Salud Wine Bar in downtown Camas is offering two specials this week: Gnnochi with creamy gorgonzola sauce and Smoked London Broil.
You can see their full online menu at www.saludwine.com/menu and make reservations at www.saludwine.com/online-reservations or call 360-787-2583. Each dish is available for takeout, as well. These specials are served Wednesday through Saturday while supplies last:
Gnocchi with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce, Mushrooms and Ham
“Just writing this post makes me hungry,” said Salud chef, Tony Dotson. ”I love Gorgonzola or any blue cheese for that matter! I know it is not for everyone but if you are into blue cheese then you definitely have to try this. I first make a creamy Gorgonzola sauce and add in some sauteed ham and mushrooms. It’s then all tossed with the gnocchi for a bit of creamy deliciousness on your plate.”
The gnocchi dish is accompanied with the Salud side salad and house made bread: $15.00
Saturday Smoked Meat (served while supplies last)
This Saturday, Salud will be serving Smoked London Broil. This tasty meal comes with their garlic mashed potatoes and green beans with bacon (bacon makes everything better!). It’s accompanied with their Salud side salad and house made bread: $20. You may want to get reservations in ASAP because when they’re we’re sold out, they’re sold out.
Don’t forget they have weekly wine specials.
Reservations are recommended for any of these specials.
Lastly, Please help them by practicing proper CDC guidelines: They ask that you please wear a mask into their establishment, and wear it anytime you aren’t seated. Also please use hand sanitizer and practice proper social distancing. Thank you and Salud!
Coming Soon: Family dining in the Salud main dining room — mid to end of September!!
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/02115215/805737BB-D8D0-4F99-9AD0-3B98BA0834C0.jpeg15762048Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-09-02 12:33:252020-09-02 14:01:18Salud Offering Gnocchi and Smoked London Broil As This Week’s Specials
New flavors are coming to Downtown Camas! To bring some extra culinary excitement to the community in September, participating downtown restaurants will be offering Fair Food Week from September 4th – 11th and The Secret Menu Event from September 15th – 30th.
Fair Food Week:
Since Camas Days and the Clark County Fair couldn’t happen this year, Downtown Camas restaurants are offering nostalgic and much-missed fair foods and treats on their menus for a full week starting on First Friday, 9/4. Funnel cakes, mini corn dogs, ice cream, caramel apples, cannolis just to name a few. There will even be cotton candy margaritas and Smoked BBQ ice cream to add unique twists to traditional fair options.
“We’re wanting to bring some fun and unique dining options to downtown and add a little extra zest to late summer,” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “We have amazing restaurants and coffee houses that are working so hard to serve the community during these challenging times. We want to take advantage of the good dining weather and we truly hope people enjoy all the food options and have fun with it. You can have something new to try every day in September!”
The Liberty Theatre will also be serving their famous popcorn on First Friday and Saturday (9/4 – 9/5) from 5-8pm and Caps N’ Taps will kick off the Fair Food Week with free fair games out front of their taproom during the evening. Cedar Street Bagel Co will be selling “Clark County Fair” scent candle wax melts with notes of cotton candy, funnel cakes and deep fried twinkies.
Fair Food Week participating restaurants and offerings:
A Beer At A Time – Giant pizza by the slice and giant pretzels with beer cheese and stone ground mustard
Adams Street Bar & Grill – Ribs with beans and Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese
Caffe Piccolo – Nachos (with jalapenos or salsa)
Cake Happy – Cake in a Jar, ice cream sandwiches, caramel apples
Cedar Street Bagel Co. – Peach hand pies and organic lemonade made with lemonade-ice cubes (add mango or blackberry as desired!)
Hidden River Roasters – Cold brew floats, root beer floats
Liberty Theatre – Popcorn served First Friday and Saturday (9/4 – 9/5) from 5-8pm
Mesa – Churro fried ice cream with chile infused caramel and Mexican spiced chocolate topping options
Mill City Brew Werks – Mini corn dogs, funnel cakes, churro-doughnuts
Natalia’s Cafe – Candied bacon on a stick
Salud Wine Bar & Italian Restaurant – Mini cannolis, zeppole (filled Italian donuts)
Squeeze and Grind – Chocolate malt milk and Oreo cookie shakes
Tommy O’s at the Camas Hotel – 2 offerings: Kalua pork loaded fries all week and Malasadas (Hawaiian donuts similar to elephant ear flavors) on Saturday 9/5 from 10am-2pm
For two weeks starting 9/15, participating Downtown Camas restaurants will offer secret menu items. Just ask for the secret menu offering and it will be a surprise until it is brought to your table. Items will be available for takeout as well. The goal is to bring new flavors, fun engagement for customers and some culinary adventure to the community.
Wednesday afternoons in Camas are special during the warmer summer months because of our Camas Farmer’s Market. It’s a weekly event booked on my iPhone calendar as I look forward to greeting local farmers, florists, and vendors because everyone is so friendly, the fresh produce and products are treated with care, and its organizers work so hard to make it all happen.
The farmer’s market is a non-profit that has grown over the years to a successful seasonal enterprise that is typically filled with live music, food vendors, farmers, and other merchants who are dedicated to serving fresh food and a fun time. For years, typically, the market has fun events to entertain kids and tables to sit and relax. For years, it’s typically been a well-attended activity.
Then the virus hit.
At first, the City of Camas was reluctant to issue a permit for the market to event start in 2020 given the corona virus. But, after much lobbying and demonstrating they could do this safely, farmer’s market organizers made it work, and they opened in June, about a month later than planned.
Does the market resemble what it typically looks like? Kinda.
The booths are physically spaced, the traffic is re-routed to maintain personal space. Face masks are required, and there are just 15 vendors.
The hard-working farmers, bee keepers, florists, picante sauce makers, and sweet treat specialists are there each week ready to serve you quality food. And, even though attendance is lower, the market organizers say the vendors are making more money this year than in years past.
The typical food vendors aren’t there out of respect to the existing downtown Camas restaurants who hav
It’s an event I enjoy. I love greeting farmers and buying up strawberries, blueberries, zucchini, cauliflower, beets, carrots, applies, and peaches. It’s a weekly bounty for which I am very grateful.
The Camas Farmer’s Market is open each Wednesday from 3-7 pm on 4th Avenue in front of the Camas Public Library. Pay them a visit, buy some fresh produce, flowers or treats, and tell them THANK YOU.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/25200150/CDD95C67-C1DF-491E-B068-84375B250BDE.jpeg6541280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-08-25 20:49:252020-08-25 20:49:35An Op-Ed — Camas Farmer’s Market In a Pandemic: Less Is More
Tommy O’s at the Camas Hotel is offering a new Happy Hour menu now, and it includes some fan favorites like the Kalua Pork Quesadilla.
Tommy O’s, which has stayed open throughout the pandemic with takeout and delivery services, has resumed dine-in service while meeting all COVID-19 state-mandated safety guidelines. They also offer outdoor seating.
Happy Hour is from 2-5 pm Monday through Saturday, and the HH menu comprises the following:
Kalua Pork Quesadilla: $5
Coconut Crunchy Shrimp: $6
Meatballs: $5
Kalua Pork Sliders: $5
Caesar Salad: $5
French Fries: $4
Happy Hour drinks:
HH White Wine: $5
HH Red Wine: $5
HH Tap Beer: $5
HH Cocktail: $5
Tommy O’s at the Camas Hotel is located at 401 NE 4th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/24164748/C379A523-AC5B-4592-AF3E-90B889531C1A.jpeg6061280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-08-24 17:46:582020-08-24 17:47:09Tommy O’s At The Camas Hotel Offers New Happy Hour Menu
Salud Wine Bar continues their third anniversary celebration this week by holding over the Pasta special, due to high demand. Also what’s a better celebratory smoked meat than Prime Rib? Wait until you try Tony’s special twist.
Following are this week’s (August 10th) Dining Specials at Salud: (Full Menu always available as well Wednesday through Saturday) www.saludwine.com/menu
Each Dish is Available for Take Out/To GO.
Italian Dining Special – Served Wednesday thru Saturday while supplies last:
Penne alla Vodka – A fantastic and authentic Italian cuisine that I (Tony) love!. Like its name suggests, this is a pasta dish made with Vodka and Penne pasta. It is prepared with Garlic, Prosciutto, Tomatoes, and finished with my own Vodka/Cream/Parmesan Sauce. .Accompanied with our Salud Side Salad and House made Bread $15.00
Saturday Smoked Meat (served Saturday while supplies last):
This Saturday, Salud will be serving their wonderful, juicy, Prime Rib. First, they take the Roast and deep season it with fresh roasted garlic and rosemary. They then coat and rub with celery salt and pepper, and then it’s smoked for hours with a sweet cherry mesquite wood mix, smoked to a nice medium rare to hold all the juices in. Meal is served with Roasted Baby Potatoes and Mini Carrots, House made Au Jus, and for a kick, horseradish. Meal also comes with the Salud Side Salad and House made Bread. All this for $25.00 – You may want to get reservations in ASAP, when it’s sold out, it’s sold out.
Don’t forget, they ALWAYS have Wine Specials each week!!
Reservations are recommended for any of these specials. Please let them know when making reservations if you’d like one of these specials and which one.
Lastly, Please help us by practicing proper CDC guidelines. Salud asks that you please wear a mask into our establishment, and wear it anytime you aren’t seated. Also please use hand sanitizer and practice proper social distancing.
This is Part 2 of our Being Prepared series, which focuses on water storage. Provident Living provides some great insight on being prepared.
Do you have enough water stored for you and your family in the event of an emergency? If so, is it stored properly? Adults need to drink at least two quarts of water each day. There are four quarts in a gallon. And, if you add in other needs, such a water for cooking, cleaning, etc. you really need one gallon per day per person. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people may need more. Additional water is needed for food preparation and hygiene—for a total of one gallon per adult per day. Experts recommend storing a two-week supply as a minimum. For an adult, that’s 14 gallons (53 liters).
A gallon of water weighs about 8.3 pounds. Water is not easy to transport because it is so heavy. That means your emergency water plan should account for that.
Keep these items in mind when you are planning. For example, you may want to put a gallon of water per day in your 72-hour kit. But, that will weigh about 25 pounds. Are you and your children strong enough? Will it even fit?
How do we do this? An approach
Here is an approach to water storage. The Ready Store says you need to have three ways of getting to clean water:
1. Store water. Every shelter-in-place supply should have water storage. A small word of caution: Don’t try to go cheap on your water storage. Buy a food grade water storage container like a 55, 30 or 5 gallon container and use that. Don’t fill up your old juice bottles or your old milk jugs. They’ll crack more easily and they’re not designed for long term storage.
The barrels and water containers are not very expensive and when the time comes that you need the water, you will be glad you stored water you can actually use. Also, have a variety of sizes of storage containers. Don’t just have a 55 gallon barrel that you never move and never clean out or fill up. Use smaller, easier to transport containers like a 5 gallon stackable.
2. Have a portable water filter. If you do have the water stored but you are not sure if it is safe or you come across water in an emergency and you don’t know if it is safe, portable water filters are extremely handy and will allow you to clean suspect water that you come into contact with and make it drinkable.
These portable micro filters will remove bacteria and protozoa from the water, but won’t kill viruses. If you have a stream, lake, pond, river or well by your house; you will be able to clean the water from those sources using these filters. Each filter will clean up to 500 gallons of water. That is nearly ten 55 gallon drums worth of water. They are also great for camping or hiking.
3. Have water purification tablets. These are very handy to have around and a small bottle will chemically treat up to 25 quarts of water. They work fairly quickly (typically in less than a half an hour) and will kill bacteria, protozoa and viruses.
Remember that if you don’t have any of these three things, you can still clean water by boiling it. As a matter of fact, boiling is most effective way to clean water except it won’t take out the floaties like a filter will. The problem with boiling water to drink is it uses a lot of fuel that you may not want to use for that purpose. Also, don’t forget to have portable water pouches in your emergency supplies. They have a 5 year shelf life and are very handy to have around.
According to providentliving.org, water storage containers should be thoroughly washed and should be airtight and resistant to breakage. Plastic soda bottles are commonly used. If the water has been treated with chlorine by a water utility, you do not need to add anything before storing it. If the water is not chlorinated and is clear, add eight drops of household bleach (5 percent sodium hypochlorite) per gallon. If the water is not chlorinated and is cloudy, add 16 drops per gallon. Seal the containers tightly, date them, and store them in a cool, dark place. Since many containers are clear, and light can permeate them, you may want to cover them or store them in dark plastic bags. Replace water every six months.
Other water sources in your home include the water heater and water remaining in the pipes, but in the event of contamination, this water would need to be purified. Having ready, potable water available for immediate use is one of the most important ways to help your family be prepared for an emergency.
If more families and homes are prepared for an emergency that places less burden on local governments and first responders.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/11184401/528A7BF6-9B20-4E54-858F-408E52830A6B.jpeg6161300Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-08-11 19:14:422020-09-24 10:02:37Being Prepared: How Much Water Should You Store For Emergencies?
It’s a flower shop, a bar, and a place to have a delectable dinner. Meet Acorn and The Oak, which is fully operational after undergoing a major renovation, construction delays, and the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
It’s an entirely new building set in the exact footprint of the former Lakeside Chalet on Everett Road in Camas, and offers an escape from the challenges of life.
Acorn and The Oak is a place to eat scratch-made supper club food served among the flowers featuring artisan cheese & charcuterie, fresh salads, tasty bites and sweets, and scratch-made entrees using local, seasonal goodness — and you can dine in the bar, the main dining area, or outside at the patio overlooking Lacamas Lake.
It’s an unusual combination of floral shop, bar, and restaurant, but it works, and is the concept of owners Janessa and Chuck Stoltz, who married in 2017, bought the Lakeside Chalet in 2019, and realized their dream earlier this year.
“It was Chuck’s idea a couple years ago,” said Janessa. “I was a social media manager for another company and I was just miserable and didn’t know what to do with my life, then Chuck said ‘You need to open a floral shop.’” I told him ‘I’ve already done that.’”
“Then he said well ‘let’s put a bar in it and I’ll quit my job and do it with you.’ So right then we started looking for places.”
After purchasing the property, it took about 18 months to complete the renovation given the obstacles of converting an old building to meet modern city codes.
“It was a major, major overhaul,” said Janessa. “We even found fuel tanks underneath the parking lot that we had to remediate. There were a lot of surprises. We had to gut the whole building.”
Osso Bucco entree at Acorn and The Oak.
The Food
Acorn and The Oak serves French American comfort food with some Mediterranean and Italian influences.
“We have a lot of shareable starters,” said Janessa. “Lots of smaller plates, like tapas and we encourage people to order a couple of things.”
Featured entrees include Chef David’s Hearty Bolognese, Grilled Wild Sockeye Salmon, and Osso Bucco. Each weekend, they have supper specials.
“It’s the type of place where you come to sit for an evening, for two-and-a-half hours,” said Chef David Haight. “It’s that supper club vibe where you’re not coming to simply eat and drink, you’re coming to socialize with your friends and family. You lose track of time here.”
Acorn and the Oak is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 pm to close. The flower shop is also open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to four.
Dinner reservations are preferred. Call 260.210.7439 or visit them online at www.acornandtheoak.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/04203611/F752C5D8-BBA8-4747-9D2A-F5DF1743FB37-e1596598695440.jpeg456763Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-08-04 20:46:142020-08-04 20:46:22Food + Dining: Acorn & The Oak Serves Delectable Food Among the Flowers
Camas, WA — After a self-imposed closure on July 19, the popular Mexican restaurant, Nuestra Mesa, is re-opening its doors today for full dine-in and takeout service.
Mesa voluntarily closed its doors upon learning a family member had tested positive for COVID-19. Customers were told the situation, and were politely asked to leave that Sunday afternoon.
Since that time, all Mesa employees were tested and the entire restaurant was professionally cleaned. It was a thorough three-hour process in which all surfaces were sanitized.
“All our employees tested negative for COVID-19 and our restaurant underwent a thorough, professional cleaning,” said Todd Moravitz, co-owner of the restaurant. “We thank you for your patience. We made your safety and the safety of our employees a priority.”
Mesa serves gourmet Mexican cuisine in historic downtown Camas. They are following all state-mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines, and have physically distanced outdoor seating, as well. Hours are 11:30-9 daily.
Learn more at www.nuestramesacamas.com or visit their social media sites on Facebook and Instagram.
For takeout or dine-in reservations, call 360.210.5311.
If you would have asked the general population in February, with a booming economy, and a community that had just celebrated its third State athletic championship, that a virus pandemic would force school and business closures, massive job losses, mandated quarantines and face covering use, as well as some supply shortages, the response would likely have been: ”you’re crazy!”
Months into the pandemic, we are still dealing with many of these issues, and it has led to lifestyle changes, new attitudes, and a general attitude of preparedness and prudent living. You just never know what’s around the corner.
Prudent living to many means living within your means, saving money for future challenges or goals, and having enough food on hand to weather the next storm.
This is the first of a three-part article that addresses having a three-month supply of food, water and financial reserves, whenever possible, to simply be prepared and have peace of mind. So what does that mean? How does one get started?
Three-Month Food Supply
This is about building a small supply of non-perishable food that is part of your family’s normal, daily diet. Take inventory of what you like to eat, what you should eat, and get started.
Have a meal plan. Know what you’d like to eat a couple weeks out, and plan ahead. Be realistic, and buy the foods that best suit you and your family.
Purchase a few extra items during each trip to the grocery store. Don’t hoard. If you like canned chicken, buy a few extra cans. If you like peanut butter, buy a couple extra jars. If you like pasta, buy a few more packages. And, of course, we all lived through the toilet paper shortage. Look for sales, and stock up. A little each trip can add up quickly. Make sure to rotate these items regularly to avoid spoilage.
Consider staple foods, such as wheat, rice, pasta, oats, beans, and potatoes that have a long shelf life — some as long as 30 years.
Don’t go to extremes. Don’t go into debt to stock up.
Preparedness brings peace of mind. If you lose your job, or if a friend needs help, you will have the ability to provide the basics for your family or families around you. You just never know what’s around the corner.
The next article will focus on PART 2: Water Supply Storage.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/27183221/72255A41-EAE8-4225-8155-75A4581158E1.jpeg6431024Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-27 19:36:082020-07-27 23:20:36Being Prepared: Why It’s a Good Idea to Have a 3-Month Food Supply
Grains of Wrath, which closed its doors nine days ago after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, has announced they are re-opening Tuesday, July 28 at 11 am.
“We are happy to report all tests that have come back were negative,” said Brendan Greenen, Partner and General Manager at GoW. “Our team member that initially tested positive is doing well and continues to quarantine.“
The popular downtown microbrewery and restaurant closed its doors on Saturday, July 18 moments after learning a support staff member had tested positive for COVID-19. Since that time, all employee tests have been completed — all negative — and the space underwent a thorough professional three-hour cleaning that included testing surfaces, a complete wipe down and decontamination spray over all hard surfaces.
“We would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support and well wishes as we navigated this scenario,” GoW said in a statement. ”Thank you again for your patience, we look forward to seeing you soon!“
GoW is open 11 am-10 pm daily. Governor Inslee’s recent mandate only changes their operation as follows:
Indoor diners must be of the same household.
All tables are 5 or less.
GoW now shuts down at 10 pm on Friday an Saturday, per the limitations.
Given the CDC and state COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants, takeout ordering is also encouraged. You may order online at: www.gowbeer.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/27164331/2F6B69FF-7F43-45E1-B69D-973F3870084E-e1595893467781.jpeg5851280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-27 18:05:432020-07-27 18:40:48Grains of Wrath Re-Opens Tuesday After Employee Testing, Deep Cleaning