Weekend

Food critic picks her five favorite local restaurants of 2012

Gray's at the Park, Strada top list

The restaurant that would have occupied the number one spot on my list of Clark County's top dining destinations has closed. Executive Chef Morris Fenton and Gwyn Manney have their sights set abroad, thus, the passing of Oliver's. The restaurant, though small as it was and humbly situated in Camas, made a large impression on the dining scene in Southwest Washington. It even attracted the likes of KOIN-TV, Food and Wine Magazine, and numerous other publications.

Veteran rockers dominate list of 2012’s best CDs

Green Day appears twice, also earns an honorable mention

The Internet and digital recording may be making it easier than ever for young people to make and release music -- and with some work, make a living with music. But when it came to the best albums of 2012, this was mainly a year for the older guard, as my picks for the top 10 feature many AARP-eligible artists.

Raise a glass to 2013

Local bartenders, restaurant owners and mayor share favorite holiday libations

New Years Eve is upon us, and once again the age-old question arises: What's the best drink to ring in 2013?

Railroad Earth rumbles into Portland

Bluegrass-steeped band sets 3-night run at Crystal Ballroom

Amid the spitfire fiddle and flatpick guitar solos, the sparkling mandolin accompaniment, the heavy-duty drumming and soulful, soaring vocals, it’s easy to miss the bass that anchors Railroad Earth.

Dining Out: Bortolami’s: Pizza, bikes and more

Food served in fun, friendly, inviting setting

Bortolami’s Pizzeria was established in 1996 and has been family-owned and -operated for 16 years. The restaurant’s bicycling theme boasts about 400 pieces of cycling memorabilia, including a 20-foot bicycle wheel. Why bicycles? Besides pizza, they believe, the bicycle is the greatest invention to come out of Italy.

Dining Out: Gustav's timeless menu a comfort on a cold day

With chilly and rainy weather settling in, it's time for some hearty, sticks-to-your ribs fare. Menu items at Gustav's have changed little since Horst Mager opened The Rheinlander in Portland in 1963 and followed up with Gustav's, with restaurant locations in Portland, Clackamas, Tigard, the Portland International Airport and, of course, Vancouver.

2012's overlooked musical gems

Here's the 10 best albums you probably didn't hear about this year

The number of albums getting released each year has been increasing, so it makes sense that the number of albums that go largely ignored by radio and the mainstream music media would be on the rise. In fact, this was one of the toughest years in the past decade to rank the best overlooked CDs.

Still time to celebrate the season

Here's a handy rundown of Christmas-oriented events

Not sure what to do with the house a mess, the kids off from school and you still have some holiday shopping left to do? Give yourself a break. Here are a few Christmas celebrations to keep your season bright.

Dining Out: A Fudge Fix package is a sweet treat

20 flavors of delicious candy are made fresh daily, as is kettle corn

With more holidays around the corner, Fudge Fix at Daisy Maiz provides a convenient stop to fill some of the sweet wishes of family and friends with delicious handmade fudge and Daisy Maiz Kettle Korn. Georgann Anderson and her husband, Allen, began making Daisy Maiz Kettle Korn nine years ago and branched into fudge production three years later. They are a regular vendor at the Vancouver Farmers Market. The shop supplies kettle corn to selected Portland and Vancouver locations. On my recent visit, Anderson was on her way to take a special order of fudge to an Intel event.

Holiday music hits and misses

CeeLo delivers while Shelton disappoints

This year's selection of holiday CDs features big names (Lady Antebellum and CeeLo Green), veteran and new artists, and plenty of stylistic variety. Here's how this year's holiday albums shake out.

Boaters get into Christmas ship spirit

From first-timers to old hands, decorating their boats is both a thrill and a passion

James Dean Lucas has been waiting a long time for this year's 58th annual Christmas Ship Parade. It's the first year that the 44-year-old has a boat big enough to join in the fun.

Dining Out: Battle Ground cafe offers taste of South Pacific

South Pacific Cafe is a slight change from 15 East Restaurant, which formerly occupied the same space. A full-color, professional menu, which includes a couple of new items, has replaced a folded paper menu and brings a sense of needed permanence to the restaurant. Dishes are innovative and flavorful, made from scratch and made-to-order.