Restaurants that don't suck (and are kid friendly)

Living where we do, I feel a bit spoiled when it comes to good food. The slow food movement, abundance of small farms, more choices for organic and local foods along with increased knowledge about pesticides and mass produced food have led many communities in the Willamette Valley to embrace natural, whole, organic, local, sustainable foods. We are sandwiched between two larger cities which spotlight the culinary arts giving us many amazing choices for where we eat and what we put into our bodies. Although, I enjoy eating anywhere I'm going to focus on the nourishing places that exist closer to Corvallis.

Buena Vista House Cafe and Bed and Breakfast: Nestled under apple trees, with a guitar's song weaving through branches, pizza's waft blended with fragrant blossoms, the tables are dressed for guests. The tri-fecta perfection is present on the menu with local, organic, and seasonal food and wine. A blend of outdoor friendly weather, 2 to 3 families, a reservation and pizza make a memorable evening. The Buena Vista House could not be located in a more appropriate location as this Willamette Valley that spotlights quality farm to table dining. Dinners are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Brunch is also available Saturday and Sunday mornings. Reservations only. Call (503) 838-6364 for more information.

Cornucopia-Eugene, OR (the one on 17th): After picking up my husband from the airport, a bite to eat was in order. We wanted to eat outside (it was uncharacteristically not raining), allow the kids to have some fun, and we wanted good food as well as an exciting beer selection. Cornucopia on 17th in Eugene provided all of these things. After sitting out back under the arms of Douglas (Fir) and some awnings/sails, we basked in the few minutes the sun peeked from behind the rain makers. They do have a kid's menu, but since I steer clear of these (non-nutritious nasty stuff-that tastes awesome!), I chose food for my chillens off the grown up menu, splitting plates for their dining pleasure. The beer selection is fab, on tap as well as an entire self-select double glass paneled refrig. full of the stuff. Since it was Friday, fish was what we craved and their fish and chips were splendid (not too greasy). The kids adult grilled cheese was so cool according to Anna because there were two colors of cheese (white and orange). Salads looked amazing, soups wafting over from the next table smelled heavenly, and other entrees left me curious enough to want to come back again. For hours call (541) 485-2300.

Papa's Soul Food Kitchen: After visiting Memphis several time as the Nanny of a family who's relatives were from there, I learned the delectable delight of pulled pork with slaw on a bun. As I sunk my teeth into this not just a sandwich, I was instantly hooked...no addicted. Being raised on Mormon casseroles, rice and raisins, and other large family fare, which definitely have their place, I had never experienced much in the way of spicy, deep, smoky, intense flavor as I experienced that night. I had no idea what a dry rub was. Pork shoulder? No gravy? homemade BBQ sauce that's spicy? It was amazing! Since that day and many other sandwiches from The Commissary in German Town, TN, later, I have been on a search for the perfect pulled pork sandwich in the Northwest. I think I may have found it at PSFK. Along with their lovely outdoor seating (very agreeable to kids) and adult kool-aid served in mason jars (not agreeable to kids), PSFK is a don't miss spot when headed to Eugene. Located on Blaire in a funky neighborhood. Call (541) 342-7500 for hours and directions.

Junkyard Dogs: The best hot dogs west of Chicago or even, dare I say it N.Y.? and they have a choice to honor every famous hot dog city. You have spicy, jalapeno, neon green relish dog, Louisiana style. Dogs with pickles, dogs with mayo, french dressing, cheese, if you like dogs and toppings there's a hot dog there for you. They also have kids' trays with a hot dog on a stick and a hot dog candy (gross-but they love it)...if you're going for hot dogs you may as well throw healthy eating to the wind, even for the kids! The outdoor seating is fun but can be a little distracting when a semi rolls by (keep the kids close). On 99E between Harrisburg and Junction City. For more information call: (541) 998-3232

Block 15: Consistently the best beer of any brewery that I've been to. Not only do they have their very lovely "regulars" but their ability to come up with interesting, amazingly strong and tasty selections wows me every time. I also love that they support many local small farms and provide many organic and sustainable (the tri-fecta perfection again) meals. The chalkboard tables and happy hour menu pair perfectly with children as does their story book menus. Only drawback are the crowds. Get there early for dinner (like 4:30). 541-758-2077 is their phone.

Nutcakes: I love having high end baked goods, especially done right at a French Bakery, however there is always a need every once in a while (I've been here 4 times in the last 7 days) for a good doughnut. Maple bars with bacon, Smore's bars with marshmallow cream filling and graham cracker sprinkles on chocolate frosting, and lemon curd filled doughnuts is just a sampling of the amazing selections at this newest shop in Philomath, OR. They also have started to serve lunch and breakfast, but I think their doughnuts are the shining star. Their prices are also amazing. A box of 15 to 20 day old doughnuts is $8.00. They just have coffee, not fancy lattes, which I kind of appreciate (specializing in the one thing you do well is sometimes lost). Once you discover this place you may have to erase your memory before you have to erase some extra booty. Sitting outside in the early sunshine, enjoying coffee, and delectable doughnuts while your kids destroy the flowerbed searching for bugs and tromping on plants, nothing could be better (Hey kids get outta there). For details call (541) 929-3333

Destination Restaurant

Beck (Not Kid Friendly): It is very rare for a restaurant to get it ALL right. Atmosphere-waterfall wall, floor to ceiling windows overlooking Whale Cove as waves crash over the rocks, view of simple manicured garden below restaurant on bluffs, tables spaced far enough apart to afford a little romantic privacy. Wine/Beer-extensive list many local choices and pairings with food, including special meals, where each course is paired with a different wine. Service-never lacking, someone always meeting your needs. Creative-if you don't see something on the menu you like let your server know. Chef is open to wowing you. And lastly and most importantly The Food- Amazing, inventive, simply delicious. I will go back every time I can afford to. Hands down the best place ever to eat a meal. The chef has even been nominated by Food and Wine magazine as Best New Chef. Located just South of Depot Bay. Call 541-765-3220 for hours and directions.