Hi Friends,
Susan Chaney and I have been working on the new menu items. And yes that does mean she's been making and we've been eating some delicious food! Susan is an amazing cook and I am really excited about her creating the food for Oscar Albert.
We are still developing exactly what will be on the daily menu, but here are some "more-than-likelies:"
Bocadillos - goat cheese and apple or serrano ham and manchego cheese
Patatas Bravas
Champis de la Cueva
Spanish Tortillas
Nummmm.
We're also changing our Happy Hour to focus on Pinchos and Wine Shots. Pinchos - the little bites and wine shots being a 2 oz. glass of wine.
And I am happy to announce that our first Sobre Mesa (community dinner) on Nov. 6th is nearly full (25 people signed up - 30 seats). So if you are still wanting to join us for our first - call immediately!
The next Sobre Mesas will be on the following dates:
Nov. 20 - already starting to fill up!
Dec. 4
Dec. 18
Jan. 8
Jan. 22
The fall weather has really kicked in and it's giving off a wonderful feeling of community and warmth.
Happy Sunday to you!
Gretchen
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Spanish Bistro - A Contradiction?
Hi Friends,
I've had a few of you mention that the word "Bistro" is a French word and that it seemed a bit strange paired with "Spanish."
Ah, but I have done some research and found that the word "bistro" actually originates from the Russian language meaning "quick." The French didn't start using the word until the 19th century when a profusion of small cafes, serving quick and cheap food sprung up and called themselves 'bistros.' Over time the word evolved to describe small, intimate gourmet food and wine cafes.
In Spain today, there are numerous cafes calling themselves Spanish Bistros serving delightful delicacies in the tradition of intimate, relaxed, yet refined dining.
So, as the word evolved, so can Oscar Albert into a Spanish Bistro. Join us in our evolution!
On another note, Oscar Albert will continue to host wines from all over the world. Although our Spanish wine selection will grow to be a large focus, we will continue to offer such wonders as Argentinian Malbecs, Oregon Pinot Noirs and California Cabs along with Nebbiolos, Torrontes, Moscatos, Tempranillos etc. Stop by and get a bottle to drink here or take home.
Also... I'm considering bringing in Flamenco dancers, palmists and singers on occassion. I would love to hear if you find this something of interest and would like me to pursue this as monthly (or more often?) event. Send a comment to this Blog or call/email me. I'd love to hear from you.
Happy Rainy Day!
Gretchen Fogelstrom
gretchen@oscaralbert.com
503-477-9894
I've had a few of you mention that the word "Bistro" is a French word and that it seemed a bit strange paired with "Spanish."
Ah, but I have done some research and found that the word "bistro" actually originates from the Russian language meaning "quick." The French didn't start using the word until the 19th century when a profusion of small cafes, serving quick and cheap food sprung up and called themselves 'bistros.' Over time the word evolved to describe small, intimate gourmet food and wine cafes.
In Spain today, there are numerous cafes calling themselves Spanish Bistros serving delightful delicacies in the tradition of intimate, relaxed, yet refined dining.
So, as the word evolved, so can Oscar Albert into a Spanish Bistro. Join us in our evolution!
On another note, Oscar Albert will continue to host wines from all over the world. Although our Spanish wine selection will grow to be a large focus, we will continue to offer such wonders as Argentinian Malbecs, Oregon Pinot Noirs and California Cabs along with Nebbiolos, Torrontes, Moscatos, Tempranillos etc. Stop by and get a bottle to drink here or take home.
Also... I'm considering bringing in Flamenco dancers, palmists and singers on occassion. I would love to hear if you find this something of interest and would like me to pursue this as monthly (or more often?) event. Send a comment to this Blog or call/email me. I'd love to hear from you.
Happy Rainy Day!
Gretchen Fogelstrom
gretchen@oscaralbert.com
503-477-9894
Friday, October 16, 2009
Oscar Albert is Growing and Changing
Hi Friends,
I have the great pleasure of letting you know that I am now working with Susan "Navarre" Chaney. She, along with John Taboada started Navarre restaurant in 2002. Susan has since gone on to open the Busy Corner restaurant, spent time cooking in Spain and now she will be teaming up with me to transform Oscar Albert into a Spanish Bistro and Wine Bar. We'll be offering such lovely fares as goat cheese and apple bocadillos, Spanish tortillas (similar to a frittata), Champis de al Cueva (marinated mushrooms on olive bread) etc. We'll still be open for lunch and dinner and host wonderful Flamenco guitar players on Saturdays.
Another fun twist we'll be adding are Sobre Mesas... a multi-course dinner that includes wine perfectly paired with the meal. The concept of Sobre Mesa is one of community where dinner is the event for the evening and the time after the meal is spent in good conversation and relaxation.
I am very excited about this evolution and invite you to stop by and taste for yourself the flavors of Spain. All this transforming will take place starting November 1st. The first Sobre Mesa is Nov. 6th by reservation only. So sign up today as space is limited!
Looking forward to seeing you at Oscar Albert.
Gretchen Fogelstrom
I have the great pleasure of letting you know that I am now working with Susan "Navarre" Chaney. She, along with John Taboada started Navarre restaurant in 2002. Susan has since gone on to open the Busy Corner restaurant, spent time cooking in Spain and now she will be teaming up with me to transform Oscar Albert into a Spanish Bistro and Wine Bar. We'll be offering such lovely fares as goat cheese and apple bocadillos, Spanish tortillas (similar to a frittata), Champis de al Cueva (marinated mushrooms on olive bread) etc. We'll still be open for lunch and dinner and host wonderful Flamenco guitar players on Saturdays.
Another fun twist we'll be adding are Sobre Mesas... a multi-course dinner that includes wine perfectly paired with the meal. The concept of Sobre Mesa is one of community where dinner is the event for the evening and the time after the meal is spent in good conversation and relaxation.
I am very excited about this evolution and invite you to stop by and taste for yourself the flavors of Spain. All this transforming will take place starting November 1st. The first Sobre Mesa is Nov. 6th by reservation only. So sign up today as space is limited!
Looking forward to seeing you at Oscar Albert.
Gretchen Fogelstrom
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