Main Course returns to Forest Grove

After a one-year hiatus, the elegant ‘al fresco’ celebration of local wine and food came back to Main Street Saturday evening

The Forest Grove News-Times, Jul 14, 2010, Updated Jul 14, 2010

John Schrag / News-Times

Diners at the Main Course (above) enjoyed a dinner that included a Tuscan bean soup, buffalo brasato, braised lamb shanks, sauteed gnochi and a variety of wines.

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A bout 150 people gathered on Main Street Forest Grove on Saturday evening to celebrate the return of the Main Course.

Thirteen vintners provided a seemingly endless supply of wine for both the dinner and the tasting that preceded it. Those who stayed for the meal got an early taste of Stecchino, Christian Geffrard’s new restaurant that’s set to open at the end of the month in the space long occupied by Deli in the Grove on Main Street.

A minor setback in the new restaurant’s kitchen preparation forced chef Mark Cuneo to make a last-minute switch to the facilities at the United Church of Christ across the street, where he had far fewer burners than he’d planned on.

The change in plans caused a few delays in getting the food out to the guests, but Jeff King, the city’s economic development director, said he didn’t hear many complaints.

“People said the wine pairings were outstanding, the company was great and the food was very good,” King said. “Other than the kitchen issue, everything seemed to go well.”

The event, which was cancelled last year due to the sour economy, is aimed at showcasing local wines, food and the city’s downtown — and King said it did just that.

“Overall, people had a great time,” he said.