Archive for the ‘Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant’ Category

Farm-to-Table Relationships Brought to Bear at Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

Tendrils Restaurant at Cave B Inn at SageCliffe has emerged from the cold and snow of winter like the proverbial bear, embracing the new spring sunshine and all this wonderful season has to offer.  And it has a lot to offer:  a new Executive Chef to take the helm, and chart an amazing culinary course for this fine dining restaurant on the cliffs.

Chef Bear:  a.ka. Henry H. Ullman

Here at SageCliffe we’re thrilled to welcome Chef Bear.  Coming from ten years as Executive Chef at Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center in Walla Walla, Bear is well-versed in the art of culinary and wine excellence:  during his years at Marcus Whitman, Bear worked closely with many of the area’s best winemakers in the creation of unique wine pairing dinners and events.  He created The Chef’s Table, which allowed diners a special, intimate wine & dining experience in the kitchen.  And he cultivated deep relationships with local farmers, resulting in pasture-finished meats, organic produce and artisan cheeses gracing the hotel’s menu.  And now those same relationships–plus new ones formed with the Columbia Valley region’s farmers and producers–will be brought to bear on Tendrils’ menu.  What a magnificent treat is in store for Tendrils diners.

Chef Bear’s passion for excellence (“I like to do things right,” he says), for where our food comes from, how it’s cared for, and ultimately what kind of experience it gives the diner, is contagious.  His enthusiasm and vision for SageCliffe’s onsite Chef’s Garden is inspirational, and will result in a rich farm-to-table experience that is not merely a buzzword, but a reality.  We can’t wait to see what Chef Bear will bring to Cave B, and we’re thrilled on behalf of all Cave B Inn guests and Tendrils diners for what they will  have the chance to experience.

To read more about Chef Bear, his background, passions and philosophy, please visit our Tendrils Restaurant  page on our SageCliffe website. Help us welcome Chef Bear to the Cave!

Thanksgiving: Dining Out Together Equals Togetherness

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Cave B Inn at SageCliffe, home to Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant

Thanksgiving meals at home are a lovely thing.  We all know the cozy familiarity of gathering at a family home, the kitchen a-bustle with helping hands and simmering pots of traditional Thanksgiving fare.  There’s nothing quite like it.  But there are other options that are gaining steady ground–other ways that celebrate this most food-centric of holidays in great “togetherness fashion.”

Dining Out is In

The interesting thing about get-togethers is that it’s the togetherness that’s key.  And increasingly that togetherness is taking place in venues different than your home or that of your aunt or mother….families are gathering around tables in restaurant dining rooms which offer distinctive Thanksgiving meals.

But What About the Turkey?

Many fine dining establishments offer the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing (no need for anyone in your family to go without!) But even these foods most stock-in-trade may be done with a slight twist, or level of culinary aplomb most of us only hope to achieve in our own kitchens.  In the hands of a talented chef, the turkey can sing, the potatoes can make you swoon, and the stuffing can literally melt in your mouth.  Such is the dining, when dining out. 

Options Make for Happy Families

Every year Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant–at Cave B Inn at SageCliffe–offers a Thanksgiving meal with the goal of making every member of the family happy.  And that means giving options.  This year, Tendrils provides a choice of two starters, three entrees and two decadent desserts.  Dining guests make their choices and then talk, laugh and look forward to their ‘custom-chosen ‘ Thanksgiving meal.  With starter options like Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Thyme, or Baby Greens Salad with Fresh Goat Cheese, Hazelnuts and (SageCliffe farm-grown) Apples, entrees which range from Roasted Turkey Breast with Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes to Brined Pork Tenderloin or Seared Steelhead, it would be hard indeed to find a member of the family without an option that seems to be made just for them.

Oh–and yes; we can’t forget the best part–dessert:  Spiced Chocolate Cake with Pumpkin Ice Cream, or Huckleberry Sundae with Honey Ice Cream and Hazelnuts.  (Which will  you choose? Let’s take a moment to vicariously enjoy….)

And Yes–There are No Dishes

This is a well-known “pro” of dining out, and on a big holiday like Thanksgiving, it frankly cannot be overstated.  There is simply pure bliss in knowing that at the end of the long, delicious meal, you can simply….get up from the table.  At SageCliffe, you may visit the Cave B Estate Winery tasting room, or take your full-tummied family members on a leisurely stroll among the vineyards and ponds, or on a brisk hike down into the gorge.  Or, a card game or continued discussion in front of the huge lobby fireplace may be just the ticket.  Whatever you choose to do with your loved ones, the one thing you won’t have to do is the dishes.

If you decide to celebrate your day of thanks this year outside the home, we wish you fabulous culinary options, lots of conversation and laughter, wonderful togetherness and a day without soap suds.  May the celebrating begin!

To see the full Thanksgiving menu at Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant or to make your reservation, visit http://www.sagecliffe.com/tendrils.htm