ROMANTIC DINING
Escape to Mt. Hood
Romantic Dinners for Two
The Villages of Mt. Hood have many fine restaurants ready to create a memorable experience of a perfect evening with your loved one. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Do you have other reasons to celebrate? Dining out is always a treat for birthdays and anniversaries. Or make a reservation “just because” and make any night this winter a warm, special occasion.
If you’re staying in one of the Villages’ cabins, and have a kitchen there, perhaps you’re thinking of creating an intimate meal your way. Did you know steak is considered one of the most romantic foods? Others include chocolate (of course!), pasta, oysters, and strawberries. You’ll have no trouble at all finding the menu to set the mood. Don’t forget the candles! Or contact a local caterer for a special home-prepared meal for the two of you.
Try this simple recipe
for a delightful dessert:
STRAWBERRIES IN CHOCOLATE SHELLS
WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE
1/2 pint fresh strawberries
2 chocolate shells
1/2 cup raspberry sauce
1 cup whipped cream
Wash and slice strawberries. Fill chocolate shell half way with whipped cream. (You can make a chocolate shell by coating the outside of a small round bowl/cup with melted chocolate -- put in freezer for 20 minutes and then fill the bowl/cup with warm water to remove the shell. You can usually find them at many grocery stores, too.) Next place strawberries on top and dribble raspberry sauce over top and on plate. Garnish the top with a dollop of whipped cream and mint leaf.
Raspberry Sauce
1 12-ounce packages frozen unsweetened raspberries,
thawed, with juices
1/2 cup sugar
Purée raspberries with juices and sugar in processor until smooth. Transfer mixture to strainer set over bowl; press on solids to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids in strainer. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Makes about 1-1/2 cups. (Source: theromantic.com)
Find the perfect setting for your perfect evening at these local establishments:
The Highlands Restaurant
Experience the spirit of Scotland in the highlands of Mt Hood.
Exquisite, yet casual dining. Call now for their Valentine’s Day events and menus.
68010 E Fairway Ave
Welches, Oregon
503-622-3101
www.theresort.com
Still Creek Inn Steak & Seafood
Chef owned and operated. Romance your sweetheart with our four-course special Valentine’s Day Menu. Call for reservations and rates.
Try our 10 oz Baseball Steak; It’s a Home Run!
NW Style menu prepared with fresh seafood, local produce.
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
73365 E Hwy 26
Rhododendron, Oregon
503-622-4618
www.stillcreekinn.com
Rendezvous Grill & Tap Room
Serious food in a not so serious place. Northwest cuisine, wines and decadent desserts. The Oregonian's "Best of the Neighborhood." Call soon to reserve your seats for the Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu: $40 for appetizer, entrée, dessert and a nonalcoholic drink.
Open 11:30am to 9pm
Open Year-round
Arrah Wanna Rendezvous Center
Welches, Oregon
503-622-6837
www.rendezvousgrill.net
Backyard Bistro
Small, quiet restaurant with old world charm serving European cuisine. Call in early February for their special Valentine’s Day menu and reservations.
67898 E Hwy 26
Welches, Oregon
At Heart of the Mountain Gift Shop
Tues-Sat 11am-8pm Sun 10am-4pm
503-622-6302
January/February 2008
Our stories are written by Andrée Larson. Andrée grew up in the Portland/Vancouver area. She earned an MA in Art History at the University of Oregon, and writes about the history and culture of people and communities. She’s spent time in Europe and on the East Coast, and says the Pacific Northwest is hands down the best place to live. She currently lives in Tacoma with her husband, an artist..