Dining
Gastronomic delights, just down the stairs . . .
The Yamhill Valley is full of gastronomic pleasures, but nowhere are they more abundant than in downtown McMinnville. You can't walk a block without passing a fabulous restaurant or cafe, and if you're staying at 3rd Street Flats, you won't even have to go that far.
La Rambla, serving Northwest inspired Spanish cuisine, is right next door. Try some of their tapas for lunch, or swing by late night to sample a drink at their amazing copper bar.
A favorite with locals, Kame Japanese Restaurant is just across the street and serves sushi so fresh you feel like it might still be swimming. Owners Mieko and Ko offer a diverse menu of fresh specialties, and plenty of options for people who like their food cooked. Many of the sushi rolls are named after favorite patrons—don’t miss the 2 Shea.
A fabulous new addition to downtown, Community Plate--An Old School Cookery, serves simple but wonderful breakfast and lunch fair, all made from 100% local ingredients. Don't miss the Bacon, Lettuce & Beet sandwich if you are in town in the winter--it's amazing!
If you feel like cooking, Harvest Fresh, on the corner opposite 3rd Street Flats, has a large selection of fresh local meat and produce. Their deli is also a great place to pick up food for a picnic at one of the wineries. Don’t miss the large wine selection at the back of the store.
Nick’s Italian Café put McMinnville on the map about the same time that David Lett was planting the first vineyards in the area. Now run by Nick’s daughter Carmen and her husband Eric, Nick’s continues to wow people with their amazing fixed price five-course meal. If you’re not feeling up to the full five courses, try Nick’s Back Room, where you can order select items off the menu and enjoy a full bar, and a relaxed but fun scene. (To go to the Back Room, walk down the alley between Red Fox and McMenamins, past all the recycle bins and open the big wooden door).
McMenamins offers pub food and their own microbrews a fun vibe, and a happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00. It features three bars, including the Roof Top Bar, which has amazing views of the valley. They also make a broad array of mixed drinks, many with fresh fruit. With their eclectic style and amazing murals, McMenamins is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Right next door Red Fox Bakery makes fresh bread, delectable pastries, and serves the best coffee in town. They are terrific for a light breakfast, but also make fabulous sandwiches for lunch, all of which come with their signature coconut macaroon.
The newest addition to the culinary scene, Thistle, has received rave reviews, especially for their signature dish. Chef Eric Bechard, who creates his daily menu emphasizing locally grown food, was named the “2006 Rising Star” by the Oregonian. The intimate restaurant seats just twenty people, but is well worth the wait if you can’t get in right away.
Crescent Café serves breakfast and lunch only and it’s easy to find—just look for the long line on the weekends. Owner’s Michael and Danny moved to McMinnville from San Francisco where they owned the much loved Ella’s Restaurant. They quickly established a cult following in McMinnville. The food is outstanding and the service attentive—all in all, a fabulous place to start a day of wine tasting.
Please don’t come to town without having dinner at Bistro Maison, named Portland's “2009 Best of City Search” in four categories. The accolades don’t do it justice. Chef Jean-Jacques and his wife, Deborah, do everything right, from serving amazing meals (white truffle oil fondue anyone? How about Coq au Vin, made in a rich Pinot Noir sauce?) to having OUTSTANDING service. In the summer months not much can top a dinner enjoyed on their back patio. . .
Finally, if you love good old fashioned American fare, made with the highest quality local ingredients, make sure you visit Golden Valley Brewery. Not only do they brew a variety of outstanding beers (Red Thistle and Muddy Valley Stout are favorites) they also raise their own organic beef, fed on Golden Valley grain. Golden Valley gives a whole new meaning to farm fresh. But be prepared to wait a few minutes to have the experience, especially on the weekends.
Photography by Bill Miller of Allegory Commercial Photography.
