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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 6, 2006 Applegate River Ranch House Phone: 846-6082 Address: 15100 Highway 238 (near the green bridge in the Applegate) Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday One warm late summer evening, a 40th wedding anniversary was celebrated with a dinner for four at this charming restaurant perched on the banks of the Applegate River. Located in the heart of the Applegate far from the maddening crowd, this is a restaurant that offers great food, live music and outside ambiance up the wazoo. As we took our seats on the multi-tiered decks, the sight and sound of the dancing river below invited us to slow down and enjoy. A long satisfying moment was spent while we simply exhaled, observed and absorbed. Twinkling lights glimmered in a massive sheltering oak, torches flamed in discreet corners, and the crickets were tuning up as we sipped our fruity Troon cabernet. Then it was time to peruse the menu. Famous for its “Red Oak” grilling, many specialties are served stoked with smoky goodness. My companion ordered the Red Oak Chicken. He selected five-ounce version of this boneless, skinless chicken breast ($11.95). The moist chicken breast came accompanied with nutty wild rice — and was preceded by a creamy dream of a soup. The smoky, pungent sun dried tomato bisque was gastronomic perfection, the diner determined. His opinion was echoed by two others of us who abandoned our so-so mixed green salads in order to dip our spoons in his quickly disappearing rich and flavorful soup. The male half of the matrimonial celebrants ordered the Grand Marnier Glazed Duck Breast ($19.95.) The boneless breast of duck was also grilled over the red oak, then simmered in Grand Marnier apricot glaze. Deemed the best duck he’d ever eaten, the selection was indeed a great hit. The distaff side of the anniversary duo ordered the 10 ounce Cognac-topped Top Sirloin ($21.95). The lightly seasoned Angus steak had also benefitted from the red oak smoke before being topped with a reduced creamy cognac sauce. “I usually prefer my steaks unadorned,” said my sis. “But this sauce is absolutely exquisite.” I opted for the swordfish special ($18.95) on the Anglers Catch. The meaty fish steak was dressed with a light lemon wine sauce and accompanied by wild rice and sauteed veggies. Tasty, but I’ll try something else next time. Maybe the wild mushroom, artichoke heart and pepper linguini ($17.95.) Sounds wonderful. It was a good thing I ordered light, because dessert was anything but. While the lovebirds shared a piece of creamy cheese cake ($5), we unwedded ones lipsmacked our way through a slab of Hula Pie ($5.50.) The giant wedge of Mocha Almond Fudge ice cream sat firm upon its thick Oreo cookie crust under a covering of fudge topping. “Ommph ... goot,” was the nearest thing to a decipherable comment uttered during our indulgence. After dinner, the males sipped a Spanish port as we all enjoyed the tunes of not one, but two, bands. Music from the Applegaters, and another group of talented local youths still searching for the perfect band moniker, rang out into the night air — as it does every Wednesday through Sunday during summer evenings. (During non-summer months, the Applegaters play only on Sundays, and from inside the River House lodge, next to the restaurant.) There is something infinitely soothing about water. And something infinitely uplifting about listening to live music. Especially if you are lucky enough to enjoy them both at the same time with people you love. Throw in a delicious dining experience, and life doesn’t get much better than that. — Sanne Specht Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com