The Columbia Gorge

 

It is unusually breezy today, said my wife, I know, I said, is that Columbia Gorge wind again, you sure can feel it today; well at list it is good for wind surfer. One good thing,   it will not affect the spring runs. I was referring to Chinook salmons that swim upstream in the
Columbia River. Oregonian wait anxiously for the salmon spring run, for it is that time that the salmon is at its best. My wife suggested that maybe we should go for dinner and enjoy your spring run salmon. “And do what?” I asked, I finally have one Sunday off and you want me to miss the Columbia Gorge Hotel’s   famous 7 course sit down brunch? “You will survive, I am sure, I tell you what, why don’t we go to Steven on the Washington side, to the Skamania Lodge where your friend Fernando works,  I know he has potlatch salmon on the brunch buffet in this way you can  have your brunch and the Spring Salmon.”

The above conversation occurred frequently in my family when we lived in
Oregon. We traveled to the Columbia Gorge quite frequently.

The Columbia Gorge or the Gorge as the Oregonians call it is one of oregano’s most beautiful spot, it stretches on both side of the Columbia River which marks the boarder of Oregon andWashington
State.

On the
Oregon side the banks are adorned with tall Pines and Douglas Fir trees. The landscape is in a perpetual state of greenness and lusciousness. From the Town of Hood River to Portland,  you can travel on the old road on the
Oregon banks and admire six breathtaking water falls. The most majestic of all is the Multnomah Fall.

On the
Washington side the Gorge displays a rugged beauty of rocks and native wild flowers.  One can only imagine the reaction of the pioneer of the
Oregon Trail when they first sow it.

But what I find exiting, beside the stunning natural beauty, is the food!  Even though the Columbia Gorge is under federal protection in order to protect it from future development, the place still has some of
Oregon’s most famous eating establishments.

On the
Oregon side there is the Columbia Gorge Hotel famous fort its seafood dishes and the seven course champagne brunch. Then there is the Multnomah Fall Restaurant situate on the foot of the spectacular
Multnomah Falls. The Multnomah Fall restaurant is an Oregon Land Mark, famous for his extensive menu and Dungeness crab dishes, salmon and clam chowder, On the Washington side there is the Skamania Lodge, a beautiful lodge with build with local timber and river stones. The architecture and the decor of the lodge is a tribute to lore and culture of the northwest Native Americans.

Not surprising the Skamania Lodge restaurant is Potlatch Salmon. The Salmon is cooked on untreated Cedar Planck seasoned with just salt and pepper, sometimes the salmon is held on the plank with juniper tree’s branches. Whenever the Potlatch is done With Spring Chinooks the flavor that results is superb. The Spring Chinook salmon run are the best salmon of the
Columbia River some would argue that it is  the best Salmon ever.

In the Town of
Hood River one can find restaurants and produce marked which sells some of the locals’ best fruits such as Bartlette and Basco pears plus a variety of apples.

 In addition the market sells liqueur fro the local distillery, the Merion berry liqueur and the Pear William are probably the best, and not to forget the Strawberry wine.

 So if you are planning a vacation in
Oregon, visit the Columbia Gorge and ejoy the spectacular view plus the many Culinary delights.

Chef Salvati  

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