Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Medford
Posted By:
Carolyne Rohrig
Photo:
Carolyne Rohrig
Harry & David
Tis' the season to start thinking about buying gifts for the family, and Harry & David in Medford, Oregon is a landmark of delectable goodies you won't want to miss. They're famous for their fresh fruit and nuts, candies and cakes, wines from around the world, and gift baskets for every occasion and budget. It's a great place to shop for a picnic, and sample as you buy. You'll also find the napkins, wine glasses, plates and basket. Whatever you choose, be sure to include the Moose Munch--you'll need lots of it it's so good--and pick up a stuffed moose on the way out. He's hungry.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Portland
Posted By:
Veronica Vichit-Vadakan
Photo:
Veronica Vichit-Vadakan
Lucky Strike
As locations go, it doesn't get more unpromising than this: Lucky Strike is wedged between a sketchy dive bar and a discount tobacco joint on a particularly unpretty stretch of Felony Flats. But people wait in long lines for one of the 5 tiny tables here and that's because it's one of the few Sichuan restaurants in Portland at all and probably the only one worth eating at.
The menu is small and focused on the big crazy flavors of the province. If you've never had Sichuan prickly peppercorns, all I can say is: take it slow. For a visual as well as tastebud jolt, order the Hot Pepper Bath Chicken which comes with more red peppers than I think I've ever seen on one plate. You'll never forget the unique flavors of the Pickled Yard Beans or the Twice Cooked Pork. The Jiao-Zi dumplings will taste like homey comfort food no matter where you grew up.
Waits can be long--both before and after you sit down--so arrive with patience in your heart. The reward for your wait is arriving--covered in red peppers.
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Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Dublin
Posted By:
Helen Chandler
Photo:
Helen Chandler
Busyfeet & Coco
Dublin has a painful lack of casual coffee places that stay open late--Busyfeet is the answer to the problem with a late closing time and outdoor seating. Their coffee is great, and their cakes are even better. They also do great lunches and light dinners, the interior is warm and inviting--pretty much perfect. I sometimes spend longer than is generally considered polite sitting there with a book and a coffee. Situated on trendy South William Street, sit outside and spot a hipster or two.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ashland
Posted By:
Carolyne Rohrig
Photo:
Carolyne Rohrig
Cucina Biazzi
Cucina Biazzi lives up to its name of authentic Tuscan Italian. Tucked away behind the fire station on Main Street, this intimate setting includes patio seating, and a warm indoor area that overlooks the lawn, flowers and herb garden. They specialize in a fixed menu that begins with a tasty antipasto, then continues with a choice of homemade pasta dishes, followed by the main course of beef, chicken or fish, and then with a crisp salad. At this point you're catching your breath, but if you still have room, then you must try one of their exquisite desserts. Come very hungry. And give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the Italian music, a bottle of Oregon wine, the wait staff, and the other guests.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Portland
Posted By:
Jessica Baxter
Photo:
Jessica Baxter
Darcelle XV Showplace
If you like drag queens, and I can't think of a single reason why you wouldn't, you simply cannot miss the show at Darcelle XV Showplace. These ladies are consummate professionals who have been rocking the tuck for over 37 years. The stage is almost too small to hold the powerhouse performances. Particularly when Marcy Kraft does her Bette Midler routine. If you have time, you should make a night of it. Dinner reservations get you a meat and potatoes (or pasta for the veggies) meal while the queens mingle and give you a hard time. It's like a dirty version of Chuck E. Cheese. But the show more than tops anything those mangy animatronics puppets could do. Darcelle herself hosts, telling bawdy jokes and flashing her Barbie doll crotch in between acts. Stick around for the after-party featuring beefcake dancers who definitely don't do anything to hide their manhood.
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