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CHEF'S BLOG - PORTLANDby Dana Cress, December 2009PORTLAND - We are rolling into the holidays here at Salty's on the Columbia, and our new December Market Menu features my take on seasonal classics. Let's start with everyone's favorite: French Onion Soup. My twist comes with a roasted garlic brioche crouton and melted Jarlsberg cheese. Traditionally beef stock is used in this soup, but I use vegetable stock instead, making this a vegetarian menu option that is offered at both lunch and dinner. Brioche is a very rich, light and tender French bread made with lots of eggs and butter. Jarlsberg is an Emmental-style Swiss cheese that is made from cow's milk. It has a yellow interior, with a delicate, sweet nutty flavor. For your next course, try my Winter Arugula Salad with spiced Fuji apples, creamy cranberry vinaigrette, crumbled bleu cheese and candied hazelnuts. Arugula has a strong black pepper flavor to it. We'll balance it by tossing it in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette. The salad will be topped with julienned apples mixed with caramelized fennel, sherry vinegar, cinnamon, allspice and clove. The apples will be sitting on top of crumbled bleu cheese, and a sprinkling of candied hazelnuts will finish the dish. This month's standout entrée is my Holiday Surf & Turf - a grilled petite filet topped with lobster hollandaise, steamed Dungeness crab and king crab legs, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. This dish will kick off our winter-long "You Crack Me Up" Crab Festival. We will grill a five-ounce petite Angus filet then top it with a rich lobster hollandaise sauce. Alongside the filet, we will serve a half-pound each of steamed Dungeness crab legs and king crab legs. Finish your festive meal with Pumpkin Crème Brûlée topped with a ginger snap cookie. It will be made by infusing cream with seasonal spices like ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla beans, then adding a pumpkin purée and baking. The sugar crust gets "brûléed" when you order. Please make your reservations for December today. November 2009PORTLAND - As an Oregonian and chef, I recently had a wonderful opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. The purpose of my trip, directed by the Alaska Wilderness League, was to take proactive steps toward preserving Alaska's wild salmon populations, focusing on Tongass National Forest - our nation's largest national forest - and the Taku River. The Tongass is a "salmon forest" where the spawning salmon not only provide nutrients for future salmon, but they also provide nutrients to the forest. The Taku River, a transcontinental river between Alaska and Canada, is the largest watershed for salmon in Southeast Alaska. The Salmon industry provides about thirty percent of the annual income to that region, and right now the salmon population is very strong, so these habitats need to be managed sustainably to keep it that way. I spoke on behalf of Northwest chefs and our consumers - YOU! I made it apparent that the Pacific Northwest is ahead of the rest of the nation when it comes to demanding product that is local, sustainable, organic and wild, like Dungeness crab, fresh halibut and wild salmon. We know that wild salmon tastes better, is healthier and is a better choice for the environment. By taking action now, we can ensure that wild salmon will be enjoyed by future generations. This spring, all Salty's chefs may head to Alaska to assist some fisherman I met with the "great catch" in Juneau. I would love to have you in for dinner and present a fillet that I caught! For now, see my current Market Sheet at Saltys.com. I also want to share with you a link with great feedback about Yelp's Elite Event, Summer Sunset at Salty's Cheers to you and thanks for your choice to eat and preserve wild salmon! October 2009PORTLAND - This October, as part of Alaska Wild Salmon Month, I've been asked by the organizations Trout Unlimited and the Alaskan Wilderness League to speak before Congress and the Obama Administration in Washington, D.C. about why wild salmon is valuable to us as consumers and businesses.
For a more casual evening out, go for my Grilled Wild Salmon Burger with Balsamic Marinated Roma Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Mozzarella Cheese and Salsa Verde Aioli. With this burger, I'm capturing flavors at the end of our Indian summer. Why use beef when we are so close to such incredible wild salmon? View my menus and then please stop in to Salty's on the Columbia in October and help us celebrate our favorite Northwest fish. Oh, and wish me luck on my trip to the capital! (Photo by Ilya Moshenskiy www.ilyafood.com) September 2009 PORTLAND - September is oyster month at Salty's with our "Aw Shucks" Amorous Oyster Festival. This year I'll feature spectacular dishes to show off our gorgeous local oysters. First, I'm taking a trip to Korea with a BBQ Kalbi Oyster amuse bouche (recall this term from my August blog). The oyster will be quite large and perfect for grilling. Once the oyster has popped open from the heat of the grill, we will remove the top shell and add Kalbi Sauce, a complex Korean-inspired sauce of pineapple, onion, brown sugar, soy, Aji Mirin, sesame oil, garlic, fresh ginger, Hoisin and toasted white and black sesame seeds, as well as a pinch of pickled peppers. For a Southern twist, my Buttermilk Fried Oysters with Chipotle Aioli will be soaked in buttermilk and then dredged in flour which has been jazzed up with salt, paprika, chili powder, cumin, coriander, basil, oregano and black pepper. The oysters will be pan-fried and sit atop pillows of cabbage tossed in Passion Fruit Vinaigrette. These crispy oysters will be accompanied by our Chipotle Aioli for a creamy, spicy kick. Barbecued, Salt-Crusted Top Sirloin with Crunchy Oysters make the ultimate surf and turf duo. I'll serve them with Salt-Crusted Baby Yukon Potatoes, Roma Beans and Dill Hollandaise at lunch and dinner. I have a feeling this one will be a huge hit at dinnertime.
If you missed my appearance at the Beaverton Farmers' Market last month, where I participated in the Toyota Farm to Table chef demonstrations, then you must stop in to try my Heirloom Tomato Preserve that will accompany our house-smoked salmon. I served it at the event and it was a huge hit! Yes, that's me in the photo! Our riverfront decks will still be open, weather permitting, in September, so hurry in to catch a last glimpse of summer at Salty's overlooking the mighty Columbia River. View my complete menus, then make your reservations today. August 28, 2009 Don't Miss Salty's Portland
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Our big fans, Mark & Dave from Portland KEX radio, are giving away gift certificates to join us for lunch in April. Tune into 1190AM weekdays from 4-7 p.m. in April for a chance to win! |
It's hard to believe that it's halibut
season again. The winter has flown by, and I'm gearing up for
spring, with focus turning to lighter fare just in time for our annual
Just for the Halibut Festival.
With a nod to our Good Ciao Cookbook, we're going Italian
for the festival this year. Cheeks are arguably the most delectable
part of the fish, and definitely my favorite. I'll be searing
and then oven braising halibut cheeks in a savory saffron lobster stock
until they are plump and tender. The perfect sidekick to soak up all
of that delicious sauce is creamy red pepper polenta. For added dimension,
I'll finish the dish with a crisp fennel and tomato salad and
our house-made ricotta.
I'm also focusing on fresh appetizers, and reducing the number of fried items on the menu, as people crave brighter flavors this time of year. Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps on our Market Menu are an absolute hit. But, my favorite is the Scallop Ceviche with a tomato and roasted poblano panna cotta. This savory twist on the classic Italian dessert is a creative way to have fun in the kitchen and keep my guests on their toes.
Speaking of our guests, I'm trying to make it more affordable to join us for dinner in these tough economic times by offering a generous three-course meal for just $24.95. So far it's been a huge success. I want to give guests as many choices as possible. Whether it's happy hour in our bar, or a full dinner in the dining room, we've got dining options for all budgets.
Also this month, Sommelier Matthew Carter and I have teamed up to take on Milbrandt Vineyards for a wine dinner that is sure to be an evening of fresh, seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine perfectly paired to their fine wines. A tall order, but I think we're up for the challenge. Here's what I have planned for the menu:
Milbrandt Vineyards Wine Dinner Menu
First Course
Halibut Tartare, Sweet Basil Parmesan Flan, Spring Pea Bisque, Red & Yellow Pepper Coulis
Wine Pairing: Traditions Pinot Gris 2007
Second Course
Duck Trio:
Smoked Duck Toast, Gingered Rhubarb
Duck Confit, Marionberry Black Pepper Chutney, Sweet Potato Gaufrettes
Crispy Seared Duck, Scallion Pancake, Sweet Cherry Sauce
Wine Pairing: Traditions Merlot 2006
Third Course
Filet of Beef Wellington, Roasted Garlic & Preserved Lemon Pate,
Roasted Fiddlehead Ferns, Oregon White Truffle Hollandaise
Wine Pairing: Legacy Syrah 2005
Fourth Course
Chocolate Pear Frangipane Tart, Late Harvest Anglaise
Wine Pairing: Estates Late Harvest Riesling 2007
Milbrandt Regional Sales Manager Brian Patterson will be here to help at this wine dinner on Friday, April 3, 2009. The cost is $99 per person including gratuity. Seating is limited, so please call us at 503-288-4444 for your reservations today.
Hope to see you soon at Salty's on the Columbia in Portland, Oregon!
January 2009
Come to Salty's on the Columbia in Portland for great food and great values. Take a look at our prix-fixe three-course dinner for $19.95, a different selection every night.
PORTLAND PRIX-FIXE THREE-COURSE DINNER FOR $19.95
Monday
First Course: Choice of Baby Green Salad or Caesar Salad
Second Course: Blackened Salmon, Bleu Cheese Mashed Potato, Vegetable
Medley
Third Course: Creamsicle Sundae
Tuesday
First Course: Choice of Baby Green Salad or Caesar Salad
Second Course: Bourbon Marinated Grilled Chicken & Prawn Skewer,
Polenta Cake, Vegetable Medley, Piquillo Pepper Bisque
Third Course: Creamsicle Sundae
Wednesday
First Course: Choice of Baby Green Salad or Caesar Salad
Second Course: Fuji Apple BBQ Pork Spare Ribs, Bleu Cheese Mashed Potato,
Blue Corn Bread, Vegetable Medley
Third Course: Creamsicle Sundae
Thursday
First Course: Choice of Baby Green Salad or Caesar Salad
Second Course: Blackened Petite Top Sirloin, Sun-dried Tomato Mashed
Potato, Vegetable Medley
Third Course: Creamsicle Sundae
Friday
First Course: Choice of Baby Green Salad or Caesar Salad
Second Course: Salty's Cioppino, Clams, Mussels, Bay Scallops, Salmon,
Prawns, in a Fennel Tomato Broth
Third Course: Creamsicle Sundae
Saturday
First Course: Choice of Baby Green Salad or Caesar Salad
Second Course: Venus Clams Pappardelle, Artichoke Hearts, Garlic, Shallots,
Sun-Dried Tomato, Pesto Cream sauce
Third Course: Creamsicle Sundae
Sunday
First Course: Choice of Baby Green Salad or Caesar Salad
Second Course: 8oz. Cut Prime Rib, Garlic Mashed Potato, Au Jus, Creamy
Horseradish, Vegetable Medley
Third Course: Creamsicle Sundae
Other great new market sheet items include a rich Dungeness crab Thermidor, Dungeness Crab Stuffed Copper River Salmon, & BBQ Pork Spare Ribs.
NAPA VALLEY MERRYVALE VINEYARDS WINTER WINE DINNER AT SALTY'S IN PORTLAND
Please join us Friday, January 23, for an evening of award-winning Merryvale wines carefully paired with Salty's world-class cuisine. Here's your menu:
Merryvalle Vineyards Wine Dinner Menu
First Course
Quail Confit, Champagne-Soaked Brie,
White Truffle Sauce, Candied Cranberries Paired with 2007 Starmont Sauvignon
Blanc, Napa Valley
Second Course
De-Constructed Dungeness Crab Cake
En Baluchon Paired with 2006 Starmont
Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Third Course
Beef Carpaccio, Multi-Grain Salad, Red Wine Vinaigrette Paired with
2005 Starmont Merlot, Napa Valley
Fourth Course
Pan-Seared Moulard Duck Breast, Red Chile Pear Sauce, Red Bartlett Pear
Relish, Oregonzola Cheesecake Paired with 2005 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon,
Napa Valley
Fifth Course
Crème Brûlée Parfait, Layers of Vanilla
& Chocolate Custard with Candied Kumquats
Paired with "Antigua" Dessert Wine
Sommelier Matthew Carter and I will present the wine dinner on Friday, January 23, 2009. Merryvale Vice President of Sales & Marketing Phillip Correntes will tell you about Merryvale wine. The price is $120 all inclusive. Dinner is at 7 p.m. Please call (503) 288-4444 for reservations today. Hope to see you soon.

Chef Dana Cress
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