March Happenings 2011 - new additions

Wedding and Special Event Showcase

Saturday, March 12, 2011

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Free and open to the public

Whether you're planning a quinceanera or your

wedding day, the mid-valley's top special event

professionals can ensure everything is just as

you imagined. View our fashion show featuring

breathtaking dresses from local bridal and special

event shops, along with honeymoon clothing. Sample

delicious hors d'oeuvres. Learn about discounts on

rejuvenating spa experiences. Enter to win wonderful

raffle prizes. Make a day of it!

Event Planning and Catering / Special Occasion

Attire / Photographers / Salons and Spa /

Florists / And Much More!

RSVP to 971.983.5387
or email musoltseff@silvhosp.org
by Friday, March 4.

Vitality Bistro @ Wellspring in Woodburn
Food and Wine pairing Cooking Class
Tuesday, March 22, 6-7:30pm
$35 - Includes tasting menu and light hors d'ouevres.
Vitality's Chefs and wine maker from Willamette Valley Vineyard will walk you through pairing and wine tasting from etiquette to wine notes. Learn to identify flavors and properties of different varietals. Then test your knowledge on a flight of WVV reds and whites!

Winemaker's Dinner @ Vitality Bistro

Meet a winemaker from Willamette Valley Vineyards and experience Chef Eric's specially prepared four-course dinner with wine pairings.

Saturday, March 5 / Seatings at 5pm and 7pm / $45 per person / Limited seating and wine specials available that night only.

AMUSE-BOUCHE
Crispy Goat Cheese Globe / Marinara Diablo / (2009 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris)

APPETIZER
Oregon Hazelnut Crusted Pacific Halibut / Saffron Bacon Pea Risotto, Sautéed Kale / Roasted Bell Pepper Walla Walla Onion Salsa / (2009 Willamette Valley Vineyards Dijon Clone Chardonnay)

INTERMEZZO
2009 Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling Star Anise Granite

ENTRÉE
Mesquite Grilled Kobe Loin / Smoked Hazelnut Blue Cheese Pâté / Brown Sugar Roasted Spaghetti Squash, Rösti Potato / Wild Mushroom Ragout, Garlic Herb Oil / (2008 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir)

DESSERT
Dark Chocolate Croquembouches / Chocolate Mousse, Cherry Anglaise / (2008 Quinta Reserva Port)

March Happenings 2011

March Happenings 2011

First Wednesday ~ Salem

Rain Fest 2011 - Umbrellas in the City! Wednesday, March 2 - 5-8pm

An umbrella Flash-Mob is set to meet at 5:30 outside JCPenney on Chemeketa Streets!

Check out all the events happening at this month's First Wednesday at www.GoFirstWednesday.info!

Free Admission

First Friday ~ Silverton

Friday March 4 ^th, 7pm

Come to Silverton and stroll through all of the shops and galleries.

Finish off with a pint at Mac’s Place.

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Oregon’s 8 ^th Annual Wine, Cheese & Pear Jubilee

March 12-13th ~ 11-6pm

Oregon's premier event featuring award winning wines paired with local artisan cheeses and Oregon pears. Have fun exploring the nuances of this special coupling. Learn the art of cheese making from the people at Willamette Valley Cheese Company, Rogue Valley Creamery, Rivers Edge Chevre, Fraga Farms, Juniper Grove Farms and more. Enjoy a variety of pears and fun recipes from the Oregon Pear Bureau.. Your $10 admission includes wine and food tasting, and a free Riedel wine glass! This is a great deal and a very fun time, cheap date too!

Sunday afternoons are the least busiest times.

Sip! McMinnville's 17th Annual Wine & Food Classic

Wine, Food, Arts, Music & Guest Chefs March 11, 12, 13

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, Just off Hwy 18 In McMinnville

Friday March 12^th ~ 3-9:30 pm

Saturday March 13^th ~ 12-9:30 pm

Sunday March 14^th ~ 11-5 pm

Daily Admission$15.00 ~ 3 day pass $30 ~ www.macwfc.org

Ticket price does not include wine tasting fees, which may vary by vendor and are collected at vendor booths

Shamrock Run

March 13^th , 6:30am-10:15 am

Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland

Whether you're Irish or just wish you were, take part in the 32nd Annual Shamrock Run. You have your choice of race distance--either 5K, 8K or 15K. If you'd rather walk, there's the Shamrock Stride, a 3.5-mile fitness walk. The wee ones can take part in the kids' 1K run, the "Leprechaun Lap." For more information, check out the official web site http://www.shamrockrunportland.com/

St. Patricks Day ~ March 17^th, Thursday

Great Harvest Bread Co. 339 Court St. Salem.

Irish Soda Bread, Guiness’nWhite Cheddar Bread, Blarney Scones, Frosted Shamrock Cookies, Irish White Bread (yep-it’s green!) Dance a jig for a free cookie! Jiggalicious.

SPRING BREAK MARCH 21-25^TH

Annual Spring Beach Clean up ~ Oregon Coast

Saturday 10-1 pm., March 26^th,

^{http://www.solv.org/programs/spring_beach_cleanup.asp}

Cubanisimo ~ Monthly Salsa Lessons, March 19th at 5pm

The next salsa lesson is already filling up. The $15 fee includes a wines tasting and a 1-hour beginners-level salsa dance lesson. Our lessons are taught by Mz. Jitterbug, a local dance instructor here in Salem, OR. They are held at our wine tasting room, and outside in the sunshine when weather permits.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon by emailing Vino@CubanisimoVineyards.com, or by calling (503)588-1763. Pre-payment is required for groups of 5 or more.

They typically offer salsa lessons every 3rd Saturday of the month, so if this time doesn’t work for you, check back for next month’s lesson!

Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills - March 26, 2011

Come howl at the moon and celebrate our second Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills event! Last year, we sold out two weeks before the event, and our guests loved the chance to taste wines and discuss the vintage with most of the key principals of the Eola-Amity Hills winemaking community

This year, we've assembled 27 wineries from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, and even a few from outside the AVA who make wines from Eola-Amity Hills fruit. Once again you'll be able to taste the wines, talk with the winemakers, and buy some wine too! Each winery will be featuring one wine for sale at a discounted price so you can go home with your favorites. http://www.zenithvineyard.com/equinox.html

Enjoy delicious sweet and savory bites to complement your wine tasting experience from some of the best restaurants and caterers in our area!

When: Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Rd NW, Salem
Tickets: $40 Per Person, Contact Betty Pataccoli, Redhawk Winery & Vineyard (503) 362-1596.

National Doctor's Day ~ March 30th

Take time to thank your doctor for all they do for you and your family.

The “happenings” has been dusted off and updated for February!

First Wednesday ~ Salem
Reed Opera House, 5-8 pm - Champagne, wine, chocolate with musical guests Paul Marche & Dana McCarty. Greek family dancing at Macedonia.
Winter Blues performance in the Trinity Ballroom with Ty Curtis and Curtis Salgado! 7:30-9:30 $5 cover.

First Friday ~ Silverton
Boutique Romantique First Friday Event – Lunaria Gallery 7-9pm

February, that time of year when romance is in the air and our thoughts turn to those we love. Stop in at Lunaria Gallery's Boutique Romantic for très chic treasures and Valentine gifts. Perhaps a special painting for your loved one? A pair of one-of-a-kind earrings for your best-buddy girlfriend? A beautiful unique purse for your mom? A special sculpture to put on your friend's desk at work? We also have the most exclusive grouping of hand-made greeting cards in town.

Superbowl 2011 – Silverton Nickel ~ Feb 6
All you can eat football buffet at the Wooden Nickel $7.99
Bring your sweetie here and let us do the cooking!
Wooden Nickel Valentine’s Menu – Monday February 14th
· Steak Medallions in a Red Wine Demi Glaze with Shrimp Scampi $18.95
· Slow Smoked Prime Rib with an 8oz Lobster Tail $24.95
· Pan Fried Oysters, Stuffed Prawns and Dungeness Crab Legs $23.95
· 8oz Steamed Lobster Tail Dinner $16.95
Valentine Dinner Specials come with a Complimentary Dessert for Two!

Vitality at Wellspring ~ Woodburn
http://iamvitality.com/ Be My ValentineFeb 14th we are having a special Valentine’s Day Dinner; Prix fixe 3 course dinner for $25.00. or 5 course for $35 Choose from Chardonnay wine baked halibut or Pepper crusted beef tenderloin & chocolate lava bundt cake dessert. The five courses look amazing. Check out the website and learn about Chef Eric. We’ve been a couple times and must say the food is d’lish!

Boon's - McMeneman's ~ Feb 12th, Salem
The Oh-My-My's will be playing at 9:00pm, no cover. Not for the faint of heart! Two gals, Indie-Blues, lot's of laughs. Great cajun tot's & cocktails! Hope I see you there!

Pinot Noir & Chocolate Celebration ~ Feb 12th & 13th, 11-6 pm Willamette Valley Vineyards
Indulge yourself and your loved one in decadent chocolates paired with exquisite Pinot Noir. Our candle-lit cellar plays the perfect background to this pairing and tasting event, featuring gourmet artisans including Extreme Chocolates, Bursts Candies, and more. Enjoy unique, gourmet truffles alongside our 2008 Pinot Noir Quinta Reserva Port Style, a very special bottling that is only available for public tasting this one weekend each year. Bring your loved one, family and friends and relax while being treated to some of the finer things in life. $10 admission includes wine tasting and a Riedel wine glass. For an additional $5 upgrade to our Cellar Pass to experience barrel tasting with our winemakers as well as a library tasting featuring a selection of superbly aged wines.
Our favorite time to go is in the last 2 hours on Sunday. The crowds have gone and the chocolatiers do not want to pack home their goods. It's quite fun to mingle down in the cellar!

Domaine Margelle Vineyards ~ Saturday, February 12th , lunch or dinner
www.DomaineMargelle.com 20159 Hazelnut Ridge Road, Scotts Mills Oregon 97375
Valentine’s Food and Wine Pairing, Featuring Guest Chef Andrew Biggs. Includes 3-flight pouring.
Lunch Seating: 12 Noon ~ Cost: $50/person, gratuity not included
&
Dinner Seating: 5:30pm ~ Cost: $60/person, gratuity not included
Reservations Required : 503-873-0692
Even if you don't go to this event check out their website. Beautiful property and right in Scotts Mills!

Valentines Day!! February 14th Monday.

Extreme Chocolates: Unique Creations for The Four Graces Wines
The Four Graces tasting room in Dundee.
Enjoy this unique pairing of exquisite hand-made chocolates with each of The Four Graces divine white and red wines. Chocolate entrepreneur Chef Carrie Wong of Extreme Chocolates will personally introduce her newest creations at The Four Graces tasting room in Dundee. Enjoy this unique pairing of exquisite hand-made chocolates with each of The Four Graces divine white and red wines.
Date: Sat February 12, Noon through 4pm Location: The Four Graces tasting room, 9605 NE Fox Farm Road, Dundee Cost: $15, waived for The Four Graces wine club members
For further information: call The Four Graces at (503) 554-8000 or info@thefourgraces.com or
Extreme Chocolates at (503) 581-6099

34th Annual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival ~
The Mothership of wine festivals. February 25, 26, 27, 2011 Newport, Oregon The premier seafood & wine event of the west coast and the original Northwest seafood and wine festival.
http://www.newportchamber.org/seafood_wine.htm
Best time for this crazy event is first thing Friday, so plan to take the day off and head to the beach.

Cacao Drink Chocolate. Since February is the month of chocolate if you find yourself in downtown Portland swing into Cacao Drink Chocolate. 414 SW 13th Ave, Portland Oregon 503-241-0656. I tried a Lavender/Habenaro bar that was like a party in my mouth. Coupled with the dark rivoli drink chocolate - - stay small it is very intense. The chile spices warm the back of your throat as the chocolate coats your entire mouth like silken lava.

Lullu's Tutto Cucina ~ 357 Court St NE, Salem 503-364-7900
http://www.lulluscookingclasses.com/cookingclasses.htm
What a great idea for a unique Valentine date. Take a cooking class at Lullu's. These fill up quick and are "oh so fun". There are many to choose from in February


Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series® - OR
http://tubbsromptostomp.com/event/or
Benefiting the Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Join us in stomping out breast cancer one snowshoe step at a time!
February 26, 2011White River West Sno ParkMt Hood, Oregon
It is going to be a great event!! If you pre-register $35 or at the event it is $40. So if you are interested in attending, you should register by 2/1 as looks like they may sell-out!
Come out and cheer on Team: Stop the War in My-Rack!

June Happenings 2010

Silverton High School Graduation ~ June 10th, 7pm / Silverton last day of school June 11th

Silverton First Friday ~ June 4th
If you haven't made it to the Tap Room then you must!
The amazing creative forces behind Vitis Ridge and 7-Brides have joined to create a Tap Room to please both the wine drinker and the beer drinker. But they didn't stop there! The food!!!! D'lish! The Reuben Sandwich was just out of this world with the right amount of goodness all toasted up on rye! The pulled pork and slaw and the panzella's were top notch. No need for a tri-fold menu that's executed half-*ss'd. I personally would love 5-8 options that are done just to perfection! Last weekend was the grand opening but hopefully will also continue with the live music that made for a very festive enviro! The Tap Room is the place to be!

Silverton Farmers Market ~ June 5th
299 W Main St, Silverton, Sat, 9am – 1pm
Farm fresh produce, berries and fruit, jams and jellies, fresh baked goods, nursery stock, fresh flowers, gardencrafts and more

19th Annual Canby Wine & Art Festival ~ June 4-6
Main Pavilion and Main Lawn
Hours: Friday 5:00-9:00 PM Saturday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
$5 admin or $12 for 3-day pass
All weekend long, you'll enjoy great wine, art and cuisine while you take in the music of some fantastic artists. Taste fantastic cuisine demonstrations Make sure to stop by Naked Winery they have some great tattoos, not to mention wine.

Silver Falls Challenge and State Park Day ~ June 5
Sat, June 5, 10am – 4pm. Day Use fees are waived this day only. If you haven’t hiked the falls, and I mean all the falls, since you were 12 then this is the time to do it. Begin the day with a brisk dash over the creek and through the woods in the 3rd Annual 5K
There are two races, one for women and one for men.The men’s race begins at 10 a.m. and the women’s at 10:10.Youngsters ages 10-14 are invited to run a 1500 meter trail course at 11 a.m.Race headquarters is at the South Falls day use area, shelter D.Registration is recommended. Entry forms can be found at Silverton Fitness, the Silverton Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Falls Library.Register online at www.racenorthwest.com.June 5 is also State Parks Day, which means parking is free.Cost for the race is $15 through May 29. After that, the cost is $20.Late registration will be available the day of the race.The youth run is free, but each participant must register.There will be an awards ceremony following the race. For more information, call Joe Craig at (503) 873-8779

Oregon Garden - Taste in the Garden Wine and Food Festival
Saturday June 12, 4-9 pm $15
Admission fee includes a commemorative glass, 3 taste tickets and admission to the Garden.
Northwest boutique wineries, local cuisine featuring Oregon products and live music!
Enjoy the garden at its peak while sipping some of Northwest's best wine.
www.oregongarden.org 503-874-8100

Wine, Chocolate and More! ~ June 18-20
Friday June 18; 4-9pm, Saturday June 19; 11-9pm, Sunday June 20; 11-4.
Adults $10 with wine glass $7 without
Columbia hall at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem.
A fabulous showcase of decadent chocolate and wine tasting with some of the best wineries and vineyards, plus live music, and many specialty gifts. This popular event draws people from all over the Northwest just to enjoy the event in a relaxed atmosphere, for casual wine-tasting and food sensations from a variety of culinary backgrounds that will tempt any palate! This event is hosted by Altrusa International of Salem, Oregon. All profits from the festival stay in our community and are used to help women and children in crisis situations, and literacy projects. Enjoy your time talking with the wineries and learning about the intricacies of wine and wine making.

Purchase by the taste, glass, bottle or case. www.winechocolateandmore.com ; 503-587-8752

East Valley Wine Fest ~ Friday June 25th & Saturday June 26th
All events at St. Josef's Winery - Canby Oregon
Friday - Winemaker's Gala Evening: Wine, Food & Music all included $35 per person 6-10 pm.
Saturday - Wine Tasting & Competition, Live Music & Food available $5 adults includes glass 12-6pm
11 Artisan Vintners
Hard to find wines, meet winemakers, judge the wines and more!
Tickets & information at all East Valley Wineries: www.eastvalleywine.com

Father’s Day June 20th

Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival June 20th ~ Sunday
11 am- 4 pm Celebrate Father's Day with shortcake and all-you-can-eat strawberries. There will be crafts, music and activities for the family. Coolidge-McClaine Park
The festival offers a breakfast with pancakes and eggs, or French toast starting at 8am to 11am. For the rest of the day we serve up a strawberry delight with biscuits and ice cream and a free second helping of strawberries. The afternoon menu includes a light BBQ chicken lunch along with performances by a variety of live music groups. The festival hours are from 8 am until 6pm / Admission into the park is free Breakfast is $5.00 for all. Strawberry shortcake desert is free for children under 2 and over 80!The BBQ chicken lunch is $7.00 for all

Deepwood Wine & Jazz Festival - Salem June 26, 4-9 pm
Yes, it's a busy weekend but stop for a moment and run to Deepwood. This is such a nice event and you get to stroll around the garden and listen to some great music and drink some refreshing wine. Always love the Rose from Cubanisimo, served chilled. Because it should at least hit 80 degrees by June 26th!! And then stroll down to the Pringle Creek and tip your toes in. Tickets are $10 and that is for all who enter - kids too. Gourmet food selections, featuring Danny Wold Jazz Trio.

La Margarita Cooking Classes
Let me tell you this is a cooking class not to be missed. Pedro is quite the host and the best margaritas are flowing, and I mean flowing - - so pace yourself. The Salsa class was awesome and if you need a tomatillo salsa recipe see below! Easy peasy and oh so good.
Classes:
June 9, 6 pm - Beans and rice & chicken tacos. $30
June 18 6 pm - Tequila Tasting: A sampling of 9 different 100% blue agave tequilas & snacks $25 ** Are you brave enough?
July 14, 6 pm - Salsa Class: Guacamole de la Mixteca, Green Salsa, Tomatillo Salsa with cascabel and guajillo chile peppers, Pico de Gallo with orange & margaritas. $40 I know this isn't until July but you'll want to reserve your spot now! e-mail www.lamargaritasalem.com Pedro Rosales at or call him at 503-362-8861.

Salsa Recipe:
Salsa Verde Chile de Arbol
Green Salsa made with Arbole chile peppers
4 tomatillos, husk removed (I use 5-6 tomatillos)
5 arbol chile peppers, broken in half
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
½ medium onion and handful of cilantro
Salt to taste
Put tomatillos and peppers in a pan with 1 cup cold water, bring to a boil and simmer over low-medium heat for 15 minutes. Pour all ingredients into blender, add salt to taste, garlic and onion. A shot of tequila is also tasty. Puree until blended. Easy to triple.
I’ve played with this recipe, changing the chiles to Guajillo’s or fresh Serrano. Also added finely chopped white onion after the blender. Switch out the arbol for the Guajillo (2 big ones) for something different. I actually like the Guajillo. You can find these peppers in the Mexican spice section of the supermarket in plastic bags. Can also split the recipe in half and add an avocado to the blender for a creamy salsa.

Have a great June! See you at the Lake. - ed

May Happenings 2010

Aldo Nadi Casino Night
May 1st 6:30-11:00 pmHere's something you don't see every day - A 1920's casino-style night on the town to benefit Salem Classical Fencing. Play craps, blackjack, Texas Hold 'em, and roulette. Feel like a high roller as you click your casino chips together or call "all in!" Entertainment also includes a three-weapon fencing tournament and auction. $25.00 - includes casino chips 503-375-9209 or http://casino.salemclassicalfencing.org Located at: Eola Hills Wine Cellars, 501 S Pacific Hwy 99W, Rickreall

Bjorn Again: The ABBA Experience - May 1st @ 7:30 pm Jill!!!! This has your name all over it. Maybe Eric too! The number one ABBA show in the world. Varies 503.375.3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com Located at: Historic Elsinore Theatre, 170 High Street SE, Salem

Silverton Nickel May 4thCuatro de Mayo Chihuahua Races! (say that 3x fast with an accent!)Yup, you read that right, Come and celebrate Cuatro de Mayo (that's May 4th for you gringos!)at the Silverton Nickel with our Annual Chihuahua Races, Buckets of Coronas and lots of great food!If you have a Chihuahua that you'd like to race register by e-mailing: jwatson@woodennickel.com
I know that Freda Piquita Juanita would run circles around the pack with her long Chichi-wa legs! But Peanut would be right on her heals!
Screamin' Dinner Deals:Pork Carnitas $8.99 - Carne Asada $8.991/2 Pollo Asado $7.99

First Friday ~ Silverton - May 7thFirst Friday, May 7th, at Mac's Place If you haven't been in to Mac's lately you should make a plan to visit on First Friday! They've added a chicken rotisserie and will be handing out samples on 1st Friday! They also have $3 Appetizer Plates from 4-6 every Friday and Saturday

Mac's Music for May
Saturday - May 8- Chris Cain
Saturday - May 15- Big Monti ----> very fun good blues!
Saturday - May 22- Flextones -----> great mix!

Silverton's 4th Annual Wine & Jazz Festival - May 8thwww.SilvertonWineandJazz.com Saturday Ticket office is located at Silverton Realty, 303 Oak St. 11am-8pmThe line up is huge with even some locals thrown in. Paul Unger '87 alum and George Mitchell. Get the entire line up online or pick up the entire program at area merchants. Great time to walk around town sipping some really great wines. If you're not a wine fan 7-Brides will be pouring their brew at Lisa's on Water St. Three of my faves will be in town too so don't miss Piluso, Pudding River and the ever amazing Vitis Ridge. Can you say Marechal Foch?!?! Yummo. With 24 jazz acts the town will be alive with music!

Silverton's 27th Annual Hospital Fun Run - May 8thRegister at www.silvertonhospital.org/funrun Or register in person at the Hospital Community Service Center 319 Fairview.8 am children's 1-mile run8:45 am 5k run or walk for all ages.

Mother's Day - May 9th

Silverton Pet Parade May 15th - 10 amLine up at 8:00 am at the Coolidge-Mclaine park. Kids of all ages and pets of all kinds! Pet parade has been a tradition since 1932. Can you believe my mom won for most freckles and reddest hair?! Please someone bring their pet cow this year! Even though the parade doesn't start until 10 it is so fun to stroll through the participants and see all the animals dressed up. Best spot in front of the Methodist Church. Parade route through town and ends at Eugene Field school. Don't forget to check out the Silverton Farmers market and this is truly the weekend for garage sale mania!

"Get Rich" Texas Hold'em Tournament - Saturday May15thPresented by Rich Duncan Construction, as part of Keizerfest. Tuff Ranch BBQ at McNary Golf Course6:00 pm Registration Opens $30 Buy-In (Ten $15 Re-Buys available the first two hours)7:00 pm PlayBegins

Thunder in the Garden The Oregon Garden rumbles with the sound of motorcycles rolling into place for a display. Motorcycle displays, related vendors, food, live music, and beer are part of the festivities. Adults $10, seniors $9, students $8, under 7 & members are free. 503.874.2536, www.oregongarden.org Located at: The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St, Silverton

Keizer Iris Festival 11:00 am-8:00 pm 05/21 - 05/23 A community celebration for the iris bloom season. It is a family event, with a parade Saturday May 22nd, starts at 10:30 am at River Road & Lockhaven continues South to River Rd & Glynbrook. Garden walks, carnival, games, 5k & 10k and half marathon runs, car show, entertainment and more. Free 503.393.9111, www.irisfestival.com Located at: Keizer Station, Off of I-5 at Exit 260B, Keizer

Wine Cheese & Raw Chocolate - May 22, 2-6pmLive bluegrass music may sweep you away in the garden on this farm. Sip wines from Eola Hills Wine Cellars & savor award the winning cheeses of Willamette Valley Cheese, only to be topped off with decadent raw chocolate by Stirs The Soul Chocolates. $9 in advance $12 at the door info@mdiwayfarmsoregon.com Located at: Midway Farms, 6980 NW Hwy 20 , Albany

Cubanisimo - Memorial Weekend Celebration, 12-5pmExperience live music, dancing, tapas and a selection of wine. $10 per person/ $5 tapasSalsa Music by Los Rumberos del Caribe on Saturday and Sunday. 503.588.1763, www.cubanisimovineyards.com Located at: Cubanisimo Vineyard, 1754 Best Rd. NS, Salem, 503.588.1763

Willamette Valley Vineyards Bike Ride and Hill Climb Challenge! May 23rdEnjoy a scenic 50 mile, 25 mile, or 10 mile bike ride through the beautiful central Willamette Valley on Sunday, May 23, 2010. Ride times start at 8:00 a.m. (50 mile), 9:00 a.m. (25 mile) and 10:00 a.m. (10 mile) at Cloverdale Elementary School located at 9666 Parrish Gap SE Turner, OR. Finish the day at the winery enjoying Willamette Valley Vineyards' delicious and sustainable wines accompanied with an incredible fajita buffet (vegetarian options available).

Registration is $30 an includes ride, souvenir t-shirt, wine tasting, Riedel wine glass, lunch, coupons and discounts, support vehicle and staff, prizes and bragging rights. An extra prize will be awarded to riders who ride their bike up our infamous hill for the Hill Climb Challenge. Enjoy live music from the LeNunes as well as an after bike ride massage from Executive Experience Massage.Guests are welcome for wine tasting and lunch at an additional charge that can be purchased online or at the door the day of the event. Space is limited to first 200 registrants. Please register online at www.wvv.com. $30 per person until May 1, 2010 and then registration will increase to $45. Event Sponsors: Travel Salem and Bike Peddler Hey- Kari and Lisa if you plan to go let me know! I could probably brave the 10 miler on my cruiser.

Schreiner's Iris Garden - May 31stSchreiner's Iris Garden Big Band & Chicken BBQ3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Keizer BBQ Chicken Dinner served503-393-323

Memorial Day - May 31st aka: Vineyard weekend

Word of Mouth:

Stop by the Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro for breakfast and save a bundle. The clever little place to nosh is also a perfect place for romantic starts to the day and a treat for anyone looking for a delicious and different hot breakfast on a weekday. Word of Mouth serves a different "special" for one hour every weekday morning from 7 a.m. when they open until 8 a.m. when the regular menu comes out. The special changes daily and you can find out in advance what will be served by signing up for their e-mail alerts, or you can be summoned via Twitter. Sorry, no specials on the weekends.Friday's special, by example, was sage sausage with fresh spinach and mushrooms scrambled with three eggs and topped with Swiss cheese. It was served with baby red potatoes and 10-grain toast. But here's the savings news. This breakfast after 8 a.m. is $8.50. Not too bad for all you get, but before 8 a.m., it's only $3.95. Imagine treating yourself and a client to a business meal for $7.90 plus beverage and tip? Sure you can get a cheaper breakfast at places such as Denny's, but this is great fare at a great price. To save almost $5 per breakfast, sign up for the e-mail alert at wordofsalem.com or find the bistro on Twitter at wordofmouth.OR. The restaurant is closed Mondays, and is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and weekends as well. Find Word of Mouth at 140 17th St. NE, about one block north of State Street on the east side of the street. Call (503) 930-4285 for more details.

updated on http://www.lavlizzyshappenings.blogspot.com/

April Happenings 2010

First Friday ~ Silverton
Friday April 2nd , 7pm
Come to Silverton and stroll through all of the shops and galleries.
Finish off with a pint at Mac’s Place.

Silverton Nickel at 9pm.; April 2nd
Rebel Yell Tasting Party during Club Nite
Rebel Yell is a new Bourbon Whiskey and we will be sampling it this First Friday,
It's our Club Nite with music from our DJ and lots of give-aways!
Don't forget our Rosemary Pork Prime Rib, served every Friday.
And our Friday Night Dinner: Steak and Crab Leg Special!

Wooden Shoe Tulipfest, 25th Anniversary, thru April 25th.
9 am- 6pm ~ Admission $5 per vehicle weekdays, $10 per vehicle on weekends. In Monitor.
Wine tasting and crafters market on the weekend! check out www.woodenshoe.com and look at Field Report to see current pictures and bloom status of the field. Over 40 acres of Tulips!
My favorite time of year is when the tulips bloom! There is nothing like the colors of their tulip fields in the spring. Every year the varieties are arranged differently in a new pattern of color as they rotate the tulip fields to a new location. Really cool!

Garden Palooza ~ Aurora
Saturday April 3rd, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Fir Point Farms, 14601 Arndt Rd, Aurora
Over 50 local nurseries and garden vendors! Great one stop shopping for Easter baskets.
Free onsite parking, don't park on Arndt Rd. :o)
http://www.gardenpalooza.com/gpevent.htm or call Jeff at 503-793-6804

Happy Easter! Sunday, April 4th

Ladies Night Out-Wild West Women April 9th, 7pm-10pm
$35 per ticket Oregon Garden Pavilion, Silverton
Must be over 21 and female to attend. Gather up your friends for some good times!
Awesome raffle prizes!
http://www.silvertonladiesnightout.com/ 503-873-5615
After party at Mac's, no cover!

Tax Day! Thursday, April 15th ~ Git r' done!

Tulip Winedown , April 17-18
12 noon - 8 pm, at Wooden Shoe company, Woodburn.
$5, www.winedown.com Hopefully they update their website soon but appears Joni Harms and Garrett Dorn are playing both days. Last years line up of wineries was impressive!

Oregon Garden Celebrates Earth Day April 17th, 10 am-4 pm
FREE Admission! 1,000 trees given away in the Children's garden. Cooking demo by Chef Eric Nelson of Vitality. 4 different music groups. Many other seminars. To get a full line up go to www.oregongarden.org

Earth Day April 22 - Plant something!
Oregon Garde ~ 6th Annual Brewfest ~ April 23-24th
Friday 4-11pm, Saturday 12 noon - 11 pm $15 per person
Includes admission to the Garden, glass beer mug & 5 tastings. Add'l tastings available for purchase. Yeah ~ Ty Curtis will be there too!
http://www.oregongarden.org/Brewfest.htm

Mac's Place ~ April 23-24th
After Brewfest head to Mac's for Music!
Friday, Tommy Hogan and the Killer Bees ~ Rockabilly Blues
Saturday, phamous phaces - Power kings of pop

Ag Fest April 24-25th
Admission: $7.50 ~ Oregon State FairgroundsChildren 12 and under FREE ~ Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.mPublic info: (503) 581-4325 or (800) 874-7012Media info: (503) 363-8434 http://www.oragfest.com/ Always a fun stop with kids, especially if it’s raining. Usually get free trees too!

Retail Therapy:
Saturday Market in Salem will be back in action beginning April 3th! Corner parking lot of Summer and Marion Streets.
Just remember you have to plant what you purchase - (note to self).

Prudence Uncorked - Good by J.James hello Prudence!
Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30
Dinner Mon-Fri 5:30
Happy Hour at 4:30
Closed Sundays unless you have a fabulous party in mind!
You must check out their website for all the wonderful menu's and cocktails!
Link to their website:
http://www.jjamesrestaurant.com/

March Happenings 2010

First Wednesday ~ Salem
Rain Fest 2010 - Umbrellas in the City! Wednesday, March 3 - 6-8pm
Alessandro's Ristorante & Galleria ~ Alessandro’s will be hosting artist appearances and exhibits of Washington artists Dee Dee Murry and Sandy Burnett. Dee Dee has received multiple awards including the Washington State Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year. Dee Dee is an accomplished wildlife and animal artist. Sandy works in oil and acrylics and favors floral and still life. SCO musicians will entertain with beautiful string quartet music! Check out all the events happening at this month's First Wednesday at GoFirstWednesday.com! Free Admission

Willamette Valley Vineyards
Oregon’s 7 th Annual Wine, Cheese & Pear Jubilee
March 6-7th ~ 11-6pm
Oregon's premier event featuring award winning wines paired with local artisan cheeses and Oregon pears. Have fun exploring the nuances of this special coupling. Learn the art of cheese making from the people at Oregon Gourmet Cheeses, Rogue Valley Creamery, Willamette Valley Cheese Company, Tillamook, Rivers Edge Chevre, Fraga Farms, Juniper Grove Farms and more. Enjoy a variety of pears and fun recipes from the Oregon Pear Bureau. Your $5 admission includes wine and food tasting, and a free Riedel wine glass! This is a great deal and a very fun time, cheap date too! Sunday afternoons are the least busiest times.

First Friday ~ Silverton
Friday March 6 th, 7pm
Come to Silverton and stroll through all of the shops and galleries.
Finish off with a pint at Mac’s Place.

Sip! McMinnville's 17th Annual Wine & Food Classic
Wine, Food, Arts, Music & Guest Chefs March 12, 13, 14
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, Just off Hwy 18 In McMinnville
Friday March 12th ~ 3-9:30 pm
Saturday March 13th ~ 12-9:30 pm
Sunday March 14th ~ 11-5 pm
Daily Admission$15.00 ~ 3 day pass $30 ~ www.macwfc.org
Ticket price does not include wine tasting fees, which may vary by vendor and are collected at vendor booths

**Daylight Savings begins March 14th, remember to change your clocks ~ Spring forward!

Shamrock Run
March 14th , 6:30am-10:15 am
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland
Whether you're Irish or just wish you were, take part in the 32nd Annual Shamrock Run. You have your choice of race distance--either 5K, 8K or 15K. If you'd rather walk, there's the Shamrock Stride, a 3.5-mile fitness walk. The wee ones can take part in the kids' 1K run, the "Leprechaun Lap." For more information, check out the official web site http://www.shamrockrunportland.com/

St. Patricks Day ~ March 17th, Wednesday

Great Harvest Bread Co. 339 Court St. Salem.
Irish Soda Bread, Guiness’nWhite Cheddar Bread, Blarney Scones, Frosted Shamrock Cookies, Irish White Bread (yep-it’s green!) Dance a jig for a free cookie! Jiggalicious.

SPRING BREAK MARCH 22-26TH

Annual Spring Beach Clean up ~ Oregon Coast
Saturday 10-1 pm., March 20th,
http://www.solv.org/programs/spring_beach_cleanup.asp

National Doctor's Day ~ March 30th
Take time to thank your doctor for all they do for you and your family.

Cubanisimo ~ Monthly Salsa Lessons, March 20th at 5pm
Cubanisimo resumes daily wine tasting schedule from 11am - 5pm starting April 1st and releases 2008 Estate Pinot Noir.

Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills - March 20, 20
Come howl at the moon and celebrate our second Equinox in the Eola-Amity Hills event! Last year, we sold out two weeks before the event, and our guests loved the chance to taste wines and discuss the vintage with most of the key principals of the Eola-Amity Hills winemaking community
This year, we've assembled 25 wineries from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, and even a few from outside the AVA who make wines from Eola-Amity Hills fruit. Once again you'll be able to taste the wines, talk with the winemakers, and buy some wine too! Each winery will be featuring one wine for sale at a discounted price so you can go home with your favorites. Enjoy delicious sweet and savory bites to complement your wine tasting experience from some of the best restaurants and caterers in our area! When: Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Where: Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Rd NW, SalemTickets: $35 Per Person, Contact Betty Pataccoli, Redhawk Winery & Vineyard (503) 362-1596.

Vitality at Wellspring ~ Woodburn
http://iamvitality.com/ Prime-rib every Wednesday for 15.99 With two paid prime-rib dinners, guest will receive a complimentary bottle of our house Red wine.
Fish Friday Specials! Baked Fish & Chips Friday
You’re Choice of Cod, Salmon or Halibut.
Panko coated and Baked to perfection, served with Vitality’s own Sweet Potato "Fries"
$15.99 per person
Please call 971-983-5280 to reserve