Astoria | Oregon

Astoria is a charming old fishing town where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. We arrived just in time to witness this gorgeous sunset on Pier 39. Talk about a warm welcome. 

After that epic Pacific Coast sunset we discovered Rouge Pier 39 Public House at the end of the pier (in the former Bumble Bee Tuna Cannery) and decided to stay for dinner. We shared Smoked Salmon Chowder ($4), Kimchi Crab Sliders ($9), and a Blue Chicken Pizza ($14). The food was good, the chowder being my favorite, however, Rogue Beer is the real star. They brew a massive amount of styles and flavors with a sense of humor. My sampler contains: Pumpkin Patch Ale, Chipotle Ale, Good Chit Pilsner and 4 Hop IPA. Dessert in the form of a Rogue Beer Float ($6) with vanilla ice cream started a love affair with their Chocolate Stout.

On our second evening in town we ate at Buoy Beer Co which was a disappointing meal. I did not have glowing recommendations for anywhere in particular and we quickly realized (by the reaction of the hotel front desk staff) that 8:30 pm was much too late to be heading out to dinner. Oh, these sleepy coastal towns! Buoy was one of the few places we could choose from and they close at 10 pm. They served us Willapa Bay Oysters ($10) on plastic ramen noodle soup spoons over blue died pebbles. We ate them and we were fine, physically. Emotionally, I am scarred for life. I kindly asked the waitress why they serve them like that and it did not seem to phase her "we like to do things differently here." Yikes. Bob's Tempura Fish & Chips ($12) were sup-par and I had Local Salmon (mkt) which was fine. The atmosphere is cool and the beer is good. But I can't get past those oysters. (Albatross & Co sounded like the best choice in town, but are closed on Sunday and Monday.) Fort George Brewery is open until midnight so we went there after dinner for a beer.

 Yes, Astoria is full of charm: the Riverwalk, the old piers, the barking seals, the iconic bridge I so loved photographing, and the quaint houses perched on a hilltop neighborhood. But it has an industrial, gritty, commercial feel to it as well. On the stretch of route 30 that passes through town there's a plethora of fast food chains, some sketchy looking dive bars and old motels. On the steeped-in-time Duane Street there's unique shops, an old theater, and a J.C. Penney with a storefront window display circa 1990. Oh and the Goonies house is a no-go as the new owners have had it with the fans. 

I loved perusing Astoria Vintage Hardware on 15th Street. I would have liked to check out the Columbia River Maritime Museum as the history of the river is fascinating to me, but it was way too nice outside to be museum going. Also, we saw Humpback Whales along the Riverwalk! Lucky us we got to see them so close - we were out on a morning run and I did not have my camera.

Astoria was different than we expected in many ways, which is not a bad thing at all. That is what travel and seeing new towns is all about. Our accommodations at Cannery Pier Hotel plus all the beautiful spots to visit nearby are what truly enhanced our visit to Astoria. Those are up next!

Lunches | Downtown Boston

After working at the Schrafft's Building in Charlestown for nearly 7 years, I had the good fortune of transitioning to a project within my company that moved us to an office in Downtown Crossing. Working in the city is much more exciting than being on the outskirts for the lunch options alone. It has been over a year now, so sharing some of my favorite lunchtime eats is long overdue. (Additionally, a lot of my favorite spots are in Chinatown, which will come in a separate post.) 

Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe - 86 Bedford Street 

I always get the #4 - Hand Pulled Noodle ($6) and a Cumin Lamb Skewer ($1.50) with a green tea juice box. If I'm there early enough I'll grab a small table to watch the chefs "Biang Biang" noodle-making in action and the place fill up with regulars. These thick and wide noodles coated in garlic and chili paste, generously spiced with chili powder and accented with scallions and cilantro are jealousy inducing good. If you have not tried them yet, I guarantee you are looking at that photo, itching to slurp some up at this very moment. Eating here kind of feels like you are part of a secret lunch club. 

Gene Wu's hole-in-the-wall establishment is cash only and open from 11am - 4pm.

The Taco Truck

Yes, their tacos are excellent, but have you tried their Tortas? A torta is a toasted Mexican sandwich with white onions, pickled jalapenos, avocado crema and black bean spread. Pictured is the Carnitas Michoacan Torta ($6.50) which in addition to the above contains slow braised sweet pork and fresh cilantro. Mexican street food in the form of Tortas, for the win. 

Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese 

One of the first food trucks to hit the streets of Boston and still one of the best. Their gourmet Grilled cheeses are classic comfort with a twist. On this day I enjoyed the Green Muenster Melt ($6) made with muenster cheese, applewood smoked bacon and guacamole, the Roasted Tomato Soup ($3) and a Blueberry Mint-ade ($3). 

Avery Provision - 571 Washington Street

They have plethora of lunch options here but the sushi counter for a Maki-Rito ($9.95) is where it's at. Spicy tuna, crunchy tempura flakes, crisp english cucumber and creamy avocado are wrapped tightly in sticky white rice and nori and instead of slicing up the roll, it is left whole to enjoy burrito style - a fun take on sushi. Of course, you could always stick to regular maki, though, they tend to be a splurge compared to the options next door in Chinatown. I like the Shrimp Tempura Roll ($11).

 Captain Marden's Seafood Truck
This phenomenal Crab Cake Sandwich is best enjoyed in the summer time when the Cod Squad truck is out and about. It comes on a lightly toasted bun with crisp lettuce, onions and tomatoes. On the side some equally amazing hand cut French fries and a scoop of zesty coleslaw. 

The lunch options in Downtown Crossing and the Financial District are endless, especially with the consistent presence of food trucks in Dewey Square, Government Center and Post Office Square. The City of Boston Food Truck schedule can be found here. 

Forum | Back Bay

Forum Bar & Restaurant was one of the business on Boylston Street most affected by the tragic Boston Marathon bombings back in April. After months of hard work and painstaking renovations they reopened in August with a polished and classy interior, a new chef, and a terrific new food and drink menu. Recently they hosted a media dinner where the new menu offerings were showcased in their intimate upstairs dining room.

I started the evening with a classic Sazerac which warmed me right up on what was the first chilly evening in late October. Friends order some of their signature fall cocktails - sips of the Cranberry Cobbler and the Pumpkin Sangria are comforting and not overly sweet. 

The bar bites menu offers a variety of flavorful dishes; my favorites are the cauliflower and white bean hummus with grilled sourdough bread and the bacon wrapped shrimp with soy ginger dipping sauce. Next comes the indulgent streak+cheese spring rolls and crispy crab fritters served with an Old Bay tartar sauce. From the appetizers menu a huge bowl of sauteed mussels grace us, they are outshined in this instance by the more exciting predecessors.

Mini portions of the braised wild boar pappardelle are enjoyed around the table; concluded as a very worthy contender for an entrée choice. The 8oz bone marrow encrusted filet ($36) with a red wine demi glace would be worth the splurge, the tender meat is enhanced by the rich, buttery, slightly sweet marrow with a delicately crisped breadcrumb crust.

There are desserts, too! A flourless milk chocolate torte with preserved cherries, spiced chocolate crumble and toasted marshmallow, a rather forgettable oreo semmifredo, a triple chocolate mousse martini, some southern style fried peach pies with salted caramel sauce and finally, a lovely banana crepe cake with peanut butter mousse, mango butterscotch and pb&j ice cream.

It is wonderful to see these guys up and running. Welcome back, Forum

last sip of summer

See past annual crabbing on Cape Cod weekends here, here and here. 

    P.S. watermelon mint fizz. 

This fancy, fizzy pink delight is a blend of fresh squeezed watermelon and lime juices with mint simple syrup and prosecco. I totally didn't measure anything and garnished it with a watermelon triangle, a slice of kiwi and a mint leave. To make the simple syrup boil 1 cup water with 3/4 cup sugar (I never like a full cup ratio) then simmer and allow it to reduce until the liquid becomes thick and syrupy. Add the mint and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh sieve. It is best to chill the syrup it in the fridge overnight or as long as time will allow. This cocktail was a huge hit, even with the boys!