A recent trip to Salem suggested a return visit to the Old Europe Inn, a restaurant that had impressed us on a visit several years ago. It's a small but lovely restaurant, warm and welcoming. We didn't recall a specific dish from our earlier visit, but did recall that the food was very good, and the presentations were exceptionally attractive. They didn't disappoint on the second visit, either.
What a lovely presentation!
Recalling a dish from a prior visit probably wouldn't have helped much, since the menu changes monthly. Executive Chef Hans Afshar keeps it new and different, so even regulars won't get bored. I chose a "Jaeger schnitzel" top sirloin with shitake mushrooms that was perfectly done, cooked medium rare despite the thin cut. Mary couldn't resist a lobster ravioli with prawns in lemon sauce, and although to be honest, neither of us detected a real lobster flavor, it was still delicious and different. The presentation was beautiful enough that I actually went out to the car to get my camera before digging in.
The Old Europe Inn is also blessed with an unusually helpful and knowledgeable wait staff; Diana, our waitperson, has been there for many years and they're lucky to have her. All in all, a very pleasant evening.
Old Europe Inn
3195 Liberty Road South
Salem, OR 97302
503.588.3639
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