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A rare dinning find is Roseanna’s Oceanside Café. Not on the beaten track of Oregon Coast Highway 101, Oceanside, west of Tillamook, is seldom a destination. For those less enchanted with the posh of Cannon Beach, for those seeking a respite from modern development, for those seeking a laid back setting of bygone years and willing to risk the rustic, the Oceanside, Netarts, Cape Meares Loop is a treasured refuge of tranquility. Less likely still is the casual visitor to notice, let alone stop at, Roseanna’s.
Housed for over twenty-five years in a grey, vertical board and batten, nondescript building where even the old-style large-bulb Christmas lights are never removed, Roseanna’s could easily be mistaken for a forgotten dive just prior to the end of a road to nowhere. For those that resist the temptation to continue on for more appealing or modern restaurants, enter a culinary paradise upon crossing the threshold.
Perhaps the view of Three Arch Rocks out in the Pacific Ocean just beyond a sandy embankment enticed us. The atmosphere inside was comfortable, kind of like memories of visiting Grandmother. This feeling was supported with sincere smiles and friendly greetings by the matronly staff, one of which has surely served home-made apple pie from a time even earlier than my long departed grandmother.
Minerba, unquestionably the youngest on the staff, made us feel as though her singular focus and fervent desire was our pleasurable respite. She ably and affably guided us through the surprisingly savory courses and desserts. I had the sesame ahi. Garnished with numerous succulent vegetables, each bite was a joyous rarity found only in better authentic kitchens. My only grievance being the many rich flavors overwhelmed any delicate essence of the primary course meat. My companion nurtured each bite of the hazelnut chicken salad. Our palates content, we tarried a bit longer and shared a generous slice of chocolate caramel crunch cake which was—while not overly sweet or overly rich—a pleasant treat with which to finish this unexpectedly fine repast.
Chris is a published author in Portland Oregon
photo by Chris Gniewosz
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