Food scene reaches far and wide
By YVVG Staff
One outstanding characteristic of downtown McMinnville’s dining scene is the diversity of experiences available in such a small district. Here’s a quick trip around the culinary world without leaving the eight-block radius.
Start in the metropolis of New York City for — what else? — pizza. Since 1997, 3rd Street Pizza has been serving New York-style, hand-tossed pies while showing movies to hungry downtown crowds.
Next, fly over “the pond” to the Iberian Peninsula for an experience at the chic La Rambla for Spanish-influenced tapas, drinks and entrées, including the restaurant’s pièce de résistance, the paella.
If French cuisine is more your style, Bistro Maison has you covered. The Instagram-worthy, mouthwatering fondue remains a popular item, and other selections, like the coq au vin and steak au poivre, will, no doubt satisfy your thirst for authentic French fare.
There are three Italian options on Third Street that will surely make you say “Piatto ricco, mi ci ficco.” Nick’s Italian Café remains a McMinnville culinary institution with recipes passed down through three generations. Pizza Capo, the downtown’s newest restaurant slings authentic Neopolitan-style pies and sides worthy of top billing. And there’s family-friendly Geraldi’s, a casual Italian mainstay recently reclaimed by the original family who started the pizza — and much more — joint.
For those looking for Asian flavors, Thai Country Restaurant delights with pad Thai, curry dishes and more with authentic flair and the friendliest staff.
Now, on to Latin America: Pura Vida Cocina & Arte is a must-stop with perfectly spiced dishes using ingredients grown and produced locally. Heading north — almost home — you’ll find Guadalajaran standards at the family Mexican restaurant, Los Molcajetes, and the flavors of Central Mexico at Taqueria Tulancingo, located next to the Latin market.
Finally, back to America. But before you return to the Northwest, stop by Gem Creole Saloon for a sample of New Orleans. Madame la Roux’s Gumbo and he crawfish étouffée and top the entrée menu for good reason.
Other downtown eateries also add international spice to their rotating, seasonal menus — for instance, come winter, locals anticipate 411 Eatery’s amazing Vietnamese-style pho.
Ethnic culinary voyages within Oregon wine country aren’t just confined to McMinnville’s living room. Find authentic French, Italian, Korean, Russian, Thai, Caribbean and other cuisines in sit-down settings and at food carts all throughout the area.
For sure, with the large Latinx population that calls this region “home,” some of the best Mexican food in the state can be devoured here in Yamhill Valley. Read “More Than One Mexico” at www.yamhillvalley.com for more on that delicious topic.
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