A play performance in nearby Gold Beach gave us an excuse to re-visit Anna's, an old favorite we hadn't been to for quite a while. As before, we were glad we went, and scolded ourselves for taking so long.
The brief menu - which varies with the night and owner "Cookie's" mood - featured "Quack - Single Lobe Duck Breast, oven seared to medium rare, served with Potato Puffs and Slathered with Chanterelles." I read no further, having made my decision. I didn't regret it. The duck was done to perfection, moist and juicy, and the chanterelles were just right. A nice Pinot Noir was the perfect accompaniment.
Mary chose the "Corned Beef Hash - Our house cured & smoked, pastrami, potatoes, onions & celery with a browned, crispy crust, topped with a jumbo fried egg," and although she strictly adhered to the menu's admonition, "we must insist that you do not attempt to adoringly touch our Cookie after eating the hash," she pronounced it the best she'd had in many years, maybe ever. Even the egg, often an iffy item for her, was done just right. She chose a Merlot with which to wash it all down, and felt it was a good choice.
Other offerings, depending on the night, include House Cured and Cold Smoked Locally Caught Albacore Tuna or Wild Caught Mexican Shrimp in Black Truffle Oil appetizers, an Old Fashioned Crab Melt, Boneless Chicken Leg Stuffed With Wild Rice and Chanterelle Gravy, Locally Fished Blach Rock Cod, Certified Angus Beef New York Strip Steak (topped with Oregon Truffle Butter), Lamb Sirloin Steak, and Seared Alaska Scallops Served on a Chanterelle Gravy Slathered, Browned Mashed Potato Bake, Drizzled with Black Truffle Oil. A small but knowledgeably chosen wine list rounds out the temptations.
This smallish wine bar, off the beaten path even within Gold Beach, is always warm and congenial, and although the servings aren't huge, the food is excellent. There was a good live musician who plaid very pleasant background music - Simon and Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, etc. - and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. This place should be full every night. The fact that it isn't - yet - means more room for you. As an added inducement, starting the week of 10/18/10, Anna's will be offering a Crab and Smoked Rock Shrimp Cocktail for the bargain price of $5.00. We're told it will be served promptly at 5:45 PM each evening, so don't be late.
Anna's - by the sea
29672 Stewart Street
Gold Beach, OR 97444
541.247.2100