"Ashland’s first fine-dining restaurant opened in 1983 in The Winchester Inn, a Victorian-style B&B with a main house that dates from 1886. A signature starter, mushrooms served three ways (flan, sauteed, and a consommé poured tableside), delivers an “umami bomb of flavor,” says Gibbs. Octopus glazed in housemade XO sauce (which takes 24 hours to make), served with basil leaves, cilantro, diced cucumbers, plus a dash of Vietnamese fish sauce is an unexpected take with rich, deep flavors. Alchemy, which offers Ashland’s biggest wine list (500+ labels), including many from Oregon, is also acclaimed for its steaks." - Sharon McDonnell
