Travelers to the Columbia River Gorge gained another fine-dining option this year. Sophie’s Restaurant opened in late February and is serving a Pacific Northwest menu with strong French and Italian accents. The bistro is the project of John Helleberg and his wife, Marcie Wily. Helleberg worked previously as the chef de cuisine at Celilo Restaurant and Bar and at Con Gusto as executive chef and owned 221 South Oak in Telluride, Colo. Sophie’s menu changes frequently and draws heavily on local and organic ingredients. This summer, Helleberg will build the menu around fresh vegetables and herbs from the restaurant’s own garden. “(Sophie’s) is the result of 20 years of cooking dishes in a style I’ve come to enjoy. It is simple, unpretentious food with bold flavors,” Helleberg said.
The menu includes a variety of small plates, sides and appetizers in addition to several entrees and daily specials. Desserts are made in-house, and the restaurant offers signature cocktails and a globe-trotting wine list.

A sample of this week’s menu includes:

- Potato leek soup with Oregon bay shrimp
- House made pappardelle, pork cheeks, gaeta olives, spinach, cabrilla peppers & grana cheese
- Alaskan King Salmon, ricotta gnocci, porcini mushrooms, & local peas