LA RAMBLA
238 NE 3rd Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
Reservations: 503.435.2126
www.laramblaonthird.com
Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
No other nation has mastered the art of “bar food” quite like Spain. And, when you get hungry in a sleepy little wine country town like McMinnville, tapas usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Luckily, for locals and visitors alike, there is the charming and upscale La Rambla, right in the heart of town on historic 3rd Street.
Named for the famous avenue in Barcelona, La Rambla offers traditional Spanish cuisine, inspired by the Iberian Peninsula and tempered with fresh local ingredients. This level of authenticity and attention to detail would be hard to find in any small American town, but at La Rambla it is done with flavor and style under the masterful guidance of Chef Tim Hodges.
The potatoes, braised with an over-easy egg, is a wonderful starter, as well as the steamed clams, the seared scallops with fava beans and the decadent braised smoked pork belly. It is rare to see a menu this extensive and varied handled to such a high standard of quality.
You can visit La Rambla online for a complete menu, but a few of my favorites include the Iberico ham, Dungeness crab and bay shrimp cakes, sautéed garlic chili shrimp, the meatballs braised in a piquillo sofrito, and best of all the duck breast with croqueta (made from duck confit).
Their wine list is an eclectic affair, with a wealth of Spanish gems and a well chosen selection of local Oregon favorites, including Domaine Serene. They even have Oregon wines made from traditional Spanish grapes! Regardless of your thirst, every wine is picked to compliment the diverse and delicious menu and there is a wine for any taste or occasion. There is even house made sangria, which can be a delight on a hot Oregon summer day.
During your next visit to Oregon Wine Country, indulge your inner explorer and enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at La Rambla. You’ll be glad you did.
Buen provecho! – Ken Evenstad |