You can see more of Delana’s work at Lunaria Gallery in Silverton and on her website at www.delanabettoli.com.

Cover Art:
“By the Stem”, Delana Bettoli

Amity

Amity Vineyards
18150 Amity Vineyards Road S.E., Amity
503-835-2362, amityvineyards.com
Join us for a Memorial Weekend in Wine Country. Taste what a pioneer (1974) winery can do. Taste our 2012s, including the Willamette Valley’s first Albariño, Gamay Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and 2008 Pinot Noir Reserve, plus 2009 and 2010 single-vineyard Pinot Noirs. Picnic area has incredible view. Like us on Facebook. No fee. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Brooks Winery
21105 S.E. Cherry Blossom Lane, Amity
503-435-1278, brookswines.com
Please join us as we taste some of brand new 2012 whites and our current release Pinot Noirs, live music & food Sat, Sun &  Mon, 11-5.  $15 tasting fee with logo Pinot Noir glass to keep!   11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Calamity Hill Vineyards
9779 SE Hillview Drive, Amity
503-868-7115, calamityhill.com
Calamity Hill opens its tasting room (and the gardens, vineyard, and olive grove) to visitors. We normally release our newest Starlight White Pinot Gris. As always, there will be a selection of great local foods and a $5.00 tasting fee will be charged except for designated drivers. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Coelho Winery
111 Fifth Street, Amity
503-835-9305, coelhowinery.com
New releases of our coveted wines: 2012 Renovação Estate Pinot Gris, 2011 Apreciação Estate Chardonnay, 2012 Divertimento Estate Pinot Noir Rosé, 2011 Atração Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2011 Paciencia Estate Pinot Noir, 2011 Tradição Red Wine Blend and 2011 Antecipação Petite Sirah Fee: $10.  11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dukes Family Vineyards
7845 S.E. Amity Road • Amity
503-835-0620. dukesfamilyvineyards.com
Old vintages, amazing food parings, stunning views, relax by the pond. All estate-grown wines. Open by appointment on Memorial Day Weekend. First five receive logo Boomerang wine opener. Fee: $20 (includes Riedel stem; apply fee to four-pack purchase). 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Iota Cellars
7895 S.E. Amity Road • Amity
503-507-8063. iotacellars.com
Our first Memorial Day Weekend open house, we invite you to taste our highly limited 2010 Iota Pelos Sandberg Vineyard Pinot Noir and our 2011 barrel-aged rosé, “Phyllis.” Sneak peek at our yet-to-be-released 2011 Pinot Noir as well. Please visit our website for more information. Closed Monday. Fee: $10 (includes Riedel logo glass). 11 a.m. – 5 p.m..

Kristin Hill Winery
3330 S.E. Amity Dayton Highway, Amity
503-835-0850. kristinhillwinery.com
New releases include Kat’s Meow Müller-Thurgau and dry Gewürztraminer. Taste a selection of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Nouveau, Blush and our Port-style and sparkling wines. Discounts on three bottles or more. Meet the winemaker. Fee: $5 (includes tastings and assorted cheeses and fruits). 11 a.m..- 5 p.m.

Mia Sonatina Cellars
102 Nursery Street, Amity
503-449-0834 miasonatina.com
Wines crafted in an Old World style. We have big reds, Pinot Noir and Gris, Riesling, Tempranillo. Enjoy tasting in our comfortable and relaxed setting. Fee: $8 (includes tasting, barrel tasting, hors d’oeuvres).  12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Mystic Wine
11931 S.E. Hoodview Road, Amity
503-931-5376, mysticwine.com
Peaceful views of Mt. Hood and the Valley welcome you to Mystic Wines. Hors d’oeuvres and select library wines available. $5 entry fee. 12 p.m. 5 p.m.

Carlton

Árdíri  Winery and Vineyards
35040 SW Unger Rd., Cornelius
503-628-6060, ardiriwine.com
Ardiri will host local food artisans for a weekend of spectacular wine and pairings, including specialty meats, cheeses and chocolates. Ardiri will also release “Vino di Tavola,” a gallon jug wine that was a huge hit when first released for the holidays last year. May 24-25 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; May 26 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Corvallis

Tyee Wne Cellars
26335 Greenberry Rd., Corvallis
541-753-8754, tyeewine.com
Tyee’s Memorial Day Weekend Open House. featuring Tyee Estate Wines on the Buchanan Family Century Farm.  Hiking, Picnicking, Special Discounts and More. On Memorial Day Monday, May 27th, Noon to 5pm, Tyee hostsThe Space Neighbors in Concert with Dim Sum by Magenta.  12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Dallas

Amalie Robert Estate
13531 Bursell Road, Dallas
503-88-CUVEE, amalierobert.com
Please join Dena and Ernie for a tasting of our new release Pinot Noirs and small-production Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Syrah and Viognier. The vineyard and winery are located 20 minutes west of Salem. Fee: $10; $15(reserve tasting); $10 (includes Riedel glass and cheeses; complimentary entry for “A-List” members). 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Chateau Bianca
17485 Highway 22, Dallas
877-623-6181, chateaubianca.com
Join us for barrel tasting, futures sales as well as special case discounts on pre-release estate Pinot Noir! Fee: $15 (includes light appetizers, barrel tastings and souvenir Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir Glass). 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Illahe Vineyards
3275 Ballard Road, Dallas
503-831-1248, Illahevineyards.com
Enjoy our refreshing 2012 whites and rosé along with our 2011 Bon Sauvage Pinot Noir and 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir paired with light nibbles. Take a vineyard tour with our horses Doc and Bea (weather permitting), and welcome summer on our patio with a view 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Namasté Vineyards
5600 Van Well Road, Dallas
503-623-4150, namastevineyards.com
Handcrafted, limited-production and award-winning wines combine to make Namasté Vineyards a can’t-miss destination. This is our grand unveiling of our new outdoor patios and their incredible views. Eleven wines to choose from, including our new Legacy Syrah and the always popular Peace. Fee: $10 (complimentary for club members). 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Van Duzer Vineyards
11975 Smithfield Road, Dallas
800-884-1927, vanduzer.com
Come for the wine, stay for the views. Join us this weekend for Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and more. Tasting through new releases, as well as some old favorites. Fee: $10 (non-members). 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dayton

Wine Country Frm B&B
6855 Breyman Orchards Rd., Dayton
503-864-3446, winecountryfarm.com
43 year old vines on spectacular views in the Red Hills. Tasting Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Mueller Thurgau, Pinot gris, and a wonderful Dessert wine made in our 143 year old barn housing Arabian horses . Serving Pinot noir brownies and other treats. Tasting Fee $10, includes logo glass. 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Methven Family Vineyards
11400 Westland Lane, Dayton
503-868-7259, methvenfamilyvineyards.com
Come off the beaten path and discover what the Eola-Amity Hills has to offer! Methven Family Vineyards is a boutique family winery crafting estate-grown Pinot noir, Gamay noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, and Riesling. Fantastic food from The Joel Palmer House paired with our newest releases. Live music! 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sokol Blosser Winery
5000 Sokol Blosser Lane, Dayton
800-582-6668, sokolblosser.com
New Release! Sparkling Evolution Methode Champenoise. Lively music, fabulous lunch options and good friends will inspire you to spend the day with us. Sokol Blosser family will be here to guide you through our portfolio of current releases and vintage selections. Tasting fee includes barrel samples, bubbles and still wines. Tasting Fee: $15. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Stoller Family Estate
16161 NE McDougall Rd., Dayton
503-864-3404, stollervineyards.com
Celebrate at our new tasting room and enjoy spring releases including a new Tempranillo Rosé, food pairings, and a terrific view from our expansive patio. Find out why Stoller was named a “Top 100 Winery” by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Tasting room fee: $20 includes logo glass. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Seufert Winery
415 Ferry St., Dayton
503-864-2946, seufertwinery.com
New releases! New single vineyard Pinot noir – from Crowley Station Vineyard, Syrah, Pinot gris, and Rosé of Pinot noir. Try our mixed varietal flight or our specialty single vineyard Pinot noir flight paired with perfect little bites. Oregon wine, the Oregon way – in our downtown Dayton barrel hall tasting room. Tasting Fee: $5/$10. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Winter’s Hill Vineyard
6451 Hilltop Lane NE, Dayton
503-864-4538, wintershillwine.com
Exceptional wines, Breathtaking views, Genuine hospitality. Tastings are conducted within the winery, so you can see, smell, and understand how we make our wines. Enjoy Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Rosé and Dessert wines all sourced from our Estate vineyard. Tasting Fee: $10 includes souvenir glass. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dundee

Argyle Winery
691 Highway 99W, Dundee
888-4-ARGYLE, argylewinery.com
Join us as we sample a terrific selection of wines—including the newly released Black Brut sparkling wine. Tasting fee includes wine tastings, logo glass, nibbles and the opportunity to sign up for special tastings during the day. Special discounts on selected wines. Tasting Fee $15 includes logo glass. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Bella Vida Vineyard
9380 NE Worden Hill Rd., Dundee
503-538-9821, bellavida.com
Join us in celebrating our 10th Season. Pouring one white and 4 Pinots Noirs: 2012 Estate White Blend Gris-Ling®, 2010 “Winemaker Series” and our 2009 “Two Row Proprietors Cuvee”. Tasting fee includes wines, cheeses, breads, chocolate treats and logo pinot glass. Great Wines…Great Views From The Decks…Great Fun! Tasting Fee $15 includes logo glass. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Daedalus Cellars
990 North Highway 99W, Dundee
503-538-4400, daedaluscellars.com
Come and taste elegant, naturally produced wines from some of Oregon’s best vineyards. Pinot noir, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot gris, Riesling & Syrah. New releases include our 2011 Pinot noir blanc and Jezebel Blanc, and very limited 2009 Labyrinth & Maresh Vineyard Pinot noirs. Tasting Fee $5-$10. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dobbes Family Estate
240 SE Fifth St., Dundee
503-538-1141, winebyjoe.com
Delight your palate with diverse whites from Southern Oregon and distinctive single vineyard and reserve cuvée Pinot noir from the Willamette Valley. Unsurpassed hospitality and diverse wines will make your experience at Dobbes the highlight of your Memorial Day weekend. Tasting Fee $15. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Duck Pond Cellars
23145 Highway 99W, Dundee
503-538-3199, duckpondcellars.com
Celebrate our 20th anniversary with us! Admission includes a commemorative glass, tasting of five wines, barrel samples and optional cellar tour (3 pm). Small plates available for purchase. Saturday only: live music 12-4 pm. Tasting Fee $*$15 Saturday; $10 Sunday. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Four Graces Winery
9605 NE Fox Farm Road , Dundee
503-554-8000, thefourgraces.com
Visit our charming, historical tasting room at the northern entrance to Dundee. Taste our new releases along with delicious wine country hors d’oeuvres. Stroll through the vineyard or relax. Tasting Fee $20, $10 for club members. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards
18380 NE Buena Vista Drive, Dundee
503-538-6476, langewinery.com
Wine & spirits 2012 winery of the year! Join Winemakers Don and Jesse Lange for guided winery and tasting tours. Enjoy new releases, refreshing whites, acclaimed single-vineyard Pinot noirs and 26 YEARS of Dundee Hills history. Tour Includes exquisite wines, amazing views, tasting, logo glass and wine country nibbles. Tasting Fee $25 includes logo glass and tour. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Torii Mor Winery
18365 NE Fairview Dr., Dundee
503-554-0105, toriimorwinery.com
Two tasting options: $10 tasting fee – enjoy our summer whites, elegant pinots, and our infamous Port. $30 – Barrel Cellar Tasting: a more intimate experience of barrel tasting and local cheeses and charcuterie specially paired with our Reserve wines. Seatings at 11, 1 and 3. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

McMinnville

Anthony Dell Cellars
250 NE 3rd St.,McMinnville
503-910-8874, anthonydellcellars.com
Join us in downtown McMinnville. Small bites pair with our great wines. Taste Pinot noir, Roussanne, Baco noir, and Grenache. Artisan cheese from Abbie & Oliver’s and fine chocolate from Tamami make us THE place to be this Memorial Day Weekend.  Tasting Fee $10. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Dominio IV
888 NE Eighth Street McMinnville
503-474-8636, dominiowines.com
Some of our bottles sit around on their sides collecting dust for years, like our 2006 Estate Tempranillo “Tango”. When they are glorious, we dust them off and put on their labels. Come enjoy this wine and other remarkable bottles of Pinot, Syrah and Viognier we’ll open special for this weekend. Tasting Fee $10 non-members. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Maysara Winery
15765 Muddy Valley Rd., McMinnville
503-843-1234, maysara.com
Come and join the Momtazi Family for a weekend of wine, homemade Persian inspired food and live music!! We will be releasing our 2012 Arsheen Pinot gris, 2012 Autees Pinot blanc & 2009 Asha Pinot noir!! Receive a 15% off cases during the Memorial Day Weekend event! Tasting Fee $20. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Remy Wines
905 NE 10th Ave., McMinnville
503-560-2003, remywines.com
Relish in Remy’s delicious Old World Style Wines, take advantage of new releases, holiday specials, and limited production wines. Tasting includes single vineyard, Italian varietals and the Three Wives Wines. Sat/Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Mon 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Terra Vina Wines Vineyard
585 NE Third St., McMinnville,
503-925-0712, terravinawines.com
Taste our fabulous new wines and barrel samples of wines to be bottled later this year. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Twelve
581 NE 3rd Street, McMinnville
503-435-1212, twelvewine.com
Come see us in historic downtown McMinnville. We’ll be pouring Pinots including our new Wadenswil blend plus the just bottled 2011 Estate White. And free chocolate with every tasting. Tasting Fee $8. Sat.-Mon. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Westrey Wine Company
1065 NE Alpine Ave., McMinnville
503-434-6357, westrey.com
Winemakers Amy Wesselman and David Autrey source Pinot noir, Pinot gris, and Chardonnay grapes from Oregon’s premier sites, including their own Oracle Vineyard in the Dundee Hills. The beautiful vistas are at the vineyard, but these hand made wines are crafted in the heart of McMinnville. Tasting Fee $5. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Yamhill Valley Vineyards
16250 SW Oldsville Rd., McMinnville
503-843-3100, yamhill.com
Come visit and remember the joys of our Pinot noir, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, and Riesling! Enjoy delicious pairings with each of our fabulous wines. Take in beautiful panoramic views of the valley and our 100-acre vineyard from our deck and enjoy the company of our friendly staff! Tasting Fee $10. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monmouth

Airlie Winery
15305 Dunn Forest Road, Monmouth
503-838-6013, airliewinery.com
The wines, setting, LIVE MUSIC, and great food for purchase, make this a must stop! New releases, a wide variety, and great case discounts are included! Entry fee gets you and souvenir wine glass and will be cut in half if you bring your own Airlie glass from Memorial weekends past! 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monroe

Benton-Lane Winery
23924 Territorial Highway, Monroe
541-847-5792, benton-lane.com
Enjoy picture perfect view surrounding a family owned sustainably farmed estate vineyard. Four time recipient of “Top 100 Wines of the World”. Experience our silky, sexy Pinot noirs, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc & Chardonnay. Tasting Fee $7, refundable w/$20 purchase. 12 p.m. – 5
Newberg

Adelsheim Vineyard
16800 NE Calkins Ln., Newberg
503-662-4509, adelsheim.com
Taste our exclusive, limited production wines that are sold only at the winery. We specialize in Single Vineyard Pinot noirs from our Estate vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains. Just released: 2010 Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot noir – our highest rated yet! Admission includes artisan cheeses, charcuterie and Riedel Oregon Pinot noir glass. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Anam Cara Cellars
306 N. Main St. (Hwy. 240), Newberg
503-537-9150, anamcaracellars.com
Debut for Spring Releases including our first unoaked Chardonnay, Rosé, Rieslings and long awaited dessert Gewürztraminer. Also the only opportunity to purchase Pinot noir 2011 futures at discount. New local art exhibit and premium wood crafts. Tasting fee includes our Nicholas Estate wines, Oregon cheeses and other delicacies. Tasting Fee $10. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Anderson Family Vineyard
20120 NE Herring Ln., Newberg
503-554-5541, andersonfamilyvineyard.com
Steep Slopes. Deep Roots. Intense Flavors. New Releases: 2010 Pinot noir and Dijon Chardonnay. Small lot, handcrafted  wines form our manicured, landslide vineyard. Easy access: Dundee Hills off red Hills road, just south of 240-.l Come for the view, barrel cave tours and wines. Tasting Fee $10. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Aramenta Cellars
17979 NE Lewis Rogers Ln., Newberg
503-538-7230, aramentacellars.com
Aramenta is a small production artisan winery dedicated to handcrafted wines. Please join us at our Ribbon Ridge location and taste current releases of Estate grown Pinot noir paired with artisanal cheeses, breads and chocolate. Also pouring Chardonnay.  Tasting Fee $10. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

August Cellars
14000 NE Quarry Rd., Newberg
503-554-6766, augustcellars.com
Taste the depth and breadth of Oregon wines Saturday & Sunday with Toluca Lane, Artisanal Wine Cellars, Smitten: Artisan Truffles, J&T Arts. Monday August Cellars is open as we honor the men and women who have served our country. Stop in for that bottle to toast their service. Tasting Fee $15. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Beaux Fréres
15155 NE North Valley Rd., Newberg
503-537-1137, beauxfreres.com
Join winemaker Michael Etzel and the Beaux Frères team as they show thefirst glimpse of the 2012 vintage from barrel and 2011’s in bottle (plus otherspecial wines). Art, nibbles and souvenir Riedel Oregon Pinot noir glass. Tasting Fee $20, includes Riedel glass. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Bergström Wines
18215 NE Calkins Ln., Newberg
503-554-0468, bergstromwines.com
We welcome you to visit Bergström Wines to taste and purchase our newly released wines including our limited production 2011 Sigrid Chardonnay & 2011 Single Vineyard Pinot noirs. Enjoy these wines with exquisite cheeses and artisan breads. $15 Tasting fee includes an etched Riedel glass. Tasting Fee $15. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Colene Clemens Vineyards
22501 NE Dopp Rd., Newberg
503-662-4687, coleneclemens.com
Come take in the breathtaking view from our patio this Memorial Day Weekend! We will be pouring our newly released 2012 Rosé and 2011 Margo Pinot noir, in addition to the current lineup of Colene Clemens Wines.  Tasting Fee $15. Sat/Sun 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

J.K. Carriere Wines
9995 NE Parrett Mountain Road, Newberg
503-554-0721,jkcarriere.com
Tour Parrett Mountain! We are quintessential Oregon overlooking the Cascades. For 14 years we’ve consistently crafted some of the state’s most substantial Pinot, Chardonnay and perhaps its best Pinot rosé, all at the high end of the acid spectrum. Come taste the new releases. Tasting Fee $10. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed Mon).

Natalie’s Estate Winery
16825 NE Chehalem Dr., Newberg
503-807-5008, nataliesestatewinery.com
Enjoy our new releases of full-bodied reds – meritage, zinfandel, syrah and other surprises! Scrumptious hors d’oeuvres paired with distinctive wines in a welcoming atmosphere. Family run, boutique winery with limited production of handcrafted wines. Talk with our winemaker. Open by appt. and major weekends only. 10% case discounts. Tasting Fee $10. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Patricia Green Cellars
15225 NE North Valley Rd., Newberg
503-554-0821, patriciagreencellars.com
Sublime tasting of 2012 Pinot noir barrel futures from some of the great Pinot noir vineyards in Oregon, including our newest addition, Freedom Hill Vineyard. A few 2011s thrown in for good measure. Release of the ever popular 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and 2012 Dry Muscat Ottonel. Tasting fee partially refundable. Tasting Fee $20. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Privé Vineyard
28155 NE Bell Rd., Newberg
503-544-0464, privevineyard.com
Let us transport you to Burgundy…spring barrel tasting and French Market. St. Honoré Bakery will offer their heavenly baked goods to enjoy with our tasting of artisan French cheeses. Take home your favorites! Tasting and purchases available on 2011 & 2012 wines. Tasting Fee $15. Sat/Sun 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Mon 12 p.m. – 4 pm.

Redman Vineyard and Winery
18975 NE Ribbon Ridge Rd., Newberg
503-554-1290, redmanwines.com
Lush vineyard setting, bountiful appetizers and warm conversation will entwine with our high-end, small-lot handcrafted wines. Savor our new releases: 2011 Chardonnay, 2012 Arneis and Pinot blanc, 2010 Pinot noir Reserve. Plus our exceptional 2009s Pinot noir and 2007s Tempranillo, Barbera and “Bill’s Blend”.  11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Shea Wine Cellars
12321 NE Highway 240, Newberg
503-241-6527, sheawinecellars.com
We’ll be offering barrel samples of our 2012 small-lot Pinot noirs including Homer, and our 2011 Estate Pinot and Chardonnay.  Sat/Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Styring Vineyards
19960 NE Ribbon Ridge Road, Newberg
503-866-6741,
We are a small, authentic, family owned/operated vineyard & winery using sustainable farming practices. We grow and make small case lots of award-winning wines and serve them in a lively atmosphere. Taste Estate Pinot noir, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Meet the winemaker, @mollythewinedog and tour the barrel room. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Trisaetum Winery
18401 Ribbon Ridge Road, Newberg
503-538-9898, trisaetum.com
Located in the heart of Ribbon Ridge, tour our subterranean barrel cave, fermentation hall and contemporary art gallery. Pouring newest Rieslings & Pinot noirs. Opportunity to sample and purchase futures of 2012 Pinot noir.  Tasting Fee $10 all wines and wine/food pairings. Sat/Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Philomath

Spindrift Cellars
810 Applegate St., Philomath
541-929-6555, spindriftcellars.com
Visit our Open House on Memorial Day Weekend. Sat/Sun/Mon 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Rickreall

Cherry Hill Winery
7867 Crowley Road, Rickreall
503-623-7867, cherryhillwinery.com
Enjoy the beautiful views while tasting our 2010 Pinot Noirs and 2012 Blanc de Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir rosé. Fee: $10 (includes food, special prices on selected wines; refunded with purchase). 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars
501 S. Pacific Highway 99W, Rickreall
800-291-6730, eolahillswinery.com
Join us at the winery and our newest location, Legacy Vineyard, 16000 Oak Crove Rd, Salem. We will have 10 reserve wines to sample. We will be pouring our award-winning wines at both locations! Case discounts, a souvenir wine glass, live music and munchies available. Fee: $15; $5 (Corksniffer members). 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Firesteed Cellars
2200 N Pacific Highway W., Rickreall
503-623-8683, firesteed.com
First barbecue of the season with tasting of newly released Willamette Valley Pinot Noir rosé and other summer wines along with our premium Pinot Noirs and some library wines. Experience it for yourself. Fee: $10 (includes premium wine tasting and food catered by Stampede BBQ Company; club members taste free).  11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Johan Vineyards
4285 N. Pacific Highway 99W, Rickreall
866-379-6029, johanvineyards.com
May 25–26 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Celebrate the weekend at our family-run, boutique winery. Enjoy handcrafted wines from our certified Biodynamic estate vineyard. Take in gorgeous views while chatting with the owner and winemaker. Viking Soul Food will be here selling their lefse wraps. Fee: $10 (includes logo glass; $5 refunded with bottle purchase).  11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Left Coast Cellars
4225 N. Pacific Highway 99W, Rickreall
503-831-4916, leftcoastcellars.com
Join us for Sip & Stroll, our new Memorial Weekend celebration with different activities each day so you can explore and experience our beautiful estate. Sat & Sun: winery open house featuring new releases and delicious bites. Music Monday: Live performance by Blue-Eyed Soul, 1 to 4 p.m. Tasting room & cafe ~ open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fee: $20 (includes logo glass).  11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Salem

Ankeny Vineyard & Winery
2565 Riverside Road S., Salem
503-378-1498, ankenyvineyard.com
Wood-fired pizza available for purchase. Live music on Saturday. Fee: $5 (includes 10 wines). May 24-25 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; May 26-27 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Arcane Cellars Wheatland Winery
 22350 Magness Rd. N.W., Salem
503-868-7076, arcanecellars.com
Taste our award-winning wines and new releases: Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Grenache, Riesling, rosés, Merlot, Music of the Spheres red blend, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and our Madouro desert wine. Bocce court, picnic areas, arboretum in a beautiful private setting along the Willamette River. Great small bites. Fee: $15 (includes tastings of 10-plus current release wines). 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Bethel Heights Vineyard
6060 Bethel Heights Road N.W., Salem
503-581-2262, bethelheights.com
Escape to the Eola-Amity Hills, and join us at Bethel Heights for a special opportunity to taste and purchase our limited edition single vineyard Pinot Noirs from the acclaimed 2010 vintage. Find out what the buzz is all about. Two days only. Fee: $20 (includes Riedel Oregon Pinot Noir glass). 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bryn Mawr Vineyards
5955 Bethel Heights Road N.W. • Salem
503-581-4286. brynmawrvineyards.com
Join us for a comprehensive tasting of our current releases and select prior vintages. We will pour tastes of 10 wines, including our highly coveted 2011 Chardonnay. After tasting, bring a picnic and enjoy our astounding view of the Coastal Range. Fee: $10 (includes cheese plate and tasty morsels). 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cristom Vineyards
6905 Spring Valley Road N.W., Salem
503-375-3068, cristomwines.com
Join us at Cristom, where we’ll be pouring our current vintage Pinot Noirs, along with some jewels from our library. We’ll be serving a stellar selection of local cheeses and charcuterie. Local jazz impresario Dan Balmer will enliven our spirits on Saturday and Sunday. Fee: $20 (refundable with $100 purchase). 10a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cubanísimo Vineyards
1754 Best Road N.W., Salem
503-588-1763, cubanisimovineyards.com
Celebrate the Oregon wine experience Cuban-style at Cubanísimo Vineyards. Spend the day on our tropical patio listening to live Latin music by Pura Vida, enjoying Cuban tapas and free salsa dance lessons while drinking our fabulous Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Rosado de Pinot Noir 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars
Legacy Vineyard: 1600 Oak Grove Road
503-623-2405, eolahillswinery.com
Join us at the winery and our newest location, Legacy Vineyard, 16000 Oak Crove Rd, Salem. We will have 10 reserve wines to sample. We will be pouring our award-winning wines at both locations! Case discounts, a souvenir wine glass, live music and munchies available. Fee: $15; $5 (Corksniffer Members). 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Evesham Wood Winery
3795 Wallace Road N.W., Salem
503-371-8478, eveshamwood.com
Taste our spring releases, including two 2011 Pinot Noirs, Eola-Amity Hills Cuvée and estate La Grive Bleue, along with two single-vineyard 2011 Pinot Noirs from Haden Fig. Experience the idyllic southern Eola Hills setting of our certified organic vineyard along with hors d’oeuvres and cheeses Fee: $7 (includes nearly dozen wines).  12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Haden Fig
(at Evesham Wood)
3795 Wallace Road N.W., Salem
503-477-6960, hadenfig.com
Come taste our recently released 2011 single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from Bjornson Vineyard and Cancilla Vineyard. We’ll also have numerous open from Evesham Wood, including our 2011 estate Pinot Noir La Grieve Bleue. Fee: $7 (includes nearly dozen wines along with hors d’oeuvres and cheeses).  12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Honeywood Winery
1350 Hines Street S.E., Salem
503-362-4111, honeywoodwinery.com
Join us as we celebrate the start of summer with seasonal platters and wine cocktails. Enjoy the hospitality of our staff as we sample new releases and longtime favorites. More than 40 designer wines to please every palate. Sip, snack and sit on our outdoor patio. Case discounts and weekend specials. May 24-25 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; May 26 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; May 27 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Kathken Vineyards
5739 Orchard Heights Road N.W., Salem
503-316-3911, kathkenvineyards.com
Please join us for our Memorial Day Weekend open house. Fun times, music, food and fabulous wine. Fee: $8 (includes tastes of wine, appetizers).  May 25-26 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; May 27 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Orchard Heights Winery
6057 Orchard Heights Road N.W., Salem
503-391-7308, orchardheightswinery.com
Join us on our award-winning patio. Wine specials all weekend: up to 50 percent off select wines, three-packs, plus case discounts. Lunch available for purchase on Friday, Saturday and Monday. Lunch not available on Sunday. Fee: $5 (includes wine tasting; waived with the purchase of a bottle of wine). 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pudding River Wine Cellars
9374 Sunnyview Road N.E., Salem
503-365-0391, puddingriver.com
Join us on Memorial Day for our Open House Celebration. Fri/Sat/Sun 11 a.m – 5 p.m.

Redhawk Vineyard & Winery
2995 Michigan City Road N.W., Salem
503-362-1596, redhawkwine.com
Join us for wine and barrel tasting, delicious food and our incredible view. The barbecue will be sizzling once again with homemade sausages and tri-tip sandwiches along with the house made smoked salmon pate, cheeses, salad and more. Meet the winemaker, sample our current selection of wines and barrel taste a future release. Special discounts during the festival. Fee: $10 (includes entrance, food, wine).  11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sass Winery
9092 Jackson Hill Road S.E. • Salem
503-391-9991. sasswinery.com
Catch up on the fabulous 2012 harvest, new vineyard plantings and wine club. Taste new releases of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Lots of new wines and old friends. Fee: $5 (refunded with wine purchase).  12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Stangeland Vineyards
8500 Hopewell Road N.W. • Salem
503-581-0355. stangelandwinery.com
May 25–27 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Join us Memorial Weekend to taste our new releases: 2010 Estate Chardonnay, 2010 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, 2010 Tempranillo, plus Gewürztraminer, rosé of Tempranillo and other great wines! From 10 a.m. to noon each day, we will be offering a special: buy one case get the second of equal or lesser value for only $1 when you mention you saw it in the Oregon Wine Press. Fee: $5. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

St. Innocent Winery
5657 Zena Road N.W., Salem
503-378-1526, stinnocentwine.com
St. Innocent Winery invites you to a progressive wine and food pairing featuring six of our handcrafted, terroir-driven wines. Each wine will be paired with tasty morsels specifically prepared to complement the flavors of the wine. Fee: $15. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Trinity Vineyards
1031 Wahl Lane S., Salem
503-371-6977, trinityvineyards.com
Come out this weekend to our Annual Memorial Open House and enjoy a some great wines, nibbles and fantastic vineyard views. Sat 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Vitae Springs Vineyard
3675 Vitae Springs Road S., Salem
503-932-9786, vitaesprings.com
The hidden gem of the Willamette Valley. Family-owned and -operated for 35 years, delicious wines, lush surroundings. Traditional Old World-style winemaking proves to be a success here. Live music on Friday and Saturday. Deep case discounts available. Fee: $15 (includes logo glass). May 24-25 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.; May 26 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Walter Scott Wines
6130 Bethel Heights Road N.W. • Salem
971-209-7786, walterscottwines.com
Eola-Amity Hills, spending the day exploring the hills, discovering what makes this AVA special. Walter Scott will be barrel tasting 2012 wines with Bunk Sandwiches on site Saturday selling their fantastic fare. Fee: $10. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Witness Tree Vineyard
7111 Spring Valley Road N.W., Salem
503-585-7874, witnesstreevineyard.com
We will be barrel tasting the extraordinary 2012 vintage and offering the wines to you on a future’s basis in our Witness Protection Program. You will also taste through the amazing line-up of our other estate wines. Fee: $10 (includes glass, hors d’oeuvres and live music by John Nilsen at the keyboard). 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Turner

Willamette Valley Vineyards
8800 Enchanted Way S.E., Turner
503-588-9463, willamettevalleyvineyards.com
May 25–27 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) You’re invited to our annual Blind Tasting Competition. Blind-taste and match world-class Pinot Noir, including Domaine de la Romanée Conti, to its respective appellation. Grand prize is a wine blending experience with our winemaker followed by lunch at our estate restaurant. Walk-ins welcome or eserve your spot at 503-588-9463. Fee: $10 (includes Riedel glass, hors d’ oeuvres and live music; reserve tasting for an additional $5.).  11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Elizabeth Miller Jenkins is a third-generation Willamette Valley farmer; her grandfather grew blueberries, and the land Chris and Elizabeth cultivate was first farmed by her parents in the 1970’s. Elizabeth grew up working on the land. Her parents grew peppermint, native plants, and poplars for paper and, more recently, biomass.  They also experimented with growing tea.  Since 2008, her parents have been gradually shifting the responsibility for these projects to the younger generation, and Chris and Elizabeth have added their own variations – acres of organically grown vegetables, a seasonal farm stand, U-pick blueberries, and a food truck.

“We do everything,” Elizabeth tells me.  We talk at her kitchen table as Chris cooks, and she eats her breakfast – the only time she had to give me out of her busy, busy day.  “I’m in charge of the crop planting, the seed list, and managing the crew.  Chris does the greenhouse, the native plants, the mint, the tea, and the poplars.  We do the books, the payroll, the taxes, the marketing, the CSA, the Web site.  The farm is our whole life.”

Chris grew up in Ohio.  He and Elizabeth met while attending Colorado College, and discovered a mutual passion, not only for each other, but for organic farming.  Influenced by the work of Michael Pollen and a growing awareness of the importance of local food, they returned to Salem and began Minto Island Growers.  As a Salem native, Elizabeth appreciates the perspective of newcomers “I grew up here, and I sense a whole new energy.  Salem has such amazing possibilities to be a center [of the new food movement].”

Minto Island Growers has 10 full-time and about the same number of part-time employees.  Food truck employees often come from South Salem High’s Culinary Program and many of their farm workers are students from Willamette University’s Sustainable Farm Program.  “We would love to do a whole farm at some point, raising animals, growing grains.  We’d also like to expand our U-pick business and put in more acres of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.”

Minto Island is Certified Organic through Oregon Tilth, and sells its produce through their CSA program, and at their farm stand, the Salem Saturday Market, LifeSource Natural Foods, and the nascent Salem Food Coop.  They also sell to local restaurants La Capitale “our first real supporter” and Broken Bread.

“We are dedicated to making connections and supporting the local economy. “

Chris and Elizabeth are out of time for our interview – on to the next thing on their busy schedules – but they invite me to wander the farm on my own.  I walk down to the greenhouses and peer at the tiny mint seedlings, find the tea – a maze of tightly trimmed hedges (related to camellias Chris has told me, who knew?) and walk out into the fields of vegetables.  There are quite a number of crops for this early in the spring – I see several kinds of kale, beets, turnips (or maybe rutabagas?) and arugula.  There are rows of beautiful, intensely purple cauliflower.

I pick up a handful of soil and am surprised.  The soil in my Salem backyard vegetable patch is heavily clay; at this wet time of year it sticks together in a compact ball when compressed.  Here the soil is quite sandy, and crumbles from my fist when I squeeze it.  I wonder if that is due the influence of the nearby Willamette River.  I’ll have to ask Elizabeth, –if I can catch her.

We have a soft spot for Junior’s because it was one of the first taquerias in Salem when it opened at the intersection of Jefferson and Fairgrounds 14 years ago. There were a few other fairly authentic Mexican eating places then, but Junior’s was the first place to go all out and take a risk with home-style cooking from the state of Michoacan.

Victor is the proud proprietor of Junior’s and you are likely to find him working behind the counter. He has built a good business with a solid following. Victor comes from Patzcuaro, one of the prettiest towns in Mexico. A painting of the Plaza Grande in Patzcuaro hangs on the wall, and the menu features some typical dishes from Victor’s hometown.

When the sun is setting on the plazas of Patzcuaro the outdoor food vendors start setting up their gas fired comals to cook the local specialty, enchiladas de la plaza, also known as enchiladas placeras. The dish has three elements: enchiladas, a meat (chicken or beef), and papazanhorias, which is a combination of potatoes and carrots. Junior’s version comes with beef ($9.50). These are real Mexican enchiladas — hand-made tortillas dipped in red chili sauce, filled with chicken and heated lightly, not baked. If you want a lighter meal you can opt for just the enchiladas and papazanhorias, minus the beef ($6.50).

Victor tells us his biggest seller is the hand-made gorditas (not to be confused with the phony Taco Bell item  — really a taco). Authentic gorditas start with a thick disk of masa harina that is cooked like a tortilla and then slit open and stuffed with meat, lettuce, Mexican cheese and sour cream ($7 for three). Junior’s version is amazingly light and delicious.

One thing that makes Junior’s different from the other taquerias in town is that he offers beef steak cooked four different ways. These are thin Mexican style steaks served with a green chili sauce, a red chili sauce, with grilled peppers and onions or with an enchilada on the side for big eaters. Served with rice and beans, and with Junior’s excellent hand-made tortillas, these plates are a bargain for $9.75 — $12.50 for the steak and enchilada.

Got kids to feed? Junior’s is the most kid-friendly taqueria in Salem with five different kid’s plates for under $3.50.

Junior’s offers four different seafood selections every day including a popular shrimp cocktail ($9.50), and three different soups including a shrimp soup ($8.75) and a beef birria ($7.75). Of course all the taqueria standards are here: tacos, sopes, and quesadillas. Everything is served with what Victor calls salsa addictivo, an addictive arbol chili sauce made in house that really lives up to its name.

The taqueria is named after Victor’s son, Victor Junior, who was four years old when the business started 14 years ago. We thank Victor and his family for being one of the first to bring us his authentic Mexican food all the way from Patzcuaro to Salem.

JUNIOR’S TAQUERIA
1705 Winter Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-378-0500
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Salem Food Co-op is the first rung on what the Coop board members hope will be a ladder to an eventual store front.  It’s been slightly over a year since Cindy Kimball, Debra Edwards and Kerry Topel started meeting and discussing their dream of a Salem Food Coop – a member-owned cooperative food store that would provide local, fresh, non-GMO, pesticide –free, reasonably priced groceries to the people of Salem.   Since that time, they have gathered together an enthusiastic group of board members who have written mission and vision statements, adopted by-laws and a sourcing and selection policy, have taken on the food club, and are wrestling with a business plan.   They have a Web page, a Facebook page, and a brochure all sporting their colorful logo – the Oregon state capitol building ,built of vegetables.

All board decisions are made through consensus; all board members are passionate about food in their own individual ways, which makes for some lengthy discussions.  Some place the most value on locally-grown produce, to others, organic and GMO-free are of first importance. The board discusses the various merits of gluten-free pasta, vegetarian diets, and grass-fed meat and dairy.

How shall we define local?   Should bees be fed high-fructose corn syrup in the winter?

Sometimes the job seems overwhelming.  “So much of our energy goes into keeping the food club supplied, we don’t have as much time as we would like to focus on writing our business plan and finding investors” says Cindy Kimball.   Right now, the Co-op uses space donated twice a month by board members – but the situation is not ideal, as supplies and equipment need to be stored elsewhere due to space constraints, and room for refrigerated items is minimal.  Currently, The Salem Food Co-op provides staples once monthly, local produce twice monthly, and will begin selling some dairy products in May. “We need our own space in order to grow our business,” says Sue Stoner, board president, “but we aren’t making enough money with the customers we have right now to afford rent.  We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.”

Even with the struggles inherent in starting a new business, Salem Food Coop board members are excited about the future.  Plans include not only a “brick and mortar” food and community center, but a mobile grocery store – a food truck to service the Salem neighborhoods determined to be “food deserts,” areas in which access to good, healthy food is difficult and the nearest grocery may be only a corner convenience store.

“Now is the right time for this business. Everyone we talk to is supportive and interested,” says Cindy.  Salem Food Coop members don’t see themselves as competing with established local stores such as Roth’s and LifeSource or the Salem farmer’s markets.  “More and more people are interested in eating healthfully and locally,” Debra Edwards says.   “If we grow our customer base, theirs will grow as well.“

The Salem Food Coop board is celebrating its one-year anniversary and all that has been accomplished so far.   Their Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 21, at the Grand Theater, for members and the interested public.  The evening begins at 6:30 and everyone is welcome to enjoy a tasting of local food and beverages, to mingle with friends, meet the board and share ideas.    There will be a presentation “Planting our Local Roots” from 7-8 pm.  For more information find The Salem Food Coop on Facebook or at salemfoodcoop.org.

10 places to buy locally-grown Willamette Valley products in Salem
1. CSAs – Community Support Agriculture – weekly produce boxes available from many local growers.  Find them at www.ecovian.com/s/salem/csa
2. EZ Orchards
3. LifeSource Natural Foods
4. Minto Island Farm Stand
5. Pick your own farms.  Find them at www.pickyourown.org/ORsalem.htm
6. Roth’s Markets
7. Salem Food Coop
8. Salem Public Market
9. Salem Saturday Market
10. Wednesday Market

We hear a rumor that a summer Thursday Evening Market is in the works!

Restaurants that serve local foods
Ameadeus – opening in its new downtown location in May
Andaluz
Broken Bread
La Capitale
DaVinci’s
Drunken Cook
Gamberetti’s
Grand Vines
Rafn’s (opening soon)

We don’t mean to leave anyone out.  If you grow, market, or serve locally-grown food and drink in the Salem area, let us know.

La Fondita’s slogan is “con sabor a hogar” — with the flavor of home. Juan is the owner and the cook and the flavor he is offering is that of his native Guerrero.

When we asked Juan what his specialty was, he didn’t hesitate to recommend a dish called mixiote. There are many versions of this dish that comes from Central Mexico. It is basically slow roasted meat with a variety of chilis and spices. The oldest versions wrap the spiced meat in maguey cactus leaves and roast it in the ground. The more modern version that Juan makes involves cooking the meat and spices in parchment paper, tied into a little package, in the oven. Nopales (prickly pear cactus) are added to the package. Juan prepares two kinds of mixiote — chicken on the bone that is available every day, and lamb, which is only available on weekends.

We tried both chicken and lamb mixiote and were blown away by the quality and flavor. The chicken mixiote ($9.50) was our favorite with the complex flavors of the chilis and spices really making for a delicious dish. The mixiote comes with rice and beans and big fat handmade corn tortillas. We can’t say enough about this dish.

If the mixiotes were not enough to make this a “must try” taqueria in our town, Juan offers perhaps the best chicken mole ($9.00) in the city. His mole is made from scratch — the classic red Oaxacan mole made from chilis, nuts, seeds, spices and chocolate. On the day we were in, Juan also offered what he called a “green mole” that he let us try. Yummy.

Everything is made from scratch at La Fondita, including three kinds of aguas frescas ($2.00) to have with your meal. Other interesting things on the menu were a quesadilla made with flor de calabaza (squash blossoms) and pozole verde ($9.00). These appear on the weekend menu, but may show up on the daily specials menu during the week. Most pozoles in town are of the red variety, made with dried red chilis. The green version is another signature Guererro dish made with green chilis, tomatillos, and thickened with dried pumpkin seeds.

Of course you can get all the usual taqueria standards at La Fondita. The tacos, with several choices of meat on a handmade tortilla are only $1.25 each.

La Fondita is clean and bright and offers a printed menu in English to help the first-timers. Another nod to the expectations of gringos are the complimentary chips, two kinds of salsa and beans as an appetizer. For us, the quality and authenticity of the food at La Fondita were enough. Again, we suggest you go for the mixiote, and go again for the mole. This place is easy to miss in a little strip at the corner of Center and Hawthorne, but it is worth seeking out for some excellent Guerrero-style cuisine.

LA FONDITA
3330 Center Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-400-7841
Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Oregon-based breweries like Fort George (Astoria), Alameda (Portland), Gilgamesh (Salem), Ninkasi (Eugene), Seven Brides (Silverton), Pale Horse (Salem), and Pelican (Pacific City) dominate the lineup.

Tickets are $15 for those 21-and-older, and can be purchased online at OregonGardenBrewfest.blogspot.com or by calling (503) 874-8100. Admission includes a glass and five tastes. More information about the breweries can also be found at the event’s web site.

Highlights of Friday’s concerts include Motown-influenced rockers Brownish Black at 7:30 p.m. and Tender Loving Empire’s Radiation City at 9:30 p.m. on the Main Stage, and Cherry City ‘s go-to cover band, Flextones, at 9:30 p.m. on the Garden Stage. Saturday’s highlights include hometown hero folk-pop duo Gallon House at 3 p.m. at the Garden Stage, and jam-o-riffic alternative rock jam band Jamalia at 5:30 p.m. and PDX indie rock super-group WEINLAND at 9:30 p.m. on the main stage. Rose City alt-rockers Rags and Ribbons (Main Stage) and the hootin’ and hollerin’ Sasparilla (Garden Stage) will close the fest at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Oregon Garden
Brewfest
April 26-28
879 W Main St.
Silverton Oregon

When you drive to El Torito on the weekend, be sure to go with the windows down.

You’ll find the store at the north end of a strip mall set back from Lancaster, just north of Sunnyview, opposite Bi-Mart.

You’re getting close when you can smell the incomparable smell of mesquite grilled chicken. When you leave your car in the parking lot you’ll spot Humberto under a canopy outside manning this three grills. He’ll be working his grilled chicken mastery in a haze of mesquite charcoal smoke.

Congratulations. You have found the best grilled chicken in Salem.

El Torito is like several meat markets and Mexican grocery stores in town that have branched out to serve food. Here the specialty is Humberto’s grilled chicken — available beginning in the afternoon until 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The preparation starts with a marinade  — a secret family recipe. It’s not particularly spicy. Just good. The marinated chickens go on the open grill and cook slowly over mesquite charcoal. Humberto watches over his chickens, flipping them and moving them around on the grill until they are cooked to perfection.

Most customers get their grilled chicken to go. A whole chicken with rice and beans and hand made tortillas costs only $15.99 and will easily serve four people. Or you can just buy the chicken by itself for $10.99. You may have to wait a bit for your chicken. Sometimes there can be a short line. Humberto won’t sell a chicken that is not perfectly cooked. If more people in Salem discover this place the line may get longer. It’s that good.

Humberto’s daughter Lili was in charge of the store when we visited. She was very friendly and helpful. The store has operated now for seven years and Lili says, “It’s my life.”

Besides the grilled chicken, El Torito is known for having excellent taquitos de carnitas (roast pork) every day along with other meat choices for their taquitos ($1.50). On the weekends they also offer barbacoa de borrego (roast lamb) and two kinds of birria: de chivo (goat) and de res (beef). Birria is a spicy stewed meat available in a soup or in tacos. All the food at El Torito is inspired by the cuisine of Michoacan in Mexico where Lili’s family comes from.

On weekdays at lunchtime El Torito has an all-you-can-eat buffet for only $6.99. There are different entrees every day, usually made with chicken, pork and beef, along with rice, beans and tortillas. Lili recommends the costillas de puerco, little pork ribs stewed in a green chili sauce.

But the main event here is really Humberto’s grilled chicken. Once you taste it you will be back for it. Again and again. You’ll wish the weekend would hurry up and get here, so you can drive over to Lancaster with your windows down and get in line for the most delicious chicken in town.

EL TORITO MEAT MARKET
2158 Lancaster Drive
Salem, Oregon 97305
503-371-5979
Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m

It’s only been about six months since Carlos and his wife Elsa transformed the former Marie Callender’s into a combination Mexican bakery, meat market, grocery store and eatery. The result is a spacious and inviting business that is attracting a lot of customers on the north end of Lancaster Drive.

When you go there you will see why. The open hours are great. El Ranchero is one of the few places in town were you can get an authentic Mexican breakfast at eight in the morning. Traditional breakfast choices would be chilaquiles ($6.50) — tortillas cooked in a ranchera sauce served with scrambled eggs — or huevos con chorizo ($6.89), which are eggs scrambled with Mexican sausage that they make in-house.

We came for lunch and had a hard time choosing from the many selections. Elsa recommended the huarache (6.99), a popular lunchtime choice. Huaraches are named after the Mexican sandal because the masa base has the same shape. Topping the base is a spicy green chili sauce, queso fresco, and your choice of meat toppings. We tried the carnitas — very fresh and delicious roast pork that is a specialty here. There are eight choices of meat for the huaraches, sopes (a smaller version of the huarache), tacos and tortas. Be adventurous and try cabeza (beef head) or lengua (beef tongue). There is a bar on the side of the counter where you can help yourself to a good variety of salsas and garnishes.

Also at Elsa’s suggestion we tried a special plate called alambre Ranchero ($9.89). ‘Alambre’ literally means ‘wire,’ and generally denotes meat grilled (as on a skewer) with onions and peppers. We got a big tasty grilled mix of the house-made chorizo, pastor (marinated pork), onions, and red and green bell peppers with Monterrey cheese melted on top and a generous stack of house-made tortillas. This could easily feed two.

Most taquerias in Salem have an assortment of  house-made aguas frescas. These are flavored sweet drinks in big glass barrels. On the day we were at El Ranchero, they had three choices. Two were common, but one was uncommon — a delicious agua de fresa ($1.69), made with fresh strawberries. Outstanding.

If you have room for dessert, have a piece of pay de queso ($0.75), a kind of Mexican cheese cake. Or for something really special, try a piece of milhojas cake ($2.99). This is an elaborate “thousand layer” cake, the Mexican version of the French mille-feuille, that is typically only eaten on special occasions. But you can have one with your meal at El Ranchero.

Carlos is from Michoacan, but his food is from all over Mexico. He wants to add even more menu items in the future drawing on more regions of Mexico. He mentioned introducing a specialty of the Yucatan, cochinita pibil, which is pork marinated in citrus and achiote and slow roasted. Bring it on, Carlos! We’ll be back for sure to sample more of the made-from-scratch authentic Mexican food at El Ranchero Market.

EL RANCHERO MARKET
2615 Lancaster Dr. NE
Salem, Oregon 97305
971-600-3466
Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m

Localvore (or locavore):  lo·ca·vore noun (‘lo-k  -,vor) a person that eats locally produced food.

When Adam High opened Broken Bread in the fall of 2011, he knew he wanted to source as many ingredients locally as possible. At the time, he was still in search of a reliable local producer of top-quality pork. His criteria was simple. The pigs should be raised ethically, but most importantly, he wanted to cultivate a strong relationship with the ranchers. In Adam’s case, Jim and Wendy Parker at Heritage Farms NW fit the bill.

“First and foremost, I like the people growing [the pork],” says Adam.

Not only do the Parkers produce excellent pork, they do so in a humane and natural setting just south of Dallas, Oregon. Heritage Farms NW raises Red Wattle Hogs and American Guinea Hogs, two breeds that the Parkers selected for their exceptional fat and flavor.

“The meat itself is a much deeper flavor,” says Adam. “We get more comments on the pork than just about any protein we use because it’s that much different from what folks are used to. It tastes like an animal that had to work for some of its food. It’s got excellent marbling.”

Adam is currently working with a whole leg of pork, which will yield far more than just the meat. He and his kitchen staff will use each and every portion of the leg, including the trim, the fat, and the bone.

“I’ll trim the fat, grind that and render it down, and use the strained-off fat for cooking on the flat top or sautéing meat dishes,” says Adam. “Then the cracklings go into the stock pot to help deepen the stock. The bones will go into the stock pot. I’ll probably brine a couple chunks… and roast those into dinner service and carve off them. The hock will get braised down and we’ll probably do pulled pork sandwiches at lunch time.”

Of course, the main feature is the roasted leg meat, which Adam first soaks in a brine of smoked salt, water, and bay leaves. He then roasts the pork in the oven for a few hours just before dinner service. From there, the tender meat can be carved and served.

As the seasons change, each entree at Broken Bread will be accompanied by a revolving cast of local vegetables. Right now, Adam is in the middle of a transition period between the storage crops of last autumn and the fresh flavors of spring. For the leg, Adam creates a side dish of mashed root vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, and winter squash. The meat itself is served with pan juices and a vibrant quince marmalade.

“This time of year we are very limited,” says Adam. “Roots and greens.”

Although the pork dish is quite delicious, Adam insists that he doesn’t deserve the credit. He is quick to point out all of the hard work done by Jim and Wendy Parker, the butchers at Mt. Angel Meats, and the pigs themselves. It’s a humble position that echoes the menu at Broken Bread, which is primarily food-driven, as opposed to something that is purely fashionable or ornamental.

The flavors speak for themselves.

According to Adam, the offerings at Broken Bread change fairly often, so don’t expect to see leg of pork on the menu each time you visit.

“When I’m done with that hog leg, I’ll call up and say ‘What now?’” Soon thereafter, the Parkers will deliver another cut of meat. Perhaps tenderloin, a shoulder roast, or another leg. Either way, the pork that ends up on the plate is equally tasty.

“We’re headed toward the same goal,” says Adam, referring to the Parkers. “That’s a relationship I hope to have until I fall over.”

Nate Rafn is the executive producer of Living Culture, and creator of Dinner at the Rafns’ supper-club. Learn more at livingcultureonline.com and/or dinnerattherafns.com.

Broken Bread

380 High Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Center and High Streets
in the Equitable Center
 
503.990.7117

Lunch
Tuesday – Friday
11:00 – 2:00

Dinner
Tuesday – Friday
5:00 – 9:00

All Day Dining
Saturday
2:00 – 9:00

Closed
Sunday & Monday

When you walk into Los Panditas, look behind the counter for the trompa. It’s what makes this place unique in Salem.

‘Trompa’ is the Spanish word for ‘top.’ It is a vertical rotisserie, just like the one used in Middle Eastern restaurants to make shawarma or Greek gyros. Lebanese immigrants brought the trompa with them to Mexico beginning in the early 20th century. It quickly became a popular way to make tacos throughout central Mexico and the Yucatan. The spit of the trompa is stacked with slices of pork that have been marinated, and a fresh pineapple is added on top. As the meat is carved off the bottom of the stack it begins to resemble a spinning top, hence the name. The juices from the roasting pineapple help to tenderize the meat. The meat from the trompa is called al pastor or pastor for short. It literally means “shepherd style,” harkening back to the Middle Eastern version that typically uses lamb instead of pork.

At Los Panditas you can get your authentic pastor in several ways. You can have taquitos al pastor ($1.50 each), which is the most common preparation in Mexico. These are small tacos served with two tortillas, topped with the pastor and a little of the roasted pineapple, onions, cilantro and salsa. You can also have your pastor in a torta ($6.50), a Mexican sandwich made on roll called a telera. Another preparation is la gringa ($7.50). This is similar to a quesadilla. It consists of two large flour tortillas with the pastor, roasted pineapple, and cheese in the middle. It is grilled until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes toasty.

Los Panditas has a very extensive menu. There are 13 different kinds of tortas to choose from, including the Cubana ($8.00) which is loaded with several different meats, cheese and a fried egg.

Bring a big appetite for this one. The other tortas are $6.50. Taquitos ($1.50) come in seven different varieties.

An excellent posole is served every day ($10). This is a spicy chicken soup with hominy. It is served with onions and lettuce and crispy fried corn tortillas to add to your bowl to taste. Like the Cubana, the soup is for big appetites, or you can ask for an extra bowl and share. Another unique item on the menus is tortitas de pollo en salsa verde ($10). These are a kind of chicken croquette smothered in a green chile sauce, served with rice and beans. We don’t recall seeing this on a menu elsewhere in Salem.

Maria Isabel and her husband Luis have been operating Los Panditas for nearly a decade. They hail from Toluca, near Mexico City, and their menu includes most of the food common in the Mexican capital. Last year they had a very successful booth at the State Fair. They were there with their trompa serving up their signature pastor. We hope to see them there again this year, but in the meantime you should stop in and try their delicious and authentic pastor and other well-prepared food from central Mexico.

TAQUERIA LOS PANDITAS
3892 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-365-8226
Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.