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Oregon Coast Dining Out: Culinary Nirvana on a Newport Cliff Top |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.
2/13/07
Secrets of the Season |
Oregon Coast Dining Out: Culinary Nirvana on a Newport Cliff Top
By Andre' Hagestedt
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| Beach just below Village Market & Deli |
(Newport, Oregon) - In the middle of history-smothered Nye Beach, in the central Oregon coast jewel of Newport, there’s a tiny secret for those with a palate for the finer things. Village Market & Deli opened here about three years ago, quietly chipping away at the wall of commercialized kookiness that is the reigning aesthetic of many Oregon coast diners, as well as the seafood and chowder that have been done to death.
BREATHTAKING
CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
The shop is owned by former Northern Californians Bob and Deborah Trusty, and their thirtysomething son, Jonathon. The family, already well versed in the realms of food and the wine fields of the region, left the corporate world to "live on the edge" in the distinctly non-urban surroundings of Newport. They sensed something was missing from the central Oregon coast market: there were little or no markets that carried the fine, artisan foods they were used to in their last place of residence. Not only that, they saw a large contingent of out-of-staters in town looking for the same thing, as well as a sizable chunk of part time Portlanders who yearned for the amenities of the Pearl District while they settled into their ocean view chairs to watch storms or the coast’s magnificent sunsets.
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| Sunset offerings at Village Market |
The result was this little wonder, which opened up in December of 2003, specializing in fine food, a cutting edge deli and a "small but proud" wine shop.
Gleaming and resplendent is the fare at this cozy but sleek bistro-style eatery. With a partial ocean view to accompany this culinary adventure, it is still a bit of a hidden secret in this intricate and charming section of Newport that is itself a little off the beaten path.
Their menu boasts expertly done and innovative dishes around $8 – open for lunch or late afternoon snacktime only. A variety of heady gourmet sandwiches of varied layers and subtleties are on hand to consistently wow you, with loads of innovative concoctions that contain elements such as wasabi, a spicy and vibrant turkey and many other surprises.
A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
Their house-made pate remains a huge hit (one regional writer proclaimed it “better than sex”). Bob Trusty makes it from chicken – and from scratch – and it is a buttery, creamy experience that is slightly orgasmic.
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| Some of the gourmet deli items for sale |
Some of their hot sandwiches have also been big hits recently, such as the multi-layered Tuscan Turkey (about $8), which features sun dried tomatoes, an unusually flavorful mustard and other ingredients to create a distinctive, bold experience.
This has always been my favorite on dining here, which I do about twice a week, on those weeks where I’m at my Newport home. This beauty explodes in your mouth with various layers of tart, tang, sweet and the slightly musky vibe of the turkey. The kalamata olive mayonnaise, sun dried tomatoes and red onions create a wild rush of zings from many culinary angles. It’s exceptional.
My dining companion, Melissa, goes for the “Forestier” sandwich, a combination of mushrooms, chevre cheese and other fantastic herbs and ingredients. It melts and then floats on your palate in a dreamy manner.
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| Artisan cheeses reign supreme here |
Soups vary from day to day, but the Trusty’s continuously come up with novel creations, like soups that involve polenta, a hearty seafood gumbo or lofty Thai-influenced experimentations that hover in your mouth in a heavenly manner.
Lincoln City Vacation Homes There’s something for everyone among this selection of wondrous homes: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All the homes are either oceanfront or just a few steps away from the sand – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies, depending on the home: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets are allowed in some homes – ask ahead. Each comes with complete kitchens so you’ll have a home away from home. Most have the seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
In their deli area, they have imported a wonderful array of cheeses such as Double Gloucester Bandaged Truckle, Black Truffle Cheese from Il Boschetto, as well as some domestic favorites such as Ewe-F-O and Fog Lights (an eight-ounce version of the unbelievable Humboldt Fog cheeses from Cypress Grove).
You’ll also find some incomparable imported chocolates as well as intriguing American-made gourmet brands that will be a seriously eye-opening experience. Lofberg’s coffee, from Sweden, is also a magnificent highlight here, and not your average jolt in the morning from cookie-cutter stands or shops.
There's a bit of bistro-like bar experience here, too, spotlighting their fine wines and a truly impressive selection of local and international beers. From Chimay (the good stuff brewed by Trappist monks) to delicious new finds like central coasters Siletz Brewing Company; try their Red Head Ale or any of their other, wonderful dark beers. The wines, meanwhile, come from all over: Chile, Europe, Australia, and lots of Oregon, California and Washington selections. One highlight is the “House Wine” label, made from a conglomeration of Washington wineries who pour together the last of their finest barrels of certain brands, creating a different mixture of wines with each batch. It is always an outstanding surprise of tastes and retails for about $10. Jonathon says, and rightly so, it tastes like a $30 wine.
As
if all this touch of la dolce vita wasn’t enough, they gladly put
together little “picnic baskets” of lunchtime goodies for
your mid-day munch on the beach. They’ll bundle up sandwiches, salads,
deli items, along with wines or beer in a charming way (boxes are tied
with a bit of straw), and you’ll be on your merry way to enjoy the
sands on a whole new level.
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in the penthouse restaurant and bar - for a casual meal or a candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including a decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to one-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Hotel include wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and a year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive, gorgeous wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
When they first arrived here, Debra Trusty saw this incoming tide of new residents from out of state or Portland, and she could see the writing on the wall for what they would want.
After the first two winters here, the Trusty’s weren’t sure how well that was working. But Debra says her business has jumped in the last year or more, and she believes many of her patrons to be those considering a move here, or they’re already part time residents from elsewhere.
“I can’t tell you how many people that browse our food shelves tell me that they’re here looking for a home,” Trusty said. “They’re coming from California, Washington, and a lot from Idaho and Colorado. This was why we started this deli three years ago: we anticipated a flood of people coming here who would’ve wanted to find some of the foods they were used to in Sacramento or wherever.”
The awareness of fine foods among all walks of life – not just the wealthy – has greatly impacted Village Market & Deli in the last year or two. Partially thanks to foodie shows on cable TV, gourmet cuisine has become hip and cool, no matter what your income level.
All this incomparable cuisine also comes with a beautiful partial view of the ocean in this unusually charming section of Newport. 613 SW Third Street, Newport. 541-265-2257. See their menu page at www.beachconnection.net/village_bistro_newport
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years a favorite of Seaside visitors. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bed family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. Oceanview cottages sleep anywhere from two to eight, w/ two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens. Heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds w/ picnic tables - all at quiet southern end of Seaside. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com. |
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St. |
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones with data ports. Oceanfronts all have a queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and a private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms are pet friendly.523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
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