Restaurant Review: 3 Rivers Grill, Hood River, Oregon

     The 3 Rivers Grill has been a long-time favorite of mine ever since my wife and I began making Hood River and the Eastern Columbia Gorge a photographic destination well over a decade ago.  We have watched the sparse menu slowly change over the years as the photographs on the walls have slowly faded to a light blue.  There is ample seating outside on a deck, and a surprisingly small dining room inside the restaurant.  The bar is small, but well stocked, and they make a decent martini.  The wine list is well-curated.  

Menu Reading, Glasses Optional

     The atmosphere is upscale, and tasteful, but not bland.  1970's music plays on continuous rotation, which is OK by me, because the most dreadful musical trends from the era don't get played.  The play list is built around acts like Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkel, The Doobie Brothers, and Gordon Lightfoot.  

     For an appetizer, we ordered the Shrimp Ceviche, which is diced shrimp with lime, onions, cilantro, and some avocado slices.  It's served with house-made tortilla chips. 

Shrimp Ceviche

The appetizer was just about the right portion.  It was light, and refreshing, and the ensemble of flavors worked well together.  Nothing overpowered the rest of the dish.  

     The entree was Shrimp and Spicy Andouille Sausage Pasta.  We had it split into two portions, so the picture below shows about half of it.  It was fettuccini pasta with shrimp, andouille sausage, red onions, sundried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and some bread crumbs sprinkled on top.  The presentation was nicely done.

Shrimp and Spicy Andouille Pasta

     The first thing I smelled was the shrimp.  This is a good thing.  I adore shrimp.  

     First, the minuses: The andouille sausage was sliced thin, and barely noticeable in the dish.  Also, the Alfredo Sauce was creamy, but mostly devoid of real flavor.  I prefer a stronger parmesan flavor, and a peppery finish.  The sundried tomatoes acted as little exclamation points throughout the dish, which clashed with the otherwise understated flavors.  

     Next, the plusses: the shrimp was to die for.  The quality was obviously high.  Setting aside my preconditions for Alfredo Sauce for a moment, it tasted good as an ensemble.  It was not the best main course I have ever had there (their salmon, and their steaks are top notch), but I won't let it keep me from going back.  I've had too many excellent meals there to let an average one keep me away.

    Next came dessert.  We ordered the Chocolate Gataeu Ganache.  

Chocolate Gateau Ganache

     Imagine a chocolate cake base holding up raspberry mousse, and vanilla ice cream, topped with melted chocolate, whipped cream, and a sliced strawberry.  Now, imagine eating it.  This was an extraordinary dessert.  All elements played well together, and the strawberry added a real sensuousness to the overall flavor.
     There is a reason that we keep coming back the the 3 Rivers Grill, and that is simply good food.