Mushroom Risotto and a Million Dollar View

So with summer beginning to show its age and Fall nearly upon us, many are reflecting on some of their best and recent summer memories. For me? One such great remembrance is a plate of incredible, mushroom risotto I had while enjoying an incredible view of the Oregon Coast. 

Usually "5-star food" and "The Oregon Coast" have not been found hand-in-hand. Indeed there are some true exceptions (e.g. Blackfish Cafe in Lincoln City, Or.), and here I'm highlighting another. Just opened this summer, The Headlands Coastal Lodge and Spa in Pacific City, Or. is a new, high-end destination that delivers breathtaking views of the surrounding land and seascape. From Cape Kiwanda to the bustling Pelican Brewpub to offshore Haystack Rock (this is the second, larger version....vs. Cannon Beach), the specialness of this lesser-known enclave on the Oregon Coast simply stuns. And getting a bird's eye view, such as this new lodge and hotel affords, well, it's worth saving your pennies. 

Check out this mushroom risotto, a feature from chef Andrew Garrison at Meridian, the restaurant inside The Headlands. As the former executive chef of Salishan Spa & Golf Resort, Chef Garrison brings both art and excellent taste to each dish. And I must say, it's wonderful to combine such good food with such great atmosphere. Often we see an establishment relying on just one or the other. It's almost like they say, "Well, the view is incredible so we can skimp a bit on food quality as people will come and pay either way." This is clearly not the case at the Headlands...where PDX food quality awaits with a view. 

Details on The Headlands and Pacific City Overall

So you're ready to head down to Pacific City and check out The Headlands? Excellent. Or maybe Pacific City is old hat to you and you know all about this great spot already? If so, cheers! If not, cheers again because if you try out this little town, which is very near and dear to my heart (started my love of surfing there in the early 80's), you will not only come away with some great food and excellent views, but a place to return to time and again. Here are some important places to check out for staying as well as while down there: 

How to Get to Pacific City, Oregon

The Headlands Coastal Lodge and Spa

The Pelican Brewpub

Inn at Cape Kiwanda

Moment Surf Shop

Stimulus Coffee

Sea View Vacation Rentals (of course Air BnB, Vicasa, Homeaway and other vacation rental sites have accommodations in Pacific City as well). 

Enjoy!!

Dan Meyers