The Painted Lady

Restaurant review

What time do you want to eat? My husband is checking on the iPhone app ‘Open Table’. Ah…what are my options? ‘5:30 or 5:30’ he shouted back. Good! I will take 5:30! Nestled in the college town of Newberg, the Painted Lady has great reviews. I have called for a year and a half on several occasions to get a reservation but I was not successful. Either it was completely full or the only available time is like 8 in the evening. The restaurant offers course meals so we may well be eating desserts at 10 O’clock? No, that’s not a good time…Are you sure you don’t have anything earlier?

Mind you, we don’t eat this fancy often but we’re adventurous when it comes to food. I’m a serious reader of restaurant reviews. When I hear rave news I clip the page for the next special occasion. The most interesting food we ever had was probably that worm (wichity grub) in Alice Springs, Australia. White fat worm cooked in heated ash until it pops, then eat like the aborigine do. It tastes like scrambled eggs! is my husband and tour guide’s opinion. The most disgusting food I ever had was definitely vegemite which is also from Australia. ‘It’s great on toast’  our Inn keeper chimed in. You think so huh? I can’t disagree with you more. I know that it is an acquired taste that must take a lifetime to achieve, but we only had two weeks.

We drove past the Painted Lady. The old Victorian house does not look like a restaurant except for the sign board. Cozy and charming inside, with white, crisp linen tablecloth and polished silverware all saying, let the magic begin. We don’t drink alcohol so we ordered this fruity soda. It really goes well with meals and not interfering.. Complementary home made hummus and seasoned walnuts to start.  Chef’s trioCurry Oregon shrimp cannoli with avocado, cucumber pearls and pistachios.The cucumber pearls had great texture and color.Venison Carpaccio, arugula salad and Espellete aioliSeared diver scallop over cauliflower puree, capers and Beurre NoisetteSlow roasted salmon, wild mushrooms and cream parmesan risottoBraised veal cheek, potato puree, heirloom carrots and herb saladPork two ways with mustard scented Brussels sprouts and celeriac pureepalate cleanser- Mint sherbet Chevre cheesecake topped with strawberry/rhubarb compoteTrio of Chocolate decadenceComplimentary after dinner bits were boxed for us to take home. My son was delighted.The restaurant staff were all very professional. Attentive, knowledgeable and very nice.

I attended herb class taught by a friend.This is rosemary loaf made by my friend’s daughter was fantastic. It goes well with herb butter. I must get the recipe.Pecans seasoned with herb (rosemary?-I was eating and not paying attention ). They are absolutely nuts! Basil is gift from host. Love it!

What’s up with this weather? We had 80-some degrees the other day and today is upper 50’s, confusing.  I have this tree in our back yard. Golden chain tree? Pretty yellow flower only lasts a week.