Sunday, December 12, 2010

Holiday Cheer!


We have a basket CHOCK FULL of treats for our customers! As long as supplies last, anyone that spends $20 or more (after discounts such as Groupon are applied) will get to pick a jewel-toned envelope containing one of over $3,000 worth of our tasty treats. Rules are specific and printed on the envelope so please don't rip it open in your excitement!

Happy Eating!
Rob, Janet and our Hard Working Staff...

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Happy Holiday Season!

This year has flown by... I can hardly believe that we've been downtown for almost 2 years! It hardly seems possible - and yet the calendar doesn't lie. We have some new specials this month that I think are going to be really popular...(I've actually already posted them, so those of you lurking around are getting a sneak peak before the Noodle News subscribers!)

We have a Ravioli special (all our ravioli are made in house by Robert himself... if you're eating a ravioli in our restaurant you KNOW who made it - not too many places in town can say that!) that's a vegetarian's delight - roasted root vegetables just scream winter and this month Rob managed to coax so much flavor out of those little guys that even meat eaters will enjoy this dish!

We really feel that Gnocchi is about as comforting and hearty as it gets, so we have another stick to your ribs special this month with those yummy little nuggets of potato goodness... This time they're snuggled up with BACON. Be still my heart...

We also brought back a really popular baked dish from a few years ago - Chicken Tetrazzini... We take fresh linguine, chicken and mushrooms and bath it all in a sherry cream sauce. If that's not enough we top if off with some fresh bread crumbs and bake it til it's golden brown and delicious.

Dessert this month is a taste-treat that has always been popular - inspired my mom, it's a Triple Ginger layer cake, Candied Ginger, Ginger and Ginger Snaps all make an appearance in this cake covered with a downy blanket of cream cheese frosting.

We also have music scheduled every Friday and Saturday night from 8-10 p.m. and we are serving our entire menu until 10 p.m. as well... we offer a great place to come with friends or family from out of town to enjoy a late meal and then hang out for some great music and cocktails while still being able to enjoy having some space and time to chat.

We have ONE more Sunday left available for a private party if anyone is interested in the 12th of December, we can accomodate up to 50 or so people, and we don't charge a rental fee for the use of the restaurant! Email janet@willamettenoodle.com if you are interested. Speaking of schedules, we will close early on Christmas Eve, and will be closed on Christmas Day, so our hard-working employees can relax and enjoy the holiday with their families.

Oh, one last thing... Rumor has it there will be some gifts for our dining customers coming soon - there are some beautiful colored envelopes sitting on my desk just waiting for me to fill them with treats and treasures for our guests to enjoy in 2011!

Happy December! ~Janet

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

New Menu Items... and some other touches too!

We have some really delicious news! We now offer ALL of our entrees (yes, even the LASAGNA!) in LUNCH portions with LUNCH pricing. We realized that while our standard dinner size portions were a great value (and some people really like taking half for lunch the next day) many folks either don't have the ability to take leftovers or just wanted a smaller size meal. So we listened and noodled on it a bit (sorry - couldn't resist, it was RIGHT THERE!) and we decided the time was right to introduce a RIGHT SIZED portion for lunch.

We also wanted to implement the next phase of "7 Years In - Perfecting the Plan" and it involves some little touches that we really love, and hope you will too. First of all, we have a fantastic Garlic Dipping Oil that now comes with our lovely breads. Oh sure, we still have butter, but no one's asking for it! We are also grating parmesan table-side. While we had our own special blend of freshly grated cheeses before, we feel that NOTHING beats "grated before your eyes" freshly grated Parmesan. Angel Hair? Yep. It's on the menu. And you know you can substitute any of our regular pastas for another at no charge, right? If you didn't know that, then I sincerely apologize, because it means that we haven't done a good enough job of letting you know that we really do want you to be happy with what you order. So if you'd much rather have Rigatoni, but you felt like you always had to stick with the Spaghetti when you ordered the Puttanesca, now you know.

NEW MENU ITEMS! I can't even begin to describe how excited I am about the new menu items... We have a new meat sauce that is more authentic old world style - Nana's Sunday Gravy. Beef, braised until tender with our secret family recipe of flavorings, and then married with our rich and hearty marinara sauce - it's absolutely mouthwatering. We also have a new lighter Tomato Cream Sauce - our signature Pink Vodka sauce. This is amazing with Shrimp and Angel Hair pasta, as well as our hand made three cheese ravioli. There's Eggplant Parmesan, a new eggplant pasta with our version of a Romesco Sauce (the traditional version has both nuts and bread, but we've eliminated them in our recipe so our friends with allergies and gluten sensitivities can enjoy it as well!). The Romesco also comes with our show-stopper of an appetizer - the almond stuffed dates wrapped with bacon. Several of our staff had never tried dates, and these bowled them over. Morsels of sweet, salty chewy deliciousness.

The other piece of our current "renovation" will come with time, and that is the elavation of all things related to service. Rob and I will both be on hand to check on you more often than we have been able to this past year and a half. Growing to 2 restaurants with 30+ employees was a huge step - and it took me away from what I loved about our business - YOU! So look for us when you stop in - and please introduce yourself if we haven't met yet. We offer you our personal guarantee, that if you are not happy with your meal then we will fix it for you. All you have to do is let us know.

We continue to book live music several nights every month, and our cocktails and late night offerings are also becoming more popular. We are also adding monthly "Special Events" on Sundays, like this week's upcoming WINE AND DINE, 5 course meal with Grand Vines. A few tickets are still available, please call Maggie at Grand Vines 503-399-9463, to get yours!

If you've gotten to this point, thanks for hanging in there! And thank you for coming along on this ride with us. We've had a blast and we think there are plenty more good times to come. :)

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Willamette Valley Vineyards: Chefs' Nite Out Tickets Now on Sale!

Willamette Valley Vineyards: Chefs' Nite Out Tickets Now on Sale!

We are looking forward to being a part of Chef's Nite Out again this year, and debuting Willamette Burger as well!

Tickets are on sale now, and EVERY DOLLAR raised at the event goes to feed hungry families right here in our community. Each participating restaurant and winery donates their time and product so it is truly a team effort!

Oh, and our new favorite local band Calico Jack? Have agreed to play at Chef's Nite Out as well - so it's going to be a really fun event! For those of you that haven't ever thought to attend - thinking maybe it's a "stuffy" event or that you wouldn't fit in, this is the year to buy your tickets and check it out! Dozens of restaurants and wineries will be showing off their best and you get to try all of it! Your ticket purchase provides you with tastes of everything - you don't have to choose just a few... now where else could you get that kind of variety? (as well as great entertainment and fellowship with other food & wine loving folks!)

Tickets often sell out a few weeks before the event so SEIZE THE DAY and buy yours now! We look forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

June Specials!!

We are really losing our patience with Mother Nature around here... Don't get me wrong - we know that all this rain makes our state lush and green - but when we have things PLANNED for our customers and then she interferes? Well - that's not cool with me!

We will let you all know as soon as we get Ty & the boys re-scheduled, and we have some new faces and old friends that will be appearing in the coming weeks so stay tuned for details. Best place to get all the info will be on our Facebook page, so if you aren't already "Liking" us, (why did you have have to stop being FANS?) be sure to click on over and do so.

We are changing things up just a bit on our Monthly Specials for now... since we just added all those great new appetizers last month, we have decided to forgo our monthly Appetizer Special and ADD a monthly Cocktail Special. This month's is DEEEElicious (Dustin, our bartender extraordinaire is often called "D" around here, so it fits!).

We also have FRESH LOCAL strawberries - you know how short the season is, so be sure to come and get them as often as you can! We will be getting from 2 of our favorite local farms again this summer: Fordyce Farms and Green Villa Farms. Links to their websites are on the side of the blog - be sure to visit them if you are out and about this summer!

This month's specials:
Cocktail
Orange Drop Martini
Our twist on the Classic Lemon Drop – We use fresh squeezed orange juice, add Blood Orange Vodka & a splash of Aranciata Pelligrino then serve it with a house-made Citrus Sugared rim. Delicious!

Entrees
Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
Bowtie Pasta with our House Smoked Salmon, fresh tomatoes and green beans tossed with a lemon-dill dressing 13
WINE SUGGESTION: Le Rote Vernacia Glass: 8, Bottle: 28

Gnocchi tossed with a savory Sausage and Roasted Garlic tomato sauce 12
WINE SUGGESTION: Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon or Cubanissimo Pinot Noir
Glass: 8, Bottle: 28

Fire Roasted Asparagus Ravioli (hand-made in house!) with Browned Butter and Tarragon 12
WINE SUGGESTION: Il Pino Pino Grigio or Masciarelli Montepulciano
Glass: 4, Bottle: 14

Dessert
Lemon Panna Cotta with FRESH LOCAL Strawberries!
WINE SUGGESTION: Tualatin Estate Frizzante Semi-Sparkling Muscat

Friday, May 28, 2010

LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEKEND!

We are excited to have Junkyard Casanovas coming to entertain during our Noodle @ Night hours, 9 - 12 THIS SATURDAY!

Joe & the guys played last summer on the plaza and we had a fantastic time with them! Come on down and check out their fun rock and roll sound. They also have a few new songs - you can check them out here.

Just a reminder that this is also the last few days for our May specials, and that we are closed Monday to observe Madeleine's Birthday. (or Memorial Day for the rest of you... but when she was little she thought it was pretty cool she always gets a day off from school for her birthday and she seems to be selling that concept to the twins - five year olds are so gullible!).

June specials just landed on my desk for proofing... am thinking these are all going to be winners!

Have a SAFE and HAPPY weekend!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

May Specials.

Appetizer:

Since we have added several new appetizers to our regular menu we decided to let YOU decide what you want to try. They are all delicious! Be sure to check out the new Pizzettes, risotto balls, polenta fries, hand breaded mozzarella sticks AND hand-made salmon cakes - all on the new appetizer list in the menu!


Entrees:

Shrimp and Asparagus in a citrus butter sauce served over Pappardelle 14
WINE SUGGESTION: Le Rote Vernacia or De Canal Pinot Grigio


Rigatoni with Chicken, fresh tomatoes and cilantro tossed with a creamy avocado sauce 11
WINE SUGGESTION: Lockwood Chardonnay or Cubanissimo Pinot Noir


Greek Pasta Salad
Farfalle pasta chock full of feta cheese, kalamata olives & fresh tomatoes in a yogurt dressing 10
WINE SUGGESTION: Le Rote Vernacia or Tre Nova Bonatella Sangiovese


Dessert:

Mom’s Favorite Peach Cobbler topped with freshly whipped cream 5
WINE SUGGESTION: Tualatin Estate Frizzante Semi-Sparkling Muscat


Our monthly specials are popular and use seasonal ingredients so quantities may be limited... We apologize if we run out!

~~Our wine suggestions come from our friends at Grand Vines – give them a try to enhance your dining experience~~

Friday, March 26, 2010

Want to name one of our specials? Now's your chance!


This is going to be one of our specials this April - farfelle, grape tomatoes, green beans, olive oil and herbs topped with slices of seared ahi tuna. A free gift certificate to the Noodle for the best name (and of course, the prestige!)

Good luck!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

March Specials.

Appetizer:

Cheese flatbread pizzettes made with our own handmade dough and sauce, topped with a blend of four Italian cheeses 5

Add sausage (our own - housemade!) 7

WINE SUGGESTION: Basciano Chianti Rufino

Entrees:

Spaghetti tossed with Baby Clams, fresh tomatoes, capers and lots of garlic in a white wine & butter Sauce 13

WINE SUGGESTION: Le Rote Vernacia

Caramelized Onion & Bacon Lasagna
This was a favorite at a Catering Company Janet used to manage. We spruced it up a bit with spinach and some extra cheese. Yum! 11

WINE SUGGESTION: Tre Nova Bonatello Sangiovese – Gino Cuneo Cellars

Creamy Risotto made with our own handmade beef demi-glace, with a seared & Sliced petite Flat Iron Steak drizzled with a Fontina Cream Sauce 15

WINE SUGGESTION: Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Dessert:

Limoncello Cake 5

WINE SUGGESTION: Tualatin Estate Frizzante Semi-Sparkling Muscat



Our monthly specials are popular and use seasonal ingredients so quantities may be limited... We apologize if we run out!

~~Our wine suggestions come from our friends at Grand Vines – give them a try to enhance your dining experience~~

Monday, February 8, 2010

Love is in the Air....

Or, maybe it's just the promise of Spring that has me smiling a bit more these days. Either way - we are excited about this weekend - whether you are celebrating romance or just appreciating good friends (because I don't necessarily relegate Valentine's Day to being a couple's holiday... after all - don't we all send our kids to school armed with dozens of heart shaped missives begging each classmate to "Be Mine"?) you should check out our Dinner for Two offering below. We will not be asking for any sort of proof of "coupledom". See? Equal opportunity dining here.

Also the February Specials are OUT of THIS WORLD! You should definitely hop on over and check them out.

As always we will accept call ahead seating this weekend, but NO RESERVATIONS. We think it works out best this way, since we don't have to fend off angry eyes while we hold an open table for someone running a bit late.


Dinner for Two:

Cheese Pizzette to Share

Choice of Soup or Salad

Choice of Entree:

Fettuccine Alfredo

Spaghetti with Meatballs

Traditional Meat Lasagna

Rigatoni with Mushroom Ragout

Dessert to Share

ALL THIS for only $30!


We think this is an INCREDIBLE bargain... and we hope you will too! Come in and enjoy this offer anytime between 5 p.m., Friday, 2/12 and Sunday 2/14/10.
The pic above is Maddie (our oldest) sharing a fry with one of her BFFs Carter. See? Love is for EVERYONE.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

January Specials.

Appetizer:
Steamed Mussels with Sausage & Tomatoes in a white wine broth $10

Entrees:
Braised Beef & Gorgonzola Ravioli (hand-made HERE~!) topped with a rich beef demi-glace $12

Fettuccine with Mushrooms, Toasted Hazelnuts and LOCAL fresh black truffles (while they last!) bathed in a creamy sauce $13

Fresh Orichietti* with our house-made sausage, broccoli & red pepper flakes (for a little heat!) in a velvety sauce $10
*Our Orichietti (they look like little ears) are made in house too!

Dessert:
Toasted Almond Panna Cotta $5

Our monthly specials are popular and use seasonal ingredients so quantities may be limited... We apologize if we run out!

Go to our website to sign up for the Noodle News and be the FIRST to find out about our monthly specials, upcoming events and special offers!