Riverfront Cuisine
Valentine's Day February 2012

Although we associate Valentine's day with St. Valentine, the early Christian martyr who was said to have written a love letter to his jailer's daughter on the night before his death, its origin can be traced well into antiquity. Early celebrations were centered on the story of Cupid's love for Psyche. Venus, who was jealous of Psyche's beauty, sent her son, Cupid, to shoot one of his arrows into the sleeping girl so when she awoke she would fall in love with the first creature she saw. Venus's intention was to send some ugly creature to Psyche's bedside, but her plan was thwarted just as Cupid was about to work his magic. Psyche awoke and startled the young god. He was so taken with her beauty he accidently scratched himself with the arrow and fell helplessly in love. While their story continues, expressing the depths of love as the young couple faces many challenges together, Europeans of the middle ages decided to focus on the ideal of romantic love for this holiday. Thanks to Geoffrey Chaucer, we have the first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romantic love in Parlement of Foules (1382), where he wrote, "For this was Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate." Chaucer and his contemporaries may well have thought of this holiday as being primarily for the expression of adult sorts of love, today North Americans and Europeans of all ages seize the opportunity to celebrate love in the form of friendship, romance, and marriage by bestowing their beloved with cards, candies, flowers, gifts, and spending time together in a variety of ways, including enjoying a warm, cozy meal.

Entrees of the Month

For February we are focusing on our traditional favorites for Valentines.

Tapas (Small Appetizers)

Smoked Salmon served with Foccacia Bread, capers, and fresh onions.

Crab Encrusted Halibut

Our #1 Entree!

Fresh Halibut Encrusted with Crab and topped with a sweet chile cream sauce. We pair this rich fish with a fresh caesar salad.

Succulent New York Strip

Certified Angus Beef hormone-free and prepared to perfection for you. Served with Yukon Mashed Potatoes and salad greens.

Desserts

Mexican Chocolate Cake

Four layers of cinnamon and light chocolate cake frosted with cinnamon, espresso, and Belgium chocolate frosting and toasted almonds are guaranteed to delight.

Other dessert selections:

• New York Cheese Cake
• Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
• Tres Leches Caramelo
• Oregon Mixed Berry Cake

Drinks of the Month

Love Potion

Come in this month and serve your beloved a Love Potion. We take Yazi Ginger infused Vodka add lime juice, triple sec and a splash of cranberry juice mix it all together and garnished with a fresh lime. This one is sure to earn you a kiss.

Moulin Rouge

This cocktail is sure to transport you back to the Original Moulin Rouge in Paris, home of the Can-Can dance. We mix Gin, Raspberry Syrup, lemon juice, and St. Germain Elderflower liqeur then poured it into a glass lightly lined with Pernod, giving it just a hint of licorice for balance and served with a rose pedal. Our Bonnie created this cocktail and it will be available throughout February. After one of these you'll be ready for a bit of dancing yourself.

Dinner Specials

Monday: Burger Night

Burger Night has returned every Monday.
Enjoy Misty Isle Organic Beef Burger and Fries for Only $5.

Tuesday: 5 & Dime Night (Except Valentine's Day)

5 & Dime Night is back on Tuesdays just in time for the winter.
Selected Martinis are $5, and we will feature three different menu items for $10 a piece each week.

Wednesday: Singapore Chicken Curry Night

Every Wednesday is Singapore Chicken Curry night, a dish fit for a Maharajah. This spicy throw back to Marianne's roots in SE Asia is served with Basmati Rice and several condiments for just $12.

NEWS

The Local Organic City Garden

This year, we'll be serving up a variety of fresh, organic vegetables grown right here in Florence. We have planned a large garden with raised beds in old town that will help supply our restaurants with great home grown produce.Our employees will help with the planting, growing, and harvesting, giving them an opportunity to be involved in this one-of-a-kind project. In addition any surplus food from the garden will go to Food for Lane County Florence. We will be posting the garden's progress on our Facebook pages in the next few months. I would also like to thank PJ for graciously donating space to host the garden and keeping it well watered through the summer.

Works in Progress

The Pier Point Inn
Much has been happening with the new restaurant. We have almost completed the bar, which will be a great place for the guests to visit after a day of traveling. One of our biggest hurdles has finally been crossed: We have completed the plans for the kitchen. We're in the process of completely remodeling and updating the existing facilities. Work is progressing well, and we're shooting for a late spring opening.

Spice

Frequent Diner Cards

Make sure to ask about our Frequent Diner Cards. With these cards when you buy 6 entrees you will get the 7th for FREE.