Yanzi is a charming
hostess.
The bustling metropolis of Gold Beach, Oregon – population 2,500 or so – is the improbable location for a new wine bar that serves a good selection of wines at reasonable prices, and an interesting menu of appetizers and light entrées. Several of the food items feature mushrooms of various kinds, which explains our interest in including mention of Anna’s here.
Anna’s is tiny, but shows a lot of thought went into it. A nice bar of cherry and bird’s eye maple, and four small tables, the place seats just 14 patrons. The day we were there – mid-afternoon on Saturday – we got the last two places in the bistro, and by the time we left, there were several folks waiting outside. In Gold Beach, this is unusual to say the least.
Among the mushroomy items on the sample menu are a Thanksgiving Chicken Paté (sage, walnuts, mustard sauce and morels in a browned bread crust) and Wild Mexican Shrimp (served with orzo and black truffle oil). Mary was tempted by the Spinach Strudel (dill seasoned spinach wrapped in phyllo with Blue cheese) but we settled instead for a shared plate of a tasty combinaton of oyster and Chinese king mushrooms folded into mini bowtie pasta. Both a pretty presentation and quite satisfying.
Anna’s is owned by ChunYan (Yanzi) Dower and her husband Peter, who does the cooking and appears to really know his stuff. Yanzi is a lovely, cheerful Chinese lady who has been in this country for a little over a year. Her English is a long way from fluent, but she makes up for it with an ingratiating smile, and you will have no doubt that she is trying her absolute hardest to please. One day we hope to be able to talk to her about our visit to her hometown, Naning, and our other adventures in China. Yanzi's daughter also works here, and – typical of retentive young minds from other countries – has caught on to English with amazing speed, and she can help translate if need be.
Anna’s is off the beaten track, not on main street, and the only way you’d find out about it is if you saw mention of it somewhere (like here!), or if one of the locals clued you in. But it’s a charming little place with congenial patrons that make you feel like you're with friends. You can be sure we'll be stopping by Ann's again and again!
Anna's - by the sea
Wine Bar - Bistro - Wine Shop
29672 Stewart Street
Gold Beach, OR 97444
541.247.2100
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