Camas, WA — Imagination, determination, and overcoming adversity were the main topics addressed by 2008 Camas High School graduate, and new book author, LK Walsh, while addressing Liberty Middle School students Friday afternoon.

Her book, “The Lavender Soul,” released in April through PelianWords Publishing House, is a fantasy novel about a young girl born with lavender eyes, portending she will be the annihilation of evil, or the impetus of world-consuming darkness. It is an adventure through a fantastical world with reimagining of classical characters, such as fairies and dragons, along with new beasts crafted from Walsh’s imagination. It’s about the main character, Vera, who is seeking out her purpose.

Now living in Lompoc, CA, Walsh is in town for the Portland Book Festival, and was invited to spent time in her hometown.

“I’m here to talk about dreams and how you can help them come true,” said Walsh. “I was a senior, and had my life plan right on track, and I had already applied to several universities. I was set. I was ready to go to Chapman to study Music Therapy. Chapman said they were ending the program, and that affected my scholarship. I was high and dry, and my mother had to call and begged to get to other schools. I had worked for years to become a music therapist, so I decided to become a Humanities major and went to Concordia in Southern California.”

 

She appreciated the experience, and was able to explore many things.

“I went into journalism, but that wasn’t for me,” said Walsh. “Then I worked for an art newsletter. That wasn’t for me. So, I decided to get into publishing.”

After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities Creative Writing from Concordia in 2011, she spent 18 months writing “The Lavender Soul” after spending eight years imagining it. Once completed, she went through the agony of finding a publisher, and after 38 rejection letters, she found a home with PelianWords Publishing House.

“I am fully able to admit that I felt like a failure because it really hurts when people say no,” said Walsh. “But failure isn’t real. You can fail because you didn’t pass a test. If you choose not to learn from the failure, then it’s a real failure. You have to learn from it.”

She said there’s “one key to success in any field and that is imagination, which is key to making all of your dreams come true.”

She encouraged the middle schoolers to always have imagination.

Walsh

LK Walsh addresses students at LIberty Middle School in Camas.

“Logic, science and math are not separate from imaginations,” she said. “Sometimes people give up on their dreams because of money. Authors don’t make money. My dream is to create worlds. My dream is to spread imagination. Dreams have such great value because it takes courage to dream. Every time you have a thought it creates a physical pathway in your brain. The easiest thoughts are negative ones. It takes imagination to be positive. Imagination gives you the courage to dream. Dreams don’t always have to be those huge paychecks. They don’t even have to make sense.”

Walsh has spent the last several weeks traveling to promote her book, and is working on a prequel, which has been approved by her publishing house.

Cat Rushing, Walsh’s mother, created the cover illustration, based on vision provided by Walsh.

To learn more, or to purchase her book, visit www.lkwalshauthor.com

Washougal, WA — Second grade art students of Columbia River Gorge Elementary are already getting into the holiday spirit by created ornaments for Washington Governor, Jay Inslee’s Christmas Tree.

CRGE art teacher, Joanna Sickels, saw the opportunity and applied to have CRGE participate in the project. “It is important for students to share their work and have it seen by a wide audience,” she said.  “Projects that bring works out into the public like this help kids to invest in their art. This is also such a great opportunity to highlight our new art elementary program and let the state know that Washougal School District offers art instruction to all K-5 students.”

Since 2013, the Governor’s Mansion has requested ornaments made by students from around the state to decorate the mansion’s Christmas Tree.  The mansion receives a high number of visitors during the holiday season and guests greatly enjoy seeing the work of K-12 students from Washington State that decorates the tree.

“I’m delighted that Columbia River Gorge Elementary applied to participate and was selected,” said Anne Banks, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Learning and Teaching Program Supervisor.  “This year the theme is “Sea Creatures” and we are all looking forward to seeing the ornaments they are creating!”

Once Sickels learned the school was selected and the ornament theme, she emailed the staff to find out who was teaching about the ocean.  “That is a second-grade subject so second graders were selected to create fish, integrating the two subjects,” she said.  “I tell students that science and art are best friends, and math and art are best friend.  Integrating arts in classroom subjects can show students how art is connected in so many ways to what they are learning.”

For their project, Sickels chose traditional Japanese paper-folding to create an origami fish.  After folding the fish, students used decorative papers to collage and create attractive designs. “Origami is a beautiful medium,” she said. “The project allows them to use their personal creativity to make it their own unique fish ornament.”

According to Banks, the response this year was huge from classrooms across the state who wanted to participate, however, just twenty-two classrooms could be a part of the project. They were selected based on their art descriptions, ESD region, and whether they were an elementary, middle, or high school so that all regions and grade bands were represented in the statewide opportunity.

During a quiet stroll on 4th Avenue in Downtown Camas, you can’t miss Lisa Lê Properties and her 24/7 Window Vision Display. It looks really fun during the day, but it’s even more entertaining at night with its lights, touch pad, and numerous real estate listings. She’s also using the space to promote preferred local businesses and services.

Lê, who opened up this office in January, is a veteran real estate broker and longtime Camas resident, and may be the town’s biggest promoter and cheerleader.

“I’m all about Camas and promoting what we’re all about,” said Lê, who refers to Lisa Lê Properties as a Boutique Experience. “We know that buying or selling a home can be stressful, so our talented team members take care of all the details. We work hard to make your experience quick, painless, and even joyful.”

Lê’s experience has taught her that no two clients are alike, so her team spends time with each client to listen and tend to their needs — and that’s where the boutique experience comes into play.

“We custom tailor our boutique services to fit your needs,” said Lê. “So we do things differently here.”

The boutique experience includes the following:

  • Free Home Staging — The Lisa Lê Properties staging experts come into a client’s home to make it look its best, and sell faster at a higher price.
  • Curb Appeal — Does your home’s exterior need a little touch-up? Lê’s team will help.
  • Guest Services — If you’re moving to Camas, Lê’s team will provide up to a two night’s stay at the historic modern Camas Hotel.
  • Celebration — Once the deal is done, Lisa Lê Properties will treat you to a finely catered party for 25 of your closest family and friends.
Lisa

Lisa Lê Properties has a 24/7 Window Vision Display at their office in Downtown Camas.

“I’ve spent many years selling homes in the area,” said Lê. “I build long-term relationships with my clients. I take the time to know you, learn your needs and understand your goals. Your satisfaction is my priority.”

As part of her commitment to all things local, Lê also organized a group called Collaborative Camas, which helps local businesses meet, cross-promote, and explain what they do. They meet every two weeks. She’s also heavily involved in the local Soroptomist group, which raises funds to help families, with a focus on educational expenses.

To learn more, call 360.213.7864 or visit www.LisaLeProperties.com

PHOTO GALLERY

 

VANCOUVER, WA —   The Clark College Music Department is hosting the 5th Annual Fall Choral Festival on Friday, November 9, 2018 in Gaiser Student Center on the campus of Clark College.  Over 15 area middle and high school chamber and concert choirs will sing in this non-competitive festival which runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5/person for the day.

“We’re very happy the festival is returning this year,” says Festival Director Dr. Jacob Funk, who is also is the Director of Choirs at Clark College. “Participating choirs get the chance to work with some highly skilled clinicians and receive written feedback on their performance. Each choir will also get to have a mini-clinic onstage, allowing for the other schools to see how a different choir learns new ways to succeed. Two of the Clark College Choirs will perform for all the participating choirs in the middle of the festival. It will be a wonderful time of music making, learning, and supporting each other in song.”

Laser

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/

Welcome to your Weekly Food + Dining Guide! This week, our cover feature is Quaintrelle in Portland.

Chef Ryley Eckersley has launched a new tasting menu option at Quaintrelle. Running in addition to the regular dinner menu, the tasting menu will consist of five or six courses based on the seasonal ingredients in the kitchen, sourced from local farms, ranches and waterways. While dishes will change according to availability, the current offerings include:

  • Oysters, green strawberry, serrano, herboi
  • Yellowtail, orange, fennel, hazelnut, white shoyu, nasturtium
  • Carrots, parsnips, potato, frisee, poached egg, seeds, pancetta, maple, wasabi
  • Short rib, celeriac, radish, shishito, baby mustard greens
  • Passionfruit tart, espresso ice cream, white chocolate, basil, citrus “sour gummies”

Since joining Quaintrelle in June, Eckersley has been fine-tuning his menu and service, adding more seafood, expanding Happy Hour options, and bringing in monthly live music. The tasting menu gives him an opportunity to play, and to fulfill requests from Quaintrelle’s guests.

“Our guests frequently ask the servers how many dishes they should order. So I wanted to give an option where they could abandon all decision-making and let the kitchen go full tilt with creativity,” says Eckersley. “I feel incredibly lucky that we’re in a place now where the guests are entrusting us to say ‘make me whatever you like.’”

Full table participation is required for the tasting menu, and dinner is priced at $65. Wine pairings are $35 additional.

About Quaintrelle: Located in Portland’s bustling N. Mississippi neighborhood, Quaintrelle serves cuisine inspired by the Pacific Northwest and made with passion and intention, working with purveyors to ensure the best seasonally available local ingredients. The restaurant is located at 3936 N. Mississippi Ave. in Portland.  Reservations may be made through OpenTable, www.quaintrelle.co, or by calling (503) 200-5787.

Dining

Quaintrelle’s Bar manager Camille Cavan has also launched some new fall cocktails. Photo by Aubrie LeGault.

 

 

 

2 RIVERS BAR AND GRILL — Downtown Washougal

Rivers

Steak Bites.

2 Rivers Bar and Grill just opened its doors a week ago and it’s already a hit, filling a giant void left by Hearth when it shuttered it doors at the Washougal Town Square. It’s already getting repeat customers.

The upscale restaurant and bar is a scratch kitchen serving up small plates, burgers, entrées, with nightly specials and many beers on tap.

Using locally sourced ingredients, 2 Rivers is all about serving up fresh food. Popular dishes include the beer-battered Fish and Chips, Salmon Cakes, Steak Bites, Prime New York Steak (priced in the mid-$20 range), and Bone-in French Cut Pork Chops with Apple Chutney.

2 Rivers Bar and Grill is located at 1700 Main Street, Suite 110, Washougal, WA 98671.

Phone: 360-210-7987

Hours: 11-9 Monday-Thursday; 11-midnight Friday and Saturday; Sundays: 11-6

Find them on Facebook: @2Rivers Bar & Grill

NUESTRA MESA — Downtown Camas

Dining

Flan is back at Nuestra Mesa!

Traditional Mexican Flan is back, served with fresh grated orange zest and garnished with a nasturtium flower. The perfect accompaniment to Live Music every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm.

Located at 228 NE 4th Avenue, in Downtown Camas, Mesa offers gourmet Mexican cuisine. It’s a family friendly location.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 am-9 pm; Friday + Saturday, 11:30 am-10 pm; Sundays, 10 am-3 pm (Brunch only).

Phone: 360-210-5311

Visit: www.NuestraMesa.com

 

HANA KOREAN — Downtown Camas

Dining

Bi Bim Bop.

For those who know and appreciate Korean food, Hana is the real deal. Hana offers Korean, teriyaki, noodles, combinations, and sides at reasonable prices. A customer favorite is the Bi Bim Bop (featured above), as well as the Bul-Go-Gi, which is thinly sliced marinated beef, stir-fried vegetables, and steamed rice. Portion sizes are generous. Located in the heart of Downtown Camas at 412 NE 4th Ave.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 am-8:30 pm

Phone: 360-833-9111

FEAST @316 — Downtown Camas

Dining

Every night is a good night for steak!

Feast @316 prepares steak just how you like, with an abundance of menu options and quality service.

Located in the heart of historic Downtown Camas, Washington, Feast @316 offers one of the best dining experiences in the Northwest with Fresh Seafood, Certified Angus Beef, Craft Cocktails, and Signature Wines. Located in Downtown Camas at 316 NE Dallas St.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 am-9 pm; Friday + Saturday, 11:30 am-10 pm; Sunday, 4-9 pm; Happy Hour, Monday-Friday 3-5 pm.

Phone: 360-210-7498

Visit: www.CamasFeast316.com

THE HAMMOND KITCHEN & CRAFT BAR — Camas

Dining

Baked Mac and Cheese.

The Hammond has a new Social Hour, which begins at 3 pm daily — in the bar only.
New Social Hours: Monday – Friday 3-6 pm 
Saturday and Sunday 3-6
* bar promotion only*

Located at 4857 NW Lake Road, #200, Camas, WA 98607.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am-9 pm; Friday, 11:00 am-10 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am-10 pm; Sunday, 10:30-10 pm; Social Hour, Monday-Friday 3-6 pm, plus Saturday + Sunday, 3-6 pm.

Phone: 360-954-5620

Visit: www.TheHammondKitchenandCraftBar.com

 

CAFFE PICCOLO — Downtown Camas

Dining

Chai Nogg at Caffe Piccolo!

It’s that time of year to enjoy Caffe Piccolo’s Chai Nogg, which is made from delicious Darigold Egg Nogg and Piccolo’s tasty chai!

Each day, you can come try a new soup for lunch, along with one of our great espressos, lattes and speciality coffee drinks — featuring Caffe Umbria. For breakfast or brunch, we have delicious breakfast sandwiches and panini’s. Come to relax, unwind, or open your laptop and have a remote office. People love to meet her socially or for casual business meetings. We’d love to see you. 400 Northeast Fourth Avenue, Camas, WA, at the corner of Fourth & Cedar

Hours: Open Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm, Saturday 8 am – 4 pm, Sunday 9 am – 3 pm

Phone: 360-834-7044

Visit: www.caffe-piccolo.com

 

GRAINS OF WRATH — Downtown Camas

Dining

Pizza slices are available Wednesdays at Grains of Wrath.

GOW is offering rotating specials with new tacos every Tuesday. Rotating pizza by the slice is available every Wednesday. They also have a fantastic new Fall menu. Come check it out!

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 am-10 pm; Friday-Saturday, 11 am-12 am; Sunday, 11 am-9 pm; Happy hour is 3-6 weekdays. They are located at 230 NE 5th Ave. Camas, WA 98607

Phone: 360-210-5717

Visit: www.gowbeer.com

TOMMY O’s — Downtown Vancouver

Enjoy our great restaurant in Downtown Vancouver!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Hour and Weekend Brunch destinations in Vancouver, they also offer a full Sushi menu with creative and delicious options. For lunch and dinner, choose from selections like Macadamia Crusted Halibut, Kona Coffee Rubbed Flat Iron Steak, or Island style cuisine like Teriyaki Chicken, Kalbi Ribs, and Coconut Shrimp. We also offer many gluten-free and vegetarian options. Located at 801 Washington St Vancouver, WA.

Hours: Brunch, Saturday-Sunday, 9 am-noon; Lunch, Daily 11 am-4 pm; Dinner, Daily 4-9 pm; Aloha Hour, 3-6 pm

Lounge Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3 pm-6 pm; Friday-Saturday, 3 pm-11 pm; Sundays

Phone: 360-694-5107

Visit: www.tommyosaloha.com

HEY JACK, — Downtown Camas

Dining

Hey Jack Special! Hey Jack Special! Location: 401 NE 4th Ave, Camas WA 98607 Reservations Call: (360)954-5053 Email: [email protected]

Washougal, WA — 2 Rivers Bar and Grill just opened its doors a week ago and it’s already a hit, filling a giant void left by Hearth when it shuttered it doors at the Washougal Town Square. It’s already getting repeat customers.

The upscale restaurant and bar is a scratch kitchen serving up small plates, burgers, entrées, with nightly specials and many beers on tap.

Using locally sourced ingredients, 2 Rivers is all about serving up fresh food. Popular dishes include the beer-battered Fish and Chips, Salmon Cakes, Steak Bites, Prime New York Steak (priced in the mid-$20 range), and Bone-in French Cut Pork Chops with Apple Chutney.

We sampled their lunch Hummus plate, which stands out for its flavor, freshness and variety of vegetables. They also have some other vegetarian options on the menu.

2 Rivers features more than 30 different bottles of wine, with most selections coming from local Oregon and Washington wineries. Sixty percent of their offerings are red wine.

Owner Derik Ford brought 2 Rivers to reality after many months of working out at adjacent Anytime Fitness.

“I walked by every day to see this great vacant space, and decided to do something about it — I’ve always wanted to do this,” said Ford, an entrepreneur, whose wife, Michelle, teaches and coaches volleyball at Camas High School. “Michelle has lived here for five years, and I grew up in the Coos Bay, North Bend area. “We’ve spent time to create a great atmosphere. It’s really needed in Washougal, and we’re already getting repeat customers.”

Rivers

Derik Ford owns and operates 2 Rivers.

Underground parking at Washougal Town Square is also a bonus, which makes access really easy — especially with the elevator.

“We’re having a lot of fun, and like I said I’ve always wanted to do this, plus I live here and I’ll be much more involved in this every single day,” said Ford. “I’ve learned business is business. As long as you have good people underneath you’ll be OK.”

Server Christian Chandler said the kitchen staff is “amazing and they prepare quality food. I love their nightly specials, so do our guests.”

2 Rivers Bar and Grill is located at 1700 Main Street, Suite 110, Washougal, WA 98671.

Phone: 360-210-7987

Hours: 11-9 Monday-Thursday; 11-midnight Friday and Saturday; Sundays: 11-6

Find them on Facebook: @2Rivers Bar & Grill

Join Downtown Camas merchants for pie tastings, a pie walk dance party, pie raffle, autumn crafts, family-friendly kindness and gratitude activities, art shows, rock painting with The Paint Roller, shopping, dining and so much more at November’s First Friday, on November 2.

The theme is “Thankful for Pie!” and we will be doing pie tastings in participating merchants!! Stop by the DCA tables at Journey at 4th and Birch for your pie passport and activity list. Yum!!  The Pie Raffle at the DCA tables in Journey Church sponsored by Carla Edwards with allclarkcountyhomes.com

Featured Artists

Local artist Tommer Gonser will be featured at the Attic Gallery tomorrow! Tommer Gonser’s oil paintings with their bold palettes and dynamic patterns are reminiscent of the early modernist abstractionists. The uniqueness and mystery of his art is in large part the essence of his abstractions. He is influenced by his daily life and carries over on to the canvas his recent or more distant past. “Today I am painting yesterday. Tomorrow I will be painting today.”

Experiences such as a childhood spent surrounded by the beauty of Colorado and later years spent in the outdoors of Alaska rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, bike riding, hiking, and camping are among his influences. An inspired song writer and musician, Tommer plays the guitar, sings and writes music in a style that is as unique as his paintings. The Opening Reception will be during the First Friday event tomorrow, November 2nd from 5-8 pm. Enjoy wine, refreshments and music!

Mehrdad Shojaei will be the featured artist at Camas Gallery for the November “Thankful For Pie” First Friday. He bought his first DSLR camera in 2010 and started photography as a serious hobby.  He has always loved nature and wildlife and living close to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge inspired him to be there when not working.  Mehrdad is a self-taught photographer and has learned photography mostly through trial and error as well as using online resources.

Friday

Featured artwork at Camas Gallery.

 

Join Camas Gallery at the  First Friday Event gallery reception tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m.

See you in beautiful Downtown Camas for a sweet time!

Pie

Local artist, Tommer Gonser will be featured at the Attic Gallery tomorrow! Tommer Gonser’s oil paintings with their bold palettes and dynamic patterns are reminiscent of the early modernist abstractionists.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Thanks to advanced screening measures, it’s also a highly preventable disease—and treatable when discovered early. Yet far too many individuals and families have to deal with a difficult diagnosis because they don’t know what to do to protect their colons—or are afraid to do it. As a gastroenterologist, one of my passions is taking the fear and embarrassment out of GI exams and discussions so that people are willing to get the care they need. Below are five of the most important things I think everyone should do when it comes to reducing their colon cancer risk.

Colon

Dr. John Randles

1. Get a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is the absolute best way to check for cancer and to prevent it through polyp removal. The procedure allows doctors to catch issues early on, removing pre-cancerous polyps and catching cancerous ones before they even produce symptoms. Between 30 and 40 percent of individuals have polyps on their first screening. The earlier issues are caught, the greater the chance of a cure.
What’s more, while colonoscopies sound uncomfortable, they’re actually quite unremarkable. Drinking the prep to clean out the bowels is the worst part. The actual procedure is extremely simple and takes just 25 to 30 minutes. Sedation is provided, and most patients drift off to sleep and do not remember the procedure.

2. Know the facts about other screening methods.
A stool test can find trace amounts of blood or DNA from cancer and detect if a patient already has the disease. Stool tests are not as good as a colonoscopy at detecting pre-cancerous polyps. And while these stool-based tests are surely better than no screening, only a colonoscopy can help prevent colon cancer by allowing doctors to remove the polyps that lead to cancer.

3. Discuss your family history with your doctor.
Most individuals need to begin colon cancer screenings at 50, which is the age that colon cancer generally starts appearing. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or advanced polyps, and individuals who have inflammatory bowel disease may need to start screenings earlier. African-Americans are at higher risk of the disease and may consider beginning screenings at age 45.

4. Treat your body well.
Eating a diet rich with fiber, fruit, and vegetables and maintaining a healthy weight can help protect people from colon and other cancers. It’s also best to avoid red meat and alcohol, which are linked to an increased risk. Of course, smoking is never a good idea. Certain adults who are 50-plus may benefit from taking a daily low-dose aspirin, which can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and possibly colorectal cancer.

5. Pay attention to concerning symptoms.
While most colon cancers occur in those age 50-plus, everyone, no matter their age, should see their doctor if they notice concerning GI issues. Bloody stools, weight loss, a change in bowel habits, and persistent abdominal pain all warrant a trip to the doctor.

Dr. John Randles is a gastroenterologist at Vancouver Clinic. He was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and has a special interest in colon cancer screening.

Vancouver, WA — Journey Theater Arts Group presents Disney’s “The Lion King Jr,” which will run for two weekends, November 16-25 at Fort Vancouver High School.

A lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney animated film, “The Lion King Jr.” is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands. Born into the royal family, precocious cub Simba spends his days exploring the sprawling savanna grasslands and idolizing his kingly father, Mufasa, while youthfully shirking the responsibility his position in life requires. When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father’s life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king. With music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, additional music and lyrics by Lebo M., Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, Julie Taymor’s vision has been brought to life for audiences all over the world.

Performances are November 16-25, 2018 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661.   Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550.  Pre-sale adult tickets are $12.  Youth and senior tickets are $10. Tickets for all performances will be $4 more at the door.  Saturday November 17 is family day with all tickets at $10.

Public Performances

Friday, November 16th – 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 17th – 7:00 pm

Sunday, November 18th – 2:00 pm

Friday, November 23rd – 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 24th – 2:00 pm

Sunday, November 25th – 2:00 pm

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Our mission: “Growing youth in character, confidence and creativity, in a Christ centered community.”  Throughout the Portland/Vancouver area, Journey offers dozens of classes for ages 6-18, in drama, dance, voice and more.   In addition, we produce 12 Broadway style shows in four locations during the school year, improv competitions, multiple summer camps and professional-level community theater musicals for all ages in summer.  Journey is a nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684.  Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.

Portland, OR — Acadia Bistro chef/owner Seamus Foran is keeping the gumbo tradition alive for its fourth year in a row, presenting Gumbo Weekend Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17, 2018.  In honor of the Treme Gumbo Festival in New Orleans, the restaurant will serve a flight of gumbos for guests to enjoys for a limited time.  The trio of gumbos include:

Seafood Gumbo – Acadia’s “go-to” gumbo and the version most popular in New Orleans, the dish is made with a dark roux, providing the depth of flavor that gumbo is known for, balanced by a combination of shellfish and chicken stock.  Acadia will serve its seafood gumbo with shrimp, crawfish and Louisiana blue crab.

Country Gumbo – This style of gumbo is from the southwestern region of Louisiana and is more of a thick tomato-based stew. Occasionally seafood will be included, but a more typical recipe (and the one chef Seamus will use) features chicken and andouille sausage.

Gumbo Z’herbs – This version of gumbo became popular with the Catholics in southern Louisiana. Served during the Lent, it traditionally contained no meat, though ironically it did involve a stock made from smoked ham hocks. Z’herbs is made with any kind of green leaf-like vegetable one can find: kale, mustard greens, collards, chards, turnip tops, carrot tops, beet tops, radish tops, cabbage, lettuces and spinach can all be used. As Lenten restrictions lightened in the past few generations, this dish lost popularity. But Seamus is happy to offer it to balance out the other heavier gumbos with a hit of vegetables.

Behind the bar, manager Dan DuFour has been busy creating fall cocktails fit for Portland’s cooler evenings. New drinks include:

“Brush Fire” – Vodka, citrus, ginger, soda, pomegranate and torched thyme

“Nothing Toulouse” – Peppercorn gin, cranberry cordial, lemon, sparkling wine

“Far from the Tree” – Apple brandy, creole bitters, ginger

About Acadia

Located in the Sabin/Irvington neighborhood of Portland, Acadia has been serving modern American cuisine rooted in Louisiana food traditions since 2001.  The restaurant uses locally-grown fruits, vegetables and meats, as well as exclusively wild caught seafood from the Gulf coast and Pacific Northwest.  The restaurant is located at 1303 NE Fremont St. in Portland.  For reservations, please call (503) 249-5001.  www.acadiapdx.com.