Thursday Tidbits
Kickstand Coffee & Kitchen’s Garnacha Special coming soon!
Spring is keeping us on our toes—but in the best way. This week’s lineup is full of reasons to get out and enjoy it all, from waterfront celebrations and cider tastings to fresh menus and early looks at Mother’s Day plans.
Grasslands Barbecue’s Fifth Anniversary Hootenanny is happening this Saturday, May 2—and it’s shaping up to be a big one. Expect guest pitmasters from Texas, two collaboration beers (Brujos Brewing out of Portland and Hood River’s own Ferment Brewing), plus multiple food booths, live music, and lawn games. Hood River Waterfront.
Come hungry:
• Early Bird Booth opens at 10 AM with cheesy hash brown casserole, Frito chili pie, and sausages
• Guest Pitmasters Booth opens at 11 AM
• Food Truck menu rolls out at noon
Also on Saturday, the Hood River Cider Fest at the WAAAM Museum brings together over 60 ciders from 30+ Pacific Northwest cideries. Add in views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, local food vendors, and free admission—it’s an easy yes. 11 am - 6 pm.
It’s also Opening Day for the Hood River Farmers Market in its summer location (501 Columbia Street), running Saturdays from 9 AM–1 PM through November.
In White Salmon, Ridge of Wonders Wine is celebrating its Spring Wine Release Weekend (May 2–3, 1–5 PM) at the Inn of the White Salmon garden. Expect fresh Columbia Gorge AVA wines, bites, and live music.
Looking ahead to Cinco de Mayo, Kickstand Coffee Kitchen is teasing specials—including a standout Garnacha with corn tortilla, Oaxaca cheese, poblano peppers, tomatillo sauce, chorizo, and more.
On May 7, Full Sail Brewing hosts a special Brew Dinner celebrating Session’s 21st Anniversary. Think thoughtful pairings like citrus shrimp ceviche, miso salad, grilled salmon, and more (reservations recommended, 5–8 PM).
Weekly deals:
Riverside Restaurant is bringing back 2-for-1 pasta for the next 4 weeks (Sun–Thurs, 4–9 PM). (Hood River)
The Bargeway Pub now offers Penny Pincher Lunch Specials (Tues–Fri, 11 AM–2 PM, dine-in only). (The Dalles)
Hood Crest Winery now offers all-day Monday happy hour specials, including pizza and wine deals. (Hood River)
New and notable:
Freebridge Brewing released “Ponte Trucha,” a Cold IPA collaboration with a brewery from Ensenada, Mexico—pair it with their tacos or elote pizza. (The Dalles)
Analemma Wines has seasonal dishes like morels with polenta and a fresh spring toast: Analemma chives & pea shoots, spring peas, asparagus, radish, mint, basil, lemon vinaigrette, stracciatella cheese on grilled White Salmon Baking semolina toast. (Mosier)
Everybody’s Brewing just dropped a new menu with everything from an Italian mushroom sandwich to an arugula snap pea salad. (White Salmon)
Mother’s Day:
And with Mother’s Day around the corner (May 10), a few options to plan ahead:
Cathedral Ridge Winery: brunch with wine pairings + a gift for Mom, 12-1:30 pm (reservations required). (Hood River)
Cousin’s Restaurant & Saloon: full brunch spread, 9 AM–2 PM. (The Dalles)
Egg River Café: a thoughtful twist—preorder a brunch box and let Mom sleep in. Choose your pickup time (8:30 or 10:30 AM), add mimosas and a bouquet 💐, and enjoy a relaxed morning at home without the rush. Preorder cutoff is Friday, May 8. (Hood River)
There’s so much to see, do, and eat this week—hope you find something that gets you out and enjoying all the Gorge has to offer. Cheers!
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