
Father’s Day is a great excuse to get your dad to get out of his routine and try something new in and around Lake Oswego.
Here are a few things to consider:
MORSE COFFEE COMPANY. This is one of the newest kids on the block, opening its doors on April 22. But Sam Morse, co-owner with his dad David, is no newcomer to coffee and his new business reflects his 20-year background in the specialty coffee industry. Featuring Upper Left Roasters beans, every cup is a work of art, both in how it tastes and how it looks—they take latte art seriously here, which if you’re like the coffee drinkers in our family, adds to the enjoyment. There are lots of seating options too so indulge in a sit-down coffee experience which is something you and your dad haven’t had in a while. And while you’re at it, take a look around at the art on exhibit. Besides coffee, Sam loves art and is an artist himself (hence that great latte art!). The shop plans to feature work by local artists for free, providing them with another venue to display and sell their art. This month they are featuring the winners of the City of Lake Oswego’s photo contest. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 417 1st Street in downtown Lake Oswego.
STEIN DISTILLERY. Keep the liquid flowing. Treat him to a tasting flight of this local family-run operation that grows their own grains to ensure the quality that goes into their spirits. The tasting menu runs from $10 to $18 and includes an entry level selection as well as a whiskey flight that compares the different grain bills. If he finds one he likes, you can treat him to a bottle and enjoy an $8 savings off the cost of your flight. Hours are 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. Happy Hours are 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday with $4 off of flights. Room capacity is currently at 8 so you might want to call ahead. 160 A Avenue, 503.344.4259.
MERCATO VILLAGE RESTAURANTS. Lake Oswego’s newest mixed-use development is ready for business, well some of it is. Currently you can enjoy takeout and delivery from these two restaurants:
Grassa: Pictures of their handcrafted pasta will have you drooling: Malfadine with lamb sausage, tomato, mint, sweet peas, ricotta salata and black olive crumbs or the pork belly mac and cheese, not to mention favorites like carbonara and cacio e pepe. Have the chefs there prepare your meal or cook it up for Dad at home by ordering a pound of their handmade pasta paired with a pint of their pork ragu sauce. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 4055 Mercantine Drive, Suite 130. 503.303.9219.
Lardo: This place takes sandwich making to the next level with offerings like the Chefwich with Dungeness crab cakes and green curry aioli or the Two One Five with shaved sirloin, American cheese, hot cherry peppers, griddled onions, Duke’s mayo on a seeded bun. And don’t forget the French fries—the Lardo fries feature fried herbs and parmesan while the Dirty fries come bearing pork scraps, marinated peppers, fried herbs and parmesan. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 4025 Mercantile Drive, Suite 125. 503.303.9227.
Coming soon: Other food stops scheduled for summer opening include: Fills (a Berliner-style doughnut shop) opening in July; Lac St. Jack (Parisian inspired bistro) opening in July; Tasty (eclectic all-day eatery) opening in July; Oven and Shaker (Italian pizza and street food) opening in August.
IRON MOUNTAIN PARK. Grab a few of those sandwiches from Lardo’s and head over with Dad to one of the city of Lake Oswego’s newest parks at 2401 Iron Mountain Road. There is a picnic shelter and access to the Iron Mountain trails which would be a great activity to work off your lunch! A new lower soft trail runs parallel to Iron Mountain Road but intersects with the Iron Mountain/Springbrook Park Loop which will take you up to the overlook platform at the site of the Prosser Iron Mine. It’s worth the trek!
Wishing the best to all you fathers on there! Be sure to subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column so you stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego and all the reasons you’ll love living here. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website if you’re interested in moving to, within, or out of Lake Oswego. I’d love to put my experience to work for you!