Final Reach the Beach 2012 Post

Barb had not been to the Pelican Pub & Brewery; so, we went there for lunch Monday.  We went with non-seafood lunches for some reason & were not disappointed.  Barb went for the Scottish Style Ale and Dijon mustard marinated, panko encrusted pork cutlet sandwich served on a ciabatta bun.  A bed of apple cole slaw goes on the bottom of the bun with the cutlet on top.  The flavors were outstanding!  I went with the green chili pork stew and Navajo fry bread.  A new seasonal brew, Our Precious, is a very hoppy IPA made with three types of hops, one of which is from New Zealand.  In fact, some folks from the 666 Brewery in NZ came to help in the brewing!


Barb left Tuesday and Russ & Wendy arrived Wednesday.  Wednesday night is the all you can eat grilled or fried oysters at the Fish Peddler restaurant at the Pacific Oyster Company in Bay City, OR.  So, off we went.  What a surprise when we arrived!  They had added sauteed oysters to the mix.  They are served in a very delicate broth that is well seasoned.  We asked for French bread which we dipped in the broth then topped with an oyster making an open faced sandwich.  Oh my God, what a taste experience.


They had also received a beer/wine license since my last visit, and had been visited by the Widmer Brewing Company in Portland.  Widmer took some oysters and 25 gallons of oyster liquor back to Portland and brewed up 6 barrels of oyster beer called Cloyster Beer.  Again, oh my God, what a great flavor!


Thursday it was back to BJ's Burgers & Tacos for a couple of grilled fish tacos (Russ and 3 and 1/2) for lunch then back to the Pelican Pub for the grand unveiling of their summer beers.  That is always a treat.


Today was a quick breakfast at the Grateful Bread and a safe drive home.  Now, I just have fond memories until my return in August!

Reach the Beach 2012

Barb & I arrived in Pacific City two days ago.  Yesterday was Reach the Beach with 2,400 bicyclists completing the 100 mile Portland to Pacific City fundraiser for the American Lung Association.  That's 2,400 bicyclists arriving at a town of 900 people!  The photo opportunities were even better this year as there was much more color!


We had dinner Saturday night at The Bistro.  While I have had some excellent meals there, the fish tacos and fish & chips were average.  However, the seafood chowder was truly excellent.  Don't discount the restaurant, just don't go for fish & chips or fish tacos.


We had lunch yesterday at BJ's Burgers & Tacos on the beach.  Barb ordered Baja (fried) fish tacos, and I went for the grilled.  She liked the Baja and I preferred the grilled.  My suggestion is to go with a friend, order each and share them as we did so you can decide for yourself.  We do recommend these tacos highly!


Breakfast this AM after church was at The Grateful Bread of course, a must do!  More later!

Final Days

The last days of the trip were so jammed packed with fun that it was impossible to update the blog. Susan and Sam left on August 9, and my friend Barb arrived that afternoon. August 10 we dined at the Pacific Seafood Company in Bay City with the Davis family taking advantage of the all you can eat grilled or fried oysters. Barb and I opted for a few oysters on the half shell followed by three of their baked oyster dishes. All were delicious!

Thursday Barb and I took a road trip to Lincoln City and Depot Bay. We lunched at Kyllo's in Lincoln City ordering two appetizers and a beer each. We had their bucket of clams cooked in butter, beer and garlic and crab and shrimp stuffed won-tons. Both were excellent!

After lunch we drove to Depot Bay, walked the town, visited the Yaquina Head lighthouse, and flew my kite on a wonderfully windy beach! The most interesting shop in Depot Bay & a must visit is Things Rich and Strange. The shop features custom jewelry, crystal and art and other "objects of wonder and imagination for your magical life".

Dinner was at a new to us restaurant, Tidal Raves in Depot Bay. This is a "must do" restaurant and reservations are required or you will have an hour wait. I ordered the Rave Pasta, linguine pasta with clams, shrimp, crab and fin fish with your choice of sauce. I went with creamy pesto. Barb ordered the Crab Casserole, crab with penne pasta, Alfredo sauce and white cheddar cheese. We both sampled each others' plate and thought both were outstanding with a slight edge to the casserole. The crab cake appetizers were also killer. The Tidal Raves was voted best seafood restaurant on the Oregon coast by the UrbanSpoon readers, and I certainly understand why!

So, the final trip to the coast for 2011 is concluded. I will have new adventures on the central Oregon coast in 2012. Stay tuned!

Lincoln City on Dwellable

Depoe Bay on Dwellable

Bumming Around the Central Coast

Susan, Sam & I bummed around Pacific City and Lincoln City today. We did breakfast in the condo then hit BJ's Burgers and Tacos in Pacific City for fish tacos (Sam had the chicken and thought it was great). Susan ordered the grilled fish tacos, and I had the Baja fish tacos. You get 2 per order, and Susan and I split our orders so we could each try both types. We agreed that while the grilled fish tacos were good, the Baja fish tacos were more flavorful. Either way, I think you will be pleased!

After an afternoon exploring Lincoln City, we were off to the Sportsman's Pub and Grub in Pacific City for the freshest fish and chips in Oregon. The fish was fresh off the Dory Boats this morning. And, it was the best fish and chips I have had anywhere. Plus, you get to soak up the local flavor at the only tavern in Pacific City. It is a must do!

Worship in Pacific City

When I was here in May, I visited the Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church and found it a very welcoming congregation. Thus, I went back today. They had a visiting pastor who did an excellent job and gave a very thought provoking sermon which I enjoyed. It will be my "home church" in Pacific City.

Art in Pacific City & Riverhouse Review

Randall Koch (husband of Lainie who works at the Concierge desk at the Cottages) opened a new one man show at the Row Boat Gallery last night, and we stopped by on the way to dinner. His theme is "Encountering Life in Inanimate Objects". His are is quite compelling, and we enjoyed his talk about his influences.

Susan, Sam & I had dinner at the Riverhouse Restaurant after the exhibit. I had not been there since 2008 as they were closed at Christmas in 2009, and the restaurant had a fire in 2010 and was remodeling that year when Irene & I were here.

Riverhouse is a quaint little restaurant located in the second story of a building on the Nestarts River. There are only 11 tables and windows on both sides for a view of either the river or town. Everything is fresh and to order, and the staff beyond friendly!

Sam ordered The Works, a loaded burger. Susan had their crab sandwich, and I ordered one of their seafood specialties, the Coquille St. Jacques, scallops and mushrooms in a lightly spiced cream sauce with Parmesan cheese which is baked. The scallops were every bit as good as I remembered, and Susan loved the crab sandwich. Of course, it is hard for a good restaurant to screw up a burger. Both Susan & Sam had potato salad for sides. Susan said it was on the mild side and very good.

Another great restaurant to explore when you visit The Best Little Beach Town!

A Bit of Shopping

Susan & Sam enjoyed the Grateful Bread, and we visited the Village Merchant afterward. Next door to the Merchant is a very unique store containing treasures that will make you smile, the Dapper Frog. It is an art store with unique art glass, paintings, sculpture and much more and certainly worth a stop!