In the central part of the state, Washington-grown buffalo makes for mouthwatering burgers or steaks. Marinated in a rustic, tangy sweet and sour sauce, it is certain to make the taste buds tingle! Fort Wanapum Restaurant, Holiday Road, Vantage, call 509-856-2808.
While visiting Ellensburg, Vantage or Yakima be sure to ask the locals which steakhouses rodeo riders go to for local steak and lamb.
Ellensburg Locals Suggest:
- The Pub Minglewood, 402 North Pearl509-962-2260
- Appleseed Restaurant, 1713 Canyon Rd.509-925-5809
- Bar 14 Ranch House Restaurant, 1800 Canyon Rd.509-962-6222
Fire up at the Fiery Foods Festival in Pasco’s historic district, with its colorful Caballeros, salsa music, microbrew garden and children’s activities. This festival features local hot peppers and other fresh produce. Taste buds are tested during the “hot salsa” contest (509-545-0738).
Known worldwide for “Washington Apples,” Wenatchee puts on a farmers market starting mid-May through October. One finds locally-grown produce, ranging from summer-sweet Musk melons, Cling peaches, heirloom salad greens and boysenberries to fire-hot peppers and fragrant herbs including thyme, sage, fennel and dill (509-884-7155).
An upscale hide-away in Winthrop, Sun Mountain Lodge, features a spectacular new wine cellar with a dining table in the middle for up to 10 people. Here, pairing foods and wine is a frequent special event. The lodges Four Diamond Award-winning dining room might present a special such as Dungeness Crab Chopsticks with a ginger curry emulsion, shredded Daikon salad and Roast Maine Lobster on a lobster rouge cream, www.sunmountainlodge.com.
Located in the heart of Washington’s agriculturally rich region, the Yakima Valley, The Birchfield Manor Country Inn offers a relaxed atmosphere where European trained Chef, Will Masset, prepares exceptional cuisine with local produce and meats. Roast rack of lamb with apple and Dijon glaze is a favorite. Try also the baked King salmon filet wrapped in a puff pastry drizzled with Yakima Valley Chardonnay sauce. Call 800-375-3420 or visit www.birchfieldmanor.com.
Another Yakima restaurant worth a look is Gasperettis, where traditional Italian fare with a French twist is served by 5th generation family members. True story: In 1800, a Gasperetti once served the family's famous chicken cacciatore dish to Pope Pius VII. For reservations, call 509-248-0628.
Nestled on the banks of the massive Columbia River in the Tri-Cities is Cedar’s Pier 1 Restaurant where Mesquite-smoked Rainbow Trout, warmed and served with toast and cheese, is the specialty. Northwest King Salmon drizzled with a lime shallot sauce or cod served with a sweet and spicy fresh fruit salsa are just two of the fresh seafood plates patrons clamor for (355 Clover Island Drive, Kennewick, 509-582-2143).
The Blue Moon Restaurant in downtown Kennewick serves seven-course meals from a menu that changes monthly. Start with wild boar chipotle, Brie and garlic soup and fresh fruit sorbet. Next try the sauteed ostrich medallions with wild mushroom demi-glace and finish with a chocolate cinnamon cheese souffle and vanilla nut roast coffee. By reservation only, 509-582-6598.
