GP Magazine: Grants Pass Culture | Dining | Lifestyle — V2N1 2023

The 1st Annual

COLORING BOOK ISSUE

READERS CHOICE AWARD

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2022

Traditional Fine Mexican Cuisine ~ Authentic Guadalajara Style Recipes

The 1st Annual Coloring Book Issue

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS ISSUE …

Welcome to the very first ever coloring book edition of Grants Pass Magazine! We wanted to do something that wasn’t just different, but something that set us apart from everyone else. It wasn’t’ easy, but we hope that this issue will bring a lot of joy to each reader giving them not only something to read, but also something to bide their time — other than their smartphone.

This issue features some more of our locally owned businesses as well as what’s to come — in the BUZZ.

We’ll be making some more changes to Grants Pass Magazine this year both in print and online. You can now go online and subscribe to have GPM emailed directly to you weeks before the print edition hits the newsstand! Speaking of newsstands … we have new ones placed all over the city. They are shiny and easy to see! We will also be offering a new paper this year called The Radish. Read all about this in this issue as well on page 18.

Enjoy coloring this issue and be sure to take a picture of your colored in cover and tag us on your social media account for a chance to win a FREE Gift Card to Si Casa Flores! (We’ll announce the winner in our next issue.)

Regards,

PUBLISHER

John Oliver

john@grantspassmag.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Mike Walters

editor@grantspassmag.com

ART DIRECTOR

Dara Fowler

dara@dfgraphics.com

SALES

SALES COORDINATOR

Trista Kendall

trista@grantspassmag.com

(541) 226-4467

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Brandon Davis

brandon@grantspassmag.com

(541) 244-8610

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Leaf Barret, John Oliver, Steven Sabel, Rebecca Scott

WEBSITE

Youwho Digital

© 2023 Coffee Stain Press, LLC

Dba, Grants Pass Magazine All Rights Reserved. 1630 Williams Hwy, Suite 94

Grants Pass, OR 97527

WWW.GRANTSPASSMAG.COM

By Steven Sabel

Shakespeare in the Park

GRANTS PASS is home to an astounding number of cultural organizations offering an immense number of performance opportunities throughout the year. One of the freshest annual traditions to be added to that landscape is Shakespeare in the Park.

Presented by the Rogue Valley Shakespeare Company during the final three weekends in June, Shakespeare in the Park is performed on the lawn at the Harry and David Shelter in Reinhart Park. The productions offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the works of the immortal Bard in a family setting under the stars.

This year’s production will be “Much Ado About Nothing.” Set in renaissance Italy, the production features indelible characters such as Beatrice and Benedick who famously taunt each other rather than confess their love for one another; and the inimitable Constable Dogberry with his hilarious malapropisms and comical antics.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., but audiences have found it ideal to arrive early enough to bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn before the performances. Last year saw patrons bringing everything from gourmet meats and cheeses to popular items from their favorite local restaurants. The lawn seating allows for small blankets to be spread and low-backed chairs up to 24” high.

To provide a positive viewing experience for all audience members, seating for each performance is limited to 100 people. Some table seating is provided at each performance for those who do not wish to sit on the lawn or bring their own chairs. Ample parking and restroom facilities are located near the performance site.

The new annual tradition is scheduled to continue and expand ion 2024 with two Shakespeare productions to be offered in repertoire: “Taming of the Shrew” and “Macbeth.”

For additional information about this year’s production and future events, visit roguevalleyshakespeare.com where you can also join an email subscriber list to remain informed as details are released.

The GP Live Music Scene

FROM INTIMATE acoustical singer-songwriters to full-blown rock bands; open mic nights to jam sessions; informal bar gigs to upscale VIP experiences; music lovers looking for live performances in Grants Pass can find a plethora of options. The live music scene here in the hub of Southern Oregon provides opportunities for musicians and their audiences to share their mutual love for what the classicists called the language of angels.

The venue options here are multitudinous and the quality of the musicians who call our community their home easily rivals locations across the nation who have built a reputation on fostering their live music scene. Here, the difficulty becomes attempting to choose where to go and who to see. Lucky for GeePers, many of our local venues maintain a solid, regular schedule of offerings that allows the luxury to rotate through a variety of atmospheres and musical styles.

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LIVE AT THE HIVVE

Located near the corner of Sixth and G streets in downtown Grants Pass, the Hivve is a multiverse of activity and opportunity. This unique location is a superhero facility — mild-mannered coworking/meeting space by day, and dynamic artistic space by night.

“What this place is about is creating a community and a place where community things can happen,” said Trever Yarrish, owner and founder of The Hivve.

During it’s existence, The Hivve has served as host to a myriad of happenings, including art shows, poetry nights, theatrical events, and a variety of gatherings of all occasions. In February, the 150 capacity performance space welcomed The Adventures in Fatherhood Tour, presented by Heroes Journey and the Dadcast podcast.

April’s signature event will be held on Earth Day, April 22, featuring The Free Creatures. Additional plans include featuring smaller, acoustical duos and trios the third Friday of every month, said Michael Smith, event coordinator at the venue.

“Regardless of the offering, the goal is to provide an experience that everyone knows is exceptional,” said Smith.

Events also feature cash bar options and small bite food offerings. In between live music offerings, Yarrish hopes to see the space find more uses for local organizations and businesses to provide events and activities for the community. A potential new series of events is in the works to provide opportunities for teen club nights featuring dance parties, silent discos, game nights and more.

Nonetheless, there will always be a continued focus on presenting live music at the venue, and though they will continue to book bands with a known name and following — the venue will host a music video film shoot for an undisclosed recording act this summer.

The Hivve, 164 SE G St., (541)450-9091, www.thehivve.com

MUSIC ON TAP

Taprock Northwest Grill is an iconic Grants Pass location for weekend brunch, casual dining, special events, and a popular happy hour. Now the thriving venue is host to live music Thursday nights 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Billed as “Music & Brews” by promoter and coordinator Donnie Thomason, the recurring Thursday night events began in January and are scheduled to continue throughout the year.

Each week offers the pairing of a different musical act with Oregon craft breweries who offer special beer tastings while the music plays. Guests are encouraged to taste the beer, order a bite to eat, enjoy the music and the comradery.

Thomason selects the musicians and the breweries based on creating a series that provides variety on both levels. Many of the acts are soloist singer-songwriters who also play cover tunes, but the lineup is due to expand to duets, trios, and even five-piece bands. Musical styles have included country, alternative, folk, and classic rock.

“The biggest positive feedback I get from this is the sense of community it brings. It creates a community for artists, local breweries, and members of the public,” said Thomason.

Future plans include moving the event to Taprock’s popular outdoor patio once warmer weather prevails and tourism season gets underway.

Tap Rock, 971 SE 6th St., (541)955-5998, www.taprock.com

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Sound Lounge

Live Music select Thurs. – Sat. 225 SE H St., (541)479-0712

www.facebook.com/TheSoundLoungeGP

The Haul

Open Mic 6 p.m. Thursdays

Scheduled bands on select Fridays (541)474-4991, www.thehaulgp.com

Weekend Beer Company

Live Music 6 p.m. Wednesdays

1863 Washington Blvd., (541)507-1862

www.weekendbeercompany.com

Wild River Pub

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

firemountaingems.com | 800.423.2319

WHO KNEW WHAT STARTED as a stone-cutting hobby in Stuart Freedman’s garage in the ‘70s would become an international jewelry-making supply company offering over 100,000 products with hundreds of employees and serving more than 200,000 bead-making artisans and businesses in this country and many more around the world?

In 1986, after 13 years of business in their North Hollywood location, the husband and wife team of Stuart and Chris Freedman decided to relocate to Cave Junction, Oregon. They bought a vacant grocery store to use for their mailorder business, the former Gibbon’s Market building.

Launching a mail-order business in a small, rural town came with its fair share of challenges: business isolation, lack of a trained workforce, transportation woes, communication difficulties and many logistical issues. But Chris and Stuart recognized the real gems in this area — the friendly, honest and sincere people. By 2000, the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads family had outgrown their building space in Cave Junction. They moved into the former Litton Systems building in Grants Pass. After even more growth, they designed and built another warehouse known as the Bead Bunker.

Over the last 50 years, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has created over 500 catalogs and evolved from a direct marketing company to an international e-commerce company at firemountaingems.com. Hand-sketched beading instructions have become YouTube videos, but the emphasis on providing a high level of friendly customer service and sharing jewelry-making knowledge for free remains the same.

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads enjoys giving back to the community through charitable donations and are personally involved with the Rogue Valley Boys and Girls Club and their fundraiser events including Girlfriends Great Escape and Taste of the Rogue. They also participate in Rogue Winterfest to help support local mental health organizations including Family Solutions, Kairos and Options for Southern Oregon.

NRM Skin Health

@nrmskinhealth | 1012 NW 6th St.

HELLO, MY NAME IS NIKKI ROSE. I am a licensed esthetician focusing on skin health and brows. I’m nineteen years old and have lived in Southern Oregon all my life. Some of my hobbies include traveling and exploring, metaphysics, working out, taking care of plants, and vegan cooking. I have a passion for human

"We are excited to see what the next 50 years brings, and we look forward to continued growth and the opportunity to support our local community, jewelry makers and partnerships throughout the world," said the Freedmans. "Our hearts are filled with love and appreciation for every person that has helped make Fire Mountain Gems and Beads the company that it is today."

rights and strive to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone. I am beyond excited to start my new career journey and I can’t wait to see what my first year holds!

I became passionate about skin care as a young teen due to my own struggles with acne and skin health. I dealt with it for years and often felt very insecure and hopeless. Later in my journey, I was fortunate to get a chance to be a model for a licensed esthetician. Through that experience, I was hooked immediately and knew I wanted to help myself and others with their skin needs! I looked into the career path and found an amazing school

Chris and Stuart Freedman, Founders of Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, and one of their many Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Turbo.”

Affordable Truck and RV

atrvs.com | 324 Redwood Hwy | 541.479.3432

AFFORDABLE TRUCK AND RV IS A FAMILY-OWNED and operated dealership that has been serving the community since 2002. We opened our doors in Phoenix, OR, and since then we have been dedicated to providing our customers with the best RVs and services. Founded by a military veteran who served in the Navy, our dealership is proud to be veteran-owned and employed. We offer a wide selection of new and used RVs from top manufacturers, including Class A motorhomes, Class B camper vans, Class C mini motorhomes, toy-haulers, and travel trailers. Our experienced sales team is dedicated to helping our customers find the perfect RV to fit their needs and budget.

In 2010, we moved to a larger location on Crater Lake Hwy in Medford to better serve our customers, and in 2014, we found our

permanent home in Grants Pass. In addition to sales, we also offer financing options and a fully-stocked parts and service department to ensure that our customers can enjoy their RVs for years to come. Our dealership is financially stable, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service.

At Affordable Truck and RV, we are a family-first dealership and we understand the importance of family time and memories. We are kid and pet friendly, and we make sure to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction and strive to make every customer a lifelong member of the Affordable Truck and RV family.

The owner, Art Woolard, is deeply rooted in the community and is a big supporter of the Live Stock Auction at the Josephine County Fairgrounds and any other programs which will benefit the kids in Josephine County. He sponsors numerous kids in their sport activities and has worked with YMCA to donated a building to have a low cost day care facility. He believes in giving back to the community that has supported him throughout the years. Visit us at atrvs.com or call us at 541-479-3432 to schedule a visit and find

with an instructor who has years of experience and knowledge. I had just graduated high school, had no money, and was ready to start this new venture. I saved every dollar I could, did some side jobs, and received some financial aid. After about a year, and a lot of hard work, I was finally able to start my schooling. I was in a small class and got a lot of oneon-one time along with practicing on models throughout the entire process to gain real hands-on experience. I graduated in October and have taken these past few months to find the right place and set up my new business. I am an independent esthetician located in a beautiful spa where I will be offering facials, waxing, and brow tinting. I look forward to furthering my expertise and introducing new products and services in the future!

Recherche Clothing

Located in nearby Ashland

RechercheClothing.com | 383 E Main St, Ashland

RECHERCHE is not only a business name but the literal definition of the exotic and refined pieces I have been able to create over the last 10 years. The pieces are handmade, elegant designs, specially made to compliment your silhouette, all created in support of local businesses with unique textiles selected with care. You can find anything from everyday staples (some options a bit spicier) all the way to one-of-a-kind garments curated for a special event.

My passion for local businesses came from growing up on an island in Alaska that had very limited resources. We had immigrated from Czech, and at a young age I watched my mom make or alter most of my clothes, that's when I started to really see what was possible through fashion. I began up-cycling clothing from the local thrift store and creating my own designs.

My first big move landed me in the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, working side by side with other creatives as I lived in a co-op. I vividly remember our various skills, the rush of creativity, getting different perspectives, teaching each other various crafts, and growing together... it was my "community."

There were times when it felt hard, and then there were times when someone would donate a whole role of stretch lace fabric — that changes an entire small business's future. I didn't see anyone creating what I had a vision for, I saw collections being inaccessible and then timeless pieces being cycled out. I saw an opportunity —

I wanted to provide reliability for the staples that you will keep coming back for, and playful ingenuity for the pieces that you step out of your box for — and I truly feel that is represented in my designs.

After seeing what was possible in all the places I have lived I am excited to see what is yet to come, to grow and inspire through my pieces while keeping fashion in the local economy, and bringing my brand on this journey in the Rogue Valley. I have recently expanded to alterations for caregiver facilities and those in need of alterations locally. Everything is available on line at RechercheClothing.com or in person in Ashland. gp

The Radish is Coming! The Radish is coming!

BY LEAF BARRET

WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING do you still turn on the local news, read the paper, or do you self-select the news you want to read? These are some strange days we have been living in lately, so for us, instead of tolerating mainstream news we decided to create our own!

If you’re like most of us, the news has become something of an adjustment to stomach. You either have the far right or far left reporting on whatever advances their agenda, or gets them the financial backing they demand to endorse that side. It’s more than maddening; its down right sickening.

Even right here in Grants Pass we are no strangers to political corruption and power shifting!

We call that ‘bullying’, and we don’t like bullies.

With all that has been going on in the world and our community lately, we feel that our mainstream media has failed us. Between national and local papers spewing left/right views and shoveling their ‘opinions’ down our throats, the time has come for us to step up and put our money where our mouth is.

This also gives us an opportunity to print more stories more often for all of you to read in between issues of Grants Pass Magazine. The Radish will have a very different vibe to it compared to Grants Pass Magazine. Something that this town has never seen before.

The Radish is a satirical newspaper that will report the news and facts, but with a much more positive outlook compared to most! In addition to reporting on local and national news, the Radish will include funny stories, recipes, local gossip, political exposures, local events, and more.

We’ll poke fun at government, both nationally and locally — NO ONE IS SAFE from the Radish! If there is a story or a topic that you would like us to tell or to investigate; like why are our local water bill is so high!? Or what local politician took cash contributions from whom and for what — we will report that news without taking a side. Unlike the “other paper” the Radish is for the people, by the people. Our goal is to encourage all of you to contribute articles, stories, business reviews, and more. As long as your story has merit and is not too radical, we’ll publish it! You don’t need a college degree to write for us, like most papers ask of you. If the paper can’t be influenced by or shared between its community members, what is the point of a community paper then?

“Your Local Snews” is our way of saying “don’t take life too seriously or literal!” When you read the Radish the last thing we want is to cause stress or anxiety, it’s our main goal to make you laugh — Fun! Informative! And FREE! … the news should be free!

Printed biweekly to start, the Radish will be made available free to pick up around Grants Pass at strategic locations. Just look for this sign!

We’ll poke fun at government, both nationally and locally — NO ONE IS SAFE from the Radish!

gp

Top 3 Funniest GOLF

MOVIES

CADDYSHACK

1

Since it’s debut in 1980, Caddyshack has set the stage for comedic golf films for sure! From the cocaine fueled cast — back then there wasn’t any ‘cancel culture’ to sensor the best off-script comedy in history! Nothing in Caddyshack is PC, so if you’re easily offended then this isn’t the film to watch, but if you love golf and love life, and laughing, and you haven’t seen Caddyshack yet, we highly recommend it.

HAPPY GILMORE

2 3 gp

Another film that should need no introduction — but there are some younger readers, I think they call them “Millennials,” that read us online, and may not of heard of it. This is one you all will enjoy! Starring Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore follows a failed, or should we say “wanna-be” hockey player that finds himself being able to hit the long ball 400+ yards. It’s funny in your typical Adam Sandler way — a must See!

WHO’S YOUR CADDY

Now this movie didn’t get much play in the theatre — if ever. However, released in 2007 and available on Amazon Prime, Who’s Your Caddy has an all-star cast with some of the funniest lines in golf movie history. It’s soon to become a cult classic! Featuring an educated music mogul who’s father had set the course record at “Carolina Pines” but was never recognized for it. “C Note” attempts to set the record straight with his own style, playing by his own rules. Another must see!

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TAQUERIA

Thrifty Baking: A Magical Chocolate Cake with a Secret Ingredient

BY REBECCA SCOTT

WHEN I SEE A RECIPE with ingredients that make most people scratch their heads in confusion, I know that’s a recipe I must try. I found such an intriguing challenge with Chocolate Tomato Soup Cake.

The earliest known printed recipe for tomato soup cake dates back to 1922, according to the Campbell Soup Company. It rose in popularity during the 1930s and 1940s, when baking staples such as eggs and butter were hard to find or too expensive. Sound familiar?

During the Depression era and World War II, tomato soup was inexpensive and readily available, unlike eggs, butter and other forms of fat and emulsifiers used in baked goods. I have learned that the fat used in a recipe can be replaced by puréed fruit or vegetables, such as condensed soup. Additionally, condensed tomato soup contains gelatinized starch from thickeners and pectin from the tomatoes. Both of these keep water in suspension and create a moist cake.

Reflecting on the current high prices of eggs and butter, I could understand why people turned to this famous pantry staple during times of shortages.

Tomato Soup Cake debuted in The New York Times in 1949. Over the years, the cake went through several transformations. As the economy boomed in the 1950s, wartime scarcity became a thing of the past and bakers modified the recipe to include more eggs and lucious, buttery frostings. In 1951, Campbell’s introduced a chocolate version of the tomato soup spice cake. That is the recipe I tried, because I cannot turn down anything chocolate.

It was time to bake this allegedly delicious cake. The batter came together easily. I cautiously sniffed the bowl, expecting to endure the overwhelming aroma of tomato. I was pleasantly surprised to smell nothing but rich, velvety chocolate. I will admit I was too scared to eat some of the unbaked batter. Watching a can of gelatinous tomato soup go into a cake is something you cannot unsee.

After waiting impatiently for the cake to cool, I had my first slice. This was the moment I imagined going one of two ways. The cake would either be delicious or a disgusting, tomatoey mess.

My initial forkful could only be described as a heavenly, chocolatey cloud of cake. It had a soft, tender crumb and unbelievably intense chocolate flavor. And there was no hint of tomato. It was one of the best chocolate cakes I had ever eaten. I am happy to report this onebowl chocolate cake recipe was a wonderful success.

The people who crafted this recipe many decades ago also endured increased egg and butter prices. However, baking this cake filled me with a sense of hope, because I learned there’s always a way to take humble ingredients and create something truly magical.

Chocolate Tomato Soup Cake

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup cocoa

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 (10 ounce) can condensed tomato soup

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix the dry ingredients together. To the dry ingredients, add the eggs, tomato soup, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Beat until everything is moist and well blended. This should take about five minutes. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. gp

115 Broiler

115 NW D Street | (541) 474-7115

808 Ohana Grindz

207 SW K Street | (808) 212-4484

Abby’s Pizza

205 NE Beacon Drive | (541) 476-2133

1560 Williams Hwy | (541) 479-9695

Asian Fix

202 NE Beacon Drive | (541) 956-9254

Black Bear Diner

1900 NW 6th Street | (541) 955-6888

Black Forest Family Restaurant

820 NE E Street | (541) 244-1845

Bohemian Bar & Grill

233 SW G Street | (541) 471-7158

Casa Amigo

200 McDonald Lane | (541) 956-8602

Casablanca Coffee & Grill

686 Union Ave | (541) 479-2831

Cedarwood Saloon

1345 Redwood Ave | (541) 479-6160

Circle J

241 SW G Street | (541) 479-8080

Climate City Brewing

509 SW G. Street | (541) 479-3725

Cultured Palate

208 SW 6th Street | (541) 295-8318

Eddy’s Burgers

956 Rogue River Hwy | (541) 479-8667

El Molcajete Mexican Grill

201 East Park Street | (541) 474-1506

Elmer’s

175 NE Agness Ave | (541) 474-0740

G-Street Bar & Grill

125 SE G Street | (541) 956-5427

Laughing Clam

121 SW G Street | (541) 479-1110

Ma Mosa’s

118 NW E Street | (541) 479-0236

Matsukaze Japanese

1675 NE 7th Street | (541) 479-2961

Oregon Pour Authority

235 SE 7th Street | (541) 295-8540

Partake Wine & Cheese

111 SE G Street | (541) 916-5888

Powderhorn Café

321 NE 6th Street | (541) 479-9403

Red Robin

1561 Allen Creek Road | (541) 916-4986

Rivers Edge

1936 Rogue River Hwy | (541) 244-1182

Si Casa Flores

202 NE Beacon Drive | (541) 956-9254

Saigon Xich Lo

405 NE 7th Street | (541) 441-1481

Sweet Tea Express

162 NE Beacon Drive | (541) 916-8444

Taprock Bar & Grill

971 SE Sixth Street | (541) 955-5998

Taroko Asian Tapas 414 NW 6th Street | (541) 474-7108

Taste of India

1214 NW 6th Street | (541) 916-8400

Thai BBQ

428 SW 6th Street | (541) 476-4304

The Haul

121 SW H Street | (541) 474-4991

The Horney Goat

234 SW 5th Street | (541) 507-1901

The Twisted Cork

210 SW 6th St Street | (541) 295-3094

The Vine

1610 SW Allen Creek Road, Suite 111 (541) 479-8463

Wild River Pub

533 NE F Street | (541) 474-4456

WINE, BEER & COCKTAILS

PNW Pourhouse

950 SW 6th Street | (541) 956-4127

Apricity Vineyard

5719 Jerome Prairie Rd | (541) 301-4137

Climate City Brewing

509 SW G. Street | (541) 479-3725

Schmidt Family Vineyards

330 Kubli Road | (541) 846-9985

Soloro Vineyard

9110 N Applegate Road | (541) 862-2693

Sundance Distilling 980 SW 6th Street | (541) 479-9715

Walport Family Cellars 470 Slagle Creek Road | (541) 846-WINE

Weekend Beer Company

1863 NW Washington Blvd

(541) 507-1862

1st Annual GOLF TOURNAMENT 1st Annual GOLF TOURNAMENT

DUTCHER CREEK GOLF CLUB

Saturday August 19th | Shotgun Start 9:00am

18 Hole Best Ball Scramble

Swag Bag | Raffle | Hole in One Prize

$67 per person with cart

$60 per person walking

SPONSORED BY:

To register your team please email: JOHN@GRANTSPASSMAG.COM

This is a charity event, all proceeds to be given to the Faith House of Grants Pass.