Scratchpad: Winter king tides

A basket of fresh, ripe tomatoes was a gift from a lovely couple who graciously shared the fruits from their Lake Oswego garden (lots of sunshine there). Read moreCooking With Campiche: Laurie’s homemade tomato sauce

People are gathering at the mismatched tables and 23-foot bar fashioned from reclaimed Douglas fir. Taps are flowing, within view of gleaming, stainless-steel brewing tanks. Read moreThirsty Growler: Obelisk Beer Co., Astoria's newest brewery

There’s a lot more to holiday coffee drinks than eggnog lattes and peppermint mochas to wet your winter whistle. While these seasonal staples are delicious festive treats, a few creative baristas around the region offer a little something more. Read moreRoast of the coast: Holiday coffee concoctions

Every fall, the relentless dressing vs. stuffing controversy emerges in my life. It’s kind of like knowing every September that the song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is defrosting and I’ll hear it every time I enter any store for the rest of the year. Read moreHome Cooking Chronicles: Herb dressing

Call it bolognese, ragu or spaghetti sauce. In France, Italy, or at home, the dish remains a family favorite. Treated with careful hands, a coveted family recipe and the freshest of ingredients, it can become a masterpiece. Read moreCooking With Campiche: The king of mushrooms

There are days when Will Elias must pinch himself – like when he sees someone wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with one of his dazzling designs. Read moreThirsty Growler: For Astoria’s beer artists, the label is their canvas

There’s something about flipping a hot cake out of a pan that’s simultaneously exciting and terrifying. I’m not consistently a praying person, but when I turn a cake, I whisper a little prayer. Read moreHome Cooking Chronicles: Pineapple upside-down cake

My brother, Jeff, and I spent the day jostling back and forth, up and down on the Pacific Ocean, several miles west of North Head Lighthouse in his small fishing boat. Let me confess: I am prone to motion sickness. But not this day. We, with the luck of happy fishermen and the blessing of th… Read moreCooking With Campiche: Salmon roe, as you like it

As leaves turn and fall, warm morning beverages beckon. For a taste of the season, sit by a morning fire, sipping blissfully as the sun slowly rises and the air hangs crisp and cool with fog. Turn to a pumpkin-spiced latte and into the pages of a good book. Read moreRoast of the coast: Books and brew

My friend’s daughter plays on the volleyball team at one of the local high schools. I’ve been to two games this season, both of which the team has been unvictorious. My friend’s husband pointed out the correlation between my attendance and marks in the loss column. I don’t think I’m invited … Read moreHome Cooking Chronicles: Easy chocolate mousse

Two new food carts opened in September at Astoria Station, a lot at 13th and Duane streets anchored by Reach Break Brewing, adding to its diversity of culinary offerings. Read moreMexican, Thai food carts join Astoria pod

A city built by the Romans. Arles, by name, in Provence, southern France. Once a palisade of sorts, with thick sandstone walls, turrets and the famous coliseum. Charm as thick as the aioli I describe below, twisting through the narrow streets, filled with the smell of coffee, pastries and pa… Read moreCooking With Campiche: Arles seafood stew