Yep. It's quite a drive. But the city of Quincy holds a restaurant that not only serves great food, it provides a unique view that trumps any dining room you can find in Seattle.

"We're about 900-feet above the Columbia River, like, on a cliff," says newly appointed Tendrils executive chef, Shauna Scriver.

Tendrils is part of SageCliffe - a resort next door to the Gorge Amphitheater that offers not just an elevated view, but elevated dining, thanks to Scriver. The 27-year old says leaving her former post at Brasa was a hard decision.

"Just because I was personally in a good spot in Seattle and had it pretty good, but I knew I had to (leave) for my career."

But there are perks to working 2 hours away from the city.

"It's a little bit more laid back here at the hotel. So, we have vacationers rather than people who are out on a date, going to the opera, going here, going to do this, busy. So, we get people at their best, I think."

Also on the property? An estate winery, Cave B, which Shauna is totally soaking up - and no, not the way you think.

"I've learned so much about wine here, right down to growing the grapes. Once you actually see a season, you see the bare vines during the winter and then you kind of see them perk up a little, you see a couple of little leaves come and then they're with grapes; it's really neat!"

She says she likes to keep her menu simple and seasonal.

"We have a really great pork dish with a stone ground local corn cake and a cilantro pesto. We also have fresh halibut with a Walla Walla onion broth."
 
How long does she plan to stick with the small-town of Quincy?

"I plan on staying here for awhile, just because I want to see another cycle through the garden and now I have so much pride, I can't leave in case somebody rolls in and steals my glory!" laughs Shauna. "I've done a lot here!"

Places Chef Shauna likes to Go Eat!: BOKA, Sea Garden

For more information:
www.sagecliffe.com