Author Archive
Vanessa Newman

Let it Be Hot in the Kitchen and Cool in the Valley: El Molcajete Mexican Grill
I like my Mexican food sizzling and the Rogue Valley not sizzling. Since I lost my home in the Almeda fire, I have poetic license to say this. And there is a fire safety point to my story along with a great restaurant review. On a Wednesday afternoon, my friend

AIFF: In The Same Breathe
In the Same Breath (Available April 16-17) A man widely opens his mouth, pressing so hard against his mask that indentations remain. He strains to say, “no oxygen,” while slowly asphyxiating, but health care workers cannot hear or help him. Later, the documentary cuts to a scene where the Chinese

You Pick, I Pick, We All Pick The Perfect Picnic, A Rogue Valley Picnic Guide: Part I
When I was a child, every time we went on a picnic, it was a special, magical adventure. We always had the same meal. My mom prepared her traditional chicken (coated in crushed corn flakes), hard-boiled eggs, potato salad and cookies. Nothing too extraordinary, but taking it on the road

Melting in July: The Melt food truck
When you say “melt” in July, the immediate connotation is high external temperature. “The Melt” I am talking about is a food truck located on Bartlett Street on one of the two pads in Medford referred to as, “Bartlett Bites.” There are several options for choosing what to munch at

All in the Family: Greenleaf Restaurant in Ashland
Reviewing restaurants right now feels like going for a bike ride in a wet-suit—awkward and unsettling in this new paradigm of how we do things. I was not ready to dine-in, but absolutely desperate for a meal not cooked at home without the accompanying dirty dishes. A teenager in the

A Perfect Combination: Streaming and Painting with Jenay Elder
“I truly believe art is about expressing yourself with a growth mindset,” says Jenay Elder. Flowers, at least some varieties, can bloom in the worst of circumstances. Elder is blossoming too in these uncertain times—growing her business online. Usually, she conducts classes and demos at Art & Soul Gallery below

Not Your Usual Restaurant; Perfect for Unusual Times: Mezcal Restaurant and Bar in Ashland
Pandemic or not, one has to eat. Hearty, nourishing food comforts the mind, body and soul. Not to mention that creating routines and normalcy at a time when most people’s lives have been radically upended is important as long as you “social distance.” And according to the CDC: “There

Sweet Sixteen: The Oregon Chocolate Festival is Growing Sweeter
The Oregon Chocolate Festival turns “sweet sixteen” this year, with a party to top them all on March 6 to 8 at the Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites. For starters, attendees have an opening night choice of celebration. “Those who want a fancy culinary affair can go to the Wine

A Tale of Two “O” Mys! Ashland Restaurant Week in on the Menu
February is Ashland Culinary Month and “Restaurant Week” kicks off the foodie celebration February 3 – 9 with a slice of local flavors. There are multiple establishments involved in this six-day celebration, and for 2020, tradition and tapas set the tone. The Rogue Valley Messenger had a chance to

Egging You On: Over Easy Keeps Eggs in Style
Over Easy? Named for their heavy reliance on eggs? Partially. Chef Braden (who is also the owner) claims it is an expression of their style—casual, non-pretentious, kid-friendly and welcoming. Though, they do use “a lot of eggs,” says his wife Stephanie, who can be found waiting tables and ringing up