By: Linda Pinkham | September 24 2009
Posted in Rogue Valley - Find It - Rogue Valley

You know how it goes. You leave Grants Pass, and by the time you're rolling through Cave Junction, your stomach's growling. Well, you're in luck, and not because the gas station grill roller is showcasing something that resembles a hot dog. Put that thing down, and back away.

Many people in Southern Oregon buy Taylor’s sausages in grocery stores, but you're headed right past the source! Taylor’s makes more than 50 varieties of European-style sausages in Cave Junction. You can sample a variety off the menu or grab some for a wiener roast at the beach later.

For the freshest fish and chips with a side of salty sea air, head west to the Oregon coast.

Traveling north on Highway 101, when you reach the salty air in Brookings, you may start craving seafood. Don't worry. This is normal, and a cure is nearby. The widely acclaimed Hungry Clam in Brookings Harbor is the place for not only fish and chips, but also calamari, oysters, scallops, clam strips, clam chowder and more.

Half an hour north, but with plenty of beach stops in between, lays Gold Beach. The biggest choices for dinner are whether to opt for ocean-, river- or harbor-view dining. Spinners Restaurant, with an ocean view, offers exceptional food and service, in a white linen tablecloth atmosphere -- but you can wear your beach attire and still be seated.

Should you be inclined toward river-view dining, head up Jerry’s Flat Road a couple of miles to the Riverview Restaurant on the Rogue River. Slightly less formal, you can order a wood-fired pizza for the kids and choose from many delightful entrees like fried razor clams or fresh salmon. From your table, you may see salmon jumping, and sea lions and seals cruising around the boat docks.

In the Port of Gold Beach, the Porthole Cafe overlooks the harbor. The oyster stew and chef’s seafood salads are exceptional. Don’t overlook the fish and chips basket, which uses the freshest fish around.

The food is so good at the coast, chances are you’ll want to take some home with you. Fishermen Direct, next door to the Porthole Cafe, buys “wild caught” fish directly from fishermen and sells it fresh, canned or flash frozen. Available fresh daily are steamer clams, Oregon pink shrimp, and oysters. Store clerk Margaret Guffee says, “Depending on Mother Nature and if the fishing boats can get out, we usually have fresh ling cod, and black and red rock fishes. Fish does not get fresher than this.”

Don't forget to pack a cooler with plenty of ice packs to take your "catch" home with you!

 

Photo: istockphoto.com/creacart


 

< Prev		Next >