When you're away from the place you love for 11 months out of the year sometimes the things you remember don't live up to the actuality. That certainly isn't the case with Nana's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Newport, OR.
As we commented to our beautiful server last night, we've never ever had a bad experience at Nana's.
The food is consistently delicious, the servers smiling, helpful and absolutely happy to be alive and even more important, they're having fun. There's not a sour face to be had in the place - why they even make your four legged best friend welcome on their front patio not that our lazy little lout took advantage of it. He wouldn't leave the comfort of his pillow in the Jeep.
We hit Nana's for lunch our first week at the Coast and split an order of Scotch Eggs as well as a Reuben Sandwich. If you remember, Nana's was the inspiration for our version of scotch eggs a while ago and as for their Reuben Sandwich - well it's a masterpiece made from corned beef cooked on site, braised cabbage, honey mustard and swiss cheese all on a sweet spicy marbled rye. It is absolutely dream worthy, I kid you not.
Last night the Big Guy tended to his oyster craving with oysters rolled in panko and pan fried, and we both enjoyed the fish and chips - moist tender cod dipped in a light as air beer batter. It is in one word - stupendous.
If you're ever in Newport Oregon and heading down to the Nye Beach area you've just got to stop at Nana's to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger. You can bet your Irish eyes we'll be heading there at least one more time before we leave.
By the way, I'm sure you're wondering if I'm ever going to cook again. I do realize this is a cooking blog and I've certainly been taking a rather long vacation from the kitchen. There is a reason for that and I promise I'll fill you in on it soon, but what - pray tell, am I going to do with these monsters...and I don't mean the one in the middle! Can you guess what they are?
Your food at Nana's looked - well - inspirational!
That sweet lady belongs there for sure!
I, for one, and not worried about you posting recipes. Every year you return from Oregon recharged and inspired to cook fabulous and innovative food for yourself, the big guy and us! Enjoy your vacation!
And I would guess those are some really big and UGLY clams - HA!
Posted by: Lea | 07/15/2011 at 06:11 AM
June... Sit back, relax & have fun! You'll be cooking daily again before you know it! I'm a little jealous :o))
Posted by: Mary from Apron Strings & Wedding Rings | 07/15/2011 at 12:21 PM
wooo hooo geoducks :)
Posted by: Cathy | 07/15/2011 at 01:33 PM
Ah guys, thanks for the good vibes. Cathy & Lea, you're right. They are clams, the smaller version (if you can believe that) of geoduck also known as pacific horse clams aka gapers. These happen to be monster size which has me wondering if they qualify as geoduck regardless they are big nuts. By the way - Cathy, I'm so excited to hear from you! How ya' doin' Calgary girl?
Mary - I really am being incredibly lazy and hope it doesn't continue after we return to Tucson. If it does, I'll have to admit there are no antics happening in JBug's Kitchen. How bad is that?
Posted by: June | 07/15/2011 at 03:25 PM
We always share the Reuben too!
Posted by: Lorraine | 07/15/2011 at 05:05 PM
OK here's the deal. When we get back on Sunday we'll only have 4 days left in Waldport so can we do a date night next July? Let's book it, OK?
Posted by: June | 07/15/2011 at 10:12 PM
I may have to join you & Lorraine next year!!!!
Posted by: Mary from Apron Strings & Wedding Rings | 07/16/2011 at 04:57 AM
Mary - would that be fun or what!
Posted by: June | 07/16/2011 at 08:27 AM