Had a remarkably good Willamette Valley Pinot Noir last night: WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Terres Basses 2008.
If you like that big and bold, rich and deep, meaty style of Oregon Pinot Noir---and what’s not to like?---this is one for you. If you can find it, because it is popular and sold out.
WillaKenzie had a great year in Vintage 2008 and we can recommend any of their bottlings from that year, but the Terres Basses was particularly profound for its impressive depth of fruit and earthy, mushroomy core.
Match it with the food from Allium Bistro in West Linn and you’ve got a double winner---especially if the food you’re matching it with is the Beef Bourguignon at Allium, a huge platter of rich, fork tender beef, mushrooms, carrots, pearl onions and rich gravy heaped on a mound of al dente pappardelle pasta
The side of Brussels sprouts---yes, I said Brussels sprouts!---was pretty darned good as well. Chef/Owner Pascal, who fortunately for us was in residence last night, is well-known for his cooking, one signature dish being his Brussels sprouts, sautéed cut side down in a skillet until the sprout begins to caramelize and get all crunchy. Simple, but one of the best versions of this humble veggie you’re every likely to have.
And for potato lovers, Allium does three different versions of their pommes frites. We had the simple sea salt, but for the gourmands there is a duck fat and rosemary---but I’ve been informed that is particularly addictive.
If you haven’t yet been to Allium Bistro, go. Book a reservation right now. One of the best places in town for down-home, locally-purveyed ingredients prepared with a French flair. And nicely priced as well.
I’d even go so far as to say that Allium’s “Neighborhood Dinners”, which sell out quickly, are one of the best values in town. More great food than you could possibly eat, with red or white wine included, a convivial atmosphere, all served family style, and only $38 per person! That’s a deal.
Good wine list too. So like I said, if you haven’t been, go. Even if you don’t live in West Linn, it’s conveniently right of I205, exit 6. Go past Five Guys hamburger joint, turn right on Willamette Drive and you’re there.
If you like that big and bold, rich and deep, meaty style of Oregon Pinot Noir---and what’s not to like?---this is one for you. If you can find it, because it is popular and sold out.
WillaKenzie had a great year in Vintage 2008 and we can recommend any of their bottlings from that year, but the Terres Basses was particularly profound for its impressive depth of fruit and earthy, mushroomy core.
Match it with the food from Allium Bistro in West Linn and you’ve got a double winner---especially if the food you’re matching it with is the Beef Bourguignon at Allium, a huge platter of rich, fork tender beef, mushrooms, carrots, pearl onions and rich gravy heaped on a mound of al dente pappardelle pasta
The side of Brussels sprouts---yes, I said Brussels sprouts!---was pretty darned good as well. Chef/Owner Pascal, who fortunately for us was in residence last night, is well-known for his cooking, one signature dish being his Brussels sprouts, sautéed cut side down in a skillet until the sprout begins to caramelize and get all crunchy. Simple, but one of the best versions of this humble veggie you’re every likely to have.
And for potato lovers, Allium does three different versions of their pommes frites. We had the simple sea salt, but for the gourmands there is a duck fat and rosemary---but I’ve been informed that is particularly addictive.
If you haven’t yet been to Allium Bistro, go. Book a reservation right now. One of the best places in town for down-home, locally-purveyed ingredients prepared with a French flair. And nicely priced as well.
I’d even go so far as to say that Allium’s “Neighborhood Dinners”, which sell out quickly, are one of the best values in town. More great food than you could possibly eat, with red or white wine included, a convivial atmosphere, all served family style, and only $38 per person! That’s a deal.
Good wine list too. So like I said, if you haven’t been, go. Even if you don’t live in West Linn, it’s conveniently right of I205, exit 6. Go past Five Guys hamburger joint, turn right on Willamette Drive and you’re there.
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