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Exploring Oregon's Coastal Cuisine

(Oregon Coast) – Something about bouncing around the beach and the sea air seems to increase the appetite and open the palate up to greater possibilities. Oregon’s coastline is perfect for such culinary exploration – after you’ve made your own various discoveries among the tide pools and sandy strands. The region is as abundant in fine and interesting dining spots as it is fresh fish swimming around just a bit beyond the restaurants themselves, yet there’s much more to Oregon coast dining than fish.

And there’s certainly more to it than simple fish ‘n’ chips.

Phenomenal Fish and Such

Who can ignore the preponderance of fantastic fish possibilities, however? To begin this culinary tour, don’t miss the ecstasy-inducing seafood on the scenic, pristine Tillamook Bay at Pacific Oyster. It’s literally on the bay – on a dock jutting into out over the water. You can’t get much fresher than this.

They have a cioppino to die for. It’s thick, hearty and so stocked full of a variety of fish it puts a hatchery to shame. The oysters are like tender little chunks of beef: extremely rich and flavorful, quite powerful for their miniscule size. The smoked salmon burger is wonderful as well, and the view of the bay magnificent. The recent addition of homemade pies (created on the premises) gives it a special touch. Most dishes range from $5 to $10, and are plentiful in portions.

Recently, Pacific Oyster began hosting a massive outdoor fresh fish market, which maximizes the atmosphere for your fresh fish shopping jaunt. It happens every Saturday. 5150 Oyster Drive. (503) 377-2323.

In Rockaway, Karla's Smokehouse and D'Max BBQ combine the best of land and sea. In recent years, legendary Karla's Smokehouse teamed up with D'Max BBQ to cover both ends of the Earth's best animal edibles. Karla's, around for 41 years, sells some of the finest fresh fish around - caught at sea and then flash frozen there. The goodies here include Sashimi-quality salmon, halibut and lingcod, as well as other selections. You can get these delectables uncooked, smoked or served cooked on the premises. Then, along with Cape Meares Gourmet Oyster, you can also grab fresh oysters from the Northwest.

From the giant van outside, D'Max BBQ serves insanely delicious barbecued delights, like pulled pork, turkey, beef brisket and ribs - usually between $6 and $9. They marinate the meats for about 24 hours, then smoke them for around 10 hours. With the pork ribs, the result is barbecue that is rich, juicy and very tasty. You can get a sampler for 12 bucks: called "A Little Bit of Everything." D'Max is an experience not to be missed on the coast, and probably alone worth the drive to Rockaway. 2010 Hwy 101. (503)-355-2362 (for Karla's); (503) 312-4120 (for D'Max).

Dining In Delirium

In Yachats, La Serre is a legend. The name is French for "The Greenhouse," and it means you're dining in a beautiful garden of ferns and plants hanging over you. There's a wide variety of steak and seafood entrees including New York cut, filet mignon, jumbo prawns, Pacific oysters, Dungeness crab and wild salmon - all around $18 to $22. The Seafood Extravaganza comes with a portion of all the seafood offerings for $24. Several sauces, including orange-tarragon béarnaise, accompany the fresh fish selections. Mixed grills offer incarnations of steak and seafood combos from $15 - $27. There are also burgers, sandwiches, potpie and some incredible crepes, and surprises like baby back pork ribs and a kid’s menu. In the final analysis, however, it is legendary for extraordinary food. 2nd and Beach, Yachats. (541) 547-3420.

At Blackfish Café, there's a little bit of Portland's Pearl District at the north end of Lincoln City, with the culinary fireworks and an arty, soothing atmosphere that smacks of that upscale Portland neighborhood.

Meats and seafood get the superb, swanky treatment here, usually around $18. Highlights include skillet roasted King Salmon that's locally caught and basted with fennel butter, a pork porterhouse from the valley that’s grilled, a parmesan-smothered black bass that’s shallow-fried with a buttery caper sauce, or a duck basted in citrus. Other inventive delights include jumbo scallops with risotto, a Pacific halibut in chili spices as well as a torchio pasta with smoked salmon that's so creamy and light you may begin to defy gravity. Other intriguing takes on seafood are available for around $10 as well. 2733 NW Highway 101. (541) 994-1007.

A Coastal Staple: Pizza

In Cannon Beach, near a famed Lewis & Clark landmark, Fultano's Pizza sits and emits wonderful smells of Italian cuisine. With an outdoor patio here, you can take in the salt air and enjoy exceptional - even gourmet quality - cuisine at a family pizza joint price.

Fultano's delivers to local hotels, and they feature slices for lunch. They have a special thin crust recipe that's especially tasty, crunchy and yet still tender in a way that manages to combine both those latter qualities seamlessly.

There are many of the standbys, as well as gourmet varieties like the Margherita (garlic and herb olive oil, three cheeses, red onion and more), a Greek-themed specialty or a Goat Cheese pizza.

One must-try is their pasta (about $10). They have a homemade tomato sauce that is one stunning, mother-of-all sauces, and their meatballs are a serious delicacy. Still, even with its decent wine and microbrew selection, this is a place that welcomes the kiddies nicely. 200 N. Hemlock and Second Street. (503) 436-9717. www.CBfultanos.com.

Culinary Tour of Newport’s Nye Beach

At Newport’s superb Village Market & Deli, bistro-style fare continues to rule supreme for lunchtime with pearls like herbed sea salt-baked chicken breast, with pinenut dust, Tuscan white beans and grilled polenta triangle, or a skillet-blackened catfish that’s rubbed with French Creole spices, fennel cucumber slaw, chipotle aioli and a balsamic reduction. Their house-made pate remains a huge hit (one regional writer proclaimed it “better than sex”). Some of their hot sandwiches have also been big hits recently, such as the multi-layered Tuscan Turkey (about $8), which features sun dried tomatoes, an unusually flavorful mustard and other ingredients to create a distinctive, bold experience.

In their deli area, they have recently imported a wonderful array of cheeses such as Double Gloucester Bandaged Truckle, Black Truffle Cheese from Il Boschetto, as well as some domestic favorites such as Ewe-F-O and Fog Lights (an eight-ounce version of the unbelievable Humboldt Fog cheeses from Cypress Grove).

The exceptional cuisine also comes with a beautiful partial view of the ocean in this unusually charming section of Newport called Nye Beach. 613 SW Third Street, Newport. 541-265-2257.

Also in this atmospheric little neighborhood, Café Stephanie is a tiny wonder, specializing in gourmet, rather legendary lunches, with hot sandwiches around $7 for a full one and $3.95 for half. There is the French Dip, the BBQ ham, Reuben, Club and a roasted veggie with gobs of greens inside. The Grilled Salmon comes with roma tomatoes, a pesto mayonnaise and pickled red onions. The Tuna Melt arrives with bacon and red onions in the mix, and has a variety of bold and dark flavors given a zing.

Cold sandwiches ($3.95 & $5.95) include delicacies in the ham, salami, roast beef and veggie categories, often with a variety of lovely additions such as Dijon mustard, herbed cream cheese and premium vegetables. They have an intriguing fish taco recipe, and a turkey wrap that comes with a curried cucumber/mango slaw.

There's a kids' menu including hot dogs, PB&J or a cheese sandwich. Meanwhile, breakfast specials change daily, and they also have espresso and salads. 411 Coast St. (541) 265-8082.

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. There's a sense of history as well as modern luxury here, with the ancient-looking stone walls and pillars out front practically screaming to tell tales of the generations of visitors that have stayed here. These 51 oceanfront condos come in various incarnations and are individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent our entire rental property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units are designed for families. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or family vacation/reunion, you will find it at Weiss' Paradise. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more.
Suites include daily maid service and complimentary coffee (beans), teas, cocoa, popcorn, cookies, snacks and more - all restocked daily. Stay a week in any unit and receive a tote bag filled with goodies.
Our award winning flowers are a must-see attraction in Seaside. Visit Paradise and see why so many of our guests are repeat customers.
The Travel Channel "Great Escapes" Show will feature our property in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com

Lincoln City Vacation Homes There’s something for everyone among this selection of wondrous homes: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All the homes are either oceanfront or just a few steps away from the sand – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies, depending on the home: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets are allowed in some homes – ask ahead. Each comes with complete kitchens so you’ll have a home away from home. Most have the seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com