The past couple of times we've eaten out, it occured to me that it's been at least two years since I've written about the restaurant scene in the Walla Walla Valley. Here are my reports on a few restaurants we've dined at recently.

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen - As the name suggests, Saffron takes its culinary approach from the the old world and gives the food a modern touch. There are tasty veggie and seafood appetizers on the menu, pizza-like flatbreads, pastas and entrees. The pasta dishes are generous - the Agnolotti with rabbit ragout that I had would have been enough for two. There is a diverse wine list, weighted to Italy and Spain, all well priced.

The Bank and Grill - This is located in Milton-Freewater, eight miles south of Walla Walla, in a renovated bank building (hence the name) on Main Street. Paul Freeman is a master griller, He can make any cut of beef or pork and make it tender and tasty. And Jeannine Gordon's slaw is a classic. Much of the time, the team is in demand for catering for events such as Balboa Winery's Barn Dance last month. But the restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday (you must call in your reservation by 2 p.m.). Twenty dollars gets you a generous cut of meat, a baked potato and Jeannine's famous slaw. Wine corkage is a mere ten dollars. This is definitely worth the drive down to M-F for.

The Marc - This is the Marcus Whitman hotel's signature restaurant. Chef Antionio Campolio is a recipent of the James Beard Foundation Award and orchestrated a fabulous dinner at the James Beard House last December which we attended. If you like king salmon, the Marc is the place to go. There are also other delicious dishes to choose from. The wine list is extensive, with many Walla Walla Valley wineries represented.

The Vineyard Lounge - This is the Marcus Whitman's casual drinking and dining locale. It is a popular after work hang out for winery folks.

Public House 124 - Located at 124 East Main Street, this is another popular after work hangout. It has a well-stocked bar and limited selection of local wines. It serves up colossal tasty burgers among other casual dining options. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Brasserie Four - This is a French bistro-style restaurant on 4 East Main Street. The scallops and mussels are delicious. And the daily specials are well-chosen. There are good wine by the glass choices and one can select a wine off the shelf to have by the bottle, or a sparkler or white from the cooler. This is a great place for lunch as well as dinner.