We’ve driven by this sign many times in Welches, Oregon and wondered about this restaurant situated at the end of a small mall area. Finally we stopped in and were delighted to find a great selection of homemade soup and sandwiches. Reminds you of being in someone’s warm kitchen.

Right away after being seated you are brought a sampler of all their soups for the day. Each one was delicious making it hard to choose. I ended up ordering the Hungarian mushroom, served with sourdough roll. Rick had the Tomatoe Basil with Vegetarian sandwich. We both enjoyed it very much and will definitely be back.

25425 East Welches Rd., Welches, OR 97067                                   503-622-0303

Kathy found a deal on an online site called “Snique away.” We’ve never been to Brasada Ranch in Central Oregon before and if the idea of this deal was to build clientele it worked. We got an entire house, fireplace, kitchen, super nice bathroom and access to a health club and lap swimming pool, for half price. Yep, we paid $150 a night for a place that is usually twice the price. There are 1800 acres here and when we come back in the summer we’ll bring our bikes to ride along the paths that cover the property. There are views of the Cascade Mountains and lot’s of places to rent. I know it’s a little on the expensive side but we are here celebrating Kathy’s Birthday so we splurged a little. They have two bedroom houses so you could split the cost with another couple and have a great time.

Another great thing about Brasada Ranch is the athletic club on the property. They have several hot tubs, a full gym with cardio and weight machines and a lap pool. The lap pool is nice but not for serious swimmers. The water is too warm for real swimming and the water is too shallow but in a pinch it will work and it’s nice to have. The outdoor pools are not heated in the winter months but that didn’t stop us from taking a polar plunge in the 50 degree water.

If you want some of the best Quiche you will ever taste Palace Bakery/Full City in Eugene is the place to go. I already knew they had the best coffee but the more I shoot these short video’s for Michael, the more if find some of the best baked goods in Lane County.
Watch and then get to Palace or Full City and try a piece.
Rick Dancer.

Kathy and I are really into soup right now. I’m not sure why but soup and a sandwich or a side salad is our lunch of choice and when we want the best soup, yes, the best we go to Creswell Coffee shop.

We have never had a bad bowl of soup there. You will see us review a lot of soup places in the near future (because we’re eating more soup) but we always find ourselves comparing the new soup to the Creswell Coffee shops creations.

The conversation sounds like this: “It’s not quite as good as Creswell.”

Here are two examples:

White Chili

• A Twist on an old classic.
• Made with chicken and white chili beans
• Great by itself or with our Chili-spiced 3 Bean salad

Celeriac with Pear and Blue Cheese

• A Seasonal soup with celery root and pear from the local farmers market
• The bold flavor of the Blue Cheese compliments the sweetness of the pears
• A mellow soup that goes great with our classic Turkey Pesto Panini

The soup lady, the one who simmers and stews the creations is amazing. Creswell Coffee has a few soups that people know when they are being served and they run out very quickly. I’m not going to tell you which ones because you will be my new competition. (Smile)

So while the chill is in the air get in the car, drive 10 minutes south of Eugene because “Soups On at Creswell Coffee Shop.”

The Schooner at Netarts Bay

Traveling a bit off the beaten path along the Oregon Coast between Tillamook and Pacific City, you’ll find Netarts. It sits right on the bay and where we found this wonderful seafood restaurant. This winter afternoon we were after some chowder and did they provide! A rich creamy base with fresh clams and what we believe the secret to its great flavor…thyme.

We heard the restaurant was recently remodeled and now has a very fresh updated atmosphere. Next time your traveling along the 3 Capes Scenic Byway, stop in The Schooner, they have many fresh seafood options, sandwiches, salads, fish and chips and much more.

2065 Netarts Boat Basin Rd., Netarts, OR 97141                               503-815-9900

It’s pretty fun to get to go back and revisit a fond memory and that is just what we got to do this past Thanksgiving weekend. Pier 101 in Lincoln City has long been our favorite place to eat deep-fried Zucchini. Now this may not sound so exciting to some but once you’ve experienced them, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Pier 101 has been in Lincoln City since 1972, now that has to say something with so many businesses’ closing. The atmosphere is rustic warmth, with lots of wood, two wood burning fireplaces, one in main dining room, one in bar.

Back to these amazing zucchini, they aren’t your average small chips, oh no we’re talking big planks, almost like eating fish. They come with Thousand Island dressing and Ranch for dipping. Add a small salad and you have a great lunch.

Next time you’re taking the long drive through Lincoln City, drop in Pier 101, you’ll be glad you did!

Kathy Dancer

www.pier101deluxebarandgrill.com           415 S.W. Hwy. 101, Lincoln City, OR97368

541-994-8840

Friday night, we are pleased to bring back, for the first time since our Anniversary Party, Betty & The Boy.  What has Betty and her band been up to since July 2nd?  Well to start, they got offered the opportunity to play Art in the Vineyard.  They’ve also gained significant air time on KLCC radio, and to top it all off, they were recently named Eugene Weekly’s Next Big Thing.  That’s quite an accomplishment for a band that doesn’t really fit into any genre, and who’s music isn’t the “get up and dance” kind.  I can’t really say much to define their sound, except to say that Betty’s voice backed by guitar, banjo, mandolin, and violin is a mesmerizing sound.  Listen to this video to see what I’m talking about.

Come down Saturday afternoon at 3pm for Creswell Coffee’s first-ever Movie Showing.  Courtesy of Yaakov, our local nutritionist, we have the opportunity to show “Scientists Under Attack” – A documentary thriller about how Agro-Chemical multinational corporation Monsanto victimizes international scientists to prevent them from publishing their findings in regards to Genetically Modified Crops.  If you eat produce, this movie applies to you and may be worth checking out.  This is a FREE event.

On the opposite spectrum of Betty & the Boy, we have Saturday’s entertainment, Kokobola.  Jazz meets Surf-Rock, Kokobola is best described as an electrifying display of instrumental groove music.  See what I mean here.

One last thing, Mark your Calendars to spend Dec. 31st here at Creswell Coffee.  From 7 to 9pm we’re ringing in the new year with The Dick Danger Band.

The city just finished renovating the oldest covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi. The Chambers covered railroad bridge dedication is December 3^rd from 2:30 to 4.

The entire town will be there and you don’t want to miss this.

The new bridge is bike and pedestrian friendly and is sure to become a centerpiece in an already beautiful town.

The celebration is as 960 South River Road in Cottage Grove. For those unfamiliar with the area just drive all the way down Main Street, take a right at the light just past the little covered bridge west of city hall, and take a left you can’t miss it.

Or, you can just stop by any business and ask.

Go early and have lunch at Fleur De Lis. There is a French pastry chef who is actually from France and makes great food.

Stay late and stop by the Axe and Fiddle for a beer, a burger and live music.