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Posts Tagged ‘dining’

Liquid Libations

Posted on: April 3rd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Oregon’s Washington County is a growing, thriving destination, with new adventures around every corner. With new things to discover (and dear treasures that need to be rediscovered),  it’s time to make a return visit to Washington County if you haven’t been here in a while. If you haven’t visited Washington County yet, what are you waiting for?

Liquid Libations

SakeOne

Tour the saké brewery at SakéOne, the only craft saké brewery in Oregon.

From new attractions to veteran establishments, take a self-guided tour to taste a variety of artisan liquid libations.

Start your journey in Hillsboro at Longbottom Coffee & Tea, one of the region’s pioneering roasting companies. Founded in 1981, Longbottom was certified organic 10 years ago and today is used as a training location for organic inspectors.

Travel to the city of Forest Grove for a brewery tour and saké tasting at  SakéOne, the first American owned-and-operated saké brewery and leading brewer of craft saké in America.  Next head over to Bull Run Cider, also in Forest Grove, and tour the apple orchard and small-production facility of the newest sustainable craft-cider producer.

Lunch at 1910 Main: An American Bistro, one of Oregon wine country’s premier restaurants. 1910 Main specializes in classic comfort foods, prepared with locally sourced ingredients with a Pacific Northwestern flair.

Next, venture to the city of Tigard and visit one of the newest tasting rooms, Indio Spirits Distillery and Tasting Room. Tour the distillery of this distillery, which has been producing a variety of spirits since 2004, and sample whiskey, vodka, rum and gin. Afteward, stop next door at Stash Tea, the original retail store for this venerable tea producer. Sample the latest teas and choose from more than 250 loose and bagged teas.

Finally, enjoy a martini and a tasty entree at the new Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar at Bridgeport Village.  Choose from three dozen signature martinis, paired with a menu that ranges from pizza to seafood. The popular Washington State-based eatery opened its first Portland-area location last month.

For more itineraries, such as the Saké, Beer & Spirits Trail or Wine: Oregon Style, please visit our website.

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

A Closer Look at Our Cities: North Plains

Posted on: February 15th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Situated in northwestern Washington County, just off Highway 26, the main route between Portland and the Oregon Coast, the small city of North Plains packs quite a punch.  North Plains (population 1,700) is surrounded by lush farm land, and attracts throngs of sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers who flock to the area for its collection of activities, such as biking, golf, disc golf, and glider plane rides.

The North Plains Glider Port (Photo by Paul Loofburrow)

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Nestled in a picturesque wooded canyon is Horning’s Fishing and Picnic Hideout, a multi-activity attraction that offers fly fishing and cast and lure fishing, and also allows overnight tent and RV camping. Don’t let the name fool you, this pastoral “hideout” wears many hats, as it boasts three highly rated disc golf courses, is home to endurance sporting events, such as Warrior Dash, and holds several music festivals throughout the year – all of this, plus fishing, picnicking, hiking and more.

If golf is your game, tee up at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, the famed, championship golf facility that has hosted many well-known golfers. Framed by spectacular vistas, Pumpkin Ridge has ranked among the country’s best courses to play for more than 20 years.

Take to the skies in a glider plane with a guided flight piloted by the Willamette Valley Soaring Club, which offers rides at the North Plains Glider Port (11870 NW Dersham Rd., North Plains) May through October (weather permitting).  Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Tualatin and Willamette Valleys while soaring 3,000 feet in the air. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and a standard ride is $120.

Shop

During summer months,  visit the North Plains Farmers Market for a taste of local produce and artisan good (Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 15-September 28). Year-round, browse the one-of-a-kind treasures at The Treasure Chest Antique Mall (open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Sip

Tantalize your tastebuds at one of Oregon’s Washington County’s newest wineries/tasting rooms: Abbey Creek Winery. This family run winery, which operates a vineyard estate not far from Washington County, produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and is open Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. (or by appointment).

Dine

Grab a burger and a brew at the Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery.  This unassuming restaurant, located in the city’s center, earns raves for its burgers and selection of microbrew beers. The joint is jumping on Friday nights with live music.  Or pop into the Old Hich-en Post for breakfast and lunch, or partake in their happy hour, which is daily from 3-7 p.m.

Mark Your Calendars

North Plains is home to several annual events, including the four-day bluegrass and Americana music fest, the Northwest String Summit (July 18-21, 2013) and the Warrior Dash endurance race (September 7, 2013).

Plan your North Plains and Oregon’s Washington County getaway today: Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Itinerary: The Hidden Gems of Hillsboro

Posted on: February 11th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Explore the “hidden gems” of Hillsboro, Oregon with an itinerary filled with must-see attractions that may not be well-known to visitors or locals alike.  These finds definitely are worth a visit!

Start with a hearty lunch at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern. The Rock Creek Tavern opened in the mid-1920s as a small country store, and in 1933 the then owners served the first post-Prohibition beers at the store. Rumor has it that Clint Eastwood and members of the bands Santana, The Eagles and Tower of Power once stopped here, and in 1989, scenes of the Tom Berenger film Love at Large were filmed here. This spot has a storied history; read more about it here. (Open daily for lunch and dinner; live music every evening)

The Crystal Gallery at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

Next, stop at the Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals, recognized as the finest mineral museum in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best in the U.S. The museum houses an impressive variety of fossils, meteorites, petrified woods, gems and rocks curated from around the world. Situated in former 1952 residence of Richard and Helen Rice, the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006 for its distinctive architectural style and use of natural stone and native Oregon woods. (Open Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; admission is $8 for adults, $7 for adults 60+ and students ages 5-17)                  

Refuel with coffee from Longbottom Coffee & Tea, one of the region’s pioneering roasting companies. Founded in 1981, Longbottom specialized in hot-air roasting coffee beans for more than 25 years. In 2003, Longbottom was certified organic, and today the facility is used as a training location for organic inspectors.  (Open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

The tour’s next stop is the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum, located next to the Hillsboro Airport. This living history museum of aviation artifacts is actually a working hangar, with all aircraft still in flying condition, or being restored to flying condition. Military jets from all eras as well as passenger jets are on display, and the museum offers educational and hands-on experiences for all ages. (Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; donations requested)

Final stop for the day is the Washington County Museum, which moved into its expanded space in November 2012 with its newest and largest exhibit, “Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe.” This interactive traveling exhibit, which was put together by NASA and is part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, has traveled to several cities and states throughout the country.  Also on display is “Americans All: The Bracero Program in Washington County,” which takes a look at this unique temporary labor program that brought more than 215,000 workers to work at farms in Washington County during WWII.  (Open Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Admission: $6, adults; $4 children ages 4 and older)

Visit our website and plan your own “hidden gems” tour with our Trip Planner.

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Connecting the Past to the Present

Posted on: February 1st, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

A Guide to Beaverton’s Historic Downtown District

Downtown Beaverton is experiencing a renaissance lately. Acclaimed restaurants, new antique shops and the return of the venerable Beaverton Farmers’ Market combine to make the historic downtown district in Beaverton a must-visit destination.

Dining & Culinary

Global cuisine takes center stage in Beaverton, as several of the Greater Portland region’s most celebrated and authentic ethnic restaurants are located right here.  In addition to being a hot-spot for Korean BBQ, with restaurants such as Nakwon and Du Kuh Bee, downtown Beaverton is home to decarli Italian restaurant and the popular lunch spot, Gloria’s Secret Cafe.  (View the complete list of restaurants in Oregon’s Washington County, or search by location, cuisine type, price and more.)

The historic Beaverton Bakery is one of Beaverton’s most beloved local brands. It has been producing the highest-quality cakes and desserts since 1925.

For a relaxing cup o’ joe,  stop by Ava Roasteria, one of very few 24-hour coffee houses in the area. Ava Roasteria specializes in fresh-roasted coffee, pastries and sandwiches, and local musicians perform on Friday and Saturday nights.

Finally, from February through November, the state’s largest all-agricultural market, the Saturday Beaverton Farmers’ Market, becomes the cornerstone of the historic downtown district. Located near the Beaverton City Park, which features ping-pong tables, picnic areas and an interactive water fountain and playground, the market’s fresh produce, artisan food products and live entertainment delight and entertain visitors.

Shopping

In addition to random, locally owned stores selling wares ranging from ski and snowboard supplies to barbers and repair shops, Beaverton’s historic district offers many opportunities for tax-free shopping and places to find one-of-a-kind gifts.

The name says it all at Tea Thyme and Lavender Vintage Antiques and Tea House. Browse the antique furniture and enjoy a casual high tea. The new Peonies & Possibilities antiques and vintage shop is a cute shop that features antique furniture, “Shabby Chic,” linen, silver and more.

Quilters will enjoy the Quilter’s Corner Store, a family owned and operated, independent quilt shop featuring fabric, kits, patterns, notions and tools and more.

Art and Culture

Art on Broadway is a fine-art gallery that showcases the works of local, award-winning artists in a wide range of materials and styles. Don’t miss their free monthly reception, which celebrates new work and encourages art awareness.

On a site listed on the 1926 Historic Registry is the Beaverton History Center, complete with archival images, maps and artifacts from Beaverton’s early days.

Local community theater company, the Beaverton Civic Theatre, stages a season of plays–from well-known to little-known plays–at the Beaverton City Library Auditorium, which also hosts book talks, free family matinees, foreign film series and more.

This is just a sampling of the goodies that can be found in Beaverton’s historic downtown district. Include a visit to the district in your Oregon’s Washington County getaway. Plan your trip today.

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

 

 

Oregon’s Washington County: Feast on This

Posted on: September 21st, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

A dish at Gloria's Secret Cafe. Photo by Farrah.

There is a lot of buzz in Portland this weekend surrounding its inaugural Feast Portland Food & Drink Festival, which showcases Portland’s culinary scene. While foodies are paying up to $175 a pop for the experience, those looking for excellent eats can find solace right here in Oregon’s Washington County.

Locals–as well as restaurant critics–regard Washington County as having some amazing ethnic cuisine, from Beaverton’s Korean BBQ restaurants to local eateries serving dishes from northern and southern India.

Starting to gain prominence in the local culinary scene are local Salvadoran restaurants, such as Gloria’s Secret Cafe, tucked away in a charming Beaverton downtown historic district. This not-so-secret-anymore gem has received raves on review sites, such as Yelp and TripAdvisor, as well as from local food critics. Other favorites from south of the border include The Tamale House and Sanchez Taqueria y Pandaeria, both in Tigard.

When it comes to sushi, Syun Izakaya, located in downtown Hillsboro, has long been considered to be among the best in the region, and has earned continual praise from casual diners, as well as local foodies. Another highly-praised restaurant is Beaverton’s decarli, a popular Italian eatery with an extensive wine and drink menu. Finally, the venerable Hall St. Grill, also in Beaverton, is a mainstay for diners looking for an upscale restaurant, and serves a variety of Pacific Northwest cuisine, such as seafood, pork, beef and vegetarian dishes.

So for a memorable, mouth-watering dining experience, feast at Oregon’s Washington County restaurants this weekend, or any day of the year. For a list of more restaurants in Washington County, visit our website.

 

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Hillsboro

Posted on: August 7th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Hillsboro is Washington County’s largest city (population, approx. 91,000), as well as one of the oldest communities in the state. With the emergence of the technology sector, as part of the region’s “Silicon Forest,” the city’s large farming community shares zip codes with some of technology’s biggest and brightest names. The city’s quaint downtown area has transformed into an artists’ community with art galleries and studios, live music venues and community and professional theater companies.

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The Great Egret is one of many species of birds that have been spotted at Jackson Bottom Wetlands (pictured) (Photo by John Wise)

Stop and smell the flowers at the Lloyd Baron Rhododendron Garden at Rood Bridge Park. Tended to by a group of volunteers, this community garden features hundreds of varieties of species and hybrids of rhododendrons, plus thousands of “companion” plants surrounded by walking paths, creeks and woodlands. Also in Hillsboro is Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, a 725-acre wildlife preserve featuring 4.5 miles of trails, wildlife viewing blinds, nature center and interpretive center that houses the only known authentic eagle’s nest on public display.

Discover

Hillsboro is home to two unique museums both appealing to all ages. The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals showcases the world’s finest collections of crystals, fossils, meteorites, petrified wood, gems and more.  Near the Hillsboro Airport is the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum, a “living history” museum/working hangar focusing on aircraft from the jet age and Cold War era. This fall, these two museums will get a new neighbor, so to speak, when the venerable Washington County Museum moves into its new home in downtown Hillsboro.

Dine

Housed in the historic, former Hillsboro library, is Syun Izakaya, a popular local spot near Main Street.  Syun is modeled after small, rustic taverns that are popular gathering places in Japan, and is consistently rated as having the best sushi in the Greater Portland region, and has been included among the best in the U.S. In addition to sushi, and an impressive saké menu, other Japanese dishes are included on the lunch and dinner menus. Located in a rural area of Hillsboro are two “hidden gems”: Cruise In Country Diner, a ’50s-style burger and shake joint, and South Store Cafe, which specializes in sandwiches, soups and salads.   (For more dining options throughout Washington County, visit our website.)

Several farms in Hillsboro, such as the Smith Berry Barn (pictured), offer ready-picked or "u-pick" produce. (Photo by Allison George)

Explore

Main Street Hillsboro is filled with charm and a collection of shops that harken back to a simpler time. This artistic center of downtown Hillsboro features art galleries, live theater and more, and includes the Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, which hosts live music, spoken word performances, informal lectures, art exhibits and art classes.  Also in downtown Hillsboro is the Venetian Theatre and Bistro, a bustling restaurant, movie and performance theater, which is home to local  professional theater company Bag&Baggage.

Antique shops, a book store, home-brewing supply store (home beer brewing, winemaking, soda making and cheese making supplies), bead store, garden shop, theater and restaurant align the historic main street. While on Main Street, check out the Hillsboro Pharmacy and Fountain, and old-timey store and soda fountain hangout serving  breakfast, lunch, ice cream.  or an old-fashioned malt, float or milkshake. (For more shopping options in Hillsboro, visit our Shopping in Hillsboro page.)

Pick

Although known for its high-tech contributions to the “Silicon Forest,” Hillsboro has a vast number of farms and farmers markets, making it a renowned agricultural zone, as well. More than two dozen nurseries and u-pick farms offer crops ranging from berries to pumpkins, while five farmers’ markets provide farm-fresh shopping nearly every day during peak season.  See the list of farms and farmers’ markets in Hillsboro.

Taste

Hillsboro is becoming the hub of Oregon’s Washington County’s burgeoning wine, beer and spirits scene. This area now is home to five wineries–Freja Cellars, Garden Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards, J. Albin Winery and Oak Knoll Winery– three breweries– Ambacht Brewing, Vertigo Brewing and the brewery at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and Imbrie Hall– and Big Bottom Whiskey, the area’s only spirits tasting room.

 

Plan a weekend or week-long getaway in Washington County’s Hillsboro. Check out these hotels and motels in Hillsboro.

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Forest Grove

Posted on: April 9th, 2012 by WCVA No Comments

This month we go westward for a closer look at Forest Grove, located in northwestern Washington County, a small city that transcends its college-town atmosphere with its exquisite wineries, unique stores, distinctive restaurants and historic lodge.

Forest Grove's iconic Main Street

Forest Grove, Oregon

Located in the foothills of the Coast Range at the base of the Tillamook State Forest, Forest Grove is home to Pacific University, unique restaurants, six wineries, one craft beer brewery and the world’s only American owned-and-operated large-production saké brewery.

Sip

Forest Grove boasts an impressive collection of placed to sip handcrafted beverages at the source–wineries and breweries. In addition to visiting the area’s artisans, two wine shops, both located on downtown’s Main Street, pour wines from around the world.  Or relax at one of Forest Grove’s coffee houses  or pubs.

Shop

Forest Grove’s collections of boutiques, ranging from antiques to art, provide a rewarding shopping experience, while a seasonal farmers’ market, farm stores and tree farms offer visitors more shopping options.

Dine

Forest Grove has a multiude of restaurants serving cuisine from the four corners of the world. Nosh on American comfort-food dishes,  pair a locally produced wine with your favorite Italian dish, explore Middle Eastern cuisine,  satisfy a craving for Mexican food, try Pad Thai or other Thai specialty, explore a buffet of your favorite Chinese dishes, or taste yummy baked delights from area bakeries and cafes.

Explore

Finding your way through downtown Forest Grove is now easier, thanks to its new way-finding signs, which connect visitors to the area’s key districts and points of interest.

Play

Forest Grove offers many events throughout the year, appealing to all interests, including these upcoming popular annual events:

Sleep

After a day (or two, or three) of exploration, you can be rest assured that Forest Grove has a selection of places to stay overnight, including

For additional information about Oregon’s Washington County and its  amazing cities, visit our website.

Valentine’s Getaway in Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: February 8th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Alloro Vineyards, in Sherwood, Oregon, is one of several wineries in Washington County offering special Valentine's weekend tastings.

This February, bring a little romance to your Valentine’s Day with a getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. Although this year, Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday, there are plenty of events and special Valentine-themed activities that will keep the romance burning between you and your special one.

Enjoy a sweet sampling of events happening just in time for Valentine’s Day:

Weekend Events

The annual Chocolate Fantasy event at Jenkins Estate returns for its 15th year, Friday, February 10. Enjoy samples of locally produced chocolates, baked goods and wine pairings from Washington County wineries. Admission is $5 per person.

Also on February 10, cut a rug, ballroom style, this Valentine’s weekend at the Valentine’s Ball with Soundstage Rhythm Orchestra. The set list will include a variety of music from the Beatles to Green Day, each performed with big orchestral flare. Tickets are $25 per person, in advance, and $30 on the day of the ball.

Saturday, February 11, Ponzi Vineyards will explore ice wines and taste various styles during its Valentine’s themed seminar, “Sweet Wines for Sweethearts: Divine Ice Wines.” Tickets are still available, and space is limited. Tickets are $30 per person.

Back by popular demand, Montinore Estate is offering its blend-your-own wine event, “Bottle Up Your Love,” this Saturday, February 11. With samples from Montinore’s three best vineyard blocks, you can blend to create your own perfect Pinot Noir that will be bottled and taken home to enjoy. The event is $45 per couple, and includes blending samples, a bottle of your perfectly blended Pinot and two wine flights.

This weekend, February 11-12, world-famous saké brewery, SakéOne will put a little “shock” in your sweetheart with a special Valentine’s Saké Shock tasting flight.

Three Washington County wineries are pairing up for a special Valentine’s weekend, February 11-12. Enjoy “Valentines in Wine Country” at Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, Alloro Vineyards and Cooper Mountain Vineyards for special tastings and more. Pick up a “passport,” have it stamped at all three wineries and become eligible to win a gift basket.

Valentine’s Day

Hillsboro’s only professional theatre company, Bag&Baggage, presents “Love Letters,” a play that explores the relationship of two people, told by a series of letters written to each other. Back by popular demand, this play takes the stage February 13-14, and tickets are $25.

Dine in style during your Washington County getaway at the area’s notable and romantic eateries. On Valentine’s Day, Hall Street Grill will serve a special four-course menu with champagne, plus wine pairings. Dinner is $55 per person, $75 including the special wine pairings. Reservations are recommended.

Ongoing Events

Put a little musical theater into your Valentine’s weekend plans, courtesy of the Broadway Rose Theatre Company. The musical with a country flair, “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” runs weekends from February 2 through March 4. This charming, humorous tale of friendship, romance and heartbreak will offer you and your sweetie foot-stomping good time. Tickets are $20-40.

Finally, add a little romance to Valentine’s Day with an overnight stay by booking a romance package at an Oregon’s Washington County hotel. Stay overnight in a romantic room or suite and enjoy the special added treats for your dream Valentine’s Day weekend getaway.

A Closer Look at Our Cities: Beaverton

Posted on: January 18th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Interpretive Center, located in the heart of Beaverton, is one of several attractions in this growing city.

Oregon’s Washington County encompasses 727 square miles and boasts 10 cities. Each month, we’ll be spotlighting each city and highlighting its various attractions. This month the featured city is Beaverton.

Beaverton is Washington County’s second-largest city, with a population of more than 90,000. Apparel giants Nike and Columbia Sportswear, Reser Foods, optical scope maker Leupold & Stevens, and makers of test and measurement equipment, Tetronix, are just some of the major companies that call this city home.

Nestled in the heart of the Tualatin Valley, Beaverton is surrounded by farm lands and natural resources, and boasts 30 miles of hiking trails and a 25-mile network of bike paths. It is home to a diverse array of attractions, dining and family entertainment centers, plus tens of miles of hiking trails and bike paths. Beaverton also is home to two wineries, which earn the acclaim of being the closest wineries to Portland.

 

Shop
Bibliophiles rejoice! Beaverton boasts a smaller version of the infamous independent bookseller Powell’s City of Books at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton; 800-878-7323). With more than half-a-million used, new, rare and hard-to-find titles, it’s easy to spend half a day browsing the aisles of this iconic bookstore.  See more shopping options in Beaverton.

Dine
Fresh Italian cuisine, prepared with locally sourced ingredients makes up the ever-changing menu of decarli restaurant (4545 SW Watson Ave., Beaverton; 503-641-3223). Inventive and delicious cocktails, diverse wine list, warm and inviting dining room, and hopping happy hour make decarli a must while in Oregon’s Washington County. Also in Beaverton is the venerable Hall St. Grill, which specializes in traditional American dishes prepared with a distinctive Northwest flair. For more dining options in Beaverton, and throughout Washington County, visit our dining page.

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Beaverton is home to two nationally-recognized wineries, Ponzi Vineyards (14665 SW Winery Ln., Beaverton) and Cooper Mountain Vineyards (9480 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton), both noted for their exceptional wine and commitment to sustainable farming practices.

For those under the age of 21, Beaverton offers myriad family-friendly activities, from batting cages and laser tag to indoor rock climbing and bingo. See the complete list of  attractions and activities for the entire family.

Explore
The 222-acre Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Interpretive Center features 1.5 miles of paved trail (which is ADA accessible) and four miles of secondary trails, each offering a relaxing journey through the ecologically diverse habitat that includes ponds, creeks, marshes and forests. The Interpretive Center offers programs and special events for all ages. The trails and the center are open year-round; admission is free. There are plenty of other places to explore in and around Beaverton. Check out our website for more interesting things to see in do here.

Cooper Mountain Nature Park, a 230-acre site, features 3.5 miles of trails that traverse the park and pass through a mosaic of oak and madrone woodlands, native prairies and conifer forests. The park also houses a demonstration garden and a play area for children.

Stay
The Beaverton area has a bed-and-breakfast, Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast (3392 SW Delaney Pl., Portland), plus nearly a dozen hotels and motels.


If you’re in the Beaverton area, be sure to stop by the Washington County Visitors Association’s visitor information center (11000 SW Stratus St., Beaverton; 503-644-5555, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed holidays) to pick up a visitor guide, area map, biking and recreation map and a host of additional material about Oregon’s Washington County.

Dining Series: Korean BBQ

Posted on: January 4th, 2012 by Angie Marsh 2 Comments

For authentic Korean BBQ–and an array of Korean food in general–Washington County is a top pick. Specifically, the city of Beaverton. The menus at restaurants in the area offer favorites as well as delicacies; kimchi pork belly, seafood pancakes, ribs, and so much more. Here are some to try:

Buckwheat Noodles at Nakwon restaurant. Photo by Ron Dollete.

If grilling meat at your own table is in your dining repertoire, DJK Korean BBQ (12275 SW Canyon Rd., Beaverton; 503-641-1734) is the place. They’re also known for tasty tofu soup and a la carte specialty options.

Du Kuh Bee (12590 SW 1st St., Beaverton; 503-643-5388) is where fresh noodles are the basis of many dishes, and the handmade kimchi dumplings are a popular menu item–which diners often watch being prepared with the view of the kitchen inside this tiny, sought-after spot.

Hae Rim (11729 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy., Beaverton; 503-671-9725) is known for outstanding service and homemade noodles. Try the pan-fried seafood pancake or any of the hot pot selections; servers are happy to recommend one suited for your palate.

If you can find this small, tucked-away restaurant, JCD (3492 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton; 503-644-7378) has a seafood and scallion pancake that is highly recommended and portable grills to cook food at your table.

If you enjoy “street food” such as ramen and spicy rice cakes, the Korean pub house KimSatGot (9955 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy., Suite 235, Beaverton; 503-746-5609; www.kimsatgot.com) is the place for good, cheap evening eats; it’s open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tues. through Sat.

Nakwon (4600 SW Watson Ave., Beaverton; 503-646-9382) is known for its generous side dishes and pork specialties; or try the spam kimchi fried rice.

For other Asian and fusion dining options in Washington County, check out these listings.