Thursday Tidbits
Randonnée Coffee Co. Santa’s Lil' Helper Coffee Beans
It’s the first week of December, and there’s so much good food, wine, and holiday fun happening across our communities. Here are some tidbits to check out. It’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Events & Festive Gatherings
Cathedral Ridge Winery hosts its annual Holiday Gathering on Dec. 6, 6–9 PM, at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Sip award-winning wines, enjoy festive bites, and toast the season in your best red attire. Tickets: 541-386-2882
Sunshine Mill Winery hosts their Winter Warmer Holiday Market on Dec. 6 with arts & crafts pop-ups, Miracle Acres sourdough, tamales from Theresa, pizza from @pizzathegathering, plus wine, mulled wine, prosecco, sangria, beer from @freebridgebrewing, and cider from Working Hands.
A quick reminder that Sip the Gorge happens as part of White Salmon’s Village Lights Festival Dec. 7, 2–6 PM at Mountain View Grange — an afternoon of Columbia Gorge wines, local flavors, live music, and holiday cheer.
Feast Market & Delicatessen will celebrate Village Lights in White Salmon this Saturday with gift card specials, Happy Hour all day, and 20% off bottled wine if you dine in. They’ll also have Holiday Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup from 4- 8 pm. Bring the kiddos by for grilled cheese dippers after the tree lighting or on your way to pet the alpacas!
Local Eats & Seasonal Specials
If you missed this week’s Pizza Wednesday at Working Hands, there are still two more Pizza Wednesdays left for the year (12/10 & 12/17), 4 PM until sold out. The Spicy Margarita pizza and citrus salad are must-tries!
Love & Hominy has rolled out new winter items: an Indian Taco, Chana Masala Bowl, a Winter Martini, and Mulled Wine — all cozy, comforting additions for cold December days.
Jacob Williams Winery is bringing back Soup’er Saturdays at their Wishram tasting room.
This Saturday, Dec. 6: New England Clam Chowder + fresh sourdough.
Suggested pairings: 2023 Chardonnay or 2024 Sangiovese.
Winter hours (Dec 1–Jan 31): Fri–Sun, 11–5 PM. Reservations recommended.
The Riv Café has an incredible poutine and new holiday drink specials featuring house-made syrups — ask to add one to your favorite drink!
Double Mountain Brewery revives a fan favorite: the Silence of the Lamb Pie, layered with seasoned lamb, mint-basil pesto, mozzarella, red peppers, onions, goat cheese, and thyme. Limited time only!
Riverside’s Two-for-one Pasta Night is back this Sunday, Dec. 7, 4–9 PM. Wine Night on Tuesdays also returns. Their latest seasonal entrée is a pork porterhouse with organic mushroom farrotto, organic roasted squash, fresh arugula, truffle oil. In the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn.
Foodie Gift Ideas
Edeske Patisserie has released Holiday Seasonal Bonbons — perfect for gifting. Advent calendars are still available!
Randonnée Coffee Co. dropped their holiday blend, Santa’s Lil Helper — an organic Moka/Java-style blend that’s syrupy, nutty, fruity, and delightfully festive. “It’ll put the jingle in your bells!”
Gift Cards Around the Gorge:
Double Mountain Brewery: discounted gift cards now through Dec. 28
Solstice Wood Fire Pizza: digital gift cards now available + buy $25, get a $10 bonus card (three tiers to choose from).
Ferment Brewing Co. has a similar gift card deal. Buy a gift card during their holiday sale and they'll throw in a free bonus card.
Gorge Farmer Collective: running a holiday gift card special; check their calendar for ordering pauses
Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant: gift card special includes a mystery envelope with a dining voucher or Golden Ticket
Farmers Market & Holiday Shopping
Hood River Farmers Market’s winter season is underway! Open 1st & 3rd Saturdays, December–April, 10 AM–1 PM at the covered vestibule of Ferment Brewing Co. Shop gifts from local makers and stock up on winter produce.
Looking Ahead
Skamania Lodge is taking reservations for several festive dining celebrations:
Grinch-Inspired Holiday Breakfast (family-friendly, PJs encouraged!)
Winter Solstice dining
Christmas Day Buffet
New Year’s Prix-Fixe Dinner
Family-Style Holiday Dining on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12 & 19 from 5–8:30 PM (Cascade Dining Room, designed for groups of four or more)
This Weekend Around the Gorge
Communities across the region are lighting up for the holiday season with tree lightings, parades (including a boat parade!), holiday fairs, and festive happenings in Hood River, White Salmon, The Dalles, Mosier, Carson, Stevenson, Cascade Locks, and beyond. It’s officially the holiday season!
Wishing everyone a warm, joyful, and festive start to December. Stay cozy and enjoy all the seasonal goodness our Gorge communities bring to life!
A Chocolate BonBon Advent Calendar from Édeske Patisserie
25 handcrafted chocolate bonbons that look like a work of art. Every window opens to a new, exquisite flavor.