Evening Series

The Pacific Northwest

Reservations available from 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Events are held in the Commodity Council Room, 154 Eckles Hall.

Oct. 13, 2009

The Pacific Northwest region includes the states of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Some of first settlers to the region were mountain men from France, England, Russia, and Canada. These settlers were introduced to regional ingredients by local Native American Indians. Regional varieties of oysters, clams, crab, shrimp, berries, and mushrooms were shown to the settlers by tribes such as the Chinook, Nez Perce, and Spokane. While the original settlers were attracted to the region for its fur trapping and trading, they soon realized the abundance of potential for other industries.

Mining, fishing, timber, and farming soon brought many new settlers. It wasn't until 1883 that the railroad systems reached the Pacific Northwest. The construction of the railroads brought people from China, Italy, and Greece. Many ended up settling down in the region. The region had a large settling of Chinese immigrants which corresponds the popularity of Pan-Asian cuisine in the region.

Alaska was purchased by the United States in 1867. Alaska is home to nearly all of the salmon that is sold in markets today. The majority of the rest of the salmon comes from the rest of the Pacific Northwest region. The major berry growing region for the Pacific Northwest is in the foothills of Alaska and on into Northern Washington and Oregon.

The Palouse region in eastern Washington is known as one of the best regions for growing chick peas, peas, and lentils. The Yakima Valley, in the Columbia River plateau, is nicknamed the "Fruit Bowl of the Nation". Excellent systems of canals allow this region to be one of the most productive wine regions in the Northwest.

The Hood River Valley, between the Cascade Mountains and the Coastal ranges, is best known for its wide variety of fruits, dairy, veggies, and hops. It also has a fine wine industry. The coastal ranges and coast line are known for their wide selection of mushrooms and seafood. States in this region border Idaho, California, Nevada, and British Columbia Canada.

Due to the moist climate and the rich volcanic soil, the Pacific Northwest is one of the nation’s most fertile farming regions. The presence of the coastline also brings in a wide variety of fish and other sea life to the region. Some of the traditional seafood found in the Pacific Northwest includes: Alaskan Halibut, Smoked Salmon, Clams, Crabs, Oysters, and Rockfish.

There are a variety of fruits and vegetables found in the region as well. These include: berries, apples, cherries, plums, pears, asparagus, hazelnuts, truffles, and a wide variety of mushrooms. Wild game animals are also prevalent in this region and as a result of this, elk, deer, and moose are found in many recipes and dishes served here. Lamb is another staple of the Pacific Northwest diet, as there are many sheep herders in the region. Tillamook and goat cheeses are also produced here and are served with many of the regions meats, seafood, and salads. The Pacific Northwest is unlike any other area in the United States, and as a result of this there are many traditional meals and foods that come out of this region that are unique to any others in the country.

Since the Pacific Coastline has a plentiful amount of varied fish and seafood our grilled salmon will correspond well with the region. Alaska being part of this region is known for their exquisite king salmon. Western Oregon and Washington is one of the most fertile growing regions in the nation providing over 2000 different kinds of mushrooms and many different kinds of berries. Our cream of wild mushroom soup, stir-fried asparagus with shitake mushrooms, and wild mushroom risotto will express the diverse mushrooms Oregon has to offer. Our dinner entrée elk with caramelized berry sauce and dessert of strawberry rhubarb crisp will give a taste of the region in the lower foothills of Alaska and western Oregon. With Oregon’s state nut being the hazelnut we decided to have our menu offer a pear and hazelnut salad with oregano cheese. Our apple spice cake dessert goes well with our Pacific Northwestern menu with Washington’s state fruit being the apple. Below is everything that will be served during this Pacific Northwestern Event.

Pacific Northwest