Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Painted Lady

Restaurant reviewP1020760

What time do you want to eat? My husband is checking on the iPhone app ‘Open Table’. Ah…what are my options? ‘5:30 or 5:30’ he shouted back. Good! I will take 5:30! Nestled in the college town of Newberg, the Painted Lady has great reviews. I have called for a year and a half on several occasions to get a reservation but I was not successful. Either it was completely full or the only available time is like 8 in the evening. The restaurant offers course meals so we may well be eating desserts at 10 O’clock? No, that’s not a good time…Are you sure you don’t have anything earlier? P1020766

Mind you, we don’t eat this fancy often but we’re adventurous when it comes to food. I’m a serious reader of restaurant reviews. When I hear rave news I clip the page for the next special occasion. The most interesting food we ever had was probably that worm (wichity grub) in Alice Springs, Australia. White fat worm cooked in heated ash until it pops, then eat like the aborigine do. It tastes like scrambled eggs! is my husband and tour guide’s opinion. The most disgusting food I ever had was definitely vegemite which is also from Australia. ‘It’s great on toast’  our Inn keeper chimed in. You think so huh? I can’t disagree with you more. I know that it is an acquired taste that must take a lifetime to achieve, but we only had two weeks.

We drove past the Painted Lady. The old Victorian house does not look like a restaurant except for the sign board. Cozy and charming inside, with white, crisp linen tablecloth and polished silverware all saying, let the magic begin. P1020765P1020767We don’t drink alcohol so we ordered this fruity soda. It really goes well with meals and not interfering.. P1020764Complementary home made hummus and seasoned walnuts to start.  P1020759Chef’s trioP1020775Curry Oregon shrimp cannoli with avocado, cucumber pearls and pistachios.P1020776The cucumber pearls had great texture and color.P1020780Venison Carpaccio, arugula salad and Espellete aioliP1020779Seared diver scallop over cauliflower puree, capers and Beurre NoisetteP1020782Slow roasted salmon, wild mushrooms and cream parmesan risottoP1020784Braised veal cheek, potato puree, heirloom carrots and herb saladP1020786Pork two ways with mustard scented Brussels sprouts and celeriac pureeP1020787P1020789P1020788palate cleanser- Mint sherbet P1020791Chevre cheesecake topped with strawberry/rhubarb compoteP1020794P1020795Trio of Chocolate decadenceP1020793P1020796P1020798Complimentary after dinner bits were boxed for us to take home. My son was delighted.P1020803The restaurant staff were all very professional. Attentive, knowledgeable and very nice.

I attended herb class taught by a friend.This is rosemary loaf made by my friend’s daughter was fantastic. It goes well with herb butter. I must get the recipe.P1020754P1020753Pecans seasoned with herb (rosemary?-I was eating and not paying attention ). They are absolutely nuts! P1020757Basil is gift from host. Love it!DSC_5095

What’s up with this weather? We had 80-some degrees the other day and today is upper 50’s, confusing.  I have this tree in our back yard. Golden chain tree? Pretty yellow flower only lasts a week.

DSC_5115DSC_5114

7 comments:

  1. Oh boy, I am still full from eating dinner and I could eat again right now if the food in these pictures were right here in front of me. So delicious looking!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Leanne. This is a truly exceptional restaurant. I feel so lucky!

      Delete
  2. うひょーどれも美味しそうでよだれが出る~!子供がいるとどうしても外食のDinnerは5時半。早いけど、写真撮るにはちょうどいいですよね(笑)。いつか明美さんと一緒にお食事したいです~!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ありがとう!私もなみちゃんとお食事したいです。サンフランシスコに行った時にはぜひ、電話します。

      Delete
  3. I love eating such kind of meal .. taking time .. slowly .. one after the other .. enjoying the flavor, texture and everything else it has to offer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kankana, I highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you for your comment.

      Delete
  4. Yes, I definitely want to go here. Make a reservation. :)
    Yes, I'm serious.

    ReplyDelete