The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Paul and Denise Mercer opened the Kokanee Café last week.

Camp Sherman's popular Kokanee Café opened last Thursday evening, April 25, under new owners Paul and Denise Mercer.

The popular bistro features an excellent selection of Northwest dishes. Youthful chef Paul Martin, formerly at Timberline and Awbrey Glen restaurants, presents his dishes with artistry and flair that will excite dinner guests this summer.

Main menu items include beef, duck, lamb, pork, quail and salmon creations. Appetizers include the famous Kokanee onion rings, grilled mussels, sweet potato cake and salmon taste treats.

A wine menu is available for dinner guests either by the glass or bottle.

Opening night patrons enjoyed either lobster bisque or a hearts of romaine salad topped with carrot curl and featuring a blueberry vinaigrette house dressing before their main course.

Seating -- about 40 in the inside dining room and 20 on the heated, screened deck -- offers choices on cool spring evenings.

Camp Sherman loyalists seem to believe their beloved restaurant is in good hands.

"We think the new owners, Paul and Denise Mercer, are very energetic, enthusiastic and capable restaurant people," said Barbara and Mike Ellsworth of Camp Sherman.

"The food was very good, creative, and nicely presented on opening night. It's terrific to see the Kokanee Café maintaining the wonderful tradition of excellence that Tom and Connie Derry established."

The wait staff is courteous and friendly in the congenial Kokanee environment.

"We were very pleased with our dinners at the Kokanee last night," said Dick and Sue Kellogg of Camp Sherman. "We all had excellent meals -- very creative and varied menu. We are eager to return and explore the rest of the menu."

Spring dining hours are 5 to 9 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Dinner reservations are suggested at 595-6420.