BY JACOB PALMER AND EILEEN GARVIN
A power lunch at Solstice Wood Fire Cafe & Bar.
BY JACOB PALMER AND EILEEN GARVIN
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Solstice Wood Fire Café & Bar
501 Portway Ave., Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 436-0800
Owners: Suzanne and Aaron Baumhackl
Atmosphere: Friendly, always busy and full of locals and tourists. The door is wide open to the breeze off the Columbia River across the street and large glass windows look out on the sunny hills of Washington.
Clientele: Outdoor enthusiasts, local families, employees from nearby Tofurky, Hood River Juice Co., and Dakine factories. Mt. Hood Meadows employees down from the mountain.
Most popular: Wood-fired pizza slices, pan-fried chicken breast sandwich, roasted pork loin sandwich, Moroccan beef stew.
Best seat in the house: When the sun is shining — outside. Heated patio for the chilly season.
Brag factor: Solstice is among a handful of new developments located on Hood River’s waterfront. As such it has a captive audience in the thousands of tourists who flock to the area for its family-friendly park and world-class wind sports, as well as workers at nearby businesses.
Overheard: Restaurant staff discussed neighbor Pfriem Family Brewers’ launch of bottled beers. An employee from a sporting goods company remarked on the dearth of good action shots of female athletes. A local farmer dropped off a load of spring garlic destined for upcoming menus. Conversation stopper: One man in a pressed white shirt, tie, slacks and leather loafers came through the door. (Clearly not a local.)
Critic’s corner: More seating please! {jcomments on}
