Subway Downtown

This just is from the rumor mill. A copy and paste from an email sent in from a trusted source.

Heard some potentially bad news today.  Someone is trying to put a Subway into the space where Cherry Redd was in downtown Salem.  In my opinion this is terrible.  A big bright, awful chain restaurant that will suck lots of dollars away from the locally owned eateries.  Plus it just goes against creating any cool or unique vibe for downtown.

Word is that they are trying to keep it quiet because they know there will be opposition, but I am going to trumpet it to everyone I know.  I don't know if there is anything that can be done about it, but I can hope.

Downtown Salem had really developed some cool and interesting eateries over the past 10 years.  Something like this will put a big wet blanket on that.  Who wants to risk $250,000 to open a deli/lunch spot when they have to compete with a 800 lb marketing gorilla.

Very depressing to me.  Next we'll get a McDonalds downtown and a Walmart Express.

Would you like to see Subway open downtown?

Adam's Rib

On a Saturday I was working downtown and thought I'd treat myself to a lunch at Adam's Rib. I will confess upfront that I am a hard judge of barbecue, so consider yourself warned.

When I stepped in there were a couple people in front of me and the place seemed pretty busy for a weekend lunch. I hadn't noticed much of smoke smell on my way to the door which was disconcerting, but once inside I could smell that familiar scent of smoked goodness in the air.

First of all, they have big news! Adam's Rib opened a Tap Room in February! Their flier says they have 12 beers on tap and over 32 bottled beers.

Since I was doing a quick lunch I decided to try their brisket sandwich and hush puppies. The hush puppies are my favorite. I ordered my meal to go as I had to get back to work. As I waited I stood by the cash register and watched the employees work. This was my mistake.

Usually when you order you take a seat at a table and because of the high walls the kitchen is pretty much invisible. From where I was standing, I could see quite a bit. And I have to say I was disappointed. I watched half racks of ribs get taken from the microwave, stripped of their saran wrap, cut and placed in customers baskets. I watched two more half racks go in the microwave for over 4 minutes each! For me that is not barbecue, that is leftovers.

I was given my lunch by a friendly guy and I headed on my way. Hush puppies are no good after sitting in a take out bag and so I started munching on them on my way to the car. They were crispy and slightly spicy and tasted of fried corn. Yum.

Once back at my office I got to take a shot at the sandwich. Oddly the brisket was pulled, not sliced, which wouldn't have been so bad except the pieces of pulled meat were over 5 inches long. The meat was dry and hard to bite through so I couldn't really eat it like a sandwich. I don't know if it was the microwave or the lack of smoke smell outside the restaurant but I just can't believe that was freshly smoked meat. Their barbecue sauce is good and, although it goes against my nature, I slathered everything in sauce and ate it anyway.

BBQ is limited in Salem and over the last couple of years Mister and I have had an array of experiences at Adam's. Once after a day of moving we went in tired and filthy and swear we had the best meal ever. Another time we had staff mopping with strong cleaners under our table while we ate, a clear indication they wanted us to leave.

Adam's Rib seems to be an institution in this town, people who love it really love it. Signs all over the restaurant show they've been voted "best in Salem" a number of times. Their sauce is served on the Western burger at Willamette Burger Company and they're often seen at local events serving pulled pork sandwiches.

But for me, without a smoker out front smoking meat everyday and ribs from the microwave, it'll be a long time before I'll be back.

Adam's Rib Smokehouse

1210 State Street

Salem, OR 97301

Andaluz

I went to Andaluz for my birthday because I had heard so many amazing things about it.

I assumed it had to be good. The service was fantastic, the atmosphere was comfortable, the food was a different story altogether.

I couldn't believe that this came to us from the people that brought La Capitale and La Margarita. Those two restaurants have never disappointed me, but Andaluz made me sad on my birthday.


We asked if the sangria had fruit in it and were told that it did, the "fruit" came on a stick dropped into the sangria. It tasted okay.


We ordered clams, squid, kale and squash on crostini, potatoes, bread, and the olive plate.


I expected the potatoes to be cooked with seasoning, but they had the appearance of just having seasoning shaken on top after they were cooked. The clams were spectacular, the squid was the perfect texture, but I might as well have been given a salt lick. The crostini wasn't what I expected either, it was unreasonably hard, I was a little afraid that I would break my teeth.


I really wanted to like this place. Alas, I cannot say that I did.

Pros: Amazing service, easy-to-find location, great clams, comfortable atmosphere.

Cons: Too much salt and bread that makes teeth afraid. :(


I'm rather convinced that I was just there on a bad night. Maybe the chef that night was a smoker and over-seasons, maybe I was just being punished by the food gods.

I'm sticking with La Margarita and La Capitale.

Some of the food was cooked really well, the squid was a perfect texture, but it was an adventure in over-seasoning.

130 High Street SE
Salem, Oregon 97301

New Space for Gilgamesh Brewing

UPDATE: This was posted on their Facebook page-

We're settling into our new digs here in beautiful downtown Salem and we think it's a fine time to throw a bash and have a grand opening! Please join us for a fantastic time and bring your entire posse!

We're BIG fans of awesome local music and that's why we've got some great stuff lined up for this weekend:

Friday Night starting at 7 will be JAMALIA

Saturday Night starting at 9 will be SUCCULENT DISH

Saturday Night at 10 will be PORCHES

We'll give away some t-shirts and growlers and stuff.

Gilgamesh Brewing as found a new home downtown!

Having previously been located in the Reed Opera House for the holidays, they've moved to what is commonly referred to as "the old Marco Polo location." When asked if this was permanent, I was told that was the million dollar question. The estimate at this time is at least 6 months.

We went on the night of their soft opening. It's a large nice space, room for a band and room for growth. There's a single television and a comfy couch that was already occupied when we got there at 6pm. Candles, low lights and local art decorate the space.

The bar is along the back wall and the list of what's on tap is on a chalkboard. We've always found the Gilgamesh crew to be friendly and helpful and tonight was no different. Food offerings are a selection of menu items from Bentley's across the street.

Gilgamesh is a family owned brewery from the Salem area. Their selections vary, but they're known by some for their Mamba-a hop free beer. That night I enjoyed their Filbert Lager and Mister had a couple pints of their Hopscotch. We've been fans of their beer at other local joints like F/Stop, Venti's and at Northern Lights and are excited to see them branching out on their own.

Check them out, hopefully they'll be downtown to stay!

Gilgamesh Brewing
210 Liberty Street SE, Suite 150
(across the street from the Grand Hotel)
Posted Hours of Operation:
Wed & Thurs 12pm - 10pm
Fri & Sat 12pm - 12am

Thistle

Last week my wife and I decided to drive to McMinnville for dinner. Our destination was Thistle, the Oregonian's 2011 Restaurant of the Year.

I first heard about Thistle from my friends Bette & David who own a cattle ranch near Dallas. Bette & David have been selling their grass-fed beef to Thistle for a few years.

We made our reservation over the phone, and arrived at 6:30pm to start our meal. Thistle has large windows facing Evans street in downtown McMinnville. The restaurant has an open kitchen that gives diners a peak at the culinary action. A series of wooden shelves adorn the far kitchen wall with plates, bowls, and canning jars on display. Together, Thistle's small dining room and bar accommodate around 30 guests. The decor is shabby-chic, leaning towards shabby. The flatware, dishes, water glasses, and chairs are all mismatch. The overall feel reminded me of a Northeast Portland neighborhood bistro, perhaps frequented by the city's large population of hipsters and foodies.

We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door, then informed about the menu, which changes daily. To reduce paper and printing cost, they jot the day's appetizers and entrees on a black chalk board, along with the farms the support. We were advised to read the chalkboard menu, decide on our meal, then take our seats. A little awkward, but I understand why they do it.

The menu featured several appetizers ($8-$11), including fresh Netarts Bay Oysters, Pork Rillet, Root Vegetable Soup, and Classic Beef Tartare. There were four entrees offered. My wife and I debated over Gnocchi with Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Ling Cod, Pork with Winter Vegetables, and Petit Tender Beef Steak.

We took our seats at a small table in the center of the restaurant. Our server greeted us and offered a printed wine list. Thistle has a handful of house wines ($9-$10 per glass) and beer ($3-$8 per glass).

For dinner, my wife chose Duck Liver Parfait ($10) as an appetizer and the Petit Tender Beef Steak ($24) for her entree. I ordered the Winter Leaves appetizer ($8) and Pork ($24) for my entree. As for drinks, my wife tried the nonalcoholic, spicy Ginger Ale ($3), which was highly recommended by our server.

Arriving first was the Ginger Ale, served over ice with a lime wedge. The drink was sweet, spicy, and delicious.

Our appetizers came next. My salad was a mix of arugula and other types of mustard greens, tossed in a light vinaigrette with roasted hazelnuts on top. The dressing had a subtle piquancy, allowing the natural flavors of the greens to shine.

My wife's Duck Parfait was served in a stout glass jar with toasted baguette on the side. The parfait was composed of smooth duck liver pâté, covered by a thin layer of sherry jelly. The sweet, mineral quality of the duck was enhanced by an elegant, buttery texture.

After a brief wait, our server delivered the main course. My wife's beef was grilled and sliced thin, served over vegetables. She really enjoyed the smoky taste of the beef, along with it's tender texture. She asked for it medium-rare, and it was cooked perfectly.

My pork was accompanied by a buttery reduction sauce, sautéed greens and a piece of roasted squash. The pork seemed to be roasted or braised, possibly originating from the leg or shoulder of the animal. Either way, it was extremely tender and juicy. The seasonings and sauce were spot-on. I also really enjoyed the squash. It was roasted in its own skin, and the flavor was pure and sweet.

Along with dinner, our server brought a portion of hot baguette with alder-smoked butter and lard. While the smoked butter was very nice, the lard had a weird brown color and firm texture. This is the first time I've seen brown-colored lard. The bread also arrived overcooked, crunchy, and way too hot. Plus it was not sliced adequately. So it was very difficult to pull apart.

I was also a little disappointed in the portion sizes, as the entrees were rather small. Our culture has grown accustomed to huge, gratuitous portions, so I'm not interested in a mountain of cheap food. At Thistle, I would just like to see a few more ounces of meat and maybe an extra piece of vegetable or grain.

That said, we walked away feeling satisfied, but not full.

Overall, we enjoyed our experience. We were impressed with Thistle's commitment to purchase ingredients from local farms, including our friends Bette & David. The food was delicious, and the service was genuinely friendly and refined.

Thistle
228 Northeast Evans Street McMinnville, OR 97128
(503) 472-9623

Nate Rafn is the executive producer of Living Culture TV, a television series that highlights local food and agriculture in Oregon. Learn more at www.livingcultureonline.com

Lum-Yuen Restaurant

Today's lunch was from Lum-Yuen Restaurant. Some people rave about it, but only people that aren't sticklers for authentic Chinese food.

One time I tried to order something even remotely resembling Chinese food and I was told by the chef that they didn't serve Chinese food, but only Americanized Chinese food.

My lunch today was the #6 on their lunch combination menu. There was pork fried rice, a shrimp egg roll, and egg foo young. I was pretty surprised when I got my box of lunch, the egg roll was gigantic! It was the size of chimichanga! There wasn't much shrimp in it, but I can't say that it was bad. The rice was pretty good, but tasted like it was cooked in animal fat. And the egg foo young was about what I expected. It was decent, but it didn't have quite enough gravy.


Lum-Yuen seems like it would be a pretty good place to go for Americanized Chinese food, it's definitely a great value, but not very heart healthy, and definitely not authentic.

3190 Portland Road NE
Salem, OR 97301-0130
503. 581.2912 ‎

Rainbow Chinese Restaurant

Update: A Salemite contacted us saying Rainbow Chinese Restaurant's phone has been disconnected. Does anyone have any information about what's going on?


Rainbow Chinese Restaurant now sits where Full House Restaurant used to be, and before that, it was the Hainan Orchid. I had never been to Hainan Orchid, but it was awful when it used to be Full House.


We went for some dim sum. I ordered some of my favorites, the Normi gai (lotus wrapped sticky rice with Chinese sausage and meat), the lotus leaf it is wrapped in lends amazing flavor to the rice after being steamed, Cheung fun (steamed rice noodle rolls), I ordered these with meat inside, you can get vegetarian ones or ones with shrimp, and a dim sum item that was wrapped in tofu skin with meat inside.


Lastly, I ordered tofu chow fun, I like to try it everywhere I go, and to this day, have not found any better than at Lucky Fortune on Lancaster.


The dim sum was made to order so it took a little while, but the flavors were good and it tasted fresh. The tofu chow fun wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst.


The best thing about my meal was the Normi gai (lotus wrapped rice). I've never met a person that tried it and didn't like it, even the least adventurous person will find comfort in it after the lotus leaf is taken off.


The worst thing about my meal was the booth I was sitting in. I felt like the princess and the pea, I could feel every single spring. Next time, I'm getting a table with a chair.

440 State Street
Salem, Oregon
503. 362.9000 ‎

Valentine's Day Specials 2012 in Salem Oregon

Extreme Chocolates Truffles (click pic for link)

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well."  -Virginia Woolf

Word of Mouth: Will be closed on Valentine's Day. Click here for their good news.

Marco Polo: We have romantic candle light ambiance without the high price tag! And if you are looking for a more casual daytime date check out our downstairs tea shop, which will be serving a romantic Tea for Two special which includes tea, salad, sandwiches and dessert! 503.364.4833

Willamette Valley Grill- We will be doing a 5 course Valentine's dinner. Click here for our menu.

Caruso's Italian Cafe- Valentine's Day, 4 course Champagne dinner, $50 a person, on Tuesday, February 14th. Please click here to see menu and details. We request that you DO NOT make reservations via email. Email is not checked on a daily basis and technical issues sometimes occur that could result in problems regarding your reservation. Please call 503-393-8272 for reservations

Jonathan’s- We're serving a 4 course dinner, $39.95 a person. Call to make a reservation 503 689-1051 (Click here for menu)

Roberts Crossing- Valentines Day is coming! Your Valentine would love dinner at Roberts! Call for reservations. 503-584-1035,  3635 River Rd S, Salem, OR 97302

Cascade Baking Co.- Cherry Heart Puffs, Chocolate-Raspberry Turnovers, and heart shaped Sugar Cookies will be available for Valentine's Day. The puffs and turnovers are made with our in-house puff pastry. Cherry Heart Puffs are heart shaped with cherries in the center. Tops are sprinkled with powdered sugar. Chocolate-Raspberry Turnovers are classic turnovers covered with powdered sugar and chocolate pieces. 229 State Street, downtown Salem. 503 589 0491

Willamette Sternwheeler- planning Valentine weekend of events. Romantic dinners will be served for Saturday Night, a Sunday Brunch for those who wish to take a daylight cruise, and of course, dinner on Tuesday, the 14th, where we will be entertained by the enchanting David Hastings at the piano. Our prices are $48.00 for dinner or brunch. We will introduce some new menu items, we will have more gluten free pasta and bread, and desserts. We get more requests for vegetarian items, so we will put those on all our menus as well. Please call for reservation, as that is a very busy weekend we we do restrict the number of reservations so no one feels rushed or cramped in their dining experience. Call for reservations 503 371-1103

Gamberetti's- Gamberetti's valentine celebration starts Friday - Tuesday night with lobster cioppino for 15.95 , Sweet heart wine flight will also run the same days with a Valpolicella, a Ripasso and finish with Amarone all from the same grape with history ! 17.00 ( such a deal a glass of amarone alone will run you that much ) You will also be able to make any dinner a 3 course by adding a caesar salad and white chocolate raspberry mousse tart for additional 3.00. Tuesday we will also have a several more tantalizing specials for you and your loved one ...  503 339-7446

La Capitale- Individually priced menu items from our full dinner menu as well as an option for a special, three course Valentine's dinner for $36--Choose from duck, scallops, salad, steak, soup, vegetarian, baked oysters and much more. Plenty of choices. Reservations @ 503.585.1975 or online www.LaCapitaleSalem.com . Walk-ins in the bar.

Andaluz Tapas Bar: Open for walk-in diners from 4:30-10:00 (no reservations). Perfect for last minute Valentine's day dining. 20+ tapas to choose from (great vegetarian selection, duck chorizo grilled cheese, octopus and potatoes) a special paella, and much more. Happy hour all night long.

Amadeus- We will be featuring this menu on the 14th. To make reservations, call 503-362-8830. See you there!

Willamette Noodle Company: Our Valentine's Day special was inspired this year by a Disney Classic (and our love for doggies!). This year's Valentine's Day Special: The Lady & The Tramp Feast! Read the details here.

Willamette Burger Company: Special BOGO Offer for February 14th Only. This month you can treat yourself & a friend with our Buy One - Get One Half-off sandwich special. Buy 1 of our famous sandwiches & 2 drinks to get a second sandwich of equal or lesser value for 1/2 off!! A deal you can really sink your teeth into!

Broken Bread- Click here for menu.

Annette's Westgate Cafe: Please be sure you make your Valentine's Day reservations now..spaces are limited..we will have a special menu for that special night, and the restaurant will be made into a romantic atmosphere with roses and chocolates on the tables. 503.362.9588


Dallas FFA Alumni's Hearts and Wines Tri-tip Dinner- Click here for details

Historic Deepwood- Valentine’s Tea 11:30 am . Enjoy a fabulous multi-course tea in beautiful in the lovely Deepwood dining room followed by a tour! $30.00, Reservations required. 503-363-1825

Red Ginger- Just a few more days til VALENTINE'S DAY!! Make a reservation for you and your special someone! ♥♥♥♥♥ 503.304.5092

The Silver Grille- We will be open Tuesday, February 14th and will be serving this specially prepared menu. 503 873-8000

Seven Brides Tap Room- Our chefs have put together a delectable meal featuring a Valentine favorite-- chocolate. (click here to see details & menu) Make your reservations--503-874-4677

Eola Hills Winery- This year's Valentine's Dinner will be on Tuesday, February 14th. Click here to view menu. Reservations at: 6pm, 6:30pm and 7pm, $99.00 per couple. This popular, romantic feast sells out every year! Be sure to make your reservations today! 800-291-6730

Orchard Heights Winery- Dinner on February 14th, reservations are required and the deadline for those will be February 7th. There will be two seating times one at 6:00 and one at 8:00. $95 per couple and that will include a bottle of Orchard Heights Wine. (Click here for menu) (503) 391-7308

Willamette Valley Vineyards- Love is in the air and we are sweet on hosting you and your loved one for Valentine's Day Dinner. Join us for a 3 course dinner paired with award winning wines at our romantic Estate Vineyard in Turner. We will have two limited seating times available and reservations are required. Click here for menu 800-344-9463

Northern Lights Theater Pub We are very excited about this special event here at Northern Lights Theatre Pub. Come share a romantic evening with your true love or your friends. Enjoy the most romantic love story of the year. Click here for details

Cubanisimo Vineyards- Join us for a romantic evening at our Annual Valentine’s Wine Dinner held at the Cubanisimo Vineyards Estate House on Saturday February 11th at 6:30 pm. Click here for details (503) 588-1763

Wild Pear- 3 Course VALENTINE’S DAY TO GO DINNER-- A three-course dinner is $28 per person. Packaged for takeout with reheating instructions included. (click here for link to menu)

The Roxxy Northwest Ok, Valentines Day is quickly approaching. Everything is advertised for "couples". So I say, screw that! Lets have a party for the Single and ready to Mingle! Celebrate being single, and maybe.. meet someone who catches your eye while you are at it! What do you say?!?!

Lil's Cupcake Cafe- We are having Valentine's Day cupcakes featuring sweet heart theme. order one dozen for only $19.95 to 24.95 depends on the variety. We also have cake truffles for Valentine's Day.

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Newport Bay Restaurant

Lunch came in two brown biodegradable boxes today. It was the Surf & Turf Cobb Salad from Newport Seafood Grill.

I remember going there a few years ago and trying their sushi. It was a lot better than I expected, but I wasn't impressed enough to eat there again until today.

My salad came with grilled salmon, sliced sirloin, bacon, egg, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, avocado, balsamic vinaigrette, and blue cheese dressing. I saw that they had an apple vinaigrette dressing on the menu, so I ordered that as well. The dressings came on the side and after tasting them, I decided to go with the apple basil one. It was super tasty.


The price of the salad was $15.99, which is a little steep. When I opened the boxes, everything looked fresh, but I was still doubting if it was worth the price. Then I tasted it, and it is great when the price of something is justified by how it tastes. This was one of those occasions. The salmon was cooked perfectly, as was the steak. It had so much flavor and plenty of toppings. The bacon was the "good bacon" not the tiny crumbles of fat that some places serve, but it was good quality bacon sliced into fairly large chunks.


Others at lunch got chicken sandwiches, crab cakes, and sampler platters. No one had a negative thing to say about their lunch, and this is one of those places where the food travels well (as long as the drive isn't over an hour, since it's seafood).

I would go again.

1717 Freeway Court
Salem, OR 97303
503.315.7100

J's Teriyaki and Pub

When you find a restaurant in a strip mall, it makes it feel like more of a gamble. I'm glad I was in the gambling mood today.


After driving by a multitude of times and thinking about going in, I finally did. I was greeted by the owner, who was a super sweet Korean lady and seated at a table. Their menu was great, many of the items listed had photos next to them, which helped me decide.


We ordered shrimp yakisoba, a crunch roll, and the pork & gyoza combination plate.


I was told that they make their sauce in-house, and it gives the sauce from Love Love a run for its money. The pork was amazing and the rice was cooked just right. The potstickers were hot and fresh and crispy. Our sushi roll was fantastic and the yakisoba was good too. It was better after I drowned it in sauce.


The prices for everything were very reasonable and if I had 5 dollars to spend, I would sooner come here than go a few doors over to Quizno's. It's not a romantic spot, but it would definitely be a nice place to go with friends.


I know it's silly, but while I was eating dinner, I couldn't help but say to myself, "This sauce is boss!"

613 Lancaster Dr. NE
Salem, Oregon 97301
503.540.5669

Dallas FFA Alumni Hearts and Wine Scholarship Auction

Are you looking for something unique to give your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day?
Give him or her the gift of a great dinner with wine and beautiful desserts, while supporting the Dallas FFA Alumni’s Scholarship Fund. Give tickets to the alumni association’s 6th Annual Hearts and Wines Tri-Tip Dinner, following an auction of 20 outstanding desserts.This fun event is at the Eola Hills Winery in Rickreall on Saturday, February 18, starting with appetizers at 5:30, the dessert auction at 6:30, and dinner following.
Tickets are $25 per person or $160 for a table for eight, which makes each meal only $20, including a glass of outstanding Eola Hills wine! The Dallas FFA chapter is providing free babysitting at the Polk County Fairgrounds across the road from the winery. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Dallas FFA Alumni scholarship fund. They have awarded over $10,000 to deserving FFA members over the last five years.
Tickets are available at Les Schwab’s in Dallas or at the door, or call Arlene Kovash, 503-838-3512, and she’ll quickly mail them to you. Put them into a sweet Valentine's Day card and you're all set—no wrapping!

Ginza Japanese Restaurant

It's been rumored that the best sushi in the area is tucked away in Albany, a 20-minute drive from Salem. I have seen the outside of this place and I was skeptical, I went in and sat down, and I was still skeptical.

Then I had my first bite and all my doubts faded away. I eat sushi at least three times a week and I've had sushi all over the West Coast and other parts of the world (no, I've never been to Japan). This was definitely some of the best fish I've had.


The wait was long, but it was most certainly worth it. It's priced about the same as most sushi restaurants, but the quality and value are out-of-this-world.


We ordered the chef's choice sashimi plate, a bunch of different rolls (hurricane, spicy yellowtail, spicy tuna, salmon, tempura rolls), seaweed salad, Nigori sake, and a glass of the house white wine.


The sashimi plate was the best thing I've eaten in a very long time. Their escolar (white tuna) melted in my mouth. It was a giant portion compared to most sashimi plates. All of it was incredibly fresh. The rolls were phenomenal as well. The seaweed salad was a giant portion stacked tall and garnished with a shrimp.


If you don't usually like the taste of house sake, I would recommend trying Nigori, it is an unfiltered sake so it is not see through and has a much sweeter flavor than the usual biting taste of house sake.


If you are a sushi lover, get off the computer and go there now. Right. Now.

2218 Santiam Highway SE
Albany, Oregon 97322

February--What's happening in Salem?

Happy February to all of you!
Be sure to keep checking this post throughout the month, as we will continue to add events as we receive information. A quick way to find this list is to click the "Events" tab on the toolbar up above.
If you don't see your event listed, please send us an email with all the details or the link.

Use Eatsalem's tabs at the top of the page to find out what our favorite places are to eat, if you're looking for restaurant coupons or just need a link for hours & locations.

Special Events:

• Andaluz introduces Saturday Brunch on March 10th, make your reservations now- click here 
• Feb. 27, tickets go on sale for Russian River Pairing Dinner Featuring Pliny The Younger on April 30
• Make reservations now 503 393-8272--Caruso's "Food and Wine of Tuscany" dinner, Wed., March 7.
• Cubanisimo Wine Dinner @Gamberetti’s Wed March 7th 630pm
• Wild Pear -Winemaker’s dinnner with Stangeland Vineyard & Winery, Sat., March 3, 6:30pm

Food/Drink:

• Family visiting? Check out "best places to eat" for ideas on where to take them or "movie times" to see the latest releases
• Brunch? Eola Hills Winery, Ragin River Steak House and Orchard Heights Winery are good choices.
• Salem has 4 wine bars with regularly scheduled tastings/events: Santiam Wine Co., Grand Vines & Papa di vinos, Westside Wine Store, plus Wandering Aengus cider tasting house and Willamette Valley Cheese tasting room
• Salem Public Market is open EVERY Saturday, 8:30 am - 2pm
• Ready for something different? Check out "Dinner at the Rafns'". Cooking classes soon!
• Willamette Queen Sternwheeler has a regular schedule and special events
• Cooking classes:  Lullu's tutto cucina, La Margarita, Kelly's Home Center, Happy Curry Foods, Carl's Cuisine-503 363-1612
• And of course check out Travel Salem and our many mid-valley wineries to explore

Entertainment/Nightlife:

• Looking for live music? Check out Roxxy NW, Christo's Lounge, Boon's Treasury, IKE Box, Governor's Cup, Half Penny, Fireside Lounge @Oregon Garden Resort
• Check out Brown's Towne Lounge website for scheduled events
• There's always something going on at Clockworks Cafe
• In the mood for some improv? Capitol City Theater
• Click on the following links for each theatre's calendar: The Elsinore,  Historic Grand Theatre's, Pentacle Theatre
• Salem has two independent movie theaters: Northern Lights Theater Pub, Salem Cinema
• A list of Salem's numerous, must see, art galleries.