Dr. O John Ma on Seven Great Dining Experiences in Oregon
Fine Dining Opportunities Numerous in Oregon, Dr. O John Ma Says
Between an abundance of ingredients and talented chefs, Oregon abounds in fine dining opportunities. Here are seven fine dining establishments in Oregon worthy of a visit, curated by Dr. O John Ma.
Ariana Restaurant
Ariana is a charming restaurant tucked away in a Craftsman bungalow in Bend. Featuring exquisite dishes that showcase local fresh ingredients, Ariana offers discerning diners entrées such as seared jumbo diver scallops served over Dungeness crab, herbed canaroli risotto, and duck with crisp Brussels sprouts served with baked summer squash and rose harissa.
Bollywood Theater
Bollywood Theater is a casual dining established founded by Chef Troy McLarty to feature Mumbai street food. Creating a cultural experience as well as a cultural one, guests are entertained with Bollywood movies projected on the wall and found objects evoking a journey to Mumbai. Featured dishes include the spicy potato dumpling dipped in chickpea batter, fried, and served on a roll with chutneys, vada pav.
C Street Bistro
Located in a cottage in the community of Jacksonville, near Medford, C Street Bistro reimagines local ingredients into seasonal menus designed to satisfy any craving. Open for dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, C Street Bistro specializes in making simple food delicious, like their herb-smoked half chicken with roasted root vegetables and caramelized fennel. They are open for lunch and brunch Tuesday through Saturday.
Jen’s Garden
Husband and wife Jen and TR McCrystal run Jen’s Garden in an intimate cottage in Sisters, a small town in central Oregon. Specializing in using the freshest ingredients possible, the McCrystals offer dishes like beer-battered true cod served with butternut squash and crispy prosciutto. They served a grilled duck breast with an Italian sausage bread pudding. Their luscious deserts include a Meyer lemon custard.
Le Pigeon
Serving diners in Portland, Le Pigeon offers French-inspired cuisine with a creative twist. Featuring a relaxing, cozy dining space with communal tables, the dining area features an open kitchen, in full view from the chef’s table. Owner and chef Gabriel Rucker changes the menu weekly to feature fresh ingredients. Offerings include pigeon served with brown rice, green apple, hazelnut, and pork heart, and rigatoni gigante with a lemon-laced pistachio ricotta, maitake mushroom, saba, and glazed chestnut.
In Newburg, Dr. O John Ma Recommends The Painted Lady
The Painted Lady serves “refined modern American cuisine” in a restored Victorian home in Newburg. Operated by Jessica Bagley-Routt and her husband Chef Allen Routt, The Painted Lady has received AAA’s four-diamond rating since 2011. Offering a tasting menu or a five-course fixed menu, favorite dishes at The Painted Lady include gently roasted salmon with lentil and black garlic purée, salsify in red wine butter sauce, and a spinach and Oregon mushroom crêpe with lentil and wild rice salad with butternut squash sauce.
Restaurant Beck
Acclaimed chef Justin Wills and his wife operate Restaurant Beck—named after their son—as a fine dining establishment in Depoe Bay. Using fish and seafood gathered by local purveyors the same day, Restaurant Beck changes its menu daily to feature the freshest possible local ingredients. In addition to the Wills family’s innovative New American cuisine, diners can enjoy incredible ocean views, says Dr. O John Ma.
