|
Oceanside Roseanna's- This widely acclaimed popular establishment will probably always be my favorite. Ever friendly staff and unbeatable closeup surf view would keep me coming even if they only served hash. But the talented & proficient chefs Rob & Nate are consistently turning out delectable fresh seafood selections with exquisite sauces and accompaniments. My particular non-seafood favorite, though, is the veggie quiche - rich and sinfully flavorful. Not as sinful as the very sweet and ultimately tempting desserts. Crabcakes and herbed clam chowder are my other faves. Go ahead and splurge - it's the beach. Brewin' in the Wind - This is not your grandfather's espresso stand. Someone behind that counter (Kathy? Thai?) knows what tastes good and knows how to hook me into buying some with that evil display counter you can't walk past to order your coffee without it grabbing you and forcing you to buy something like a pumpkin cheesecake or a peach french toast. Morning Glory muffins must be healthy, based on how incredibly delicious they are. Netarts The Schooner - Double your pleasure when twin brothers are equally amazing chefs taking turns behind that oh-so-cozy woodfired pizza oven. The best seat in the recently remodeled house is the booth right in front of that oven, too. The homemade crust on those gourmet pizzas rivals any I've had. My particular menu favorite, but you have to love garlic, is the bruschetta. Although it's supposedly an appetizer, I've found it so filling even for a table of four, that there is no appetite left when the bruschetta plate's empty. Hazelnut Encrusted Halibut, though, if you can muster another bite, is something you'll write home about. I'm not a big oyster fan, but have certainly heard others rave about The Schooner's oyster dishes. Michko's Upstairs - Sometime I will tell you how the "Upstairs" got tacked onto the name. Gert Cham, rest her soul, still gets credit for originating the recipe for the flavorfully delectable clam chowder her son Tony still serves up from behind the bar. I don't know who gets credit for the big and very juicy burgers, but someone should. Three Capes Cafe - Kendra's a wizard in an apron. I'm sure anything she cooks will fill and thrill. My favorite has always been her delicious way of frenching a fry and that secret sauce she serves to dip them in. You don't have to wonder why I stay chubby, do you? Whiskey Creek Bar-B-Q Restaurant on Netarts Bay - At the south end of the bay on Whiskey Creek Road, where Wee Willie's used to be (and Whiskey Creek Cafe and Olmedo's), a local person (Scott Lorenson) has just opened a Texas Barbecue restaurant. I've heard several reports about the delicious ribs, the pulled pork sandwich and the Lukenback Sandwich which has Pulled Pork and Texas Red Hot Sausage. Josi's Deli - I had no idea how delicious clam chowder could be till I tried theirs! It's creamy - not too thick, not too thin. Lots of flavor, though I added salt. They do great sandwiches, too. I'm not a pizza fan, but their pizzas look thick & hearty. Tillamook Blue Heron - Where creamy brie cheeses are made, and where some of it may end up on the most delicious turkey sandwich ever invented. They spread their brie on a fresh homemade bun with oven roasted fresh turkey and very little else, but a perfect combination to delight anyone looking for something freshly made and a cut above the ordinary. Their homemade soups are fresh and rich and very satisfying. Tillamook Cheese Factory (known by locals as The Creamery) - No one makes a cheese omelet with mushrooms any better than these folks. Of course, the ice cream on fresh homemade waffle cones is the world's best treat. Pacific City Pelican Brew Pub - The most popular and versatile restaurant in the county which can please every person at your table, whether it's something fresh from the sea or a pizza meal, everyone seems to rave about it. The micro-brew your server recommends could be the finishing touch to a memorable meal, so be open to trying something new. Riverhouse - Monday night the baked french onion soup is just like Julia Child's mother used to make. Actually, I don't even know if Julia Child's mother knew how to cook, but it seemed to get my point across that this is the way French Onion Soup was intended to look, feel, and taste! The Bistro - The first time I walked into this tiny restaurant which is part of a small motel on the main inland drag, I was pleasantly surprised at a very cozy and attractively finished interior. But when my meal was served, I was astonished that this seemed to be the best kept secret on the oregon coast. First the martinis are perfectly concocted and presented, so maybe that put a slant on my view of the rest of the meal. Just kidding, it was a big martini, but the rest of the meal was exquisite. The flavor and presentation was proof that someone behind that kitchen door has experienced extensive and noteworthy training as a chef. I'm embarrassed to say that I chose a dish they called macaroni & cheese for grown-ups, or something like that. Why can't I ever choose lean meals? It would be much less embarrassing if I were reporting how fresh & unique their salad greens were. Barview/Garibaldi Barview Grocery & Deli - Yes, believe it or not, this little mom & pop grocery store is one of my favorite lunch spots. I'm stuck on one menu item, though: the weiner wrap. Trust me. They are delicious. I asked once why they taste so much better than any hot dog I've had and the owner said, "It must be that I brush the dough with real butter." That is it. Delicious frank, delicious fresh baked bread wrapper brushed with butter. Sooo good. Pirate's Cove - Somehow I used to enjoy it more when you had to stand in line outside waiting to get in to the tiny restaurant with a warm fireplace. Now it's huge and you don't have to wait outdoors, and the food is always consistent and fabulous. Seafood specialties, of course. Great selection. Incredible views from every table, too. Rockaway Beach The Beach Bite - Experienced, reliable staff knows how to serve you and offers menu selections for every palate. The owner seems to be always there to assure top service. You can't go wrong by taking the whole family here for dinner or lunch. Neskowin Only one restaurant there and wow is it fabulous. Again, pizza is extraordinaire, but so is everything else on the menu. Nehalem Wanda's for breakfast, yummy! Nehalem River Inn - only open part of the year. Small menu selection, but world-class cuisine every time. Starched white tablecloths, too. Pretty ritzy for the beach. But casual dress is still welcome. Manzanita Bread & Ocean Cafe - veggie & organic selections and fresh made bread are all unique and fortifying and exploding with flavor and texture. This is where they know how to make healthy food feel like comfort food. How do they pull that off? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN LATELY in Tillamook County that makes you want to shout from the mountaintops about the great food? Drop me an email and I will add your positive commentary to my restaurant page. pzielinski@prunw.com Bon appetit!
|
503-842-3046
