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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (May 21, 2009)
A Memorable Memorial Day LANE COUNTY DESTINATIONS by Jessica Hirst M emorial Day weekend is fast approaching, and perhaps you’ve been envisioning using the extra time to kick back in a verdant, rustic setting sipping a chardonnay and nibbling on herb-coated sheep’s cheese. Problem is, you can’t quite justify a trip to Provence or the Napa Valley. In case you’re thinking of settling for staying in and renting Sideways, take heart. Lane County has more than 14 wineries within about 20 minutes of Eugene, and most host special tastings and festivities during Memorial Day weekend in honor of the beginning of Oregon’s wine tasting season. The festivities vary from winery to winery and include complimentary wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres, wine sales, art, games and enough live music to let you kick up your heels if you’re in the mood. Even better, rural Lane County offers a resplendent setting for wine tasting, whether you head south to the Lorane Valley, north to the Cheshire area or somewhere in between. From the old farmhouses nestled into the green hills to the sweet, earthy smell in the air, you’ll forget you’re just a few minutes from home. Here are some of the events going on at a sampling of local wineries. For hours, directions and more information, visit www. wineriesofl anecounty.com and, of course, remember to take along a designated driver! Chateau Lorane Located on Lake Louise, Chateau Lorane hosts its Fine Art & Wine Festival every year on Memorial Day weekend. This year, the festival will include art and book signings by local artists and authors, live music, food and door prizes. LaVelle LaVelle’s Great American Picnic includes live music; grilled hamburgers, Polish sausages, hot dogs and veggie burgers; and lawn games such as bocce ball, horseshoes and badminton. Sweet Cheeks The outdoor terrace at Sweet Cheeks is a fi ne spot for soaking up the sun and the views. For the holiday weekend, Sweet Cheeks is hosting an open house that includes live music and an art festival. RainSong Memorial Day weekend is one of the only times of the year when this small, family-run winery opens its doors to the public. If you’re looking for a friendly, intimate tasting experience, now is the time to seize the moment. RainSong is offering free tastings for Memorial Day. ■ breakfast AT THE BISTRO WEEKENDS 8am 1pm NEW WINES FOR THE SUMMER NEW SPRING COCKTAIL MENU Specialties: Th e University Street STEAK AND EGGS 6 oz. fl at iron steak, spice rubbed and grilled to order. Served with two eggs any style, toast and choice of side. Th e Potter Street SMOKED SALMON HASH House-smoked wild salmon, spuds, bell peppers and onions, hashin’ it out with 2 poached eggs and our house-made hollandaise. Served with toast and choice of side. Th e Onyx Street EGGS BENNIE Poached eggs, served over Oregon peppered bacon and tomatoes, layered atop French baguette with fresh house-made hollandaise. Served with choice of side. Th e Orchard Street SEAFOOD OMELLET TE Lobster, scallops and bay shrimp swimming with asparagus and tomatoes inside a 3 egg omlette and topped with fresh hollandaise. Served with choice of side. Th e Emerald Street CAMPFIRE TROU T Pan-fried cornmeal Idaho trout, served with Idaho spuds and bordered by Oregon peppered bacon. Th e Agate Alley Two eggs, scrambled with spuds, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and garlic. Topped with six-cheese deliciousness. add tofu or smoked salmon Irish Car Bomb French Toast Bailey’s Irish Cream- battered croissants, topped with Guinness stout whipped cream and served with Jameson’s Irish whiskey maple syrup. Th e Villard Street Fire-roasted Anaheim peppers, stuff ed with monterrey jack cheese, lightly battered and fried. Served with 2 eggs, house-made salsa verde and choice of side. Ole! Th e Columbia Street P O TAT O F L A P J A C K S Crispy Potato Flapjacks, topped with a tomato, basil & feta salsa. Served with two eggs any style and choice of side Th e Moss Street An egg white omelet bursting with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado and cheddar. Served with choice of side. Featuring Eugene’s only “Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar” Open Everyday til 1am www.eugeneweekly.com Eugene Weekly's Uncorked 3
