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CAR PREVIEW
SNEAK PEAK: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
Electric pickup trucks are rising in popularity and one of the most anticipated is from Ford Motor Company.
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THE FORD F-150 IS THE MOST POPULAR PICKUP truck and the most popular vehicle in the US. So when Ford announced that its first electric vehicle would be the iconic Ford F-150 (dubbed the Lightning), automotive enthusiasts took notice. The Ford F-150 Lightning looks like a standard gas-powered F-150. It's as tough as a standard F-150. It delivers performance — outstripping the F-150 Raptor on horsepower and torque — that cannot be scoffed at. The F-150 Lightning offers practical features that make it more versatile and useful for the people who use trucks. And — given how much prices have been rising — it does not cost much more than a conventional pickup.
This impressive pickup truck offers quiet accommodations, loads of storage space and the ability to tow up to 10,000 pounds, all with zero tailpipe emissions. Since there's no engine, the Lightning has a large front trunk (Ford calls it the “Mega Power Frunk”).
2022 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING AT A GLANCE:
• The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is a five-passenger
SuperCrew cab with a 5.5-foot bed, the same dimensions as its conventional counterpart, meaning common accessories and equipment will work and fit just the same. • Though the F-150 Lightning is roughly the same size as its fossil fuel-powered equivalent, it weighs 6,500 pounds — or more than 35 percent more than the gas engine version. • The F-150 Lightning is the quickest and most powerful
F-150 in the lineup. Ford estimates it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. • Front and rear motors provide standard all-wheel drive, and skidplates protect the underbody while off-roading. • It retains the full-size spare tire in the back.
KEY SPECS:
• With extended battery: 580 horsepower, 775 lb-ft of torque, and a driving range of about 300 miles on a single charge. • With standard battery: 452 hp, 775 lb-ft, and a range of about 230 miles. • Maximum payload of 2,000 pounds, of which 400 pounds can go in the frunk where the engine used to be. • It can tow up to 10,000 pounds. • Base price: $41,769
Get Wilde About Wine
Get Wilde About Wine at Grants Pass favorite winery: WALPORT FAMILY CELLARS
BY MITCH WILDE
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU combine a NASA engineer, an optometrist, dozens of acres of the Applegate Valley, thousands of grapevines, and a ton of TLC? Well, if you guessed Walport Family Cellars, in the heart of the Applegate Valley, you know your Southern Oregon Wine Trail. I had a chance to visit the endearing Walport Family Cellars (WFC) and was able to spend time with both Amy and Eric Walport, the owners and vintners of WFC.
When I recently asked Amy and Eric what they want people to remember about WFC, neither hesitated with their response. Amy said, “We want to keep our vineyard experience personal,” and Eric shook his head and reiterated, “Exactly, we hope to make a personal connection with everyone who visits Walport Family Cellars.”
As you guide your vehicle off Slagle Creek Road in the heart of the Applegate Valley, you will be drawn to the vineyard’s entrance by the site of a purpose-built wine-barrel sign. The effective themed simplicity of the sign provides your first glance at the more personal experience you will enjoy while tasting at WFC. Parking is spacious, and you’ll have a short walk to the cozy tasting room and outdoor seating area. You might see a chicken, guinea, or lamb if lucky and you’ll certainly be able to enjoy the variety of trees and fresh air with the ample outdoor seating. Amy and Eric continue to tweak and update the outdoor space, since they first opened in July 2018, by adding gazebos along with a plethora of tables and chairs. A recent addition to the main outdoor area is a hand-built bartop that spans the length of two gazebo posts. The impressive piece of wood was milled from a large blue pine that died from a beetle kill. Eric felled the tree on the property several years ago and milled the slab of wood on the property letting it cure before finally installing it this May. Several types of seating, both covered and uncovered, scatter across the outdoor area nestled amongst plentiful tree varieties.
WFC is open for tasting Friday through Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm each day. There is a better-than-average chance one of the two owners will serve you if you visit on the weekend. As Amy and Eric focus on perfecting their wines, the venue and the experience, they have made a deliberate choice to keep their workforce small to limit overhead and keep the operation lean while they grow. What this means for you … you’ll get a more personalized experience and have a better opportunity to enjoy your day.
It is fun to watch changes that take place at the vineyard month after month as they put their efforts and profits into the vineyard and facility in a continued effort to make the Walport experience better. Nestled in the Applegate Woods, about a mile from the Enchanted Forest Trail system, you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful and serene environment. I recommend a 60- to 90-minute hike at the Enchanted Forest Trail before returning to WFC for your vineyard experience. This will allow you to taste wine and eat charcuterie guilt free with all the calories you just burned on your hike. Not to mention if you stay to the right on the Enchanted Forest trail and take the Felton Memorial Trail portion, your reward is a spectacular view, looking westward, of the Applegate Valley. Word of awareness: staying to the left on the Enchanted Forest is a climb. The last half mile is steep. It’s a great workout just don’t be surprised at how steep it gets.
While visiting WFC, whether you’re first greeted inside or outside, you’ll immediately understand the importance of their core business values: welcoming, approachable, loving, passionate, observant, relational, and thankful when someone welcomes you (WALPORT).
An excellent selection of wine is ripe for your drinking pleasure, along with a wonderful selection of charcuterie board options. Don’t like wine at all, or just not in the mood but want an adult beverage? They have a limited selection
of beer as well. And if you’re the designated driver, there is also a limited choice of nonalcoholic options. The WFC wines are excellent with several medal winners available for tasting or to purchase by the glass or bottle. The wines have depth, are easy to enjoy with wonderful combinations of acidity, tannin, alcohol and sweetness. Most everyone’s palate will be sated with at least one of their options.
I asked the Walports about their wines, curious as to their take on a favorite and what they’re trying to focus their vintner efforts on. Eric’s response was quick, honest and refreshing. “Wines are naturally subjective, but for me, it’s the blends. Lots of people enjoy blends, but selfishly, it allows us an opportunity to take all the wines we have made in the vintage and create something better than the sum of all its parts … more creativity and a little more personal.”
Both Amy and Eric noted that when they were first making grape selections to grow, they questioned countless other Applegate vineyards, and all had a different response as to which grapes to select. It wasn’t until one vintner told them; “They should pick grapes that allow them to create wines they like to drink.” Hearing this they knew they had their answer.
They could go on and on about Applegate Valley soils, and the characteristics of the grapes, what fits best with the climate, etc. Their desire to keep the experience more accessible to novice wine drinkers (this author is one of them) makes them unique in an industry that at times appears overcrowded with snobbery. So, their entire lineup of wines comes from a desire to grow and bottle wines that they themselves like to drink. Their passion to create what they enjoy helps them stay grounded and hopefully keep the wine experience, for guests, enjoyable and personal.
They’ll most assuredly have something in the tasting room that you and your entourage will enjoy. Whether it is a syrah, pinot noir, rose, sauvignon blanc or one of their blends (Twisted Vine or Lost Woods). My favorite is their Lost Woods blend, and no it isn’t because of the label but I acknowledge I am immediately drawn to Sasquatch. Is that wrong as a wine drinker? You will enjoy their wines and perhaps more importantly, the personal experience you get when visiting Walport Family Cellars.
I had the fortune of talking with a visitor of WFC, Sue W. and she shared with me what she likes about WFC is “The wine of course, but also the enthusiasm of Amy and Eric and their willingness to share their future vision and dreams of the vineyard. We always see changes and improvements every time we come out here and they are so delightfully personal.”
Friday afternoons are a fantastic time to visit if you want more privacy and perhaps a little extra attention as they aren’t as crowded. I also recommend following WFC on Instagram or Facebook for special opportunities and events. They have an informative website where you can learn more about the vineyard, buy some wine, or book a couple of nights at their brand-new and delightful cabin. Yes, they have a cabin available to rent, two-night minimum stay, which gives you an opportunity to visit the half dozen other vineyards within walking distance.
My visit left me understanding more of what Walport Family Cellars is and wants to continue to be. A creative endeavor with the goal of allowing others to join them and take part in a personal experience and enjoy what Amy and Eric Walport have created with their grapes.
Whether you are dressed to the nines, or just finished hiking on the Enchanted Forest Trail, if you want to enjoy the outdoors by taking part in an environment where everyone can relax, enjoy wine, food, and the view with family, friends and strangers alike … Walport Family Cellars is your place.
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470 Slagle Creek Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-846-WINE (9463), wfcellars.com
Good Eats
IN GRANTS PASS
Q&A with Restaurateur Dave Thomason of the Thomason Hospitality Group
BY CHARLES HUDSON
DAVE THOMASON HAS AN EYE for food and beverage franchises. Be it a hamburger spot, coffee stop, or roadside eatery, Thomason has developed a knack for growing and fine-tuning food franchises. After starting with Carl’s Jr. more than three decades ago, Thomason Hospitality Group LLC now operates Elmer’s, Human Bean and Pita Pit franchises, along with Taprock Northwest Grill.
Originally from Southern California, Thomason and his wife Doneta moved to Grants Pass when their oldest child, Danae, was just three years old. Danae now acts as the VP of Operations for the firm's Human Bean restaurants, and her husband holds a Regional Manager position for the Pita Pit brand. Thomason considers his work force of over 500 people statewide to be key in the success of his business.
Grants Pass Magazine (GPM) had a chance to talk with Dave Thomason. Here’s what he had to say:
GPM: How long have you and your family lived in Grants Pass, and what brought you here? Thomason: We moved to Grants Pass in 1985 from Anaheim, California. My wife, Doneta, and I both worked for Carl’s Jr. restaurants from the age of 16. After moving up in the company over the next 13 years, we became the first franchise owner in Oregon for Carl’s Jr. We opened our first location in early 1986 in Grants Pass. We opened a total of 10 Carl’s Jr. restaurants from northern California through southern Oregon. Over the years, we have owned and operated more than 60 restaurants throughout Oregon, including Carl’s Jr., Kenny Roger’s Roasters, Blimpie Subs, Purple Parrots, Elmer’s, Human Bean Coffee, Pita Pits and Taprock NW Grill. We currently have more than 500 employees at Thomason Hospitality Group.
GPM: What is your passion? Thomason: Aside from my family being my number one passion, I have been a part of the restaurant business for 49 years. I continue to absolutely love what I do. My passion in the hospitality industry has driven me toward specific goals, no matter how unlikely or difficult they might be. It generates my enthusiasm that is needed to be able to plow through the biggest obstacles and overcome the most significant challenges that we have faced. I have also always had a passion to give back to the communities where we do business and to the industry that I am a part of. Over the years, I have been awarded the Community Person of the Year twice in Josephine County and the Restaurateur of the Year in the State of Oregon twice. I have also served as a Board member for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association for more than 19 years, having served at the state president during that time.
GPM: When you’re relaxing at home, what is your favorite meal to prepare for your family? Thomason: I wish I could tell you that I am a talented home chef, but that is not the case. While I do consider myself a Grillmaster when it comes to my outdoor kitchen, the best I can do besides BBQing, is my ability to create omelets! In my very early days, I was an excellent egg man at work.
GPM: We understand that business for you is a family affair; please tell us how the kids became involved in the business and how’s that going for everyone? Thomason: Our three children have all worked for us in various brands and jobs over the years. Right now our oldest daughter, Danae, is our VP of Operations for our Human Beans and Donnie, our youngest is our Director of Marketing for Thomason Hospitality Group. I also have a son in law, Leo, who is our Director of Operations for Pita Pits. My son, David, Jr. has his own company, Burpile Design, that makes custom wood art and has customers all over the country.
GPM: What does the future look like for the Thomason Group moving forward? Thomason: I am finally beginning to look toward what I want to do after I retire. While we do not look toward any significant expansion of our existing operations, we will be opening more Human Bean operations in the next couple of years along with some potential growth with our Elmer’s brand. gp
ENJOY THE FINEST RESTAURANTS THAT GRANTS PASS HAS TO OFFER WITH THIS CONVENIENT DINING GUIDE
BY JOHN OLIVER
GRANTS PASS IS KNOWN for many things: great weather, casual lifestyle, a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy, water sports, and more. We can add food and dining to that list, as Grants Pass has upped its culinary offerings. So we decided to publish our inaugural Foodie issue. Here are our favorite restaurants in Grants Pass.
asablanca Coffee & Grill
Casablanca Coffee & Grill has a new location in downtown Grants Pass. The story of Casablanca goes back 16 years, born from an idea to serve great coffee, and healthy tasty food served fast. Now, with four locations all serving unique and tasty dishes: from wraps, pizzas, and bento boxes to burritos, sandwiches, omelets and more. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. Their new location has their full menu, plus upscale appetizers, pizzas and a full bar. All of this with a clean, hip atmosphere and shaded patio dining space. Casablanca has something for everyone.
412 6th St. Grants Pass, OR 97526 (541) 471-1922
l Molcejete
El Molcajete Restaurant Grants Pass is fine traditional Mexican cooking, perfected in beautiful Southern Oregon. It provides dining excellence with a friendly atmosphere, and features traditional family style homemade recipes that will blow your tastebuds away. El Molcajete was nominated for Best Margarita in Grants Pass. Be sure to stop in to quench your thirst this summer on their outdoor patio. If you crave mango and habanero, ask for the new chicken wings named as such.
regon Pour Authority
If you’re looking for a delicious wood fired pizza, be sure to stop into the Oregon Pour Authority (or OPPA for short). OPPA is located in downtown Grants Pass. Their menu ranges from pizzas, wings, salads, pastas and more. OPPA offers a full bar, beer on tap, and a wide variety of specialty beers and other libations. Be sure to visit for lunch, dinner, or to plan a large event.
owderhorn Café
Family owned and operated since 1987, the Powderhorn Café is located in the heart of beautiful downtown Grants Pass. Nominated for the Best Breakfast in town, their menu offers all the traditional breakfast options plus their world famous, batter pancakes and homemade biscuits. Enjoy their friendly atmosphere over a slice of one of their great pies and a cup of joe. Open Wed-Sun.
i Casa Flores
Looking for a great family restaurant or a place to grab a few drinks after work? Stop by Si Casa Flores, the most established of the Flores family restaurants. With a menu spanning seafood and meats, appetizers and desserts, and everything in between, they’re sure to have something to please everyone. With great variations of salsa to unique ceviche dishes, let them bring a taste of their home to you … stop in today!
he Vine
At The Vine, they have a passion for creating excellent farmto-table food from our community for our community. Family owned and operated, their decisions are motivated by your health and enjoyment. They prepare Italian inspired dishes with Northwest conscience. All their sauces and spice blends are made in house to be deliciously gluten free. The entire family can find something they love. They strive to provide an entirely GMO-free menu; all their produce is organic and locally sourced whenever possible. This attention to detail ensures that you are receiving healthful ingredients in each delicious bite. “La nostra famiglia all atua.”
1610 SW Allen Creek Rd. Suite 111 Grants Pass, OR 97527 (541) 479-8463
limate City Brewing
Climate City Brewing Company has been established since 2014 and is one of the newest additions to the craft beer scene in southern Oregon. Their year-round beers include Nookie IPA, Yellow Belly Blonde, Rainie Falls Red, and Hyperion Porter. Serving awesome brews and upscale pub food in the historic Brewery building, Climate City Brewing is putting Grants Pass on the map for exceptional craft beer. They offer a full and seasonal menu to include great pizza, burgers, and more. Be sure to stop in for a taste!
