Thistle Your Tastebuds

Not literally, but completely figuratively. Thistle will certainly wake up those tastebuds, but in a much more romantic and delicate kind of way. This restaurant is set in the heart of Oregon's wine country and sources each and every ingredient within 100 miles of its kitchen. They "heart" the planet and it shows. The dining room utilizes loved and discarded items such as old wood as the backing to a booth, school chairs from another era, squeaky cash registers and antique light fixtures. All of these items may have filled a hole in the earth but here, they are re-invented and are the shining stars of the decor show.

As you arrive, you are whisked to your seat, one of 25 as it's a small and intimate dining room. One of the two originators smiles and passionately explains the seasonal and selective menu from the chalkboard while she fills your mix-n-match water glasses to the brim with cold, filtered water.

The food is exquisite, fresh and highlights the perfection of the ingredients they offer. Imagine radishes pulled freshly from the ground with their bitter leaves spilling over the plate, served with a simple ramekin of salted butter. Or imagine discovering an entirely new ingredient, one you become obsessed with such as glacier lettuce and begin to stalk it at the farmers market.

The menu is limited but offers a little bit of approachable such as King Salmon with asparagus and a green garlic aioli and a little bit of adventurous such as beef tongue. If you are a foodie, you will thrive here and if you are a budding foodie, there will be something within your comfort zone and something new to try. If you aren't very adventurous, you might want to hold off until you are.