward from the hoop. Fewer tricks are possible when using a fire hoop because the hands cannot move freely over the wicks—especially once the wicks are lit on fire! LED hoops are plastic hoops with internal batteries which power light emitting diodes (LED). A flow artist who engages in a show using LED hoops is said to be displaying the “persistence of vision” phenomenon—the act of seeing a constant color, although an object is in motion. LED hoops provide a mesmerizing neonglow of flow art in low-light situations. Not only is hoop dancing an art form of graceful movement and brilliant color, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) rates it among the top exercises for improving cardiovascular fitness as well as contributing to weight management. Recent studies by researchers from the exercise and health program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse have produced evidence that hooping also increases the heart rate and burns about seven calories a minute. Farrell has a strong desire for people to learn of hooping’s many benefits and to enthusiastically work the routines into their lives. By showcasing her skills as a flow artist, she conveys a message of beauty, peace, grace, agility and perseverance. The time and patience required for learning the tricks, which make hoop dancing an artistic vision, requires the dogged determination of youthful aspirations, something that one of Farrell’s workshop students in her 60s is chock full of. Farrell estimates the average age range of hoop dancers in the Willamette Valley to be between 15 and 30 years old; however, she doesn’t see age as a deterrent for hooping. One of hooping’s most important lessons for her has been every time the hoop falls, pick it up—which could be a mantra that transcends age. Bookings: hooptribe@gmail.com Tami Richards is a native of Salem. An avid bibliophile, she has a keen interest in the people of the community, both past and present, local and far-reaching. She enjoys the Willamette Valley for all the obvious reasons, but her favorite aspect is taking advantage of all the rivers and streams—dayhiking along them, smelling that amazing fresh scent, and searching for waterfalls to photograph.
O U T
A N D
A B O U T
Destination: Albany
J
ust south of Salem, Oregon, off of I-5 in the Willamette Valley, you’ll find the town of Albany, also known as “Oregon’s Best Kept Secret.” The biggest attraction is the historic downtown area, which features hundred year old storefronts filled with everything from antiques and fine art to clothing and restaurants. Free parking helps encourage a leisurely stay during your daycation here.
Explore Start your day at the Albany Visitors Association, located at 250 Broadalbin SW #110, and pick up some brochures and other information to help you plan your day. You can also visit their website at albanyvisitors. com. Area highlights not to be missed include: Whitespires Church, built in 1891; The Two Rivers Market on Broadalbin; Waverly and Timber Linn parks; and nearby Larwood and Hoffman covered bridges. Dining and Entertainment Fortunately, Albany has a lot of great places to eat. You might start out with the monthly Nosh Tour, an event usually held the last Saturday of each month. On the tour, you will be able to sample food and drink from a variety of Albany’s home grown restaurants. Tickets are $45 per person and sell out fast. Some standout restaurants you don’t want to miss are Vault 244, Bo-Mack’s BBQ, Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant and Clemenza’s Italian American Cafe. Museums Make your first stop at The Thomas and Walter Monteith House, one of the oldest
PHOTO BY PETE SLENNING
History Located in Linn County, where the Calapooia and the Willamette rivers converge, Albany was founded as a community in 1848 by brothers Walter and Thomas Monteith, who had traveled by team over the Oregon Trail from their native New York state. They bought the squatters rights to a claim held by Abner Hackleman and Hiram Smead for $400 and named the new city “Albany” after their hometown in New York. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by Kalapuya Native American people, who lost up to 90 percent of their population from the small pox epidemic that raged through the Pacific Northwest between 1782 and 1783, as well as malaria, which swept through the region between 1830 and 1833. In 1871, the arrival of the first railroad train was celebrated across the area as one of the greatest days in Albany’s history. A group of Albany businessmen raised the sum of $50,000 to ensure that the train would run through Albany and not bypass it a few miles east.
of several historic homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Ticket price includes hot drinks, entertainment, and trolley and horse drawn wagon rides. 541928-0911 or 800-526-5526.
Historic Carousel and Museum
buildings in Albany, which now serves as the Monteith House Museum. The house is said to be the most authentically restored Pioneer Era home in Oregon and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Monteith House is located two blocks west of the Visitor Information Center at 518 Second Ave, SW. The house is open from noon to 4 p.m. mid-June through midSeptember and by appointment during the rest of the year. The Albany Regional Museum, located at 136 Lyon Street S., has an extensive collection of materials related to the history of Albany. Housed in an ornate 1887 Italiante building in the historic district, the museum is open Monday through Friday from noon through 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. You simply don’t want to miss the Historic Carousel and Museum, located at 503 First Ave West. The studio is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to building a traditional Victorian carousel in Albany’s downtown historical district, and is funded through donations, grants and fundraising activities. The carousel mechanism is a 1909 Dentzel machine, possibly the last made by Gustave Dentzel. The National Carousel Association and the William Dentzel family of Santa Barbara, California, donated the mechanism to The Brass Ring organization with the dream of seeing it restored to its glory. The carving studio is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday nights until 9 p.m., or by appointment.
Night Time Magic Stroll through one of Albany’s three nationally registered historic districts to see over 200 historic homes lit up for the holidays. December 1 through January 1. 541-928-5008 or 800-526-2256. Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Experience an old fashioned Christmas in Albany’s Downtown Commercial Historic District. Home-town parade, community tree lighting, holiday concert and holiday matinee. Free to the public. 541-928-2469. Christmas Caroling Trolley Tours Ride in a vintage trolley through a winter wonderland of historic homes lit with thousands of white lights. Tours include a song leader/guide and refreshments, and are held on the Saturday and Sunday prior to Christmas. 541-928-0911.
Christmas Eve Sing-Along Whitespires continues the tradition of singing community carols in the decorated sanctuary of the 1891 Gothic Whitespires Church. The celebration starts at 7 p.m. on December 24. —Randy Hill
How to get there... Salem
Monmouth
Jefferson
Albany Corvallis 20
Special Events Antiques in the Streets Each September, the Saturday after Labor Day. Christmas Parlour Tour The tour starts on the second Sunday in December from 2-7 p.m. Tour the parlours Fall 2011 • Willamette Valley Life
11
F I N A N C E
Back to Basics
N
ow that summer has come and gone and winter approaches, it’s time to get back to basics with your finances. One of the best things you can do is periodically review your spending habits. When was the last time you checked on your auto and home owner’s insurance rates? I recommend using an independent agent who can shop several carriers to get you the best deal. Taking 15 minutes to call them once a year can potentially save you big bucks over time, especially when combined with other easy saving opportunities. With interest rates remaining at an alltime low, now is the time to refinance your auto and home loans. The savings is definitely worth the time and energy it takes to apply for a loan. Closing costs are the biggest factor for home loans. Be sure to compare fees with at least two to three lenders before applying. Also, don’t be afraid to check with your financial institution even if you’ve had credit challenges in the past. You won’t know how much you can save if you don’t ask. With the wave of regulation change over the last few years, banks are starting to charge more and more fees to replace lost revenue. Be sure to check your statements for monthly account charges and other miscellaneous fees. As always, credit unions are traditionally the best option for modest to middle income families. Don’t get taken in by the big banks. Their purpose is to make money for their stockholders, whereas you are the stockholder in a credit union. If you find yourself consistently overdrafting your account, consider turning off overdraft protection. This will cause your debit card to be declined rather 12
Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2011
than allowing the charge to go through, which is the source of the overdraft fee. Once you’ve regained control of your spending, check out my line of credit tip below. One of the best things you can do to save money and give you peace of mind is to package your checking account with a line of credit. If properly used, a line of credit can be tapped for emergency expenses, overdraft protection, and any short term lending need. Just make sure you don’t abuse it. Continuing to carry a high balance relative to the limit will hurt your credit score and defeats the purpose of the product. My rule is if you need more than six months to pay off the balance, find another product. Whether it be a personal loan or using your car as collateral, match a long term product to a long term need and vice versa. Finally, credit card fees are always an area to examine. From annual fees to exorbitant interest rates, credit cards can be a financial trap if not properly managed. Check out creditcardconnection.org for a handy guide to credit cards. The site provides a rather tongue-in-cheek rating system for hundreds of credit card issuers throughout the country. With these basic money saving tips, you can easily pay down your debts quicker and avoid unnecessary expenses. Generally, it’s the small things added up over time that make the biggest difference in family budgets. Here’s to getting back to the basics! Ken Gardner writes for life, financial liberty and the pursuit of member happiness. He has worked in the financial industry for over 10 years and does not have perfect credit… but he’s getting there.
W I L L A M E T T E
V A L L E Y
W I N E
A Wine For All Seasons I
f there is one wine grape I am more passionate about than others, it would definitely be Riesling. I have a fondness for this white variety and seem to regularly jump to its defense when I hear folks talking about how all Riesling wines are sweet. This is just not the case, but they get a bad rap—thanks to a glut of sugary Liebfraumilch while America was developing a palate for wine—and I perhaps can be a little fanatic about what amazing and versatile wines Rieslings can be. This passion for Riesling was further ignited when I learned about a recent wine dinner being held at Ned Ludd in north Portland. The dinner featured a flight of nine Rieslings from Brooks Wines, a producer in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The conception of this wine dinner was inspired by the Summer of Riesling (summerofriesling.com), a marketing campaign started by Paul Grieco in New York. Grieco promoted the variety in 2008 by serving only Riesling by the glass at his restaurant. Ever since, locations across the country have contributed in many ways to support the rallying cry for this misjudged grape.
For me, Brooks Wines are also special because their story was one of the first features on my website Northwest Whites. I was delighted to have the chance to taste such a wide range of their Rieslings, and the dishes created by Ned Ludd’s owner/chef Jason French were the perfect platform to show these wines off. Claiming that the wine was to be the star of the show, each course featured a different salad, all elevating the experience of the Rieslings. And each glass showed remarkable structure and depth, especially some of the older vintages, showing the potential for aging these white wines. Inspired by the Summer of Riesling and the Brooks Riesling dinner, I would argue that there are occasions for Riesling at any time of the year. Here are my tips for enjoying Riesling year round: FALL With autumn approaching there are plenty of opportunities to pair Riesling with food. Being an incredibly versatile food wine, you’ll find plenty of reasons to have a bottle of Riesling on your
Thanksgiving table. Dry and off-dry Rieslings pair well with a wide range of warm comfort foods. Food match: Riesling and roast turkey with a side of sweet potatoes. WINTER In the winter my mind turns to rich sweet wines (the ones that are meant to be sweet and are good at it), using frozen grapes to achieve that balance of sugar and acidity. Food match: late harvest Rielsings pair wonderfully with decadent desserts or foie gras. SPRING Spring harvests of fruits and vegetables compliment many Rieslings both dry and sweet. High acid dishes will pair nicely with a crisp dry Riesling and leave your mouth watering for the next bite. Food match: arugula salad with berries, apples and a citrus vinaigrette. SUMMER On a hot summer day, there’s no better crowd-pleaser than a glass of
cold sparkling Riesling, known as Sekt in Germany. A perfect palate cleanser as well, sparkling wines are fun to pair with many different foods. Food match: potato chips or grilled pork tenderloin. In Oregon, we are lucky to have several excellent Riesling producers. Look for all different styles from the following wineries: Anam Cara, Brooks, Chehalem, Teutonic Wine Company, Trisaetum and Troon. So don’t be too quick to write Riesling off—especially this Thanksgiving—and be sure to learn more about next year’s Summer of Riesling events. In the meantime, enjoy Riesling of all kinds the rest of the year. Ryan Reichert is originally from Northeast Ohio and relocated to the Willamette Valley to further his career in the wine industry. He has received both his Intermediate and Advanced certifications from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust and is also a certified French wine enthusiast and Spanish Wine Educator. Ryan strives to learn all he can about wine and to share his passion with everyone. Ryan authors a new site focusing on the white wines of the Pacific Northwest. Visit nwwhites.com.
Fall 2011 • Willamette Valley Life
13
Best of the Valley, continued from page 7
Burger
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McGrath’s Fish House 3805 Center St NE Salem, OR 97301 mcgrathsfishhouse.com
Danish
Sandwich
Breakfast
Family
Queen of Tarts Bakery & Cafe 585 Liberty St NE Salem, OR 97301 queenoftartsbakerycafe.blogspot.com
Le Patissier 956 NW Circle Blvd Corvallis, OR 97330 lepatissier.net Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro 140 NE 17th St Salem, OR 97301 wordofsalem.com
Lunch
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 5070 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97306
Cheap Eats
Aibertos Mexican Restaurant 3855 Market St NE Salem, OR 97301
White’s Cafe 1138 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302
Brunch
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Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro 140 NE 17th St Salem, OR 97301 wordofsalem.com
The Place To Be 190 NW 2nd Ave Canby, OR 97013 theplacetobecafe.com
Juice/Smoothie
Deli
Trudel’s Delicatessen 1211 Edgewater St NW, Suite 1 Salem, OR 97304
Laughing Planet 760 Blair Blvd Eugene, OR 97402 laughingplanetcafe.com
Soup
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The Garbanzo Grill 394 Blair Blvd Eugene, OR 97402 garbanzogrill.com
Soup Nation 525 High St Eugene, OR 97401
Steak
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Best Little Roadhouse 1145 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302 bestlittleroadhouse.com
Bentley’s Grill 291 Liberty St SE Salem, OR 97301 bentleysgrill.com
Sushi
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Romantic
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Salad
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Novaks Hungarian Restaurant 2306 Heritage Way SE Albany, Oregon 97321 541-967-9488 Greetings fellow gastronomical explorers! It’s time once again for a delightful foray into undiscovered culinary destinations around the great Willamette Valley. This time we journeyed to the wilds of Albany, Oregon, where we heard word of a Hungarian restaurant that has been delighting the taste buds of a large number of valleyites for years now. It sounded like a place that we definitely needed to explore, so off we went.
On to the review! Novaks Hungarian Restaurant is located in a shopping mall building in the south part of town. Once inside, be prepared to be met not only by some very friendly greeters, but also by the large display case of delicious looking desserts. The restaurant has a nice Old World feel, and we were quickly ushered to a booth opposite a large wall mural of Budapest. Open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday (closed Tuesday) from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant also appeared to have a healthy take-out crowd the evening we visited.
We were quickly met by our very knowledgeable server who helped us choose what to order. I settled on the Kolbasz dish, which featured two very lean pork sausages and some tangy sweet and sour cabbage. My fellow food detective ordered the Szekely Töltött Káposzta—cabbage rolls made with lean ground pork. Both dishes included parsley buttered red potatoes, mixed (fresh) vegetables, and a choice of soup or salad. We both ordered the Hungarian Goulash soup, which turned out to be a great choice. Before the meals arrived, we enjoyed an absolutely delicious pâté appetizer made from chicken livers and brandy. Good golly, Miss Molly! Did I mention the coffee? It’s one of my main clues as to how good the food is going to be. It turned out to be a specially roasted blend made for the restaurant by Allann Bros, and was perfect cup after cup. We had a choice between ordering the full meal ($13.95) or the Lite meal ($11.95). We chose the former with the hopes of having leftovers later on. We were not disappointed.
I think this might have been the friendliest restaurant staff that I’ve ever run across. From the servers to the hostess, they all seemed genuinely happy to be there and to see us. We were checked on frequently but not obnoxiously. All in all, this was a wonderful culinary adventure. If I could twist my mustache into any tighter of a curl, my nose would fly off!
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Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2011
Visit the restaurant’s website at novakshungarian.com.
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Willamette Valley Life • Fall 2011