Word Is – 2013 Summer Chow

A new food cart has opened up in Veneta, off Hwy. 126 on the way to the coast (and the Oregon Country Fair). Johnny Riv’s Steakshack serves tri-tip, ribeye and “steak shack sliders” to those craving meat on weekend jaunts. Check out the Facebook page at http://wkly.ws/1ht.   Townshend’s Tea Co.’s new Eugene shop is now open at 41 W. Broadway, and those chairs and couches look darned comfy. Look for news at their Facebook page: http://wkly.ws/1hu.   Continue reading 

Taste of Malaysia

While Kopi-O is the first restaurant that Azam Ismail has ever owned, chances are that you have enjoyed some of his creations before. “My dad was a chef at Ring of Fire, Adam’s Sustainable Table and Lucky Noodle,” his son Aaron Ismail says. “This is a dream he has always had, and we’ve always wanted to make it happen for him.” Continue reading 

French Twist

Securing a seat at certain times was nearly a sport at chef Gabriel Gil and restaurateur Cory Stamp’s first restaurant incarnation in Eugene, the Rabbit Bistro and Bar. The space was tiny and Chef Gil’s creativity was staunched by a lack of storage space, famously leading to a “no substitutions” clause on the menu. And that “no ketchup” thing? “That truly was because I forgot to order ketchup,” Gil says, laughing. Continue reading 

Chow Down(Town) Springfield

Mitchel Hescheles’ grandfather woke every morning at 2:30, tending his farm before heading to work at a factory. After retiring, he refused to get out of bed before 11:11 am. Hescheles is unclear why his granddad picked such an arbitrary time, but he decided to pay homage to his hardworking grandpa when opening Chow, his new restaurant on South A Street in downtown Springfield.  Continue reading 

Making Healthy Delicious

Eating healthy as a taste snob can be a chore. But not at Tru Veg. Crystal DuBoyce and Brian Igarta, and their 12-year-old daughter Skye, serve up plant-based foods packed with both flavor and nutrition from a tiny white trailer in the parking lot of an automotive business on Chambers Street. They’ve divided the menu at Tru Veg in two: cooked vegan food and raw, or living, food.  Continue reading 

Middle Eastern Soul Food

When Chef Walid “Willie” Saleeby makes traditional Lebanese food, he’s replicating the dishes his mother and grandmother made for him in Lebanon when he was a boy. It’s not about working off a recipe, he says, but remembering all those tastes and textures — that’s what makes the best traditional meals. Continue reading 

U-Pick the Berry Best

Summer is shining ahead of us, and one of its brightest parts is plodding through the dirt to gather Oregon berries in the morning sun. Fortunately, u-pick farms surround Eugene, making the experience easily accessible. Check out these farms (and there are many more!) for their u-pick options; we’ve organized them by distance from the Park Blocks that host the Lane County Farmers Market. Many of these farms are augmented with other fresh produce, flowers and baked goods you can pick up, plus it’s a great way to wear out kids if you’ve got ‘em. Continue reading 

Summer Guide 2013

Blossoms fly loose in humid draughts, skitter across sidewalks and smile up at the sun, and all the while the temperature rises. Listen closely; can’t you hear it? The sprinkler hiss and lawnmower drone, the river goading you gently to its banks to crack that first summer ale and float away? Whether you’ve scrimped and saved for a five-day wine tour, polished your hot rod for that car show or jogged through the cold in preparation for one special race, the time for fun is finally nigh. Eugene, meet summer 2013; we’re sure it’s bound to be the best one yet. Continue reading 

Summer Guide 2013 Calendar

Right Here Events in and around this town of ours.   June Thursday, 6/6 Acoustic Music Jam Ages 50 & up, 9:30-11:30am every Thursday through Aug. 29, Campbell Community Center, 155 High St. $0.25. Walk with Us, weekly self-led neighborhood walking group, ages 50 & up, 9:30-10:30am every Thursday, meet at Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Rd. FREE. Continue reading