Labor Day Wine Weekend

This year instead of a super fun BBQ in the park we decided to take a weekend tour of wine country.  On Saturday morning we headed toward Scio, Oregon in our 4 car caravan including the very classy Lincoln Town Car that we rented. With the 99w Ducks football traffic in our rear view mirrors and a lovely view of the Cascades ahead we finally hit Joe and Karen Schuellers farm, not a winery but an organic farm that we have been getting our chicken and eggs from since opening in 2003.  www.rainshadowelrancho.com

Joe with crew at Rain Shadow El Rancho

Back up 99w to Newberg to meet leather clad Jeffery for an exclusive Patricia Green tasting.  Patty focuses on what she knows and passionately pursues Pinot Noir perfection.  We tasted through several vineyard specific pinots and a fresh lively sauvignon blanc.  Jeffery explained that Patty and Jim try to tune out trends and make a wine that they can be proud of.  These Pinot Noirs are soooo amazing we feel lucky to be there enjoying them on such a beautiful day.

www.patriciagreencellars.com

Just around the mountain we joined Steve at Brick House winery. www.brickhousewines.com

baby chickens in their mobile house

We were so happy he could accommodate such a large, and sophisticated group.  We got to look through the vineyards and learn about Doug Tunnells vision of biodynamics and land stewardship.  They make a small amount of wine every year and do not intend to expand.  At the restaurant we ‘get’ a case or two of each variety allocated to us that we sell very quickly. Again, like Patricia Green, Doug wants to stay focused on what he believes is the grape that shows the best in our special climate and soil type.  Even though the demand for more is high, he stays within a sustainable small farm program and keeps his prices affordable.

Tiny Brick House cellar

A quick drive to Forest Grove for a night of extreme debauchery at the Grand Lodge, including late night swimming in the underwear, tequila shots and fat cigar smoking.

Sunday, noon, a few minutes to David Hill Winery www.davidhillwinery.com We have been pouring David Hills Farmhouse red as the house red wine at the restaurant for years.  The sweet hostess, Michelle was gracious and informative!  We tasted through what seemed like 15 different wines which was a nice hair of the dog.  The David Hill estate has been planted in grapes since the 1880′s and was breathtakingly beautiful.  It was easy to understand why that location was chosen for a homestead right on the edge of a hill overlooking the valley.

morning after, still two wineries to go

Our last stop was Cooper Mountain Winery in Beaverton. www.coopermountainwine.com The navigation through Portland suburbs gave us trepidation but when we found it and met Barbara we fell in love with this special winery.  Being the last winery on our tour it was fitting that we would make such a connection with this place.  The biodynamic philosophy was evident throughout and not in a pretentious way, the wine maker here (Barbara’s father)was making a conscious effort to be connected to the environment and their wines were amazing.    Pictures of Cooper Mountain to follow. . .

What a great trip!  My face still hurts from laughing.  Everyone was so welcoming and gracious.  We really felt the pride from these producers, for their products but especially their land and environments and how they fit in to the community around them.  We all came away with a renewed sense of how beautiful Oregon is.

Love at David Hill

How To Make the Farmhouse Veggie Burger

For all of those of you who have either wondered for years how to make the veggie burger, or perhaps just saw us on the Food Network, here’s the plan.  Let us know in the comments how things worked out for you!

The Farm Café’s

Farmhouse Veggie Burger

Serves 4

2 whole eggplant, peeled and 1 inch diced

2 scallions chopped

1 Tbs minced parsley

1 cup shredded medium cheddar

1 cup bread crumbs

¾ tsp black pepper

1 tsp minced garlic

¼ tsp salt

3 Tbs olive oil

Sauté eggplant on low heat till grey and very soft.

Mix together eggplant and all the rest of the ingredients, except oil, let rest for ½ hour in refrigerator.

Form into 4 equal patties about an inch thick.

In a sauté pan, heat olive oil until shimmering hot, fry each side of patty till dark brown, about 5 minutes each side.

Serve on locally made sandwich bun with caramelized onions, spicy brown mustard, roasted red peppers and salad mix.

Hey Beer Geeks!

We’re serving up something special on draft.  We managed to snag a keg of Lagunitas Gnarly Wine.  But this is special because it is their 2008 Vintage Gnarly Wine.  We’re serving it in a 10 oz. glass for 4.50, and it is pretty damn good.  Come and have some before we run out!

Happy Hour Update

Hey everyone, just wanted to update you on our current Happy Hour hours–  The Farm is offering Happy Hour from Monday through Friday, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.  We feature cheap eats, cheap glasses of wine, cheap cocktails, and a dollar off draft beers.

See you there!

Art Opening Tomorrow!

The Farm Cafe is proud to host the opening for “Cars Into Plowshares,” a mural by Teressa Hamje. Perhaps you’ve seen it…it’s painted on the north side of the Farm, facing Burnside. Stop by tomorrow Tuesday, November 17th from 5 to 7pm to meet the artist and enjoy some wine and snacks. Please email any questions to contact@thefarmcafe.com.

Hey Beer Nerds!

It’s fresh hop season (or it was… I think it’s over already) and the Farm is featuring whatever beers we can get. We just finished up with Double Mountain’s Killer Green yesterday, and today I just tapped a keg of Laurelwood Brewery’s Organic Goodness. Brewed with organic fresh Chinook hops, it’ll beat your taste buds into submission. We only got one keg of it, so come and get it while we have it.

Website now actually finally updated! For Real!

Sorry about all of the “coming soons” on the website, but as of today I think that I’ve managed to update all necessary information.  Not that the site will be static or anything, but all of the menus are updated, all of the beers and wines are added, and I think we’re finally good!

Did I miss something? Email me.

Farm Employee Art Show!

This month, the Farm Cafe is holding an employee art show– all pieces on display were created by members of the staff.  Most pieces are for sale, so have a look around next time you stop in.

The Farm will be closed Labor Day Weekend!

Hey everybody, the Farm will be closed Labor Day weekend, which means Saturday through Monday, September 5th-7th. Just thought you’d want to know.

How to Make the Herb-Crusted Tofu Marsala

Ever wanted to know how to make the Herb-Crusted Tofu Marsala?  Let Fearn and Russell show you how!

From Everyday Dish TV.