Oscar Albert - Bistro and Wine Bar

December 2009...

2009-12-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

December has been such a lovely month. Crisp, sunny days for the first couple weeks and then we warmed and rained, more typical of Oregon. And happily, no snow in the City this year - yay!

I have been getting the distinct impression that people are feeling lighter and happier this year. Maybe it's just hope that the new year will bring a better economy and goals and dreams can be taken off the shelf and again placed as our carrots to strive for. Whatever the reason, it brings a smile to my face. Our country is amazing, despite all our faults, it's a great place to live. "We" seem to be so resilient.

I hope this season brings you relaxation, moments of reflection, joyous smiles and is most abundantly filled with laughter and love.

Take care and have a great New Year. See you in 2010!

Gretchen

Community Dinner 2 - Fabu!

2009-11-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends,

Last Friday we held our second multi-course, community dinner and it was another delicious and fun evening. Susan and Kyle Chaney (and myself as assistant) whipped up a garlic and chorizo soup, followed by a persimmon, seared serrano ham and shrimp salad. The entre was a serrano and persimmon stuffed trout with roasted potatoes and saffron cauliflower. To finish the meal we stuffed crepes with warmed apple and creme fraiche. The wine was the lovely Castillo de Jumilla Macabeo 2008 - paired perfectly. Such delicious flavors.

The group was lively and the fabulous flamenco guitar was played by Rory Kenner.

On December 4th the dinner will be sherried onion soup, baby arugula, grapefruit and asiago cheese salad, apple stuffed espresso pork loin, ending with a crema catalan (creme brulee). Just writing it down makes me hungry. Seats are filling fast so reserve yours today!

Hope to see you soon! Gretchen

Our First Community Dinner was a Hit!

2009-11-13T14:54:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends,

Last Friday we had so much fun. Oscar Albert held it's first community style, multi-course dinner and it was great. Susan and Kyle Chaney (and myself as assistant) cooked up Lomo con Leche (pork in milk), a shrimp bisque, a seasonal salad and sherry ice cream and we paired it with a stylish Spanish wine to boot. The group sat at long tables, shared conversation and left with smiles on their faces. I saw new friendships formed, old acquaintances renewed and heard lots of laughter.

Our next community dinner is next Friday, Nov. 20th starting at 7:30pm. We are capping the dinners at 24 and we've already reserved 17 spots. So if you are wanting to join us please call soon to reserve your seat.
503-477-9894.

Meanwhile, over the last couple of weeks I've been cooking up a storm for new and old customers and the response to the new menu (Spanish Tapas) is very encouraging.

Also, I changed the day of my weekly "themed" wine tastings to Thursdays and last night we had a great turnout for our Nebbiolo tasting. Tonight, being Friday the 13th, I'm hosting an additional themed tasting which will consist of a blind "Freaky Friday" wine tasting - it's so easy to be silly, have fun and taste great wines at Oscar Albert!

Hope to see you soon!

Gretchen

Our Flag is Flying

2009-11-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Again Friends,

I am just thrilled to announce that Oscar Albert has officially opened it's doors as a Spanish Bistro and Wine Bar. We have a Spanish Flag flying out front and savory foods and delicate wines inside. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and fantastic music flows all around you.

Susan Chaney, our new Chef has been creating (and I've been tasting!) such fun dishes. Our menu will continue to grow, but you can walk in right now and get such happiness as:
Gambas a la plancha, Champis de la Cueva, Zapatillas, Arugula and Smoked Trout Salad, Fantastic Cheese and Meat plates, soups, olives, chorizo al vino...

She's also made her very own Amontillado ice cream - yes, that's Sherry Ice Cream - so good!

Tomorrow night I'll be hosting a wine tasting focused on fun Spanish Wines to kick off this new "Evolution." And Friday is our first Sobre Mesa. I am happy to say that it is sold out! Our next one is coming up on Friday, Nov. 20th so be sure to reserve your seat at the table asap.

Re-Discover Oscar Albert - The Evolution Has Begun!

Hope to see you soon.

Gretchen

New Menu Begins Nov. 1, 2009

2009-10-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

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

Spanish Bistro - A Contradiction?

2009-10-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

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

Oscar Albert is Growing and Changing

2009-10-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

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