A perfect bluebird day

Mugen craft sake flight
| Karen Johanson

Given it’s a major holiday weekend, Hood River was still remarkably calm this morning.

Maybe that’s because I started my day with a session at Big Buddha Yoga on their grand opening day. The class, led by Johanna Siskar, included a calming pranayama practice.

From there, I headed to the Hood River Farmer’s Market and met great local entrepreneurs. The founders of the upcoming Votum restaurant served up some of the tastiest oysters ever – Kusshi, that had a buttery flavor and firm consistency. Best part was that I didn’t have to shuck them – I bought a shucking knife a few weeks back, but haven’t quite mastered it! I can barely wait for their seafood eatery to open this fall.

From there, I learned about full-spectrum CBD salves made locally here in Hood River by Sunrise 360, and how their calming blend is a good option for slowing down in the evening, given the lavender used in the mixture, whereas the warming blend has a bit of heat and spice, from sweet orange and cayenne. Both benefit athletes, with a mix of CBD and arnica to soothe sore muscles.

I finished up my exploration of the market chatting with Tonia of Queen of Hearts Hemp Health, who explained the health benefits of their products, which include hemp hearts, salad dressing, and hemp-based chocolate milk, which was the perfect after-yoga drink – creamy and healthy.

After all those adventures, I concluded the day with fire fish ramen and a craft sake flight at Mugen Noodles, one of my favorite spots in Hood River.

Mugen craft sake flight

Art meets nature

Artist Shannon Amidon
| Karen Johanson

Artist Shannon Amidon utilizes techniques including encaustic to explore the wonder of nature, and has expanded into another venture, The Verdancy Project, a studio and land residency where artists can explore their connection to nature on a 4.5 acre “living laboratory for artists.”

Shannon talks about the “magical medium” of encaustic, how she utilizes it as a tool, and how she came to this point in her practice.

A new twist on ramen

Ramen at Mugen Noodles
| Karen Johanson

I am not joking when I say that Mugen Noodles was instrumental in my move to Hood River. Yes, I am an avid snowboarder (reason enough to move to the area), but also obsessed with innovative Asian cuisine. When I considered moving to the area three years ago, the limited options in Japanese-inspired eats stopped me. (My home at the time was walking distance from Seattle’s International District, an absolute mecca for people like me). When I ventured down to Hood River to ride Meadows more recently, I was beyond thrilled to discover this option.

One of the things I love about this restaurant is the creative combinations of more-traditional noodle dishes, united with flavor profiles inspired by Korean cuisine and Pacific Northwest seafood.

A few of my favorites are khao soi, spicy shrimp and sesame bamee.

Also, be sure to ask about sake options that will pair well with your entree: Not the generic, uninspired sake found at many restaurants, but the best of the best!

Ramen at Mugen Noodles