CONTENTS
BY ROBIN ROSENBERG AND DORAN STAMBAUGHOne Soused Pear
Clear Creek Distillery produces nationally renowned brandy, eau de vie, grappa, marc and single malt whiskey. Its Pear-in-the-Bottle Eau de Vie ($79.95, Clear Creek Distillery, 1430 NW 23rd Ave., 248-9470--also available at selected liquor stores), is a sight to behold. When the pear is but a bud, it is immersed in a bottle attached to the tree. Once the fruit matures, its stem is cut, leaving the pear inside the bottle to ripen. Then the fermented and distilled juice from approximately 28 pounds of pears is poured into each vessel. The fruit's crystal-clear liquor preserves the golden-green hue of the pear trapped within. While its shelf-life is indefinite, it won't remain on store shelves, so take advantage of its limited availability. (RR)Full Flavor
Discerning taste buds can appreciate the nuances among different olive oils. If you know someone who regards the lovely liquid the way oenophiles do wine, give him a collection of specialty olive oils (prices vary, Sheridan Fruit Co., 408 SE 3rd Ave., 236-2113). These are not all-purpose cooking oils; they should be used sparingly to finish off a dish, or to savor a chewy loaf of bread. With a little reserve, one bottle will last a long time. (RR)A Brewer Is Born
If you can boil water, you can brew beer, and so can your likewise-talented friends. Become a homebrew benefactor by giving your favorite beer buff a Basic Brew Kit ($79.95, Homebrew Supply of Oregon, 20101 NE Sandy Blvd., Fairview, [503] 665-3355). This custom concoction of homebrew essentials has everything from glass carboys to Italian bottle cappers, including all the ingredients to make your first 5-gallon batch of beer. At $35 less than the sum of its parts, the kit is ideal for the amateur brewer. The boys at the shop will box it up free of charge. They'll even slip in a copy of the unofficial homebrewers' Bible, Charlie Papazian's The New Complete Joy of Home Brewing. The best part about birthing a home brewer is graciously partaking in the fruits of her labor. (DS)Homemade Made Better
Work plus kids equals drive-through dinner all too often. But just because you're too tired or short on time to cook, it doesn't mean you have to settle for stressful meals in spaghetti restaurants or take-out in the minivan. If you want to ease your spouse's load a bit, forgo the rotisserie chicken and try a gift certificate for home-cooked meals from Ken's Home Plate ($10 per person per meal, including side dishes and desserts, 1852 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 236-9520). Ken's offers catering, party-ready platters and everyday meals. Think of the Home Plate as a cross between a personal chef and a magic genie. The broad menu includes buttermilk fried chicken, braised lamb shanks with white beans, spicy tortilla casserole, lentil-and-mint salad and Tuscan cream cake. (RR)Sweets for the Sweet
Occasionally, a $50 bottle of wine seems like a great deal. Such is the case for the 1989 Chateau d'Oisy Vedrines Sauterne ($50, Great Wine Buys, 1515 NE Broadway, 287-2897). Dubbed "the best dessert wine in the world," Sauterne is a sweet, rich wine without the syrupy character of most dessert wines. Usually packaged in 325ml splits, this 750ml bottle is perfect for sharing with a crowd. (RR)Beyond Boiling Water
For that special someone who can't cook enough, or the other special someone who shudders at the word "spatula," cooking classes ($45-$75, In Good Taste, 231 NW 11th Ave., 248-2015) are as entertaining as they are educational. Guest chefs from Portland restaurants and more exotic locales devise menus based on ethnic, regional or seasonal cuisines. Cooking professionals provide instruction, advice and opinions on tools, ingredients and different techniques. A multi-course meal (just desserts for one's labor) and some wine-soaked humor make for a memorable evening long after the holidays are over. (RR)As Seen on TV
Something magical happens when tiny bubbles are paired with tiny eggs. They were the bread and water of Dynasty's grand bitch, Alexis Carrington; make them someone's special snack during this season of decadent party food. You don't have to be a gourmet to covet champagne and caviar (Strohecker's, 2855 SW Patton Road, 223-7391). Dom Pérignon and beluga make for a classic but uninspired selection; they too easily recall the era of disco and Halston dresses. Instead try the rich, nutty osetra caviar ($30) and a chilled bottle of Perrier-Jouët Brut ($32.95). (RR)Stock up in Style
It's always the little things that add up, and for anyone who insists on imported Arborio rice, salt-cured anchovies, organic butter and the like, the little things add up quite quickly. Instead of bringing a bottle of wine to a holiday gathering, stock your friend's kitchen with deluxe pantry items (prices vary, Pastaworks, 3731 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 232-1010). Mix up the all-important staples (pasta, rice, polenta, olive oil, sea salt) with tapenades, mustards and dried mushrooms. (RR)Flying Fish
Send your faraway loved ones a symbolic piece of the Pacific Northwest: some smoked Chinook salmon ($15.99 per pound, $15 packaging, plus shipping, Newman's Fish Market, City Market NW, 735 NW 21st Ave., 227-2700; Irvington Market, 1409 NE Weidler St., 284-4537). Choose a few choice cuts from Newman's fresh selection and leave the rest to them. Your fine fishy meat will be moved into a chilly chamber of gel packs and ice and safely sent to the folks at home. If you share the tasty wealth of this wonderful region, maybe you'll get a Philadelphia cheese steak or some Milwaukee's Best in return. (DS)Who's Behind the Basket?
With an entire high-end grocery store at their disposal, the folks at Strohecker's have infinite possibilities for designing creative gift baskets (prices vary, Strohecker's, 2855 SW Patton Road, 223-7391). Pick a theme and let them run with it, or hand select every item yourself. The outcome is a beautiful presentation of personality and taste, all tucked neatly into a wicker basket. In the past, Strohecker's staffers have constructed everything from beer-and-junk-food baskets to gourmet-dinner packages, so don't worry about being gauche. Even though six hours' notice is preferred, emergencies are welcome. Procrastinators rejoice! (DS)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Willamette Week | originally published December 2, 1998
