Ethnic Cuisine

in the Villages of Mt Hood

As the season changes and gets crisper and cooler, a good hearty meal will fuel your adventures – or be a terrific treat to cap off your day. Local restaurants have just the thing if you want some adventures in dining, too.

El Burro Loco offers true south of the border cuisine with a Northwest twist in the Village of Welches. Find Mexican favorites here such as nachos, quesadillas and monster burritos, or try the tacos pescado filled with tilapia fish. Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo is quick-fried shrimp with garlic and seasonings, and you can even try the Wild Boar Tacos, all in a fun atmosphere as warm as the South.

Over at the Zig Zag Inn, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship of the 1927 log cabin filled with unusual and whimsical kitsch while you enjoy not only American standards such as cocktails, steaks and burgers, but pizza and other Italian specialties. Calzones, lasagna, ravioli, and chicken parmigiana, among many delights, are on the menu. Pizza toppings range from old favorites to shrimp, taco fixings, and “Jimmy the Greek” – pesto, feta, artichokes, red onion and black olives.

Sometimes only Chinese will hit the spot, and that’s when you’ll head to Panda Panda. They serve authentic Szechwan and Cantonese cuisine, and also offer beer, wine and cocktails to take the edge off your day.

Do you need breakfast? Ivy Bear Restaurant serves up classic American “Comfort Food” from bacon and eggs to chicken fried steak, Denver omelettes, and biscuits and gravy. They’re also open for lunch and dinner with a selection of salads, sandwiches and entrees. The BLT with avocado has several fans. If your appetite is truly mountainous, tackle the Kodiak Burger, which starts off at one pound, but you can add additional pounds of meat! On fine autumn days you can enjoy your meal on the rear deck in the fresh air among the trees.

A Northwest take on the steakhouse classics is available at the Still Creek Inn in Rhododendron. Try the Alder Smoked Salmon Caesar, or have the same delicious salmon with fettuccini. If it’s Friday or Saturday night, ask for the slow roasted Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib. Watch for Still Creek Inn’s announcements of Chalet Swiss Night, when the chef selects Swiss and German entrees and diners are entertained with live Swiss music performed by Walt & Deiter. A recent Chalet Swiss Night featured veal schnitzel, spaetzle (small dumplings), and sauerkraut.

If it’s morning, pick up a beer doughnut (made with Mt Hood Brewery’s Ice Axe Ale and Hogsback Porter) at Mt. Hood Roasters in Welches. For later in the day, there’s a wide variety of burger baskets and sandwiches, but they’re famed for their flavorful Korean teriyaki. Choose beef, chicken or pork, and think about getting yakisoba noodles with your order instead of rice or salad. Or enjoy live music on Friday & Saturday nights in a non-smoking family environment.

El Burro Loco
Lunch & Dinner at “The Burro”
67211 E Hwy 26
Welches, OR 97067
(503) 622-6780
www.daburro.com

Zig Zag Inn
Casual, Affordable Family Dining
70162 E. Highway 26
Welches, OR 97067
(503) 622-4779
www.zigzaginn.com

Panda Panda
Best Chinese Food on the Mountain!
24371 E. Welches Rd.
Welches, OR 97067
503-622-5165

Ivy Bear Restaurant
54735 E. Highway 26
Sandy, OR 97055
503-622-0395
www.ivybear.net

Still Creek Inn
Fresh Northwest Produce and Flavors
73365 E Highway 26
Rhododendron, Oregon 97049
503.622.4618
www.stillcreekinn.com

Mt. Hood Roasters
Welches’ Living Room
67441 E. Hwy 26
Welches, OR 97067
503-622-1389
www.mthoodroasters.com

September/October 2007

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