Stormy Visit -- Day 2

It's just fantastic to wake up at the Fireside in Yachats.  I always sleep with the windows open there.  The crashing waves have a depth of sound to them that can't be matched.  It's not waves crashing into the ocean.  It's more like a thwump!  A megaton version of when we used to do perfect jackknives into a pool.

I've probably been to The Fireside at least a dozen times since I first discovered it earlier this year.  They offer free coffee and hot chocolate to anyone... you don't even have to be staying there.   This is especially nice for the people, most walking their dogs, along the beautiful 804 Trail.

But that first cup in the morning just steps from the rugged Pacific Coast is simply zen.  No matter what the weather.  The coast overrides anything.

This time, while Gary was in the building facing the ocean, I had room 7.  That room also faces the ocean but doesn't have a balcony.  (That's mine with the light on.)

Oakley is my best bud--ever.  And I have had some wonderful, true friends.  He and I have a symbiotic relationship.  Especially when it comes to staying near the ocean and watching the waves.  I trust him to stay right with me.  Especially more so that he's 9. 

Here's a little view while I was enjoying my coffee.

We went for a walk along the 804.  

That set the stage for one of my favorite places for breakfast--the Adobe.  Primarily that fondness is because it's got the best view of any table in Oregon, except maybe from Restaurant Beck (which isn't open until dinnertime.)

On this particular day we partook in their new buffet, watching the storm from the comfort of ultra padded red leather seats.  The buffet is only being served on Sundays, and it's great!  How fortuitous that we just happened to be there on the first ever day that offered it.  They really put out quite a spread.  I enjoyed the deviled eggs three ways--plain, with smoked salmon and with bay shrimp, among about a dozen other small bites. Sorry.  No pics of the food.  (I will work on that.)  

We headed south along one of my favorite areas of the coast--between Yachats and Florence on the way to Haceta Head.  I noted that they razed a most charming little motel I'd looked into this past summer.  The manager gave me a tour of all the unique rooms.  Now, it was gone. --  Sea Vue RIP.

Diverting up to Cape Perpetua overlook, we experienced the power of this storm.

Then we went as far south as we were going to go--Haceta Head.  I'd never seen it from across the bay in a storm.  It's probably been many a tourist's Oregon coast "money shot." With all the fog and rain, it created a different canvas.  Not clear, but the image does justice to the type of day it was.  (Cleaned up a little in post.)

Heading back up north to Portland, just when we were talking about skipping lunch--almost blasphemous when it was to be Local Ocean Seafoods, but completely understandable given our consumption at breakfast-- uh oh; there was The Green Salmon. One of the best coffeehouses I know of--especially known for its fantastic hot chocolate varieties.

Gary, being a good Italian lad, ordered the Bolognese Chocolate.  I asked the barista for his reco.  He suggested the Earl Grey Chocolate was his favorite.  When he delivered it, he said, "this reminds me of eating both Cocoa Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles as a kid... both mishmoshed together."   Had this been the description at the counter, I am not sure I would have ordered it.  But I sipped it, got it, and loved it.  Great choice.  Gary's was fine, too.

We couldn't resist this, helping the chocolate drinks down -- this beautiful and delicious marionberry bear claw.  Split.  Yep.  I think Gary was now getting the Oregon deal. And we hadn't yet hit Portland.

We took route 20 inland back from Newport.  We came upon a few sights, the first was this:

Then this.  As I was shooting this image, a gentleman in a Saab asked if he could help us.  His name was Jim. He owned the place and he told us about his Burnt Woodstock Festival and then invited us into the barn to show us around.  In July, there are 2000 people there--bands, food, and a great time.  

Then we saw this.  I'd taken shots of this before but the rainy day created a different environment. I kinda like it this way.

An hour or so later, we were back in PDX.

We relaxed for a few, and then made our way to Cocotte for dinner (where I have a PFA event planned in December.)

Chef Kat LeSueur treated us to foie gras torchôn 

fig jam, black mission fig jam & venus grapes, roasted pistachios

I didn't explain to Gary what this was.  I wanted him to try it and enjoy--expand his horizons.  That's what Portland dining is all about.

He enjoyed.  Oh, and I did, too.  All the elements atop a fresh slice of bread--perfect.

poulet en cocotte 
half bird preparation: pan roasted breast, confit leg, farro risotto with seasonal produce, chicken demi-glace, slow poached egg

pacific cod 
spicy saffron nage, warm chanterelles, petite green lentils with caramelized onions, bacon & chard two ways

After dinner, we moseyed between the raindrops to one of my favorite new spots, Expatriate.  I really enjoy this bar, and the proprietor, Kyle, is always fun to talk to.  I also dig the music.   All vinyl.  All the time.  Gary asked for a Grand Marnier.  Kyle suggested that he had something much better up his sleeve and on the shelf.  He was quite correct.  

Smooth nightcap for a great day I don't think I could have scripted better.  

In fact, I kind of did.

Tomorrow:  Tasty N Sons to start.   Seriously.