SMALL BITE: The historic Ashland Springs Hotel in Ashland, Ore., is known for many things. Not the least of which is the Larks Restaurant — now open in Medford, too — inside Inn at the Commons. Larks is all about farm-to-fork, celebrating Oregon farms, orchards, creameries and wineries with fresh and flavorful dishes. The chefs are masters at showcasing opulent seasonal ingredients delivered daily from local farms, delighting visitors with the flavors of this amazing region.
SIGNATURE DISHES: Dishes like steak, hearty soups, flavorful salads and grilled Northwest steelhead are the most popular. Other specialties include pork chop and Dungeness crab fondue. Ingredients like truffle oil, wild mushrooms, hazelnuts, pears and marionberries layer in the Oregon flavor. Pastry chef’s creations depend on what is available that season and include fruit tarts, chocolate cake with housemade salted caramel ice cream, or cranberry-pumpkin bread pudding.
DISH FROM DINERS: “OMG insanely yummy! After a long cold day exploring Ashland (cute little town), Larks was exactly what I needed! Located inside the historic Ashland Springs Hotel it has an art deco feel inside the restaurant. Classy without feeling pretentious. Service was awesome and the food, I can’t brag enough about the Southern Fried Chicken Breast…I’m still reminiscing about its deliciousness!”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: In the morning, guests of the Ashland Springs Hotel are treated to a continental breakfast that starts at 6:30 for those people who really do get up with the birds. It’s an elaborate breakfast spread that includes scrambled eggs, locally sourced fruits, such as marionberries, homemade egg salad, oatmeal, bagels, cinnamon toast and more. Plus, you can sip all sorts of juices and coffee from a local roaster.
HOURS: Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m./Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bar: 4:30 p.m. to closing
Reservations recommended: 541.488.5558
ABOUT ASHLAND SPRINGS HOTEL: This 70-room boutique hotel, which beckons weary travelers from the center of a town known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, sports a naturalist theme. You’ll find real collections of bird eggs, nests and pressed flora and fauna — much of it from France – captured in frames hung throughout the hotel.
Built in 1925, it has changed names and ownership many times through the years. In 1978, it was named an historic landmark by the National Register of Historic Places. Then in 1998, the hotel was “lovingly restored” by its newest owners to its original 1920s simplistic grandeur.
On the mezzanine level, above the check-in counter, you’ll find a chandeliered ballroom and a conservatory with glass doors that lead out to a beautiful courtyard and garden with a gazebo and fountain. Great place for a wedding reception.
From 9:00 p.m. to midnight, they offer guests free snacks on the second-floor balcony. The selection of late-night treats included freshly baked chocolate-chip and peanut-butter cookies, popcorn, spicy trail mix, hot tea and cocoa.
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